If these things worry you AND you are likely to be alone, it is my opinion you should AT LEAST have a plan to go to rehab until the obstacles aren't really important.
My wife is here, and I am willing to let her run a lot of errands (up to a point) but CANNOT expect her to wrestle me in or out of bed much beyond maybe lifting or holding one leg for me to deal with the rest. If I was desparate, I have an out of town friend who would literally take off from his business and come stay with me (I can't believe how good a friend he's been to me over the years.)
As to the shower, what you describe, I think you just DON'T shower if it is that bad. On the other hand you can't skip the problem of getting in an out of bed or a chair so rehab is likely a good choice.
I don't believe you will need to beg for rehab even though I know MY rehab is difficult to get an admission. As I understand it, Bilateral (knees) is pretty much a qualifier for these programs; talk to your surgeon to find out if that is true or if he can otherwise plead your case. Much easier if he says, "
@meowmary must go to rehab" (after they finish asking who meowmary is and laughing
that is.)
We (you and I) can learn how long it takes MOST people to take those obstacles be we really aren't going to know for sure until we get to that point ourselves.
We don't have to decide NOW about rehab I don't think -- I believe we can just decline at admission time -- so better to arrange a spot and duck out early than have to stand in the doorway begging for a bed.
That's my plan anyway. I want OUT of the hospital FAST, into Rehab, and out of there too as soon as my condition warrants it.
By now, everyone will likely admit that I am a bull since as of today, Day #10 Post-Op from my Hip surgery, I have done more* than many do in a month, but this is DIFFERENT.
[*
- Yesterday morning I did a full hour of water PT.
- Last night I went to a Systema (Russian Martial Arts Practice) and did about an hour.
Though I worked VERY LIGHT it include 2 low falls from my knees, and 1 'ceremonial' back roll at the end of class to exit. (I needed the falls to ensure my safety if a fall on concrete etc. should occur.
- Then I left there (driving myself since Day #4) and went to the Y for a 30 minute whirlpool and more PT exercises while soaking.
And no, I am NOT pushing it too hard or too fast -- this is just how good my Anterior approach surgery and my own body are doing.
]
Knee Replacement is different, and 2 knees are more different.
My plan for the Hip was Outpatient and we did that, but my PLAN for the BTRK is rehab.
[Maybe I will come home from the BTKR on the day of the surgery or on Day 1 Post-OP but that is too far and to unclear to plan at this point. However, I am going to ask the surgeon if he will release me WHEN my self-sufficiency is demonstrated AND I am ready. I don't want to stay in the hospital/rehab just for someone's rule, as opposed to a real medical reason.]
I don't think we must decide ahead so I advise seeking your surgeon's support and a spot ahead of time.
Also, I intend to VISIT the rehab (probably this Friday) to determine if there is anything there that looks helpful etc. FOR ME.
Please relax and be sure no one will let you go home unless you are ready (and check to make sure that is TRUE.)
After all, you do live in Texas and not some 3rd world country or 2nd class state
Where in Texas? Carol and I are in Austin.