Cami515 RTKR - the journey begins

[sistersinhim]

The end result is what it's all about! An arthritic knee will only get worse. A tkr pain will get better! Sounds good to me!

 

[cami515]

I had 13 rescued cats at the time of my surgery. I bought a long handled litter scooper, which was a real help. Of course, I had bought loads of cat food and litter ahead of time. I used a cup to scoop fresh litter into the boxes as needed. Hopefully, you can find someone to check on them while you're gone and come in every few days to check on you, too, once you're home.

Stocking up on litter and cat food! I just can't figure out how to change the cat water bowl! Were you able to bend to pick that up? I can't place the water bowl on the counter because one of my cats is elderly and won't jump on the counter. The other cat will just push it to the floor! I can pour water into the bowl but there are times on of them spits up into the water. I may have a neighbor stop by to just change the water....

 

[Celle]

It's a good idea to ask a neighbour for help with the water bowl. If she/he would pop in daily, that would be a little company for you and also someone to check that you don't need help with anything else.

I was able to change my cats' water by bending at the waist, instead of bending my knees.

 

[sistersinhim]

I also bent at the waist to change the water. I bought a quart sized water reservoir for that water bowl. That helped a lot. Of course, very seldom did I have a cat 'mess' up in their water.

But, do have a neighbor come in and check on you. They will be blessed by being able to help you and you will be blessed by their company and help! Just be sure to ask for help!

 

[cami515]

Thank you both for responding! I think I'm basing my experience when I had my hip replacement surgery and couldn't bend at the waist. I have a couple of neighbors that might pop by after work or something - the hardest part is (for me) is asking!! Surgery - next Tuesday! I'm super anxious so I think I'm focusing on the water bowl problem more than I normally would!

 

[Celle]

I have a couple of neighbors that might pop by after work or something - the hardest part is (for me) is asking!!

Don't feel you shouldn't ask for help. You will be able to repay their kindness later, by doing something for them.

 

[cami515]

@Celle - thanks! I need to remind myself of that!

 

[Jaycey]

Do you have any grabbers left after your THR? I used a long grabber to pick up my cats' plastic bowls. Helps with feeding as well as with water.

 

[Jockette]

Those grabbers are great! I was amazed at how they even picked up little things. I wouldn’t have thought of using it for cat bowls.

 

[Jaycey]

My cats' bowls are plastic with a little cutout in the front. I have a grabber that locks onto anything you grab. Made feeding very easy with no bending.

 

[cami515]

@Jaycey I have several grabbers left from my THR! I think I need to get at least a new plastic bowl since the ones I have now are porcelain and too heavy to pick up! I’ve not seen a plastic bowl with a cutout - but I haven’t looked for them. I have 4 days until surgery to find one.

Thanks, everyone! I always appreciate any suggestions!