First knee done March 2018; second TKR set for August 3rd

[yesyvonne]

Okay, my dear experienced advisers, I have been shopping shopping shopping online for a toilet riser and can't decide what will work best. I need to order one soon; my surgery is next Friday.

Reading the reviews in the Amazon listings, it seems keeping the darn things clean is a major issue. Also I have a "thing" about putting the toilet seat down before flushing. There's research showing the spray from flushing goes all over the place including on your toothbrush (yuck yuck yuck yuck yuck) if you don't put the darned seat down before flushing.

But most of the offered risers just sit on top of the existing seat and there's no way to put the lid down. I see a few offered that you install under the seat with long bolts that go through both the riser and the seat on top, and then you can lower the lid, but the reviews complain that those bolts get rusted on and you do still have to dismantle everything in order to clean it now and then, then put it back together again.

So I don't know what to do. What if I just get a framework with arms that help me lift myself up, without using a riser, too? Will that be enough assistance do you think? If not, can someone point me in the direction of a riser with arms and closable toilet lid design, and that's easy to keep clean? Is there such a thing?

 

[SusieShoes]

Did type “toilet seat riser with lid” into the search box? When I did this, several lidded riser options popped up. I have no idea about the cleaning issues involved with any of them, though.

You can buy rails separately, of course. I used these in one bathroom, but with a comfort height toilet. Worked excellently. I think even with nice sturdy rails, you would want a higher toilet. A regular low toilet is really low, somehow, once you’ve had your knee(s) replaced.

 

[yesyvonne]

Sure I searched. Extensively. I was hoping in posting the inquiry that someone else here got precisely what I'm looking for, as I've described it, and would tell me where it came from and what it's called. Amazon offers some lidded seats where the riser goes under the existing seat, so lid can still be raised and lowered. But the negative reviews say the long bolts required to go through both riser and seat get rusted/frozen in place, and you need to be able to dismantle the whole thing now and then to clean because it gets all gunky under the layers and around the lip of the bowl. Some of the risers are criticized as unstable and people have fallen. Some are criticized as having too tiny an opening, more like for a child size butt. Some are criticized as having a shape that makes it really difficult to wipe yourself after a go. Which one is perfect? Surely someone's designed a good one.

 

[SusieShoes]

One thing you could try, rather than Amazon, is to go to a medical supply shop. Big ones in your area should carry a few riser options. That way you can see what you’re buying. My brother and I went to one for Mom’s riser and other equipment. Hers doesn’t have a lid, but that was purchased 20 years ago. They have many more styles now.

I hope someone else stops by who has used one like you’re looking for and can help you. I can only recommend good free standing toilet rails. I used this one and was very happy with it:

 

[yesyvonne]

Thanks for the tip, @SusieShoes -- I was talking about this with a nearby friend who had her knee done a few years ago and it turns out she has a toilet rail set to loan me. Hope it fits my pot! Price is right. Means my arms will get a work out -- no seat riser. But maybe it will suffice. Hope so.

 

[Eeek]

Good luck on Friday! You are a week after me. I did not get a riser or rail. My toilet is high and I am short. I practiced in the hospital, and at home I can use my sink for support. But in the US with bigger bathrooms, I might be going for that rail.

 

[yesyvonne]

Well, our community's handyman came by today to install the rails and it turns out they don't fit; our tank is too big. So we will return the loaner and visit the nearby medical supply store tomorrow. Nothing like down to the wire, eh? But on the other hand, the local store advertises in my senior community's weekly newspaper, and this week they have one on sale that looks like it might work.

In other news, I had my final pre-op visit at the surgeon's office yesterday and it looks like we are all good to go. I started packing a small bag of things for the hospital today. 7:30 Friday is my surgery booking. I am supposed to arrive by 5 a.m. I am feeling pretty ready; as ready as I can be. Will be happy to be on the other side!

 

[JG464]

Good luck on Friday-I will be joining you on the other side after my surgery on Monday-everything always comes down to the wire even with the best of planning!

 

[SusieShoes]

While you're at the medical store today, check out risers. Seriously. A toilet riser is the single most useful item of recovery hardware, with the possible exception of the walker. Even if it's a cheap one, just in case, you might find yourself really happy to have a simple, no-frills riser. Get one that's easy to take on and off and wipe it down after each use with a Clorox wipe.

Tomorrow is the big day! Wishing you smooth sailing and looking forward to seeing you on the recovery side!

 

[Eeek]

@yesyvonne - good luck tomorrow! Will be thinking of you! Hope all goes well.

A week ago, that was me! 6:15 checkin, was texting my husband by 11am.

 

[Beckadeez]

I use a bedside commode frame, without the bucket, over my toilet. You can close the lid and it has arms so you can up and down easier. I got it new at a thrift store.

 

[Beckadeez]

And good luck tomorrow!

 

[yesyvonne]

It is 2:42 am, I am unable to sleep. Alarm is set for 4:10 to shower and get out to meet my ride to the hospital. I have been “communing” with my knee, remembering all the many places in the world we have been together. She served me well. And now her work is done.

I did get a riser with arms at the medical supply store today, @SusieShoes. Ran out of time to unbox it and try it out. Hope it fits. Am unhappy it means we’ll be flushing without a lid down. Oh well, temporary. Toothbrushes will go in drawer.

The things we think about in the middle of the night, when unable to sleep.

I wish those who are newly post-op all possible healing blessings. May you take good care.

 

[JG464]

Good luck to you I appreciate your kind words and hope for a great outcome with your surgery- we can compare notes after my surgery on Monday!

 

[Fractured]

@yesyvonne Happy March 2nd. You will do just fine. Im 3.5 years post TRK replacement. My replacement was the 6th surgery on that knee. All I can say is this.... I feel great. 145 degrees of range. I can kneel on it with a small pad for support. I pray you have good luck like I did!!

 

[yesyvonne]

Okay, I just posted an update to my RTKR recovery thread, and now I'm back to the pre-op forum as knee #2 is scheduled for replacement on August 3rd. Am feeling MUCH less trepidation over the whole idea than I did heading into knee #1's procedure, now that I know more clearly what to expect. I've got all my equipment, I know that my physical therapists know what they are doing, I know how to manage the pain, and I know that healing happens and the hard part is bearable and doesn't last all that long.

So, bring it on; let's just get this thing over with. Looking forward to a great 2019.

@bottomshollow could we please change the header on this thread to "First knee done March 2018; second TKR set for August 3rd"

Much appreciated.

 

[Celle]

I've changed your thread title for you, Vonnie.

I see youv'e already joined the August Hot Shots group, which is good.

 

[yesyvonne]

Yup, Hot Shot am I.
Thanks for changing the thread title.
("Vonnie"! Haven't heard that since childhood. My best friend's mom used to call me that.)
~yvonne

 

[Celle]

Sorry about dragging that nickname up from your childhood Yvonne. I have a friend with the same name as you and she is often called Vonnie.