Ask your wife to view my recovery thread. I had a BTHR May 31 this year. I was reluctant to do it and so consumed with fear I almost did not go. I went for hypnosis, got meds for anxiety, tried meditation, postponed the dates, and was tempted to fly away somewhere. I found this site and with the encouragement ,support, and positive outcome stories I was able to get the surgery even while saying after coming out of a general anesthetic ,'what have I done' I moved ahead. I am presently 10 weeks post-op, walking without pain, unassisted in the house and a few blocks outside. I am doing things I haven't done in years. I can stand on 1 foot without holding or wobbling for nearly a minute--couldn't do that for years.I am allowed to do anything I want and can do more at 10 weeks post-op than I did in the last 12 years when one of my hips needed surgery--the other went down in the last year. Yup, I waited that long.I am happy that both are done at the same time because it's over for good. OS says will last 30-35 years so at 66 that is to the end of my life so by golly I am a happy camper.There are challenges in the first couple of weeks well at least for me but life is fraught with challenges . You overcome , get better and move on. I could not do stairs as I left the hospital of my own accord 3 days after but with the help of the PT I did them a few short days later. I had 6 in the front of my house to get into the house.I stopped pain meds in 2 weeks as there wasn't any pain for me just stiffness. I am limber now oh so much so I wondered at the years I endured that arthritic scenario.I,too wanted to stay in the basement but hubby persuaded otherwise--much better and glad I listened to him as I saw the birds, the garden, the sun. He made a walk-in shower so it facilitated everything.
1. get /rent a powerlift recliner--best friend for the first 2 -3 weeks
2. grabbers 3 if you can
3.long shoe horn
4. bed rail
5.commode or toilet risers
6. must have rails support in shower
7. shower chair
8. remove all carpets
9.plastic devise designed to assist in putting on socks
10.elastic laces
11.all things within reach-on counter etc.
12.walker of course with a basket or something attached to the front to carry phone, grabbers,glasses etc.
13. a cane for later
14. I got walking poles some use crutches but poles can be used even when you are 100% for exercise
15.clothing you can easily get in and out of-i.e. used shift dresses to put over my head and I am not a dress person, nighties etc.( at the beginning)
16. ice packs, several
17.thermos for coffee or tea so no dropping
18.a pill dispenser with the days and various times of day indicated (may be on various meds and this will assist you)
19.cream for your elbows, hands and feet
20.really good closed shoes with rubber soles, slippers with rubber soles and closed as well no sling backs,flip flops or the like
You will get there , make it and wonder why you waited so long. I was the biggest coward ever and a nurse to boot. I am sure I take the award. Believe me I know what you are going through. I am taking control over my life with much to look forward to and you will too.
Come here to see how you too will be one who will not look back only forward with joy, promise and a new life.