Some questions

[forbesy]

You will probably have to use a zimmer to begin with thats what i was put on then onto two walking sticks supplied by the hospital, as soon as you can use them brit chick they will take you for a short walk and get you to try some stairs to see how you can cope.
Then hopefully teach you how to get in and out the bath for a shower.


Billy

 

[The Cappuccino Kid]

As Billy says - "it depends".

I had a zimmer for a day then was on elbow crutches.

I used the "grabber" to help me get dressed and it was fine - I could manage even while in hospital. I also invested in some velcro fastening shoes.

 

[Jaycey]

I had a walker for about an hour and then elbow crutches. Left the hospital on crutches as well. For me they were easier to use as I had been on them for 6 months pre-op.

 

[Dingbat7]

Well the hippies I saw in the waiting room last time I saw the consultant had the elbow ones don't think I have seen anyone recently on the under arm Long John Silvers

 

[Dingbat7]

Was also just wondering what people did when they went out to pubs/restaurants during the 6 weeks, did you take a booster seat with you to make sure you didn't break the 90 degree rule or did you take a chance on there being a suitable chair

 

[Jamie]

Ummmmm.....Dingbat......I'm thinking you really won't feel much like going out during most of that time. You are going to be really, really tired and you need to be resting a majority of the time. Although you might not think it's a big deal, going out like that can take quite a bit out of you.

But....I suppose if you did choose to try going out it would be a good idea to take a booster seat or pillow with you just in case.

 

[Dingbat7]

Cheers...................may just hav to put some optics and a jukebox in the lounge and pretend at my local

 

[Jamie]

Sorry....didn't mean to be the bearer of terrible news, but I wanted you to be prepared in case you aren't energetic enough to get out for a while. Some don't have that problem, but a majority do. This is very, very major surgery and your body will be still healing inside even when the outside scar looks pretty good. But....trust me....it WILL be worth it!!!

 

[Dingbat7]

No problem , used to it , had a 6weeks sentence last year after an Op , just wasn't sure if day release an option this time

 

[Jamie]

It's always an option....you'll just have to see how you feel. Everyone's recovery is a bit different and you may get to the point fairly quickly where you want to try a small outing.

 

[Josephine]

I recently observed that at our local hospital they don't use elbow crutches any more. All under-arm ones. Must find out why that is. I suspect the elbow crutches are more expensive!

 

[brit1chick]

josephine,I have got one crutch from someone who no longer needs it, are they all the same ? If i just get / buy another one, will that be all right or do they have to be a matching pair ???

 

[Dingbat7]

Britchick

I popped into the mobility shop a few days ago and they had a selection of crutches they are not all the same and they come in different lengths

 

[Josephine]

As long as you can adjust them to the same length that should be okay. Because you will only be using them a very short time!
And very soon after that you will ditch them altogether! :yes 4:

 

[mrsgibbo]

I had my surgery in a BUPA hospital. I was sent home with everything I needed,toilet seats, grabber, injections, painkillers and crutches. When we saw the bill from the hospital we realised we had been charged for everything. Luckily the insurance paid for it all including 6 sessions of physio.
Cathy

 

[Steve_Marlow]

Hi Brit Chick
I had my op under insurance in the UK but it didn't cover, outpatient meds or the equipment such as crutches, grabber, toliet seats etc.

I was recommended to see the local British Red Cross, they supplied all I needed on temporary loan and completely free. A great service and I was happy to make a voluntary donation.

Cheers
Steve