THR What's needed to do/get 6 weeks before THR?

[2nd Hippy]

HI, I remember before my first THR 7 years ago, that I had specific supplies ready about a month prior. I've read the advice articles here about freezing meals & having all supplies ready. But Has the list of what I did before been updated or changed since then? Here is a list of what I did then....It all worked !
1. I got a walker. Which kind is preferred now:? the 3 sided rectangle with 2 wheels in front and sliders on back feet ? OR the rollator with 4 wheels and a seat for resting when not walking ?
2. I did PT exercises for a month prior: which included Knee Push Downs; Bottom squeezes; Slide heels outside and inside; Ankle pumps, slide ankle up to bent knee; & Push knees down like squishing a raw egg underneath knee. These exercises done for a month really did help a lot then. I was out of condition then and still am now.
3. What weight/thickness of COMPRESSION STOCKINGs is recommended? And, is thigh length or knee length recommended & why?
4. I Froze meals, I have a high toilet seat, grabber, long shoehorn etc. What else ?
Appreciate your input, even though I've done it before, I've probably forgotten a lot of stuff.
Thanks.

 

[benne68]

To answer your questions in order:

1. If you already have a walker, use what you have. There is really no need to purchase something new and you definitely don't need one with a seat (which will likely be too low for you in the early weeks post-op).

2. Pre-hab is a great idea, but keep it simple and don't do anything that causes pain.

3. Check with your surgeon's office about compression hose. My surgeon sent me home from the hospital with a full-leg compression stocking. Some surgeon's don't recommend them at all.

4. Check out these articles from BoneSmart's helpful pre-op guide for more suggestions.
Recovery Aids: A comprehensive list for hospital and home
Recliner Chairs: Things you need to know if buying one for your recovery

 

[mendogal]

If you can get an ice machine, it's an amazing improvement over cold packs.
I got the Bregg polar ice cube. Simple on/off operation.
Fill with water the fill line.
Instead if ice, add four frozen solid 16 ounce plastic bottles of water.
They last a long time. Keep another set of four in the freezer ready to swap out.

 

[Morgan Le Fay]

@2nd Hippy

Hi there

I am having a THR on my right hip on 11th Nov (in just over a week) and here are my surgeon's instructions -

2 Weeks Pre Op

I started drinking Sustagen Hospital Formula once a day to keep nutrients up .. not sure if it's available in the US but if it is I highly recommend the banana flavour

I am showering with an antibacterial wash (he is very big on infection control) .. the one I am using is Microshield 2 Chlorhexidine Skin Cleanser .. Phisonex is another one he recommended

1 Week Pre Op

No shaving from the waist down (again. .. it's all about infection control)

Hope this helps

 

[mendogal]

@Morgan Le Fay @2nd Hippy
Just a friendly heads up: Every surgeon has their own preop protocols for skin prep and sometimes an ortho practice even mentions specific beverages they favor (my ortho advises a specific drink the night before surgery). It's best to wait and learn during your preop appointment what their regimen is.