Over the last few weeks, I’ve had to start readying myself, and my home, for my reduced mobility. I’m having a full hip revision surgery next week and after just 2-3 days in hospital, it’ll be down to me and my partner to manage the rehab – and that means shopping for mobility aids.
This is not my first rodeo, when it comes to orthopaedic surgery. I had my first surgery at Sheffield Children’s as a baby, a leg lengthening surgery aged 16, a hip replacement at 32, a knee replacement at 50, and now my hip is ready for a refurb.
Which means I’ve been dusting off some of my existing mobility aids, and shopping second hand for some new ones…
- I already have my crutches – same pair I’ve had since my original hip replacement, and I still use to get on public transport.
- We have steep victorian stairs, so we’ve picked up a single bed at the local charity shop, and rearranged the dining room to allow me to rest downstairs. Bit cramped but safer.
- Since I can’t bend my new hip more than 90 degrees without potential dislocation, I’ve found a high-backed chair with firm arms. Once again, the local hospice charity shop is a winner. It’s not the most modern style, but blimey it’s comfy (both partner and cat can be found sitting in it far too regularly….)
- I won’t be allowed to sit too low, and need arm rests to lower myself, I’ll need a toilet raiser and a commode for upstairs once I get there (we have a downstairs loo). My top tip: visit your local refuse and recycling centre – if they have a reuse shop it will be stacked with a decent array of bath boards, toilet raisers, commodes, crutches, walkers and sometimes folding wheelchairs.
- I already have the bath board so I can sit and shower whilst I’m not able to fully weight bear.
- Couple of long handled grabbers from Amazon to keep things in reach or make sure I don’t bend (yep, cue Dalek impression hilarity when they arrived…)
And then, more personally, it’s been about exercising, and getting my kit bag ready for hospital.
- Lots of swimming and exercises
- Stop HRT for 4 weeks (any menopausal women reading will sympathise with how that’s been!)
- Stopped gardening last week – not allowed any skin breaks/scratches or insect bites
- Made sure I have a respectable nightdress, light dressing gown and loose fitting clothes but not long enough to trip over
- Flannels ready for bed washes. Never a joy but necessary.
- Thick socks – feet get cold whilst I’m less mobile
- A pair of shoes that haven’t had external raises fitted (it’s likely my leg length may change again)
- A good stash of library books
- Start using the special hair and body wash and nasal spray the hospital provided from tomorrow.
If you read this wondering is Jill the type of person who likes to be prepared, you have your answer, folks!
It will be hard for me to publish new blog posts for the first week after my surgery. To stay tuned with smaller updates, follow @WalkingJill on Facebook.
Jill Pringle was born with bilateral hip dysplasia. She has had various surgeries on her hip, femur and knees as both a child and adult. She writes about her experiences to raise awareness and had undertaken various walking challenges to fundraise for Steps Charity.
