I’m looking down the road to hip surgery, I’m single (women 72 year old) and going to a medical rehabilitation for a few days. I qualify for a caregiver, and thinking of getting “meals on wheels” temporarily. Wish me luck 🙏🏻 Great video.
That is a very good idea! My neighbor, who is alone, went to a very nice rehab hospital when she had both her knees replaced at the same time. It was a wise the decision. I would definitely get all the help you can, including good meals. I will be joining you in 4 weeks - let's hope we are both walking, pain-free, and normally, again, in a couple of months! 👍
@@Mistydazzle Thank you, I took the injection in my hip, it helped a little, but I still will need the replacement, now pushed till July, I wish I would have taken the surgery, I told the Doctor I wasn’t ready, and because of the Cortizone shot, he said I would have to wait, because I’m likely to get an infection if I do it sooner.
@Berley_1234 Oh, wish you luck and prayers, sounds like your bone on bone, medication helps, some people don’t like that, but in my case, helps me get through my day❤️ god bless.
Thank you, Lindsay! I just completed my first shower after broken hip surgery. My husband set it up just like you said and it worked beautifully. You are my remote physical therapist! My insurance denied me physical therapy. And then I found you! Thank you!
A suggestion: Buy a shower-head with a hose that has a shut-off. (Not necessary if you've a helper) Some shower heads shut "mostly off." then if alone, you don't need to (no-no) bend forward to turn the water on. Excellent video, ty.
Thanks so much for the advice. Through the whole video I was wondering how to turn on and off the water with out doing before you get in otherwise the floor will get soaked before I have time to get in and pull the shower curtain... I'm so confused my orthopedic and nurses were telling me to set everything up for the operating leg to get in the bed and shower first but the videos are showing the opposite and I don't have a physical therapist yet Thanks to my horrible primary doctor it's been been 10 days and I'm in pain and so confused on what to do or not do other than 90 degrees. I have avascular necrosis so both my leg muscles are weak before surgery. Any advice on anything else I'd love to hear, exercises or which leg you used to get in bed 1st?
Girl, you are fabulous! I have had both my knees replaced and a week and a half out from hip replacement . I wish I would have found you and these videos sooner ! But they will help me in the future and for helping my mother. I’m going to show these videos to my physical therapist here. Everyone should see these before surgery. Or before the age of 50.😍 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Perfect for my learning in my new job as Administrative Agent in the OT department. I do a little writing of brochures and documents to educate the patients and this helped me a lot in transferring into a bathtub and out after a hip/knee surgery.
Great video, very thorough. Thank you. I don't have any problem with letting the shower head Dangle on the floor. But possibly reaching is an issue so I'll look into getting a device to hold it closer .
I didn't take a shower just hand wash no problem till about week 4 had no problems and after that was taking showers after I was healed up fairly good after 5 weeks was taken off restrictions and am doing amazingly well. No need to take chances common sense goes along ways.
@@EquipMeOTthanks for the video. I'm going to be getting a right hip replacement. I only have a shower that's walled in with just a small door to get in and out from the shower. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Aha! This bench is just what somebody described to me recently. I live in an old house and have a huge old clawfoot tub. Up until now I've just assumed I'll have to stand next to the sink and sponge-bathe for a couple of months. This looks like it could work. Now all I have to do is try to figure out the hand-held shower head.
Magicunicorn you're a very smart person, my bathroom is too small even to get in with the walker, so I'LL DO THE SAME 😅😅😅 I expect your recovery will be the best for you😅😅😅❤
Great video; thanks. My tub is in the same direction as your tub; but, my bad side is the left side vs the right side that you illustrated. So, my good leg would be the right one. How does one get in and out of the tube in this case?
My pre surgical instructions (coming up soon) says I won't be able to bend forward to turn on the water and I have turn it on beforehand and clamp it to the bench or wall. I have to go out and get a suction cup shower head holder for the wall as well as a leg lifter, I will have my bench for practicing all this in a few days. Thanks for the tip about cutting a slit in the curtain to poke it down the bench slot, I wondered how the curtain was going to work to keep water in when going around the outside of the bench and the edge of the tub.
I was wondering about how to turn on the water as well. Wish she would have covered that. Even if you do it before you get in, you would still have to bend to turn it on. Methinks I'll be limited to sink-based sponge baths for the first several weeks.
While I was still using the bathing transfer bench in my first week I simply stood up to turn on the taps (which advice I read somewhere, and I had installed a suction shower head holder lower down I could stick it into.) After a week it turned out the hardest part of showering for me was the bathing transfer bench itself as I was very steady on my feet. When I took my water proof bandage off on Day 7 I didn't want to be sliding on the bench any more so close to my incision and one of my post-surgical physio exercises showed me I was safe stepping over the tub edge by bending my knee and raising my feet in turn behind me while holding a grab bar for safety. We installed 2 more suction grab bars so there's one on each wall of the shower/tub enclosure and I'm safely showering on my feet, now. I don't know if I'm unusual in this but it's a lot less stressful than the illustrated method which I stuck to at the beginning. I'm on Day 10 after surgery.
@@e.b.gilligan7423I’m having my right hip replaced on October 21, 2024. May I ask how old you are? I’m 71. I’ve been thinking of just doing sponge bathes for the first week instead of all that hassle. I have a tub shower. The water handle is a single knob which is kind of hard to adjust normally, plus the toilet is really close to the tub, so there’s no way I could safely try to turn the water on and adjust it. I’m overwhelmed by the toileting and bathing. I guess I could have my husband get the water going for me before hand. Not looking forward to this!
@@deborahallen5249 I was 72 a year ago when I had the surgery. As per my reply to V Kunkel 11 mos. ago (will requote it below) I found the loaner bathing transfer bench the most challenging thing I was doing post-surgically and I stopped using it after a week, switched to showering standing up. I got in and out of the tub/shower enclosure, changed positions in the shower etc. ensuring I wouldn't fall by holding suction grip bars installed on the three walls in the shower enclosure for safety. With an extra long rubber bath mat in the tub and the safety grips, this worked for me. In case my description is hard to follow, I stepped into the tub holding a grip bar on the back wall for safety and lifting each foot in turn BEHIND me towards my buttocks. (I've actually stuck to that method ever since.) I have fairly strong legs from years of exercise and never felt unsteady on my feet in the shower. Our bathroom is small and the toilet being so close to the tub really limited where a bathing bench could go and made swinging my leg over into the tub a real balancing act, having to lean way back in order for my leg to clear the toilet without breaking "joint precautions" about bending the surgical leg. (Frankly, I was so disgusted with not getting to clean up in the hospital for two days post surgery while using a bedpan, I relished showering again.) Of course, everyone is different and you will be the best judge of what's safest and most comfortable for you, whether that's sponge bathing, following the routine in this video to the letter or some solution that fits your space and your ability. Remarks 11 mos. ago, repeated: “While I was still using the bathing transfer bench in my first week I simply stood up to turn on the taps (which advice I read somewhere) and I had installed a suction shower head holder lower down I could stick it into.) After a week it turned out the hardest part of showering for me was the bathing transfer bench itself as I was very steady on my feet. When I took my water proof bandage off on Day 7 I didn't want to be sliding on the bench any more so close to my incision and one of my post-surgical physio exercises showed me I was safe stepping over the tub edge by bending my knee and raising my feet in turn behind me while holding a grab bar for safety. We installed 2 more suction grab bars so there's one on each wall of the shower/tub enclosure and I'm safely showering on my feet, now. I don't know if I'm unusual in this but it's a lot less stressful than the illustrated method which I stuck to at the beginning. I'm on Day 10 after surgery.”
Im finding your videos really helpful thank you. I'm having my R hip replacement soon and had been worried about sleeping on L side of bed so you've confirmed that i need yo sleep on R side of our bed. We have a corner quadrant shower so presume i can just step in and out carefully? Im hoping my hospital (UK ) give me all the equipment ie sponge and leg lifter . I've subscribed to you so thank you 🎉 Sue x
I'm planning a hip replacement and start watch all your videos. They are very helpful. I have a question about this video. How to open water if you can't bend over?
I'm about to do a wet "dry run" today with surgery coming up in 5 days, having difficulty in our very small older building washroom now that the toilet seat raiser is installed, trying to get my leg over and past that and the edge of the toilet tank using the new leg lifter. Our antique tub with its sloped insides limits how far away from the taps I can place the bench. I believe when I had a broken leg 6 years ago we had a shorter "round" toilet since replaced by an elongated one, no raised toilet seat t hen, and it was actually easier to use the bath transfer bench with a broken leg and a soft cast covered in a plastic sleeve than it's going to be with this surgery. The tighter space/higher toilet is a big challenge, I have to lean way back on the bench which is actually on wood pieces for a few inches extra height outside the tub to clear my leg above the toilet. Wish me luck, I obviously can't sponge bathe for 3 months.
Overall recovery from my hip replacement mid September has gone very well. I still have a way to go to normal movement in all respects but my surgeon lifted joint precautions November 6 and I've been able to resume activities like driving, do some stationary cycling to get a little cardio exercise again. I still have some issues causing pain in places other than the hip and hope to get them resolved so I can walk longer distances outdoors more comfortably and without my cane. I only used the bath transfer bench for about a week after my surgery, it was the most difficult thing I was doing because of the crowded space in our bathroom. We installed grab bars on all three walls of the bath enclosure and I showered safely standing up ever since. I do have good leg strength from years of bicycling and always use the rubber bath mat in the tub. I step over the tub edge by flexing each knee in turn to raise my foot back towards my derriere, holding the grab bar for safety. This may not work or be safe for everyone but has been good in my case.
I love it i love it. I already know it's going to happen. I can feel bone on bone. I hope all the things wrong on this right leg, i hope they can fix my lower back. And when i get. Home i will be all set.
I’m having a hip replacement soon and will largely be taking care of myself. I will have to turn away from the nozzles to turn the water off and on. unfortunately I’ll have to bend over to turn the water off and on. If I were facing the handles i could turn it on after I’m sitting
Hi Lindsey, Loving your videos, I have not met with my therapist yet, and I'm sure people have asked before, but I will need to put my surgery THR on the right in first to face the shower and handheld or do I need to turn my shower chair around and use hand held facing away to put good leg in first? 🤔
You can stand and reach down a little to turn it on and off when in the shower or once you exit the shower and are standing. It really depends on how your shower is set up.
The salon should be ok as long as the chair isn't too low. They recline back so there shouldn't be a problem with hip angle, more concerned about getting back up comfortably.
Where do we buy the bandage for putting it after we have bath? Because I could not find the exact size in shoppers drug store and medical mart. Could I keep two small size instead of the big one. Thanks 🙏
I am learning a lot from your videos - thank you - I am using a bench in my tub/shower combination already with the water hitting my back so I can wash my hair. Today I had two handicap grab rails installed. One is on the outside of the shower to offer support in entering the tub/shower and the other is just inside at the end wall. It is an angled styled one so I can make the adjustment comfortably sliding my hand up to the higher height after getting into the tub then moving to the bench. Is it truly necessary to remove the glass shower doors putting up the plastic curtain? I always feel claustrophobic with the curtains and they seem to get sucked into the shower thus entangling a person? I would really like you feed back. thank you
It isn’t required if the shower bench fits with the glass doors in place and you aren’t requiring a person outside the shower to assist. The glass doors make it harder to have help, but I agree they are a much cleaner, more visually appealing option!
I have a cloth curtain with walk in shower. I have a crummy hand held shower. My PT reccomended I go back to my shower bench. I’d prefer not to cut the curtain. Any suggestions please?
Puppy Pads work well to create any size bandage. Since they are made to trap moisture on one side while preventing moisture getting through on the other side, they are great for covering wounds and keeping them dry....just cut to size and use surgical tape to adhere it to the skin. Also, there are products for waterless bathing that are excellent. Wet the spongy material with a little bit of water, no need to rinse...just dry and DONE! You can even wash your hair with it.
A great tutorial. I'm 5 feet - does the leg lifter work for someone my size? Also L hip - so I'll be using my right leg to get in shower and then lift left? If I do it that way, I'll be facing backwards from the faucet and there's no room w the toilet. Also, maybe a shut off w the hand held shower?
Yes! The leg lifter can be held anywhere along the length of the handle and that would make it work for your height. You can go left leg first if that is how your bathroom best accommodates the modified strategy. Good luck!
For many I have them turn the taps on before entering the shower with the hand held shower head placed in a holder at a position that doesn't aim directly at the seat. That way it's already on and warmed up before entering and would allow it to be turned on without bending forward.
Hi Lindsey I am having total right hip replacement in 2 weeks. My concern about my shower (I live in apartment complex) is no hand held shower head. I have weight bearing bars installed however I will need to get into the tub standing. Do you have any instructions on that?
The OT department in the hospital has staff that comes around with the leg lifter and the reachers and the sock aides that you can purchase. The leg lifter and the reacher I have used at home during my recovery and especially when you have those hip precautions anywhere from 4-6 wks of not bending over. Amazing how often we drop things during this time. You can use them also when you have knee surgery/replacement.
They can apply, but it depends on how high up the femur repair goes. I would definitely use this as a conservative guide, but you may not need to be quite as strict. You can always clarify with your orthopedic surgeon. Safe healing!
In all the videos you recommend staying above a 90° angle. Is this for total hip replacement or also for hip pinning? My mom had a pin put in over the weekend, pathological femur fracture. Didn’t personally speak to the rehab girls to ask.
Carl R. - I have a walk in shower with full length glass shower doors - if removing the glass shower doors recommended in this situation, and would a regular non-transfer shower bench be ok here?
It would depend on whether it’s truly a walk in shower or if it has a small ledge that needs to be stepped over. If there is a ledge you may still need the transfer bench to bridge that gap.
Ok I have a walk in stand up shower and I am presuming the OT will advise using a shower chair is that ok to use as I expect I shall be using the air dry method as you say to let my feet dry., although I do have some experience in using a shower chair pre-operation in a normal overhead shower. Now how often do you recommend having a shower? By the by I do have long handled shower tool which is like a scrunchy that women use for their hair and have been using this for some time now.
Definitely possible! I still recommend having something to sit on early in recovery in case the meds or post surgical pain makes you woozy in the shower.
I really can't figure out how you cut the shower curtain to slide onto the chair, since their are 4 chrome legs under the chair resting inside the tub❓
You keep talking about the 90° and how you can get serious dislocation but I have no idea what 90° is or what it actually looks like it would be nice to have you show
This is a common question. Often, i suggest turning on the shower before getting in and again after getting out. It also depends on the type of controller (pull knob/turn, lever, 2 separate knobs, etc.).
Yes, I love to have the water up to temp before getting into the shower and then using the control valve on the hand held shower head to turn off the spray while transferring in.
I'm exactly 3 weeks post op, anterior approach. Surgery was around 5.15 pm, discharged around 2.30 the next day. The night of the op I was briefly on a frame, the next day they had me walking on crutches including stair techniques. Once home with furniture and walls I didn't need the crutches at all but took one with me 'in case' when doing my recommended short walks. Within a week I didn't need crutches at all and with the recommended exercises my strength has returned very quickly, for example I can climb stairs normally and only have trouble with steps that are abnormally high. Little pain . I can't recommend the anterior approach more. I can now put socks on my foot again without using a gadget!
This little ruclips.net/user/postUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.
My shower has an unremovable glass wall and a swinging glass door. Unlike your application, the toilet in my bathroom is right next to the shower; there is no space to place a walker, wheelchair, or an in-and-out shower bench to ease shower ingress/outgress as you have. I can't sit to 90 degrees or swing my leg as you describe in the video, as I have had no hip joint for 15 months. Ideas? My OT doesn't have any. Sponge baths stink. Would give my life for a nice hot shower.
If it isn’t possible to install a hand held shower head, you can either do you shower alternating sitting/standing (if tolerable/safe) or use a measuring cup to fill while seated to help get yourself thoroughly rinsed. Make sure you cover your incision with some cling wrap early on if you’ll have a lot of water hitting it.
Depends a bit on the type of knob. A lever style will work differently than a knob. If you can use the handle from your long handled sponge or similar to prevent having to lean forward. Another option is to stand to reach, so you don’t have to bend forward as far.
Awesome question. This would depend on the type of faucet you have (knob versus lever). The Juvo dressing stick amzn.to/3kVNjFm is really sturdy and rubber coated and can be used on a lever style. Knob style is trickier 🤔
@@EquipMeOT I absolutely love your instructional video! I have a center knob on both showers. One stall shower (very small) and a tub shower. In the stall shower I would have to step in first with my operated leg(right) in order to face the faucet. In the tub shower my good leg would go in first. I am perplexed at which one would be better. I have seen a few videos where the operated leg is bent at the knee behind but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Any other suggestions you have regarding this showering process would be helpful. I live alone and sadly don’t have anyone to help out. My support system is further away where I used to live. Would it be OK to stand in the stall shower? It’s very tiny no. Not sure there would be enough room for a chair and any movement of an outstretched leg. So appreciate any suggestions you might have.
My initial thought is you might be able to stand for brief showers in the stall shower, but it would depend on how your endurance is prior to surgery. If you use the tub shower, you can sit and possibly stand to reach the faucet. As long as you don’t bend beyond 90* at the waist to reach the faucet, you might be alright. Hope this helps a little! It will probably take a little trial prior to surgery to see what works!
@@EquipMeOT Thank you once again. Yes, definitely going to have to walk through some things prior to surgery which is on the 30th of this month. I am 65 years old and a young 65 if I do say so myself. I do not have an arthritic hip but have a severe tear with FAI and bone spurs. I had two different surgeons putting their heads together deciding whether to go the arthroscopic route or the hip replacement route. Because of my age and the amount of stuff needed to be done the arthroscopic surgery was ruled out and the hip replacement was decided.
You can stand from the bench and then leaning forward won’t be significant enough to break precautions. To do it seated would require additional tools based on the type of control you have (lever versus knob, etc.).
Sometimes. I find that the first week or 2 it can be hard if you are requiring a lot of pain medication since it can also make you a little quicker to fatigue.
I like to give all the options to cover the largest number of people possibly viewing. I would suggest an OT consult to give you a more personalized plan of care.
Find a surgeon who uses the anterior approach. You'll not need any of this. This approach does not dislocate, you can pick things up, throw away your crutches after a couple of days, and not worry about using a wedge cushion. I could lift my leg within days. I guess if you're 90 this may be appropriate.
Yes, it is totally possible to stand, but keep in mind that initially you’ll be weak, sore, and woozy from meds, so having a seat option is a good idea 🙂
When i take a shower, i always take my clothes off, it was the only reason i clicked the link, I am joking of coarse, i will be having a double hip replacement after June 2024, so anything i can learn will be helpful although having two non weight bearing legs is going to be a real PITA (it is now lol)
I’m looking down the road to hip surgery, I’m single (women 72 year old) and going to a medical rehabilitation for a few days. I qualify for a caregiver, and thinking of getting “meals on wheels” temporarily. Wish me luck 🙏🏻 Great video.
Good luck! I hope you recover nicely!
That is a very good idea! My neighbor, who is alone, went to a very nice rehab hospital when she had both her knees replaced at the same time. It was a wise the decision. I would definitely get all the help you can, including good meals. I will be joining you in 4 weeks - let's hope we are both walking, pain-free, and normally, again, in a couple of months! 👍
@Berley_1234 Good wishes to you! I hope you have some friends to help you. I'll be joining you, with my new hip, 10 days later!
@@Mistydazzle Thank you, I took the injection in my hip, it helped a little, but I still will need the replacement, now pushed till July, I wish I would have taken the surgery, I told the Doctor I wasn’t ready, and because of the Cortizone shot, he said I would have to wait, because I’m likely to get an infection if I do it sooner.
@Berley_1234 Oh, wish you luck and prayers, sounds like your bone on bone, medication helps, some people don’t like that, but in my case, helps me get through my day❤️ god bless.
Thank you, Lindsay! I just completed my first shower after broken hip surgery. My husband set it up just like you said and it worked beautifully. You are my remote physical therapist!
My insurance denied me physical therapy. And then I found you! Thank you!
Your videos should be recommended to patients by all hip and knee doctors. We will be telling our doctors about you and suggesting that they do so.
I plan on recommending them as an OT in Acute Care. Thanks so much for all your hard work!
Thank you so much for sharing❤️❤️
A suggestion: Buy a shower-head with a hose that has a shut-off. (Not necessary if you've a helper) Some shower heads shut "mostly off." then if alone, you don't need to (no-no) bend forward to turn the water on. Excellent video, ty.
Thanks so much for the advice. Through the whole video I was wondering how to turn on and off the water with out doing before you get in otherwise the floor will get soaked before I have time to get in and pull the shower curtain... I'm so confused my orthopedic and nurses were telling me to set everything up for the operating leg to get in the bed and shower first but the videos are showing the opposite and I don't have a physical therapist yet Thanks to my horrible primary doctor it's been been 10 days and I'm in pain and so confused on what to do or not do other than 90 degrees. I have avascular necrosis so both my leg muscles are weak before surgery. Any advice on anything else I'd love to hear, exercises or which leg you used to get in bed 1st?
I am having a full hip replacement in August 2024 so thanks for this helpful video on taking a shower.
Bagaimana keadaan setelah melakukan operasi
Not only are you an incredibly valuable resource, articulate and knowledgeable, you are also darned attractive!
simp
YEP !
Oh dear!
Girl, you are fabulous!
I have had both my knees replaced and a week and a half out from hip replacement .
I wish I would have found you and these videos sooner ! But they will help me in the future and for helping my mother. I’m going to show these videos to my physical therapist here. Everyone should see these before surgery. Or before the age of 50.😍
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Perfect for my learning in my new job as Administrative Agent in the OT department. I do a little writing of brochures and documents to educate the patients and this helped me a lot in transferring into a bathtub and out after a hip/knee surgery.
Thanks a lot. I am day 5 post TRHR. I came cross your videos and spent all afternoon watching. 👍🏼
My surgeon informed me last week that within 3 to 6 months I'll probably need one, videos are very informative. Thank you
Great video, very thorough. Thank you. I don't have any problem with letting the shower head Dangle on the floor. But possibly reaching is an issue so I'll look into getting a device to hold it closer .
I didn't take a shower just hand wash no problem till about week 4 had no problems and after that was taking showers after I was healed up fairly good after 5 weeks was taken off restrictions and am doing amazingly well. No need to take chances common sense goes along ways.
Wow this is so informative! Much appreciated
Thank you!
Thank you. You explained very thoroughly.
Glad it was helpful!
@@EquipMeOTthanks for the video. I'm going to be getting a right hip replacement. I only have a shower that's walled in with just a small door to get in and out from the shower. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Rey helpful videos. Getting ready for hip replacement Thanks for these videos
You’re welcome!
Great advice I’m getting ready to have a hip surgery thanks
You’re welcome!
Aha! This bench is just what somebody described to me recently. I live in an old house and have a huge old clawfoot tub. Up until now I've just assumed I'll have to stand next to the sink and sponge-bathe for a couple of months. This looks like it could work. Now all I have to do is try to figure out the hand-held shower head.
Magicunicorn you're a very smart person, my bathroom is too small even to get in with the walker, so I'LL DO THE SAME 😅😅😅 I expect your recovery will be the best for you😅😅😅❤
Thank you ,Lindsay Cause I am going to order the stuff on Amazon cause my husband just had a hip replacement on yesterday
Great video; thanks.
My tub is in the same direction as your tub; but, my bad side is the left side vs the right side that you illustrated. So, my good leg would be the right one. How does one get in and out of the tube in this case?
I was hoping that she'd answered this also!
My pre surgical instructions (coming up soon) says I won't be able to bend forward to turn on the water and I have turn it on beforehand and clamp it to the bench or wall. I have to go out and get a suction cup shower head holder for the wall as well as a leg lifter, I will have my bench for practicing all this in a few days. Thanks for the tip about cutting a slit in the curtain to poke it down the bench slot, I wondered how the curtain was going to work to keep water in when going around the outside of the bench and the edge of the tub.
I was wondering about how to turn on the water as well. Wish she would have covered that. Even if you do it before you get in, you would still have to bend to turn it on. Methinks I'll be limited to sink-based sponge baths for the first several weeks.
While I was still using the bathing transfer bench in my first week I simply stood up to turn on the taps (which advice I read somewhere, and I had installed a suction shower head holder lower down I could stick it into.)
After a week it turned out the hardest part of showering for me was the bathing transfer bench itself as I was very steady on my feet. When I took my water proof bandage off on Day 7 I didn't want to be sliding on the bench any more so close to my incision and one of my post-surgical physio exercises showed me I was safe stepping over the tub edge by bending my knee and raising my feet in turn behind me while holding a grab bar for safety. We installed 2 more suction grab bars so there's one on each wall of the shower/tub enclosure and I'm safely showering on my feet, now. I don't know if I'm unusual in this but it's a lot less stressful than the illustrated method which I stuck to at the beginning. I'm on Day 10 after surgery.
@@e.b.gilligan7423I’m having my right hip replaced on October 21, 2024. May I ask how old you are? I’m 71. I’ve been thinking of just doing sponge bathes for the first week instead of all that hassle. I have a tub shower. The water handle is a single knob which is kind of hard to adjust normally, plus the toilet is really close to the tub, so there’s no way I could safely try to turn the water on and adjust it. I’m overwhelmed by the toileting and bathing. I guess I could have my husband get the water going for me before hand. Not looking forward to this!
@@deborahallen5249 I was 72 a year ago when I had the surgery. As per my reply to V Kunkel 11 mos. ago (will requote it below) I found the loaner bathing transfer bench the most challenging thing I was doing post-surgically and I stopped using it after a week, switched to showering standing up. I got in and out of the tub/shower enclosure, changed positions in the shower etc. ensuring I wouldn't fall by holding suction grip bars installed on the three walls in the shower enclosure for safety. With an extra long rubber bath mat in the tub and the safety grips, this worked for me.
In case my description is hard to follow, I stepped into the tub holding a grip bar on the back wall for safety and lifting each foot in turn BEHIND me towards my buttocks. (I've actually stuck to that method ever since.) I have fairly strong legs from years of exercise and never felt unsteady on my feet in the shower. Our bathroom is small and the toilet being so close to the tub really limited where a bathing bench could go and made swinging my leg over into the tub a real balancing act, having to lean way back in order for my leg to clear the toilet without breaking "joint precautions" about bending the surgical leg.
(Frankly, I was so disgusted with not getting to clean up in the hospital for two days post surgery while using a bedpan, I relished showering again.)
Of course, everyone is different and you will be the best judge of what's safest and most comfortable for you, whether that's sponge bathing, following the routine in this video to the letter or some solution that fits your space and your ability.
Remarks 11 mos. ago, repeated:
“While I was still using the bathing transfer bench in my first week I simply stood up to turn on the taps (which advice I read somewhere) and I had installed a suction shower head holder lower down I could stick it into.) After a week it turned out the hardest part of showering for me was the bathing transfer bench itself as I was very steady on my feet. When I took my water proof bandage off on Day 7 I didn't want to be sliding on the bench any more so close to my incision and one of my post-surgical physio exercises showed me I was safe stepping over the tub edge by bending my knee and raising my feet in turn behind me while holding a grab bar for safety. We installed 2 more suction grab bars so there's one on each wall of the shower/tub enclosure and I'm safely showering on my feet, now. I don't know if I'm unusual in this but it's a lot less stressful than the illustrated method which I stuck to at the beginning. I'm on Day 10 after surgery.”
Im finding your videos really helpful thank you. I'm having my R hip replacement soon and had been worried about sleeping on L side of bed so you've confirmed that i need yo sleep on R side of our bed. We have a corner quadrant shower so presume i can just step in and out carefully? Im hoping my hospital (UK ) give me all the equipment ie sponge and leg lifter . I've subscribed to you so thank you 🎉 Sue x
I'm planning a hip replacement and start watch all your videos. They are very helpful. I have a question about this video. How to open water if you can't bend over?
I'm about to do a wet "dry run" today with surgery coming up in 5 days, having difficulty in our very small older building washroom now that the toilet seat raiser is installed, trying to get my leg over and past that and the edge of the toilet tank using the new leg lifter. Our antique tub with its sloped insides limits how far away from the taps I can place the bench.
I believe when I had a broken leg 6 years ago we had a shorter "round" toilet since replaced by an elongated one, no raised toilet seat t hen, and it was actually easier to use the bath transfer bench with a broken leg and a soft cast covered in a plastic sleeve than it's going to be with this surgery. The tighter space/higher toilet is a big challenge, I have to lean way back on the bench which is actually on wood pieces for a few inches extra height outside the tub to clear my leg above the toilet.
Wish me luck, I obviously can't sponge bathe for 3 months.
How did it go? Hope you are doing fantastic, now! I get a new hip in Feb. Just starting to prepare, now that I’ve been to the surgeon.
Overall recovery from my hip replacement mid September has gone very well. I still have a way to go to normal movement in all respects but my surgeon lifted joint precautions November 6 and I've been able to resume activities like driving, do some stationary cycling to get a little cardio exercise again. I still have some issues causing pain in places other than the hip and hope to get them resolved so I can walk longer distances outdoors more comfortably and without my cane.
I only used the bath transfer bench for about a week after my surgery, it was the most difficult thing I was doing because of the crowded space in our bathroom. We installed grab bars on all three walls of the bath enclosure and I showered safely standing up ever since. I do have good leg strength from years of bicycling and always use the rubber bath mat in the tub. I step over the tub edge by flexing each knee in turn to raise my foot back towards my derriere, holding the grab bar for safety. This may not work or be safe for everyone but has been good in my case.
@@e.b.gilligan7423 good to hear your favorable outcome, thank you! Great tips.
I love it i love it. I already know it's going to happen. I can feel bone on bone. I hope all the things wrong on this right leg, i hope they can fix my lower back. And when i get. Home i will be all set.
Excellent. My gratitude! My second review of your videos. Most helpful!
🍃🚿 🍃
Glad it was helpful!
Hopping to get ahipreplacement surgery soon this is helpful
Awesome information. Also thanks for adding product links. This is one of a series of helpful videos that you offer.
Thank you!
I;m also going to have hip surgery. How do you turn the water on? and how do you dry your toes? Thanks
I’m having a hip replacement soon and will largely be taking care of myself. I will have to turn away from the nozzles to turn the water off and on. unfortunately I’ll have to bend over to turn the water off and on. If I were facing the handles i could turn it on after I’m sitting
INVEST IN YOU A HANDHELD SHOWER HEAD, THEY COME WHERE YOU CAN HANG THEM LOW...
Hi Lindsey,
Loving your videos, I have not met with my therapist yet, and I'm sure people have asked before, but I will need to put my surgery THR on the right in first to face the shower and handheld or do I need to turn my shower chair around and use hand held facing away to put good leg in first? 🤔
You should be ok facing the shower head and getting in with surgical leg first if using a tub transfer bench.
Excellent video. Very helpful.congratulations
Thank you!
Been most helpful thank you for the video. Most informative.
You’re welcome!
Made it true my first week recovery ,brutal
Could you go over the placement of the shower curtain into the LTB slit a bit more? Thanks for the great videos!
Sure! It’s definitely hard to film because the space is awkward. Maybe that will be my first “RUclips short” 😉
Great BUT What if your LEFT leg is the surgical one?
Appreciate your help, find it realistic and value it. My mom is on week four, looking for tips to dry off feet without a second person in the bathroom
Some options include Terry cloth slippers and a well adhered floor rug and an oversized bath towel.
What if i dont have that double showerhead.😮
Very good but how did you reach the wall to turn the shower taps on
You can stand and reach down a little to turn it on and off when in the shower or once you exit the shower and are standing. It really depends on how your shower is set up.
Good information. My feet are dry (diabetic). I have a hip replacement next month. How can I put lotion on my legs and feet? Thank you!
Thank you for replying.
There is no mention of pain I your videos. Does the preop pain of osteoarthritis disappear after THR?
Thank you for this
Your videos are very helpful.
Can you go to the hair salon for hair wash after THR? I'm worried about those hair wash chairs & sink position?
The salon should be ok as long as the chair isn't too low. They recline back so there shouldn't be a problem with hip angle, more concerned about getting back up comfortably.
Where do we buy the bandage for putting it after we have bath? Because I could not find the exact size in shoppers drug store and medical mart. Could I keep two small size instead of the big one. Thanks 🙏
I am learning a lot from your videos - thank you - I am using a bench in my tub/shower combination already with the water hitting my back so I can wash my hair. Today I had two handicap grab rails installed. One is on the outside of the shower to offer support in entering the tub/shower and the other is just inside at the end wall. It is an angled styled one so I can make the adjustment comfortably sliding my hand up to the higher height after getting into the tub then moving to the bench. Is it truly necessary to remove the glass shower doors putting up the plastic curtain? I always feel claustrophobic with the curtains and they seem to get sucked into the shower thus entangling a person? I would really like you feed back. thank you
It isn’t required if the shower bench fits with the glass doors in place and you aren’t requiring a person outside the shower to assist. The glass doors make it harder to have help, but I agree they are a much cleaner, more visually appealing option!
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!
I have a cloth curtain with walk in shower. I have a crummy hand held shower. My PT reccomended I go back to my shower bench. I’d prefer not to cut the curtain. Any suggestions please?
I read somewhere to cover your wound with Glad Press N Seal overtop. Haven't tried it yet.
It works pretty well, won’t seal all water out but will prevent the soaking most surgeons want you to avoid.
Puppy Pads work well to create any size bandage. Since they are made to trap moisture on one side while preventing moisture getting through on the other side, they are great for covering wounds and keeping them dry....just cut to size and use surgical tape to adhere it to the skin. Also, there are products for waterless bathing that are excellent. Wet the spongy material with a little bit of water, no need to rinse...just dry and DONE! You can even wash your hair with it.
A great tutorial. I'm 5 feet - does the leg lifter work for someone my size? Also L hip - so I'll be using my right leg to get in shower and then lift left? If I do it that way, I'll be facing backwards from the faucet and there's no room w the toilet. Also, maybe a shut off w the hand held shower?
Yes! The leg lifter can be held anywhere along the length of the handle and that would make it work for your height. You can go left leg first if that is how your bathroom best accommodates the modified strategy. Good luck!
How would you turn on the taps without bending forward?
For many I have them turn the taps on before entering the shower with the hand held shower head placed in a holder at a position that doesn't aim directly at the seat. That way it's already on and warmed up before entering and would allow it to be turned on without bending forward.
You are amazing
You’re too kind! Thank you ☺️
Hi Lindsey I am having total right hip replacement in 2 weeks. My concern about my shower (I live in apartment complex) is no hand held shower head. I have weight bearing bars installed however I will need to get into the tub standing. Do you have any instructions on that?
Please tell me where in Canada I can buy the stiff leg lifter you use in your videos. I can only find flimsy ones.
Do you have Amazon? They have just the leg lifter as well as a whole set of "after knee and hip surgery" tools.
The OT department in the hospital has staff that comes around with the leg lifter and the reachers and the sock aides that you can purchase. The leg lifter and the reacher I have used at home during my recovery and especially when you have those hip precautions anywhere from 4-6 wks of not bending over. Amazing how often we drop things during this time. You can use them also when you have knee surgery/replacement.
I live in British Columbia
Hi Lindsy - Do the hip-replacement movement strategies also apply to broken-femur recovery?.(metal rod) Thank you.
They can apply, but it depends on how high up the femur repair goes. I would definitely use this as a conservative guide, but you may not need to be quite as strict. You can always clarify with your orthopedic surgeon. Safe healing!
In all the videos you recommend staying above a 90° angle. Is this for total hip replacement or also for hip pinning? My mom had a pin put in over the weekend, pathological femur fracture. Didn’t personally speak to the rehab girls to ask.
Carl R. -
I have a walk in shower with full length glass shower doors - if removing the glass shower doors recommended in this situation, and would a regular non-transfer shower bench be ok here?
It would depend on whether it’s truly a walk in shower or if it has a small ledge that needs to be stepped over. If there is a ledge you may still need the transfer bench to bridge that gap.
I recommend sitting on a ROHO cushion or towel because that bench is HARD.
How to wash you intimate parts if you sit all time?
Ok I have a walk in stand up shower and I am presuming the OT will advise using a shower chair is that ok to use as I expect I shall be using the air dry method as you say to let my feet dry., although I do have some experience in using a shower chair pre-operation in a normal overhead shower. Now how often do you recommend having a shower? By the by I do have long handled shower tool which is like a scrunchy that women use for their hair and have been using this for some time now.
A shower chair should be fine in your case and most find a shower every 2-3 days sufficient.
I am hoping I'll be able to have a standing shower as I am having an anterior approach operation.
Definitely possible! I still recommend having something to sit on early in recovery in case the meds or post surgical pain makes you woozy in the shower.
Me too having same approach I think I'm told I won't have to go threw all that nowadays. 2023
Me too but how are you planning in getting your leg in the bathtub? Unless your shower is a separate unit...
I really can't figure out how you cut the shower curtain to slide onto the chair, since their are 4 chrome legs under the chair resting inside the tub❓
Can we bath with soap after two weeks of hip replacement. Thanks 🙏
Yes, just don’t submerge or oversaturate the healing incision. It’s good to gently clean with a low scent or neutral soap!
How do you turn the handles for the spigot without leaning forward?
Depends on the handle type, but some will work with a Juvo dressing stick. The knob variety are tougher.
I don't have a tub shower, just a little lip to step over. Can I stand to shower or do I have to have a seat????
Thanks so very much
You keep talking about the 90° and how you can get serious dislocation but I have no idea what 90° is or what it actually looks like it would be nice to have you show
How do I have my shower chair facing the towards the shower head not the opposite way?
Lindsey: How do you turn the shower on and off if you are not supposed to bend forward at the waist?
This is a common question. Often, i suggest turning on the shower before getting in and again after getting out. It also depends on the type of controller (pull knob/turn, lever, 2 separate knobs, etc.).
@@EquipMeOT Thank you.
You’re welcome.
how do you was your hair
What about when a pt has to step over? When the chair doesn't overlap?
I wonder if I need to remove my glass shower doors also? I'm healing from flat foot surgery.
I strongly encourage it for pretty much all lower body surgery recovery. Good luck!
@@EquipMeOT thanks!
Do you turn the water on prior to getting in the shower and control the on/off by the shower head?
Yes, I love to have the water up to temp before getting into the shower and then using the control valve on the hand held shower head to turn off the spray while transferring in.
Thx dear
Are the tips in this video appropriate for ANTERIOR hip replacement?
I'm exactly 3 weeks post op, anterior approach. Surgery was around 5.15 pm, discharged around 2.30 the next day. The night of the op I was briefly on a frame, the next day they had me walking on crutches including stair techniques. Once home with furniture and walls I didn't need the crutches at all but took one with me 'in case' when doing my recommended short walks. Within a week I didn't need crutches at all and with the recommended exercises my strength has returned very quickly, for example I can climb stairs normally and only have trouble with steps that are abnormally high. Little pain . I can't recommend the anterior approach more. I can now put socks on my foot again without using a gadget!
This little ruclips.net/user/postUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.
Thanks.
How do you get in the tub if it's your left leg that was operated on?
I was wondering the same thing. I am also very tall and long legged.
My shower has an unremovable glass wall and a swinging glass door. Unlike your application, the toilet in my bathroom is right next to the shower; there is no space to place a walker, wheelchair, or an in-and-out shower bench to ease shower ingress/outgress as you have. I can't sit to 90 degrees or swing my leg as you describe in the video, as I have had no hip joint for 15 months.
Ideas? My OT doesn't have any.
Sponge baths stink. Would give my life for a nice hot shower.
I've just had hip surgery but I have the standard shower head attached to the wall. Any quick suggestions?
If it isn’t possible to install a hand held shower head, you can either do you shower alternating sitting/standing (if tolerable/safe) or use a measuring cup to fill while seated to help get yourself thoroughly rinsed. Make sure you cover your incision with some cling wrap early on if you’ll have a lot of water hitting it.
when would it be best to have first shower?
Your Family and Friends will tell you .......😀
hello do they send you home with a walker? after surgery?
You will likely need to get your own.
How to transfer to toilet from knee roller??
How to cut Nails if no one near you ,😢😢😢😢
What about a walk in shower?
Hi can I bend my body a bit down to wash my face at the bathroom bowl
Yes, that should be safe.
What is the safest way to turn the knob in the shower?
Depends a bit on the type of knob. A lever style will work differently than a knob. If you can use the handle from your long handled sponge or similar to prevent having to lean forward. Another option is to stand to reach, so you don’t have to bend forward as far.
How does one turn the water on and off without bending if living alone
Awesome question. This would depend on the type of faucet you have (knob versus lever). The Juvo dressing stick amzn.to/3kVNjFm is really sturdy and rubber coated and can be used on a lever style. Knob style is trickier 🤔
@@EquipMeOT I absolutely love your instructional video! I have a center knob on both showers. One stall shower (very small) and a tub shower. In the stall shower I would have to step in first with my operated leg(right) in order to face the faucet. In the tub shower my good leg would go in first. I am perplexed at which one would be better. I have seen a few videos where the operated leg is bent at the knee behind but I don’t think that’s a good idea. Any other suggestions you have regarding this showering process would be helpful. I live alone and sadly don’t have anyone to help out. My support system is further away where I used to live. Would it be OK to stand in the stall shower? It’s very tiny no. Not sure there would be enough room for a chair and any movement of an outstretched leg. So appreciate any suggestions you might have.
My initial thought is you might be able to stand for brief showers in the stall shower, but it would depend on how your endurance is prior to surgery. If you use the tub shower, you can sit and possibly stand to reach the faucet. As long as you don’t bend beyond 90* at the waist to reach the faucet, you might be alright. Hope this helps a little! It will probably take a little trial prior to surgery to see what works!
@@EquipMeOT Thank you once again. Yes, definitely going to have to walk through some things prior to surgery which is on the 30th of this month. I am 65 years old and a young 65 if I do say so myself. I do not have an arthritic hip but have a severe tear with FAI and bone spurs. I had two different surgeons putting their heads together deciding whether to go the arthroscopic route or the hip replacement route. Because of my age and the amount of stuff needed to be done the arthroscopic surgery was ruled out and the hip replacement was decided.
Good luck! I hope the surgeons get you up and running!!
Ok so how do I bathe?? Scary not to bend, but how to wash arms, (both arms w/out slipping or bending by mistake??? Omg… Im petrified!!
How do you turn on the water once you're in the tub without bending your hip?
You can stand from the bench and then leaning forward won’t be significant enough to break precautions. To do it seated would require additional tools based on the type of control you have (lever versus knob, etc.).
I use my grabber and turn on the water. I do have a single handle on and off lever not the knob type. Good luck
Love the video but how do you reach over to turn the water on and off?
Good point
That's where a helper comes in.
If you have a walk-in shower, can you stand long enough to shower normally?
Sometimes. I find that the first week or 2 it can be hard if you are requiring a lot of pain medication since it can also make you a little quicker to fatigue.
@@EquipMeOT You didnt mention how to clean the personal parts while sitting, can you stand up to do that
@@sandyhearn8332 You can definitely stand for short periods to wash your bottom. For many this is the best way :)
That is seriously a LOT to go through. I was looking for ways to make it easier, not harder!
I like to give all the options to cover the largest number of people possibly viewing. I would suggest an OT consult to give you a more personalized plan of care.
I’d suggest prior to surgery getting grab bars installed in your shower and next to the toilet.
Find a surgeon who uses the anterior approach. You'll not need any of this. This approach does not dislocate, you can pick things up, throw away your crutches after a couple of days, and not worry about using a wedge cushion. I could lift my leg within days. I guess if you're 90 this may be appropriate.
That's encouraging!! It validates why I want the anterior. Do you know who can't have the Anterior?
I have some dysplasia in my joint. No problem.
Thank you…..
You’re welcome
Can you stand in the shower as long as it's a walk in shower?
Yes, it is totally possible to stand, but keep in mind that initially you’ll be weak, sore, and woozy from meds, so having a seat option is a good idea 🙂
My bathroom in very narrow. No room to maneuver with walker
You didnt mention how to turn the water on and off without bending more than the 90°
I had emergency hip replacement and wonder how to shampoo my hair
Is she selling equipment?
You didn’t show how you turn the shower on from sitting so far back
When i take a shower, i always take my clothes off, it was the only reason i clicked the link, I am joking of coarse, i will be having a double hip replacement after June 2024, so anything i can learn will be helpful although having two non weight bearing legs is going to be a real PITA (it is now lol)