@conmama the first few days are the worst with pain, swelling, etc. once that begins to subside, things get much better. Your upper body will be tired…crutching around and crawling up stairs will build some new muscles. I didn’t get my scooter until week three the first surgery, and once I did it made a HUGE difference in my ability to do for myself and as a result i felt much happier. Showeringvwas no fun. Got a hospital supply shower chair that was so wobbly that I couldn’t relax. I ended up using a cheap (but sturdy) metal stool from the garage. We wrapped it in a trash bag and it was a life saver. I hated having to ask hubby to help me stand in the shower, or wash me. He didn’t mind…but ya know, a little privacy is nice. The toilet is an issue. I found that i could get up pretty well if i did two things…leaned as far forward as possible, and pushed up on the seat between my legs…on the front rim of the seat. Not pretty, but it worked. Also, i did put my casted foot—the heel—on the ground for balance. Doc said it was ok, just little to no weight on it.
Another thing I just thought of…i had a little Bell by my bed. Hubby would be on call and would run stuff up to me as needed. My bed Area was one of two central locales during recovery, the other bring the downstairs couch. At both locations I had my “stuff”, like chapstick, water bottle, book, glasses, snacks, pain meds, etc. when i was home alone, I was glad to not have to go downstairs (on my butt, one stair at a time) unless I really had to. Also, you’ll get really good at crawling up stairs, dragging your crutches behind you! Or, asking whomever is going upstairs to haul them up for you so that when you do go up, they’re waiting for you!
I admire @travelnut ‘s resolve to get dressed daily. I found that the three pairs of very ugly, very large, very wide legged sweatpants that hubby found on the Kohl’s clearance rack were all that i could muster. The cast was huge, and my jeans and leggings just wouldn’t work. Thankfully it was cooler weather, and honestly I was home the majority of the first 4-5 weeks. I feel for those who need to dress for work…
Sending you best wishes for an uneventful recovery!
You got lots of good advice, so I will just add one thing. I broke an ankle skiing and needed pins/plate to repair. Had complications with the surgery and needed 2 more. I was on crutches or wearing a boot for the better part if 16 months. I found that I felt so much better if I want to a hair salon and got a hair wash/blow out. It isn’t that expensive and you feel soooo much better. I went once a week. This was one of those things where I asked friends who said they wanted to help to give me a ride. It was easy and no time consuming.
@shellz …that’s for that tip on getting up from the toilet. I was wondering how the heck one does that if they can’t balance with the other foot. I’ll talk to my doc too. I might even start practicing the maneuver now. I did go out and buy a coup,e more wide legged sweatpants. Great advice about the stool in the tub, I think I’ll have to do that. I’m also going to be putting some slip grips in it, also, like I used to have when the kids were small. I don’t think I can take showers for a couple weeks because of my cast…I’ll be in a boot after that…so I’ll just do sponge baths and disposable wipes.
The hair…argh. I’ll have to figure that out those first two weeks.
@Bromfield2 …I am so sorry you had to go through that for so long. I have nothing to moan and groan about. I do like your idea about the hairdresser washing and blow drying my hair once a week. I don’t even have to go to my hairstylist for that, just around the corner to Great Clips for a wash and dry Out!
Honestly, the waterproof cast cover for the shower worked perfectly for me and was recommended by the doctor. It cost around $10-$15 on Amazon. With it and the stool in your tub, there is no reason whatsoever to forgo bathing or washing your hair. I was able to sit on the side of the tub and transfer to the stool using my arms with no problem.
This is the issue I have with my tub and showering. We have glass doors and I have to be non weight bearing on my right foot. Will I have to put another stool there to rest my foot? I can’t think of another way?
I either just softly rested my foot on the floor of the tub or crossed it over my other knee. Try it all out before your surgery and have someone within hearing range when you do shower. I took my time and was careful with every movement in and out of the shower and had no real issues during the several weeks that I needed the stool. I went from knee walker to side of tub to stool. Your arms will get strong. Have two towels and your clean clothes at the ready. I also put a guest towel under the stool. You’ll be fine and will feel like a new woman afterwards! You will also be surprised how much you will depend on your arms - like getting on and off the toilet. You will feel confident after a short while with doing things a little differently. If you have a shower stool, knee walker (with basket), crutches, pillow for foot and waterproof cast cover I think you will have it covered. A large basket with all your “stuff” in it that can move from room to room with you is handy also.
Sitting with surgical foot down did not count as weight bearing for either of my ankle surgeries. I have a large shower and had a double wide bench seat that we angled so I could back in through the shower door and slide in without ever standing in the shower. Worked very well.
If you are woozy or weak /unsteady post-op, a walker is more stable for lav trips, rising to a stand, etc. It is easy to hang a basket on for lightweight carrying and also eliminates the sometimes cumbersome issue of how to balance crutches as/after you sit.
Plus you can use a walker backwards around the toilet as a way to pull up. I had bunion surgery on both feet, at the same time. I crawled some, but I was allowed to walk, albeit, very slowly. It was not a good plan. One foot healed quite well, and one I still have problems with 20+ years later. But my 10 year old broke her leg about six weeks ago, she is in a walking boot now. But I second, third, forth the plastic cast cover, it was excellent. Also, she’s little, so we used a plastic storage tub in the tub upside down to sit on. I would collapse it, but she could slide back and forth on it in and out of the water. Also, maybe buy some coloring books, the adult kind or some of the ones that are cards, that you could mail to friends later. That might pass some time.
6 days post surgery. Thought I would check in and thank everyone for all your suggestions. I have put many of them to use already! I have 2 knee rollers, one on each floor. The 3rd and 4th days were the most uncomfortable in all ways, but bearable.
The stool at the top of the stairs was a great idea! I scoot backwards up the stairs and use that to get to my knee roller. I pretty much live downstairs, just sleep upstairs.
I’m finding I get really, really tired if I’m up on my knee roller doing things for more than 10 minutes. My back hurts, I get winded and have to go back to the sofa. I can’t take a shower until later this week, even with protection. I do put on clothes, just sweats, each day to make myself get out of my pajamas. I even sit on the sofa and put on a little makeup so when DH gets home I don’t look so scary.
I really hate going to the bathroom, especially in the middle of the night. I feel like I’m not going to make it every single time, and once sort of didn’t.
I’m at the stage I’m feeling buyers remorse. I’m sick of sitting on this sofa or laying in bed and my back hurts from sitting on the sofa all day. I wasn’t in pain on a daily basis before, but doc said it would only get worse. I’m just really hoping that any pain I had will be gone completely. It was really more in the soft tissues surrounding the bone. If it’s not I’ll be so, so angry. That’s how they make their money, right? I suppose I’d feel differently if I had been in terrible pain all the time.
Sorry, I better go, my post is turning into a rant now.
I hope someone here can share that things will get better. You’re almost one week in right?! And thankfully you didn’t have to “live” upstairs for a week - that’s a win! Are you keeping busy on the couch? When will you find out if the plan to get a boot is in place?
No doubt the whole scene gets old quickly. I’m sorry you are still in pain. Sounds like you are being as proactive as you can. Just make those 10 minutes up often so you keep your stamina up.
Thanks @abasket. It will be a week Timorrow. I go to the doc Thursday to have the boot put on, but I’ve read that there is still minimal weight bearing for another week. The screw works its way out at week 3, I guess he takes it out then. I am counting my good fortune that there was no cast, and I get a boot this week…whatever that entails. The pain was very manageable with my meds, that’s good. I can live downstairs and have access to all things…kitchen, laundry, looking outside…all good. To be honest, I have nothing to do but read and watch TV. I have my weights here, so I think I feel good enough to start some arm exercises with them. I have good friends bringing me dinners last week and this week. I have my DH who truly waited on me hand and foot the last 3 days. I’m sure he’s glad he’s back to work today…haha.
I know it could be so much worse, so I’m trying to keep focused on those things when I find I start feeling sorry for myself.
I never did buy my bow maker, they were back ordered and I was so busy I just didn’t do it. Yesterday I did sit and try to figure out the cable rates and other alternative solutions. I have the new Comcast cost sheets they sent out this month due to their rate increase. It’s all so confusing with the bundling, etc…I’ll just call. But these little things help keep me busy. Thank goodness for my IPAD!
