“How do I get on/off the toilet easier after hip surgery?”
Why would you need hip surgery?
There are different types of hip surgeries, but one of the more common ones is hip replacement surgery. This is when the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. The 2 most common hip replacement surgeries are:
- Total hip replacement (THR) where both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint are replaced. This type of surgery is needed when both the ball and socket of the hip joint is damaged. It is seen mostly in elderly people with degenerative joint disease.
- Partial hip replacement is when only the ball is replaced. This type of surgery is needed usually after a hip fracture, like from a fall.
The decision between a THR or partial hip replacement will be decided by your doctor as they will look at your joint condition, activity level, age and other health issues. Make sure you follow your post-op instructions from your doctor.
How will my hip feel after surgery?
- Stiffness: the hip might feel especially stiff in the first few weeks.
- Swelling: might see some swelling around the hip as well as the incision site
- Pain and discomfort: there will be pain in the hip area, but the pain can be managed by medication and ice, following your doctor’s instructions.
What happens if I don’t follow my post-op instructions?
It is important to follow your post-op instructions provided by your doctor and healthcare professionals. Here are some complications that can occur if post-op instructions are not followed.
- Infection risk: not following wound care instructions can lead to infection of the incision site
- More pain and swelling at the hip
- The recovery process can be slower
- Risk of dislocation of the hip joint: certain movements can dislocate the new hip joint
- Blood clots: if you don’t do your prescribed exercises and is sedentary, the risk of blood clots can increase
- Limited hip movements: not doing your prescribed exercises can limit hip mobility.
- Weakened muscles: not doing your prescribed exercises can lead to weakness in your hips and legs, as well as your arms. This makes it harder to stand up and move around.
What might I have trouble with after hip surgery?
- Bending over: usually is not recommended during the early recovery phase. But this will involve things like putting your pants and socks on, tying your shoes, picking something up off the floor. An occupational therapist will be able to teach you how to do these things safely.
- Finding a comfortable position when you sleep: you might need to avoid certain positions to protect the hip, so keep a lot of pillows handy.
- Walking/going up and down the stairs: a physical therapist will teach you how to do this safely and you might need to use a walker.
- Sitting in low chairs or toilets: getting up from a low position can be hard, and it might not be recommended after your hip surgery. So how will you use the bathroom?…..
Ways to get off your toilet easier after hip surgery
There are different equipment you can buy to make this easier and safer. Talk to a healthcare professional, preferably an occupational therapist, to help you decide which one is the best solution for you. Here are 5 things that can help you, starting with the most commonly used.
- Raised toilet seat: is an attachment that you place over your toilet seat. They are not adjustable, but come in different heights, typically from 2-4 inches. Some come with handles, which is highly recommended.
- Commode: is a type of chair with a toilet seat and a container (“bucket”) below. They are adjustable and can sit over the toilet or be placed wherever you need it.
- Toilet safety frame: is a device or “frame” that fits around or attaches to a standard toilet. Some of them have adjustable arms and legs to fit different toilet sizes as well as to the individual.
- Toilet seat elevator: is a device used to raise the height of your toilet seat. This is different from a raised toilet seat. The raised toilet seat is placed on top, where you will sit directly on it. The toilet seat elevator sits between the toilet bowl and the toilet seat, so you sit on the original toilet seat.
- Toilet elevator: is a device that is installed under the base of the toilet, lifting the entire toilet a few inches off the ground. You will need to detach the toilet from its floor mount, place the toilet elevator between the floor mount and toilet and then re-secure the toilet. This is a more permanent solution.
Hint: When you are sitting, keep your hips slightly higher than your knees and feet should be flat on the floor. Using armrests will help with sitting down and standing up without putting too much extra strain on your hips. Your healthcare provider will be able to show you the safest way for you to move around as well as recommending the best equipment for you.
Conclusion:
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