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The first week after total hip replacement surgery is especially hard. Two weeks have passed since I had my surgery and I am feeling much better. I wanted to share with you the Top 5 items you MUST have for hip replacement surgery. I have learned so much with this surgery, and if this list helps you, then I am a happy camper.
Top 5 items you MUST have for hip replacement surgery
1. Grabber
A grabber is SO very necessary. I actually could have used a couple of them, as I have a pretty big house. You don’t fully appreciate bending down to pick something up until you’ve had hip replacement surgery. You’ll drop more than you ever have before {at least it feels this way!}, and bending over is a no-no for most people for awhile after total hip replacement surgery.
This set is perfect, as it contains two grabbers, with at least one of them being foldable.
2. Ice Packs
Make sure you have a good supply, and a good variety of ice packs. You will constantly be switching them out for fresh, cold packs, so make sure you have enough to keep in rotation. I found that having different shapes and sizes was helpful, as I could stack them around my leg, groin, wherever I was hurting, for maximum relief. Here are a few I found that would be perfect {I wish I had some of these – I might have to buy even more ice packs, as I still use them daily}. If none of the below appeal to you, take a look around for Ice Packs on Amazon – they have a great selection {naturally!}.
IceWraps Flexible Cold Pack Therapy
Cryotherapy Arctic Water Therapy
3. A Walker
For most people, a walker is needed for the first few days. Make sure you get one with wheels and a basket of some sort. You’ll be amazed at how many things you’ll want to tow around for convenience. If you know someone who has a walker, see if you can borrow it. Much like canes, there are many to choose from. It can be confusing. My best advice would be to not purchase a fancy walker unless you plan on using it for a long time, or just want to have it on hand for future surgeries, ailments, etc. They range in price quite a bit. Below I have shown some of my favorites.
I love this one because it has 4 wheels and it has brakes. The other reason {and I wish I had this on the walker I have, which I borrowed from a neighbor}, is the storage area under the seat!
Medline Rollator Walker with Seat, Steel Rolling Walker with 6-inch Wheels
The walker below is pretty neat, it’s for short/petite people! I had no idea they had special ones for us “shorties”.
NOVA Petite Rollator Walker
4. A Cane
After the walker, some people choose canes or walking sticks, and some people prefer crutches. I personally moved to a cane about a week after my surgery. There are so many styles of canes to choose from, but for me, a simple cane worked perfectly.
5. You’ll Need Extra Pillows After Hip Replacement Surgery
You’ll need lots and lots of pillows. Trust me on this one, it can be hard to get comfortable.
When you have a good selection of pillows, you can tuck them here and there, making you as comfortable as you can be.
A wedge pillow is a handy one to have too!
But one pillow I couldn’t have lived without is the Comfort U Body Pillow. Some body pillows are solid, and some are circular, but this one is different as it is a horseshoe shape, and you can bend and twist it any way you please.
When I was finally able to sleep in the bed on my side, I found that putting the “U” end by my feet, one side of the pillow between my knees, and the end of the same side I cradled in my arms.
I use a regular pillow for my head when I am in this position. The other position I like is to switch it so the curved end is under my head, as shown in the photo below.
This pillow is AMAZING, and I will be using it for years to come. But watch out, everyone in your family will try to take it from you.
What Else You Might Need After Hip Replacement Surgery
There are a few items that other people found helpful after hip replacement surgery, but I didn’t personally use them, but I did want to pass on this information to you.
Hip Replacement Recovery Kit
There are so many different hip replacement kits to choose from, so look around to find one with everything you think you will need. The one pictured below has a nice variety of items.
Elevated toilet seat
This would be very helpful, and it’s something I wish I had purchased for my recovery. An elevated toilet seat is great to have after man surgeries to avoid straining your legs, back, arms, and abdominals.
Knee wedge pillows
Knee wedge pillows are great for sleeping on your side. I purchased one, but actually ended up using the body pillow shown above instead.
Leg Lifter
Your leg will feel like a heavy log after hip replacement surgery. I couldn’t lift my leg for about 2 weeks after surgery. A leg lifter will come in handy if you don’t have someone to help you get in and out of bed after hip replacement surgery.
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7 Responses
Everything you listed is necessary. I had them all, and it made recovery SO much easier and less painful. I still use the “sock buddy” because I cannot yet get my surgical leg up over the knee of my non-surgical leg.
Yes! This is so difficult to do! I am dreading winter for this very reason!
Thanks for your article. I wish I had seen it before my surgery. I’m 2 weeks post-op and agree with all of your “must-haves”.
How is your recovery going? Did you have anterior or posterior? I hope you are doing well!
I had an anterior THR after a mechanical fall onto my right hip. My first week was the worst. Then every day I could feel myself getting stronger and my endurance was coming back. I had a TKR 2 years ago, so I was a little bit familiar with my recovery. I’m an avid walker 1-2 hours a day so sitting around is hard for me. I started driving after 1 week, I knew how to get in and out of my car safely and slowly. I had 3 days of PT and was using a cane after 1 week. I started walking for 45 minutes in week 3, to build my endurance using my walker. My pain is getting better every day and I have no problem with showering since day 2 post op. I still had equipment from my knee replacement. I’m doing very well, just moving slowly and resting a lot.
That is fantastic! I am glad to hear you are doing so well!
I had a THR this past August & totally agree with everything you recommended, with one exception. When I went for my pre-op physical, it included a visit with the physical therapy dept. at the hospital. I was told that walkers with 4 wheels were not allowed because they can get away from you too easily. And the very worst thing that can happen post THR is to fall down. Instead, I purchased a Drive Medical Clever-Lite LS Rollator Walker with Seat and Push Down Brakes, Gray from Amazon, & I loved it!! In fact, the physical therapists I saw after my surgery loved it & asked where I got mine. The fold-down seat is terrific, but the best part is the push down brakes. They’re so much safer than 4-wheel walkers, & there are accessories you can buy such as a tray to take meals & drinks back & forth from the kitchen to the living room, etc. Unfortunately, I’m not able to post a picture of my walker here. Hope this is helpful.