With so much information on the internet today, deciding what is the best advice for you can be a little overwhelming, especially when you’ve had hip surgery and you don’t know what to expect from your post-operative care regime.
There are many different types of total hip replacement today, and different techniques are used by various surgeons, so depending on the type of surgery you have, recovery times and advice on restrictions may vary, so it is always important to follow your doctor’s advice.
Dr David Slattery is a highly esteemed and well-regarded orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne whose wide range of surgical skills allows him to tailor treatments to suit individual needs. He prides himself in running a patient-centred surgery where communication is key throughout all stages of treatment, so you will be fully informed on every step of your journey to full recovery. It is vitally important to have an open and honest relationship with your doctor, and you should always feel comfortable asking any questions you have regarding your health and well-being.
When can I shower after a hip replacement? Initially, after hip surgery, you will feel rather unsteady on your feet, and it is normal to feel vulnerable at this stage. The idea of having a shower may seem daunting, but with a little forward planning, it is possible to achieve this without too much hassle.
Prepare For Your Post-Operative Shower Before You Have The Surgery
There are some things you can do ahead of time, in order to make your life easier when you return home after your hip replacement.
If you already have a walk-in shower this is by far the easiest option to walk in a shower after a hip replacement, but you still won’t be able to stand for too long and you certainly don’t want to have to bend or risk slipping over in the shower, so having a shower chair and a non-slip rubber mat will reduce your chances of slipping. Also if you have a handheld nozzle so you are able to direct water flow without having to move and bend too much. Try to keep water off your dressing and surgical site during your shower.
Another essential piece of equipment is a shower chair (or shower bench if you are using a tub shower) which can be borrowed or rented from a medical company, or bought in advance. Make sure your chair has a back to it for added stability
Things To Remember Before Your Shower
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! If you want your showering experience to go smoothly then remember to have everything to hand before you start:
– make sure all the products you use are within easy reach
– make sure your non-slip shower mat is in place before you get wet
– have crutches available if you need them
– Try to keep water off your surgical dressings
– use a long-handled sponge so you can easily reach around your body without bending too much
– take a grabber with you in case you drop anything
It may seem a little like a military operation, but you’ll be glad when you did think of everything! Remember to dry yourself as much as possible before you move out of the shower or tub, but don’t rub your incision wound, blot it dry to remove any excess water.
Take it slowly, and you’ll be back on both feet before you know it!