It was a very long day and I was exhausted. Shortly after our arrival home I had to call the home health care equipment company and request that my "special toilet" be delivered. I was certainly able to make it to the bathroom, but the "bedside commode" ( the word commode makes me cringe) was adaptable to go over our home facilities to achieve a higher seat" and offer hand rails for safety and bracing.
| Bedside Commode |
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| Adapted on Residential Toilet |
In addition to this little number was the shower transfer bench, which I think I mentioned in another post. We had ordered one while I was in the hospital from Amazon. Taking advantage of my Prime membership it was to be delivered on the next day. SO-Here is a little "fun fact" that I found out through our adventures getting the house ready. A shower bench/chair is NOT COVERED by MOST INSURANCE PLANS BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED TO BE A LUXURY ITEM. Being Clean is considered to be a luxury??? How about prevention of infection? Maintaining a healthy living environment, wound care, general health and hygiene?What about safety? People having had all types of illnesses and surgeries that leave them either too weak or just unable to stand to bathe? Talk about totally absurd! So, Readers, I implore you to write to your local lawmakers and please tell them that if items such as a toilet, walkers, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, and braces are covered by most plans, THEN so should items to aid in the daily health and hygiene of patients. The solution that we were told that so often happens was to use a LAWN CHAIR in the tub or shower. A lawn chair is neither safe, nor sturdy, and so easily tip over in a wet tub or shower stall.
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| Proper Shower Transfer Bench |
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| Often suggested Alternative-UNSAFE |
As far as our home is concerned, it worked out pretty well that our master bedroom, bathroom kitchen and living room are all on the first floor. David and I did decide to switch sides of our bed so that I would be closer to the door and have less obstacles, a clear path, less steps to the bathroom if needed during the night. The first few nights I was still very immobile and needed assistance in and out of the bed. We also noticed how dark the hallways were and having hardwood floors also worked well for me. We found that having the light on the range hood on all night cast a nice soft light to illuminate the hallway and into the bedroom for me without being so bright to keep us awake.
My first fortnight was also met with meeting several home health care workers. Visiting Nurses ,an Occupational Therapist,and a Physical Therapist. These Nurses came every other day and checked my wound sites, changed dressings, took vitals, and instructed me that this was an extension of my hospital stay and that it was very important to monitor my health, wound sites, and to be mindful that I was still quite susceptible for infection and especially pneumonia. I am taking ALL of this very seriously and incorporating this in to my own plan.
David has been the designated shower helper. The first time was a bit of a learning curve and we had a bit of a mishap. But it wasn't horrible. The trick for the first few times was to get onto the bench clothes and then remove them. Getting out of the shower would require making sure that all body parts were completely dry and a towel is placed on the side of the tub so that my "bad" leg could not slip or slide. The transfer bench is definitely the way to go if PAO is the surgery you are having. It allows for more of a "scooting" motion and then your helper can gently life your legs and you pivot into the tub. Our shower already had a removable sprayer head so that I could wash my hair/body. In addition we purchased a bath pouf on a long handle. This helps tremendously when unable to bend over and you need to clean your legs, feet, arms, and back.
We brought home the CPM machine as well. It is the Continuous Passive Motion machine that I was given to use twice per day for two (2) hours at a time to gently move my left leg back and forth. This was going to help keep my knee from getting too stiff, start to work my quad (slowly), promote circulation, and serve as the first step after a major surgical procedure.
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| Kinetic CPM Machine |
The most substantial addition to our household during my recovery has been my mother, Anna. She has been staying with us during the week to assist during the day while David goes to work since I am in no position to really do anything other than going to the bathroom by myself. Anna is a tireless and selfless veteran of taking care of me. She has been doing so at various times throughout my lifetime for various reasons, several health issues, and for varying lengths of time. My mom, of course was my first caregiver and was around for my very first hip operation when I was only a few months old. This was WAY BACK in 1975 at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. It was not as invasive of a surgery as this one, but surgery is surgery. And surgery on an infant is very traumatic. My mother was a MacGuyver BEFORE there was ever a writer born that could fathom that show! She used to cut diapers into pieces and re-piece them for me. My first Halloween costume was a lamb, so that it would camouflage/match the body cast that I had been sporting.
The first few days, even a week or so, she was quite jumpy and every time I moved or breathed heavy she was ready to get me something or assist. I believe this would be some sort of reflex coming back to life, an instinct of sorts. But even though we sometimes disagree, I do appreciate the efforts and concern. The intentions are true and as I am getting stronger she is seeing the progress. We do share a lot of interests and have been enjoying some mystery programs and true crime shows. She is a great cook and that is also a huge plus. Having someone around to make sure that I am eating, and eating full healthy meals is important to a successful recovery.
I have my first Post-Surgery Appointment Tomorrow-So Stay Tuned and DRIVE SLOW
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