going to be on crutches?

Question

I am having surgery on Dec 20 because i have a tilted knee cap. I am going to be on crutches for about a week. I have no stairs in the house but i live with dogs. So my quest is how am i going to take a shower and what are some things to do so i don't go crazy. and if you have any more info for me i would like to know

Answer 1

Chances are, you won't be able to shower...mainly because the kind of surgery you are having will require you to have a larger incision than the more typical arthroscopic knee surgeries being performed these days. Your doctor will tell you more, but you'll basically have to have sponge baths for a few weeks. Good news is, there are towelettes (much like pre-moistened disposable washrags) that you can buy at most drug/grocery stores that make the job easy.

Again, your surgeon will give you more information as to how to do it, and what they want you to use.

As far as trying not to go crazy...here are some things I did when I was recovering from gallbladder surgery:

1. Start a blog. Really fun...especially if you do an anonymous one. Write about everything in your life...use fake names for friends and co-workers, but just let it rip.
2. Take an online class...learning a new language is rather amusing. Not necessarily to be fluent, but just enough that you can impress someone...or curse them out without them knowing it. ;)
3. Check out www.bored.com...you can find some pretty addictive stuff on there.
4. Research your heritage, and Google everyone you can remember to see what you can come up with.
5. If you don't already have one, set up a Facebook account. There are enough options and fun applications on there to keep you busy 'til 2012.
6. Re-visit the lost art of writing an actual letter...to an old friend, grandparent, or someone who will really appreciate it.

You'll be surprised how busy you'll actually be...especially with physical therapy. There will be some days where you're bored off your rocker, but they'll be few and far-between. The only other advice I have for you is to go out and buy two to four thick (but cheap) hand towels. When you get your crutches, wrap the top part (that fits under your armpit) with the towels...about an inch thick. Secure it with medical tape. No matter how well-adjusted the crutches are, they'll irritate the heck out of your armpits...and having that little bit of cushion helps.

Best of luck and happy healing!

Answer 2

Get a handheld shower attachment so you can sit while you shower. If you know anyone that has a shower chair, borrow it, or put a plastic stool in the shower. See if someone will come over and feed the dogs, and check up on you, see if you need anything, get the mail, etc. Getting around on crutches can be really tiring. You'll appreciate the company if anything. You might consider putting a little water cooler near where you like to sit or sleep - it's a pain trying to get a glass of water from the kitchen to wherever you're sitting, or at least have a glass/cup with a lid. Wish you a speedy recovery!

Answer 3

be grateful it is only a week!! I was on crutches for six months!!!!!!!!! I hated it!!
as for the shower, it is better for you to take a bath, I am not a bath person, but standing on one leg in the shower is difficult, or you may want to get a shower chair, a life saver for me!! Your dogs will do one of two things avoid you because they are not use to seeing you like this, or unintentionally try to knock you over..
as far as things to do, I would get as much rest as you can, as your leg needs to heal, keep it propped up, enjoy a few good books, play a video game, something that you can do and enjoy doing. like I said one week is not bad!! I wish!

Answer 4

Shower - depends on if you have any type of bandage on your knee. If you do, wrap it with a towel, followed by a plastic bag, then tape it. I used a shower chair. I could keep my leg out instead of hanging down.

What do you like to do? I make cards, do Christmas cards, wrap packages, do word or number puzzles, make ornaments to give people, read, computer, bake, make cookies to give away, etc.

Answer 5

you can wrap you leg with saran wrap and if you dont have a shower chair you can use one of those plastic patio chairs.
thats what we did for my daughter when she broke her leg and was casted for 9 weeks

Answer 6

Save your questions to ask your doctor and physical therapists at the hospital. Make a list of all your questions and bring it with you.