Reality has hit our age group, and joint replacements are all the talk these days. Almost everyone we know is having one, is married to someone having one, and/or has friends who have had or are having them.
Chrissie had her hip replaced a few years ago (and is getting a new knee in September), and Jo’s husband had his replaced last week. Between the two of us, and all those who came before us, we have gathered a wealth of advice, from both patient and caregiver perspectives, on what to have on hand at home for a smooth recovery. Your doctor may provide some of these items and will give you a list of specific items they recommend, but they don’t get down to the nitty gritty. Here is our Fab List of items to have at home after hip replacement surgery.
Ossur Ice Therapy System
This is the number one item recommended for home use to aid recovery, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling. Jo bought this one because it came highly recommended by her friends. You can select whether you want one with adjustable knee or hip pads. It is lightweight, easy to transport, and user-friendly. Simply fill with water and ice, wrap your knee or hip, turn on the machine, and voila – the machine delivers consistent cooling, making it the optimal ice therapy machine for hip replacement and post-surgery recovery. No messy ice packs. No bags of frozen peas. Just perfect icing every time. One friend swore that using this on her knee sped up her recovery by 2x vs. others who had the same procedure. There are really expensive machines that provide more functions – but they are $3000+ (Chrissie borrowed a friend’s Game Ready and it was amazing!). This one, for under $150, is worth the purchase.
Ice Blanket
John R. loves this big, flat ice pack that he could wrap around his hip when he wasn’t attached to the ice machine.
Walker
Walkers are necessary for the first few weeks post-hip and knee surgery. The basic one is fine for short-term needs. You may also want to get an attachment for the walker to carry things around (newspaper, water bottle, meds, phone etc), or you can use a cross-body purse to carry your essentials. If you’ll need a walker for a longer time or plan to be on the street, etc consider one with bigger/more durable wheels.
Clip-On Light for Mobile Devices
When nature calls in the middle of the night, make sure you have this clip-on light on your walker so you can find your way safely and not wake up your spouse! This one can be attached to any mobile device, such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, or walkers, and has three lighting modes: steady, strobe, and flashing, for enhanced convenience and visibility. Switch between different modes with just a tap.
Canes
At first, Chrissie had a cheap one that had one single ‘contact point’ on the bottom and highly recommends getting (for still under $20) one with a wider base/more contact points as it makes you feel much more secure and less wobbly. It was MUCH better!
Messenger Bag/Backpack
John R. is working at home while recovering and moving from room to room in the house. He recommends a messenger bag, backpack, or tote to consolidate and transport your necessary belongings – phone, paper, computer, AirPods, etc. – so you don’t forget anything and don’t have to hobble back (or send your wife) to get something.
Toilet Seat Riser
Both Chrissie & John say ‘yes!’ to this product, which made a huge difference in comfort, allowing them not to sit down low (or have to ask for help) in those first few days post-hip surgery.
Shower Seat
This is a must-have to prevent falling while showering.
Shower Grab Bar
The grab bar provides stability when entering or exiting a bathtub or shower. Sturdy, secure suction cups work on non-porous flat surfaces, including tile, glass, acrylic, and metal.
Grabber
This is a nice-to-have item that makes it easier to pick up items off the floor or to reach items high up.
Sock Aid
This is particularly helpful before hip replacement surgery, when it’s challenging to lift a leg to put on socks. It’s helpful post-surgery as well.
FabLister Susan L.’s husband just had a hip replacement, and she had some great additional suggestions!
Cord Organizers
If you’ll be working from bed, these clips firmly adhere to smooth surfaces such as wooden tables or glass and prevent cords from tangling or falling behind furniture.
White Board
A little whiteboard is great for keeping track of medications and other things you need to remember after surgery, when your brain can be fuzzier than normal!
Miralax
Painkillers and a lack of mobility can cause sluggish digestion!
Leg Lifter Strap
This strap helps you safely and easily move your leg – ideal after surgery or injury. It’s especially useful for getting in and out of bed or a car when mobility is limited, reducing strain and promoting independence.
Drafting Chair for Standing Desk
If using a stand-up desk, a chair to take pressure off the hip and back is helpful.
Misc:
- Bands: PT and bands…they go together. Go ahead and get yourself a new set before your PT even starts, as you know you’ll need them!
- A good water bottle that fits into your waist bag/sling so you can stay hydrated.
- A basket to keep your meds organized in one place that you can also transport on your walker/crutches if needed.
- Some good books!
- Some good shows!
- An Uber Eats subscription!
- A good attitude :).
Here’s to a speedy recovery!
