If you are planning a surgery, it's important to prepare for it to ensure successful completion and full recovery. Knowing about the procedure and personnel taking care of you is essential. Additionally, a commode can be a vital tool; in addition to physical and emotional preparation, having a few preoperative items on hand is important for promoting a smooth and quick healing process.
Knee Spacer Pillow
After surgery, your physician may recommend side sleeping to get comfortable during rest. A knee spacer pillow is typically considered the best option, as it facilitates relief of pressure in the back, hips, and knees. Different types of knee pillows, such as the Aeris knee pillow, Contour Legacy pillow, Coop adjustable knee pillow, and Tempur-Pedic all-purpose pillow, align with the needs of patients who should sleep on their side after surgery.
Benefits
- Alignment of the spinal cord by increasing the space between the legs.
- Added support during sleep for a more relaxed night
- Relief from pressure on the spine, hip, knee, and ankle
- Reduction of aches caused by more pressure on the lower side of the body
Bedside Commode
A bedside commode is a lightweight chair attached to a commode underneath for toilet purposes. The waste is collected in the bowl and discarded without plumbing or running water. Static bedside commodes can be moved easily, while rolling commodes have wheels that aid in easy transportation from one place to another. Bariatric bedside commodes are heavy-duty commodes with varying weight capacities, widths, and heights, with the ability to help in the cleaning task by the user when seated on the commode.
Benefits
- Larger armrests for added safety
- Reduced chances of falling due to slippery floors (like in the bathroom)
- Increased independence, with no need to wake a caregiver for assistance in going to the bathroom at night
- The ability for wheelchair users to use the commode as an alternative to the washroom
- Height-adjustable feature for ease of use
Shower and Bath Seat
In addition to the bedside commode, showering can be difficult for post-surgery patients, and a bath seat is the most effective mobility aid equipment that allows you to sit or take a bath yourself. Slipping in the shower can cause injuries that can shorten recovery. A shower seat can help mitigate that risk.
Benefits
- Increased independence in personal hygiene
- Encourages the individual to take a bath without extra help
- Eliminates the sense of dependence on even the simplest task
- Models with rubber or plastic feet mitigate the risk of falling in the bathroom