Intense pain, inflammation, and damage to the hip joint due to certain medical conditions can lead to the procedure of hip replacement surgery. This surgery is a great way to revert mobility and mitigate severe pain. Raised Toilet Seat are useful After Hip Surgery in may ways.
After a successful surgery, it's time for healing which will take some time—a few pieces of equipment aid in providing comfort and support during the healing period. A raised toilet seat is one such piece of equipment considered mandatory for patients with replacement surgery.
Types of Raised Toilet Seats
Also known as an elevated toilet seat, it is valuable medical equipment used instead of a normal toilet seat. The purpose of this seat is to provide extra height so that the patient does not have to squat low. Additional features, such as anti-slip, prevent patients from slipping and falling.
The three types of raised toilet seats encompass:
- Bubble Type Seat
This seat is for temporary use and is mostly used by patients staying at a place other than their homes. It is the basic version of the raised toilet seat. Just place it on the bowl rim of the toilet and push it down hard.
Another seat called a clip-on seat is also used for a temporary period. It completely fits on the toilet seat. Squeeze its open end and pop it loose into the toilet seat. It will clip into the toilet seat automatically.
- Seat with Clamps
Side fixing, front locking, and clipper seats are fixed to the toilet seat through clippers, bolts, clamping, or flanges. Among these, the clipper seat and front locking seat may have armrests.
These seats are considered great for younger users with no problem in balancing certain health conditions or mobility issues.
- Seat with Grab Bar
Raised toilet seats with side frames, legs, and base risers are the safest types of seats, especially for elderly individuals or the ones with difficulty balancing or suffering from arthritis.
A bedside commode is the best option for overweight individuals. It is available in sizes, widths, heights, and aperture sizes.
Step-by-Step Guide for Using Raised Toilet Seat After Hip Surgery
I was using the toilet after hip replacement surgery, is not easy. A little slip or imbalance can create a huge problem for these patients. Moreover, there is a higher risk of risk and fall incidents, especially for the elderly.
A raised toilet seat is designed to prevent undesired incidents. It is meant to protect the patient while using the toilet.
- Prepare Necessary Equipment
The patient might also need a walker and raised toilet seat during recovery. Remember that a patient may or may not need a toilet riser, depending on height. The patient can check it by sitting on the toilet seat before surgery. If posture maintains a 90-degree angle, a patient doesn't need any extra equipment for the toilet. But safety rails are still a need.
Purchase a raised toilet seat and install it. Also, the walker will provide support and balance during recovery time.
- Make Your Position
Transfer onto the toilet is another aspect to be taken care of. The walker should be facing away from the bathroom.
Now, gently extend your under-recovery leg by keeping a slower pace, shifting all the body weight to another leg. Remember to maintain a 90-degree angle when sitting.
- Transfer from the Toilet Seat
When you have finished toileting, transfer off from the seat carefully and slowly. By applying pressure on the side rails or any other strong support, push yourself up and grab the side rails.
Remember, pulling out on the walker would be dangerous as it will make it unstable. Begin to stand by grabbing the walker using one hand, then stand with both hands and maintain balance before starting to walk out.
Why its Important to Use Raised Toilet Seat After Surgery?
With technological advancement, various medical equipment is available to help in early recovery. Moreover, the comfort and support it provides during this time fasten the healing process.
When transitioning to home after hip replacement surgery, the healthcare professional will guide you about certain medical equipment. It helps the patient in various ways that include:
To Follow Maintenance Precautions
Doctors usually suggest the patient with hip replacement maintain a 90-degree hip flexion angle. This means there should be no bending when transferring off the toilet or grabbing items from the floor.
When standing up from the lower toilet, patients lean forward more than the recommended angle, which can increase the angle. A raised toilet seat works best by lowering the pitch during transfer.
For Weak Muscles
The muscles surrounding the body's largest joint weaken after total hip replacement surgery. It includes the powers of the hips and legs. For this reason, more pelvic and leg muscle weakness will enhance the risk of falls.
A raised toilet seat minimizes this risk and improves muscle strength for easy and safe transfer from the toilet seat.
Safety Tips for Toilet Use after Hip Replacement Surgery
These are a few important tips for the patient to be aware of while transferring on and off the toilet seat. This reduces the fall risk and repeated hip dislocation.
- Even if the patient has to use the toilet in a rush, it would be dangerous to make it quick. Be careful with your steps when transferring.
- The raised toilet seat helps attain the 90-degree flexion angle, but a patient could unintentionally break this rule when grabbing the pants from the floor. To avoid bending, use a dressing stock or reacher stick.
- Using a walker to support sitting and standing could cause leaning more than the suggested angle. Use grab bars, armrests, or other sturdy surfaces to sit or stand.