Accommodations after hip replacement surgery
September 14, 2014 6:20 AM Subscribe
I have just had a total hip replacement (one week ago) and am recovering beautifully. I am female. I am supposed to use a toilet with a raised seat and have installed one in my primary toilet at home. I am theoretically allowed to go to a restaurant, but if they don't have a "handicapped" toilet (with a raised seat), what should I do? Can I only go to a restaurant that has this?
I have an extra raised toilet seat (similar to this) that I haven't even opened yet (for my second bathroom, which I use rarely but might have to sometimes) that is called "portable," but would it be insane to walk into a restaurant carrying my own toilet seat?? (in a large bag, but still).
I would like to know if anyone else has had experience with this sort of thing. I'm supposed to need the raised toilet seat for the next 5 weeks or so, but have a couple of occasions coming up that I'd like not to have to miss. Thank you. (oh also please don't suggest those cone things that you put up against your body. I don't trust them! (or, rather, myself with them)
I have an extra raised toilet seat (similar to this) that I haven't even opened yet (for my second bathroom, which I use rarely but might have to sometimes) that is called "portable," but would it be insane to walk into a restaurant carrying my own toilet seat?? (in a large bag, but still).
I would like to know if anyone else has had experience with this sort of thing. I'm supposed to need the raised toilet seat for the next 5 weeks or so, but have a couple of occasions coming up that I'd like not to have to miss. Thank you. (oh also please don't suggest those cone things that you put up against your body. I don't trust them! (or, rather, myself with them)
If you needed a cane for the next 5 weeks or so, you'd use one, right? Or a walker? Or if you sprained your elbow and needed a sling? This is no different.
Me, personally, I'd go with a gift bag or a big purse. I have a good friend who had a hip replacement last year (at 35ish!) who I wouldn't be surprised to hear she wore a raised toilet seat as a necklace when going out to restaurants. But that's her personality.
You do what you have to do to take care of yourself, while still living your life. As the book says, everybody poops. It'll be ok!
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:05 AM on September 14, 2014
Me, personally, I'd go with a gift bag or a big purse. I have a good friend who had a hip replacement last year (at 35ish!) who I wouldn't be surprised to hear she wore a raised toilet seat as a necklace when going out to restaurants. But that's her personality.
You do what you have to do to take care of yourself, while still living your life. As the book says, everybody poops. It'll be ok!
posted by The Almighty Mommy Goddess at 8:05 AM on September 14, 2014
I think the above advice is great! Really unless you walk in holding the box or a clear plastic bag, no one will ever think to guess that you have a toilet seat in your bag.
That said, if you don't want to schlep it around with you, you could easily call the restaurant in advance and say that you're going to be dining there and do they have a handicapped accessible restroom with a raised toilet? If you're really embarrassed, say that you'll be dining with someone who has that need. Restaurants get calls with offbeat questions like this all the time, they won't bat an eye and they certainly won't remember you when you come in later as a diner.
Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
posted by telegraph at 8:11 AM on September 14, 2014 [5 favorites]
That said, if you don't want to schlep it around with you, you could easily call the restaurant in advance and say that you're going to be dining there and do they have a handicapped accessible restroom with a raised toilet? If you're really embarrassed, say that you'll be dining with someone who has that need. Restaurants get calls with offbeat questions like this all the time, they won't bat an eye and they certainly won't remember you when you come in later as a diner.
Best of luck with the rest of your recovery!
posted by telegraph at 8:11 AM on September 14, 2014 [5 favorites]
This is purely my (70 yo male with anterior/front approach surgery) experience, but I found after the first couple days I didn't need the raised and/or railed seat. This was especially true if there was a hand hold to assist in rising, which handicapped accessible restrooms provide. Ask your doctor or physical therapist.
posted by uncaken at 9:05 AM on September 14, 2014
posted by uncaken at 9:05 AM on September 14, 2014
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