Plastics - recovery tools

OK all you experienced plastic folks, I have a couple of questions.  I am having a tummy tuck and inner thigh lift on June 9th with Dr. Bergman.  I am looking for a walker and a raised toilet seat to aide in my recovery.  Any idea where I can get these items?  Can the walker just be rented?  It is getting really close to surgery time, and I am getting more nervous with each day that passes. Thanks in advance. Tina

i have one you can use. it was jims moms and as long as we get it back you are welcome to use it

 

vicki

That would be wonderful!  Thank you so much.  Just let me know where/when I can meet you to pick it up.  I live just south of Indy, but work downtown. BTW, my dad had Dr. Diaz, too.  He had surgery 8/7/07, and has lost about 110 pounds so far.  He really liked Dr. Diaz. Tina

Tina...I'm curious, why do you think you'll be needing these items? If you aren't using either one now, I wouldn't plan on using one then either. I had a TT w/full abdo and a Thigh  lift in September (also with Dr. Bergman..she rocks!). I did not need either of these due to the plastics. I would guess that it would be worse on you if you did use them in fact since walking is so important after a surgery...especially a long one. The more you walk, the less chance of your developing a blood clot. Sherri

Sherry, Some others had recommended that it could be useful to have the walker when getting up/down from a sitting position so that I don't have to put that stress of helping lift me on my mom (she has a bad back).  The raised toilet seat was brought up to eleviate the stress on the inner thigh incisions by no having to squat so low to sit. Tina

Tine, Everyone is different but honestly, I didn't need either one and trust me, no one was helping me get in & out of my chair or off the toilet (does yours sit lower than the standard household ones?). You might want to talk with Dr. Bergman or her nurse about it. But like I said..if you aren't using it now, I can't see where you'd need it then.  Good luck either way. Sherri

hello! i don't think i have ever posted on this board before - i mainly post on the pregnancy board and just lurk other places. i wanted to let you know a couple of things, though. i am a nurse on a surgical floor and frequently do patient teaching with the use of walkers. one common misconception is that the walker will help you get up from a sitting position. in reality, you should never rely on a walker to help you stand up. they are not stable enough, and this is how a lot of falls happen - patients end up falling backwards because the walker cannot hold them. to use it properly, you should use something else to get to a standing position - push yourself up off the bed. then when you are up you can use the walker for balance. another thing... if you still fell like you will need the use of a walker, your doc can write a script for it. good luck with the upcoming surgery!

Tory/Sherry, Thanks for the info.  Looks like I won't be needing these after all.  Good to know. Sherry, is there anything special you did to facilitate recovery for your thighs.  This is the part that I am most concerned about as I have read alot about wound seperation on the thighs.  Any helpful hints on how to keep as comfortable as possible and help the recovery is appreciated. Thanks, Tina