Top positive review
15 people found this helpful
5.0 out of 5 starsTIPS AND TRICKS – Pre-Op thru 1st 4 weeks of recovery
ByTonion April 15, 2017
The scooter works great and folds up to go to the doctor. I wondered why it had that gap in the saddle/seat. The new leg braces have large pumps on the front that need a place to “fit” when you’re on the seat. Never try to "carry" something if it does not fit in the basket. Also, I found the brake line sometimes caught on kitchen cabinets as I rolled by (annoying), so we secured it to the basket with a twist tie. Do NOT be tempted to coast downhill on the handicap ramps and use the brake, you’ll fly over the top. The brake should be used for holding the scooter steady as you get on/off.
There was so much I didn’t know about being immobile - 4 weeks since major foot surgery, and I’m still 100% reliant on the scooter, so I’d like to share what I’ve learned about this process, as my friend was nice enough to do the same for me:
BEFORE your surgery-
Get the scooter and ride it for several partial days BEFORE surgery. Are you able to use it to roll into the bathroom? Is there room to turn it around to get out of the bathroom? This took a little practice. If you cannot get in and out of the bathroom due to space, will you use crutches or walker? PRACTICE, women in particular sometimes do not have a lot of upper body strength, crutches/walkers can be tricky. Are toiletries (and refills) within reach? Is your toilet high enough if you are only on one foot and lowering yourself? Will you be able to get your foot/leg wet in the bath? If not, how are you keeping it dry? Will you need a seat in the shower and a hand-held shower attachment? (I use the cheap one we bought for the dogs, for shower seat, one with a back works better). PRACTICE getting in/out of the shower/tub.
Can you get in and out of your bed easily? While in bed, will your recovering limb be out of range of a spouse rolling over it or a pet jumping on it? If you can’t sleep because you’re uncomfortable, is there a book/TV within reach to occupy you? If you have floors, plan your pathways and remove rugs, dog placemats, etc. The scooter rolls over carpets, but it’s definitely more work. Can you maneuver the exterior doors to let the dogs out or accept a delivery? Can you make a circuit around the interior of your kitchen/bedroom, etc, without worrying about backing out of spaces?
Will constantly getting up on one leg to mount the scooter from a sitting position begin to irritate the knee on your “good” leg? Have a lightweight knee brace available when you come home from surgery.
Day Before Surgery-
Pack your scooter basket. What will you need to carry in the basket after surgery? Right now, mine has bifocals, reading glasses, a Tervis water glass in a plastic vase so it doesn’t fall over and dribble, a breakfast bar, hair clip, dog snacks for bribes, Kindle, iPad, phone, pain reliever. Do NOT try to “carry” something if it does not fit in the basket. Do you need to be able to reach something in a lower cabinet like a trash bin? Can you still reach it with the scooter in the way?
Arrange your “lounging” spaces - Can you reach your favorite refreshments in the fridge? Ice packs for your foot/leg? What about quick snacks when there’s no one there to help you? Do you have spare pillows on your bed, couch, or favorite recliner in order to keep your foot above your heart? Are chargers for phone/iPad and TV within reach? A spare blanket/fan if you’re sensitive to temperature changes? Are the shower toiletries within reach and the shower chair in place? Is there any music or Audible book you might want to download?
If you do all of the above, you should be in good shape for your “down time”!
Other products I found useful for recovery:
NOVA Medical Products Toilet Safety Rails (Sold by: Nova Medical Products)
Padded Bath Safety Seat with Backrest (Sold by: CompressionStockings+)
Flexi Freeze Refreezable Ice Sheets 3 pack (sold by Amazon)