AROUND THE HOUSE
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TOILETS
New hemi's soon learn that we have only one side to sit on; many of us have literally fallen into the toilet at first!!! Don't despair, for this ridiculous and awkward situation improves with time as you find a new center of gravity and learn how to balance.
Sockets are made to accommodate the male anatomy, so men are able to urinate with their prostheses on. We gals aren't so lucky. For us, if the socket crosses over the midline and covers the opening of the urethra it will be necessary to remove your leg to use the toilet. Disabled toilet stalls should allow enough space to do this. If the socket has been cut out below, and sufficient clearance is given to pull the crotch of your underwear out of the way, it's possible to urinate without removing the leg. If this is an important issue for you, discuss your options with your CP. Be aware however, that you might have to sacrifice support and areas of weight bearing for this convenience. Both sexes usually find it necessary and more convenient to remove the leg for a bowel movement.
Our sockets fit tightly around our bodies and may press on our stomachs, bowels and bladder, interfering with normal digestion or urination. Chemo or radiation therapy and massive surgery may have caused problems with bladder control or bowel function. You are not the only one who has problems in this area and some of us are willing to discuss these problems with others. Adjustments to the socket may be helpful. Don't be afraid to discuss these concerns with your Doctor and CP.
"Nerve damage from my hemipelvectomy and radiation caused chronic problems with stomach aches and constipation. I've dealt with this problem by taking fiber supplements and a low fat, high fiber diet. Exercise has also helped" Coreen HP
"Eating smaller, more frequent meals has helped in problems with bloating while I'm wearing my leg. Dinners are usually eaten more comfortably at home with my leg off. Becoming dehydrated through sweating can cause constipation, so drink lots of water. Avoid caffeine drinks which can irritate the bladder" Christina HP
There have been
a few rare instances when a colostomy and/or ileostomy has been performed along with an
amputation. This has been done for massive trauma, infection, or to resect invasive
cancer. Fitting a socket which will accommodate these complicating factors can, and
has been done successfully. If the socket ends below the level of the stoma, this is
usually not a problem. If the socket extends higher up, a template of the stoma is made, and a hole is cut in the socket. This will allow one
to wear the prosthesis with the collection bag remaining outside the socket.
SHOWERING AND BATHING
Safety is the issue here for all of us. The combination of wet, slippery floors and crutches may spell disasterous falls. Be sure that all bathroom rugs have a non-slip rubber backing. Rubber mats and/or non slip appliques are essential inside your tub or shower. Depending on your personal situation, installation of grab bars may or may not be needed. Most have found that a rust resistant chair or stool is helpful. It is not necessary to spend a fortune on these. Check out your local Rite-Aid, Savons, K-Mart or WalMart, all of which carry a variety of adaptive devices for the home. Rubbermaid products are usually practical and inexpensive. A hand held shower head, or one that can be adjusted to variable heights is very useful, or the new "shower snake" by Teledyne Pik. These can be found at your local plumbing outlet or discount stores and are easily installed. If you're planning to remodel, be aware that there are a number of flip down or permanent shower seats available which can be built into your bath or shower.
KITCHEN
Forgive me Martha Stewart, but forget about what looks pretty, and make it convenient for your needs. Place frequently used small appliances where they are most accessible. Pull out shelves on rollers are a wonderful convenience and can be used with both crutches and/or your sound foot. Many types of roller drawers are available in most home improvement stores and are easy to install.
Bending down to reach a stove or shelves is difficult and awkward both with crutches or prosthesis. Many stoves and microwaves can now be placed at more convenient heights and options exist about top, bottom or side by side refrigerators/freezers. Take the time to determine what works best for you and shop around before you buy any major appliances.
A sitting stool by the sink or counter may make it easier for meal prep and clean up with or without a leg. A small wheeled shopping cart can be a help in getting groceries from your car to your home rather than trying to lug heavy bags.
LAUNDRY
The shopping cart comes in handy here as well instead of trying to haul laundry baskets around. Better yet, train your family to deposit laundry by the washing machine. A sitting stool in the laundry area can help when folding sheets and towels. Don't forget you can iron sitting down by adjusting the height of your ironing board.
HELPFUL TOOLS
A variety of helpful tools are now available to make your life easier, everything from reachers, portable, flip down shower seats and wheelchair ramps, to shock absorbing crutches and shopping bags for crutches and walkers. Some items you may have never even thought of. Talk to you Physical or Occupational Therapist about your specific needs, and they should be able to offer a variety of solutions found in the Rehabilitation Care Catalogues. Other resources for helpful products are listed in the Non-Prosthetic Options section.
