Advice On Home Medical Equipment Required For Recovery

Couple of quick questions, Sunny. How old is your dad and is he in good shape…physically? I had a laparoscopic partial so my recovery was a little different, but the answers to these questions can help us provide quality responses.

Stub

90—wow! In that case, all the items you listed would be beneficial for him after surgery. Does he have one of those lifting recliners? Don't worry if he doesn't, but if he's like me in my recovery, he'll spend time in one. I slept in the recliner for a couple of days. Pillows will be helpful to pull into his stomach in case he sneezes or coughs. You'll want to have him up walking, so make sure he has a clear path to be able to walk. Pain med-induced constipation was a problem for me, so plan in advance just in case it's an issue for him.

I'm sure I'm missing some items, but others will chime in and offer suggestions.

Keep us posted—wishing you (and your dad) only the best!

Stub

I was 68 when I had my nephrectomy. I slept on a fairly firm and high futon in sofa mode, with lots of pillows. It was easy to get up, pushing myself up with one hand. My Dad had a nephrectomy at 88, but because he also had an aneurysm repair at the same time, he was kept in the hospital for longer. He had one rough day which seemed to be due to the anesthesia not wearing off, but after that he was stomping up and down the hallways of the hospital with us trying to keep up.

I think if you go for a recliner, rent one and have him use it for a while before surgery to make sure he gets along with it. The reason I didn't want one is because I always get my feet tangled up in them and I was afraid it would make me fall.

Been There, Done That, at age 64…18 years ago. You're on top of the list, but other suggestions might include permanent or vacuum stick-on hand-rails in Bathroom/toilet & shower area. Also, around any steps he would need to use. I slept in a recliner for several nights once at home, but was also in the hospital for 6 days because I had mets to other areas. He may be able to use a 4-foot cane; they stand there while he uses both hands. Get rid of tripping problems such as throw rugs without rubber backing.

Even with 1 kidney, it will continue to work and needing to go the bathroom, with an easy route to get there will help.

All my best as you take care of Dad.

donna_lee

Good to hear that he is doing well after surgery. Thanks for the update!

Stub