THE FIRST WEEKS

Around the bed
Preferably lie flat on your back with legs spread apart and a cushion between them.
Do not lie on your side, and avoid too low and too soft a bed.
To get out of bed, pivot your buttocks towards the operated site, with legs straight and knees tight. Sitting on the edge of the bed, you get up with the help of your arms.

In the bathroom
Use a raised toilet seat and have a support bar installed to help you up.
Prefer the shower with a non-slip mat. If not, sit on a suitable board in the bath. Do not lie at the bottom of the bath.

Dressing
To get dressed, sit with the operated leg outwards, starting from the operated side. Do the same to cut your nails or clean your feet.
Use shoes without laces. Never get dressed while standing up on the operated leg. Do not bend forward to put stockings on. Use a long-handle shoehorn.
If not, use a stool about 20 cm high to rest your foot and put your shoes on.

In the house
Sit on high seats with armrests: avoid low, soft armchairs.
Use the armrests as supports to get up.
To pick up an object, use a helping hand to avoid having to bend down. If not, use the safety position: operated leg behind.
When going up and down stairs, hold a crutch on the operated side and the banister on the other side. Place your good leg on the first step, whether you go up or down stairs.

Driving
In the car, pivot with both legs tight to get in or out of the car. Move the seat as far back as possible.
Wait two months before driving.

Outside
Go out for a walk every day. Walking is the best rehabilitation. Avoid stamping your feet. Do not take long strides, even to avoid an obstacle.
At the beginning, prefer level ground. Do not carry heavy loads or bulky packages.
Take the same precautions as above when doing odd jobs or housework.
Use long handles to avoid bending down.