I am getting technical today. I’ve had some questions regarding my post-op must-have supplies and tools so today I’ll share my Ultimate PAO Supplies List. This list is primarily for PAO patients, but many items are valid for pubic fusion patients, too. I imagine every doctor gives their patients a supply list before surgery (mine did) but there are tons of options and preferences. I started with pretty much everything that was on my list and have trimmed it way down to what works best for me, so I hope this is helpful for your success. Also, I’m including my own tips and tricks that aren’t on any lists.
Note – ZERO affiliate links here, one labeled referral link.
Handicap placard – Get this, even if you don’t drive and are only a passenger. If it is an option, get two. Put one in your main vehicle and keep one in your purse or bag.
Crutches – These are the most important tool to be sure you like. Do not settle for something uncomfortable or ill-fitting. If there is a place to invest, it is right here. A popular choice is Mobi Legs – I have a pair that I used after both of my ankle reconstruction surgeries in 2014, but I did not care for them. I found them to be cumbersome, annoying to make sure you have L and R straight (they are handed), and noisy. For my hip surgeries I took time to research and invested in Indesmed crutches from Spain. If it is possible to love crutches, then we are soul mates. They are incredibly light, perfectly fitted to me, silent, nimble, comfortable to use, easy to get in and out of a car, and not handed. I have the fabric straps across the fronts which make it easy to work in the kitchen – I just slide them up to my elbows and let them dangle. I never have to worry about dropping them and being stranded, unable to reach down to pick them up. Knowing I’d be using them for several surgeries, I opted for the carbon fiber version, but they come in a variety of colors and price points.
Wheelchair – I bought one and used it one time. Some people like one but it’s a hard pass for me.
Ice machine – I used this one after my first PAO and never again. It turned out to be more trouble than it was worth. It required someone to help me fill and set it up, turn it on, maintain it, etc. Too many cords and tubes. Too much hassle. Nah.
Ice packs – This was a much better solution. Get a bunch so you can rotate all day long. Mine are inexpensive blue gel ice packs – nothing fancy at all.
Toilet seat riser – Totally essential, make sure you get one that fits well, does not leak, and preferably with handles. This is the one I used. We ended up keeping it on longer than necessary because my daughter loved having the handles as she transitioned from her toddler potty to the real potty.
Reacher grabber tools – Get a few and spread them out. Not only will you need them for picking things up that you’re planning for, but you will drop way more than you expect, naturally in a place where you don’t have a grabber tool within reach. Plus, if you have kids, they like to play with them, so they tend to migrate. Super bonus points if you learn how to carry one while using your crutches like I did. That way I was never without. BOOM! (Tip – keep one next to the toilet for the inevitable times when your pants/underpants fall down to your ankles and you can’t reach down to pull them back up. BTDT.)
Leg lifter tool – Yes, this tool is a must! I foolishly thought I could get away with using a stretch out strap for this job, not wanting to fully invest in the identity that this piece somehow crossed the threshold with for me, but that was a no. Thankfully, my OT in the hospital gave me the one she taught me with. Plan to sleep with it in the bed with you, never to be lost or out of reach.
Chair cushion – Another must for me. Sitting after these surgeries is not comfortable for AWHILE. This is the exact cushion I bought but it is no longer available. Get something similar. I still use mine because it is so comfy.
Shower chair – This is very helpful. While sitting doesn’t feel great, it is safer than standing and risking a fall. I liked the adjustability of this chair. Plus, it makes shaving legs a lot easier.
Giraffe razor handle – Speaking of shaving legs, I appreciated this tool. While shaving legs isn’t necessary, I found that self-care like this helped me feel a lot better. It also felt good to be able to do something for myself, even if it took 5 times longer than normal. Adding to the self-care perks, it also felt good to get pedicures when I was able to get into a nail salon chair. Reaching my own feet was out of the question for a long time.
Shower head – If you don’t already have a shower head similar to this, consider taking the time to swap it out. Having the hand-held unit and ability to lower it to the bottom so it was within reach while sitting on the shower chair made showering a TON easier. Plus, the ability to switch it to massage mode felt good on itchy healing incisions and areas of nerve damage.
Smart watch – Carrying a phone while on crutches is not easy. Some people carry a fanny pack, but that doesn’t seem reasonable for every time you get up, for example to get to the bathroom. My solution was to invest in a smart watch. That way if a call came in or I needed to call for help – to family or medical help – I had a device. Safety first!
Sports bra – Ladies, this is the BEST stash pocket ever! Sorry guys.
Sling bag – Swap out a shoulder bag purse for a cross body solution for awhile. It is easier for walking with crutches.
Tall socks – Were you sent home with DVT prevention compression sleeves, aka “leg sucky things”? Get some fun thigh high tall socks and cut the feet off. Wear them under the sweat inducing sleeves and change often.
Charging hub and long cords – Set up your recovery space for success. I wanted my devices within reach and charged so I got one of these and then made sure to have long cables.
Blanket – Total splurge here but I wanted something extra cozy since I’d be spending a lot of time with it. This blanket is delicious!
Pillows – Have a lot of them. Getting and staying comfortable in bed is a huge challenge, especially early on. Having pillows to wedge here and there is helpful.
Bed – My bed has remote controls to adjust it into a billion positions, similar to a hospital bed. This made getting up a lot easier in the beginning. I’m mentioning this in case someone happens to be in the market for a new bed, otherwise never mind. It is a huge overhaul to change beds.
Zero G chair – I had heard of others enjoying a chair like this so I got one. It turned out to be too difficult to get in and out of – I probably should have gotten a kids size. I used it maybe three times post-op but we use it all the time outside now. You can see it in this image:
Slip on shoes – Forget being able to tie your shoes for awhile and get some slip ons. Beware of flip flops – they are easy to catch on things and leave toes exposed. My BFF busted a toe while clutching around after her second PAO. Ouch!
Macrostax – It is easy to pack on pounds after surgery due to the instantly decreased activity level. I used this app to rework my diet and adjust as I regained mobility. I never put on weight and was able to make sure I was getting what I needed nutritionally for best healing.
Comfy bottoms – This is totally a preference thing but pants and underpants are a challenge for awhile. I have a few pair of loose, “easy to put on with reacher grabber tool” pants that I wear when going out, otherwise I wear boy shorts from MeUndies. I have a membership referral code if you’d like 20% off.
First Aid Kit – Update it with extra large bandages, 4×4 gauze, Tegaderm, etc. You may want or need to change bandages.
Phone List and Protocol – This is an important safety item so I am including it in this list. DO THIS! Make an emergency phone list and have it pasted someplace accessible by everyone in the family. You are a major fall risk. Go over exactly what to do if an emergency arises so everyone is prepared.
I have another post with thoughts on preparation beyond what you’re reading here. Please take a look!
That’s all I can think of right now. I’ll come back to edit if I remember something I’ve forgotten. I hope this is helpful! I would love to know what you find most useful, and also what items not listed here are/were your go-tos for success.
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Such a great post! Here are some things I would throw out there too!
Grabber: I was not nearly as coordinated as you! My husband made me a necklace out of a stretchy gauze material. It was light and could stretch when I needed to get things and then go back to its initial size. I was even able to wear it to the bathroom, or around my neck for cooking.
Comfy Chair – I did a La-Z-boy recliner. I lived in that chair and there was enough space for snuggles from my little one.
Slip on shoes for sure! They make the most sense and getting your shoes on by yourself is always a big win!
A list of movies/shows/podcast, so you are prepared for all the downtime.
What a good list!
Ooooh, great adds! The necklace sounds so cool! I bet the recliner was great. My butt didn’t like sitting so early on I gravitated to the bed in Zero G mode. Thank you for sharing!