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Protect the surgical site from water if waterproof dressings are not used. Use a wet cloth to remove any tape on your skin from the waterproof dressing. Move both crutches, followed by the unaffected leg and then the affected leg into the bathroom. Let someone assist you with taking off your clothes and preparing the shower chair. With help, sit down on the shower chair. Turn on the shower and begin to wash yourself. Once you are finished bathing, turn off the shower and slowly pull yourself up from the shower seat. Pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
Most surgical sites have waterproof dressings so your doctor may already permit you to take a shower provided you take some precautions. But if they are not used, your doctor will advise you not to get the dressing on the surgical site wet as a moist dressing is a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms that could lead to an infection. To protect a surgical site without waterproof dressings, get a plastic bag and cut it so it just covers the surgical dressing (should be at least a few inches larger than the dressing). Make two plastic bag covers. The second one is a backup in case the first bag has any holes. Place the two cut plastic bags on the surgical site. Get tape and secure it. Make sure that a part of the tape touches your skin to prevent water from entering. If you cannot do this on your own, ask someone for assistance. You can also use medical or surgical tape, which can be purchased at your local drugstore. Almost all tape on the skin hurts when you remove them. Using a wet cloth on the tape will make it easier to remove the wet tape without hurting yourself. Do not to reuse the plastic bag covers as it may rip off upon removal of the tape. Use a new one each time you take a shower. Usually, your doctor will provide you with crutches after surgery to avoid putting too much weight on the newly repaired hip. Make sure your crutches are placed within reach in the bathroom so you can grab them easily after you're done showering. Having a family member, friend, spouse, or professional home care worker help you do this makes it easier for you to shower and prevents you from stumbling or falling. Make sure there is a clean, dry towel within reaching distance, such as on the rubber mat on the floor, just outside your bathtub or close to the shower seat. If you feel comfortable bathing on your own, instruct your assistant to stay outside of the bathroom where they can hear you in case you need help. Use a shower sponge with a long handle to clean your legs, feet and toes. Then, use the sponge to clean the rest of your body. You can stand up from the shower seat once or twice when bathing as long as you make sure that before you stand up, you dry your hands with a towel nearby and grab the vertical hand bars to support your weight. Make sure your hands are dry when grabbing the vertical bars or horizontal bars to avoid slipping. You can also have someone assist you as you get off the chair. When drying your body, do not attempt to bend down from your waist beyond 90 degrees and avoid excessive inward or outward turning of your feet when standing. Do not twist your body. Hold onto the horizontal bars and make small stomping gestures with your feet to dry them out.