A trivial but genuine dilemma

If you lived near me I would recommend a visit to my daughter, she works in the NHS as a Podiatrist, but had a private clinic where she does the things that the NHS don’t cover and has just added pedicure to this service too.
Sounds to me like you need a Podiatrist, but you may not qualify under the NHS as they tend to see people who have a clinical need (that her than just cosmetics or because you can’t reach your feet), so you are probably best looking for a private Podiatrist locally and paying.

I found one of those 3-wheeled trollies very useful for going to the loo at night. Much less risk of falling, and easier than fiddling with elbow crutches.
I also used a tray trolley downstairs for transporting food etc. It was a big help.
If your local hospital doesn’t lend mobility equipment out, charity shops often have items for sale.
Good luck with your op. I had my hip replaced 2 years ago. It was quite painful for a while, afterwards, but well worth it I’m good as new now.

Do get knickers without elastic legs and I wore skirts for some time.

Hope all goes well with your operation, Aveline, and enjoy your feet being pampered, before and after.

Definatly chiropody .Comfort is most important ,while you are recuperating from the op.

I had a hip op nearly three years ago. I treated myself to an eyemask with built in speakers using bluetooth and found that I could drift off to sleep by relaxing and listening to plays etc. Sleeping on my back was tricky but I got used to it! I got a device which was a long stick with a sponge on the end for cleaning between toes. Only about £6 and brilliant for using when seated in the shower!

Crazygran, the sleeping on my back is driving me mad! I endorse the big knickers plan and the things I've found most useful are a raised toilet seat, a leg lifter for bed and car and a grabber!

Podiatrist pre op then to cheer yourself up after a visit to the beauty salon is worth the treat ?

I'm 4 weeks into recovery from a hip replacement. I've been having monthly pedicures at a salon for some years now as I can't reached my feet! Prior to my operation I had a pedi and a mani but no varnish of course. My beautician is very thorough with cleaning and clipping the toenails and removing hard skin so it was a simple decision for me. I guess it depends on what sort of condition your feet are in now. Good luck on both scores!

I KNOW you're not supposed to wear nail varnish and exactly why not to!!
reelashosser and sandelf thanks for your suggestions.

Podiatrist before so your mobilising post surgery is not compromised by any corns etc then a pamper pedicure after

Find a podiatrist who will do reflexology massage too. Explain you want a maintenance (ie not very short or fierce) nail and skin session, to be followed by a massage. That should set you up. Recently I found this lactic acid treatment that gives you smooth skin without work - it might be worth you trying. www.ameliorate.com/?thg_ppc_campaign=71700000065574345&adtype=&product_id=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkZiFBhD9ARIsAGxFX8B9LYXD9nx53VLdgh1Ya8D3N8iNFkTvQTUwFV2ml6HBuOzohkSpG2QaAjLzEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I had a very successful hip replacement in the October of 2019. I found elasticated trousers very useful, and recall that you are not supposed to bend down to your feet for some time after the operation. Therefore I was unable to trim my toenails or massage body cream into my feet as I normally do, and was absolutely desperate for a luxurious pedicure by January! My feet and lower legs were uncomfortably dry by this time. It was all worth it, though. Good luck.

Pamper yourself. However you will probably have to remove any nail polish prior to hospital admission.

No nail varnish is allowed when having an anaesthetic as oxygen levels in the blood can be spotted/measured in the nails and someone keeps an eye on that during the procedure

I do know that I won't be having nail varnish as I said in the OP!!
A medical pedicure sounds like the way ahead for me.

You definitely can’t have nail varnish when having surgery. I speak from experience! Why not have a pedicure in a salon and have your nails polished instead? I often use a buffer thing that has different sides, and with a bit of elbow grease make a nice shine so it looks like a clear varnish. You’d need to check a salon has these. Good luck with the op. I went down the no knickers and maxi dress as it was summer. Very liberating!

We have a lovely chiropodist who comes to the house. She spends about 1/2 an hour on my husband’s feet and it’s £30.

Love my regular appointments with chiropodist - feet feel so good afterwards.

If you have a Margaret Dabbs salon near you then I would definitely recommend their Medical Pedicure. Podiatry and pedicure combined, expensive but your feet will feel wonderful. Nail varnish is not included, but can be done separately in the salon if you decide you’d like it after your operation. Good luck!

JackyB

I think you are supposed to remove nail varnish before an operation (I read it Gransnet once). It would be a shame to spend money on a nice pedicure and then have to take it all off again.

So check this with your doctor. Maybe treat yourself afterwards?

Yes you do have to remove all nail polish before an op. It’s so that if there’s a problem with your oxygen or heart they can see straight away as your nails go a bluish tinge.

As you are going to have an operation, it might be that your doctor would refer you to an NHS podiatrist free of charge.
Maybe, maybe not. Worth asking?

We have a little spa/ salon in my town and you can go and get your feet all sorted, all the filing, creams massaged in, etc and you don't have to get polish if you don't want it. Maybe see if there's somewhere like that near you.

I find chiropodists to be a bit over zealous, cutting nails too short for comfort and drilling a hole in a big toe nail, to mention two experiences. I’d stick to a good pedicure. Good luck with the op.

The hospital will kit her out with a Mowbray probably. It’s a raised toilet seat with arms that you can hold to help you rise from the seat. Also bath/shower board if required.