what can I do for my DS who has a broken leg?

[runner2]

DS broke his leg last Sunday and had surgery yesterday. As he has to keep his leg elevated for another 1-2 weeks I am wondering how to help him with the pain he is having at the base of his spine (his tailbone) - caused obviously by having to lie down/sit up with his leg up and extended 24/7. He is having regular pain relief anyway but it doesn't seem to be helping with this particular aggravation. Any advice please?

[MidMay]

Sympathies OP (DD had surgery in the summer). Can he lie on his side with cushions under his knee to elevate his leg?

[runner2]

Unfortunately he is so immobile and in pain at the moment that turning on his side is impossible . I'd do anything to help ease things for him

[MidMay]

Bless him. It's so hard when DC are poorly. You'd do anything to swap places with them. Hopefully someone will come along to suggest other options.

[flutterby77]

Memory foam? Might make things more comfortable.

[happydays00]

What about a doughnut type pillow/cushion to take pressure off the tailbone? Or as PP has said - memory foam?

[NattyTile]

It's really important that he finds a position which takes all his weight off that part of his body. Yes he needs to keep his leg elevated, and yes, moving is sore, but you need to get him into his side or his front even for 20-30 minutes every few hours.

Otherwise, that pain he's feeling is going to become a pressure sore, and they can take months to heal.

If he really really can't do that (assume you're not in hospital any more? Did they not turn him in hospital?), then you could go to a medical supply company and hire a pressure relieving mattress for a few weeks - an air flow or ripple mattress will blow up different sections at a time and make sure that no part of him is taking the weight for too long.

[runner2]

He absolutely can't move onto his side or his front and no, they made no attempt or even suggestion to move him in hospital. The doughnut type cushion sounds a good idea - something to try initially anyway. Does anyone know where I can buy one of those? I need it pretty urgently...

[happydays00]

runner you can get them on Amazon prime so next day delivery available - can't seem to include a link but just type "doughnut pressure cushion" into the search and it will bring up lots of options. Hope he feels better soon!

[runner2]

Thanks for the tips. I have got him a brilliant cushion from Cane and Able Healthcare which has a cutout that relieves the pressure in that area. DS isn't using it all the time but it is helping