Reddit mentions of AquaSense Portable Raised Toilet Seat, White, 4 Inches

i've just found this. maybe something like this would help you.
https://www.amazon.com/AquaSense-Portable-Raised-Toilet-Inches/dp/B005IV0DDA/ref=pd_day0_c__4/132-8590526-0798960?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B005IV0DDA&pd_rd_r=f507eccd-58b6-11e9-ba44-5b53f8bf2b96&pd_rd_w=Xu470&pd_rd_wg=I6dmc&pf_rd_p=fda7cfe5-3364-4578-ae5e-ac4ab3645932&pf_rd_r=S7J697SBSXT72PE1M8Q4&psc=1&refRID=S7J697SBSXT72PE1M8Q4

> ..clam shells..

Of everything, I think these helped me the most pre-surgery. Everyone's FAI is different, but these really helped my strength. I recommend doing them with a resistance band above your knees.

> Do you recommend renting a CPM? Would you go with a hip brace looking back?

No, and no. :)

The CPM was a "nice to have," especially in the first week after my surgery when I didn't want to move/do much. However, if you have access to a stationary bike, I much preferred it. I started biking (0 resistance) after my first PT appointment, while I was still on crutches. For me, it got me out of the house (my husband had to drive), back into the gym (my happy place), and felt more productive than lying in a CPM for hours. The bike is a perfect substitute for the CPM. Note that you have to use an upright, not recumbent, bike; the recumbent places too much weight/stress on your hip.

I was so grateful not to have a brace, and I never felt that I need it. I did have to wear a knee brace for the first 24 hours, which forced me to keep my leg 100% straight. It made me want to DIE and the relief of stripping it off was immense.

I did have a set of 'anti-rotational booties.' These were neoprene wraps that went over your feet, fastened with Velcro, and then were velcroed together by a strap. I was supposed to wear them as much as possible, and absolutely while sleeping. These were... weird. I was super grateful to have them, because I did not have the strength to hold my leg straight/keep it from rotating out sideways. But after the two weeks, I was ready to chuck them right through a window. I was so sick of having my feet trapped while I was asleep and couldn't wait to be free of them.

> I used to do a lot of yoga but have scaled back to a handful of times a month (out of pure laziness). Do you do it anymore?

I don't, aside from the occasional warm up stretches before I lift. This was mostly due to laziness, but it also took a very long time for my flexibility to come back. There is a lot of scar tissue to break up, but there's a fine line between working on ROM and pushing a newly repaired joint too far. I found it VERY hard to be patient.

> Thank you again for the information! I really appreciate it!

Do you have any other questions? I'm happy to answer anything you can think of. Here's a few other things off the top of my head:

• Crutch pads. I found these very helpful, especially for my hands. I had these Crutcheze pads
  
• I also bought a toilet seat lift. Incredibly embarrassing, but basically essential. You will NOT be able to bend your hips into a 90 degree seated position after the surgery. I can't imagine going to the bathroom in that first week without something like this. Here's mine
  
• In addition to the anesthesia, I had a nerve block in my operated leg. This took FOREVER to wear off, and it took me a very long time to regain full feeling in my leg. I've heard that a lot of people worry that this is permanent nerve damage, but it absolutely does go away... eventually. I think it took 4-6 weeks to fully wear off!
  
• I had a mild allergic reaction to the adhesive in the dressings the surgeon used. My skin was red, rashy, and even blistered when I took the dressings off. This is probably unique to me, but I recommend having some gauze and medical tape on hand just in case. I couldn't even use bandaids because my skin was already so inflamed.
  
• I had pretty serious painkillers, but got off of them ASAP - about 3 days post-op in my case. They make you crazy constipated, and I did worry about addiction. I started taking tylenol instead and it totally controlled my discomfort. DO take any antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers you are prescribed, though!
  
• A few days/a week after your surgery, you will get cocky. Don't. I tried to go down the stairs a week after my surgery and almost fell... but my favorite sweatshirt was down there and no one was home to help me. Seriously, don't be me :)
  
• My surgeon also had a list of supplements that he wanted me to take post-op. My list included Vitamin C, glucoasmine, and fish oil. If you don't already have a list, ask your surgeon or his team if they have any recommendations.