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When should I stop using my stick

Posted , 9 users are following.

jacqui94204
jacqui94204

Hey everyone,

I am 6 and a half weeks post op (posterior uncemented ceramic) and am just wondering when I should try and walk unaided?

I am using one stick at the moment but I am still leaning on my stick for support.

My worry is I had a limp for 3 years before having the op done, and I want to try my best to get rid of it.

If I try without my stick the I wobble side to side and have to go really slowly. Will it just be that one day I will wake up and be able to walk unaided or should I be practicing even if I have a limp.

Many to as in advance

Jacqui

0 likes, 24 replies

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  • jacqui94204
    jacqui94204

    Posted

    Should have said

    Many thanks in advance 😊

  • Chloeparrot
    Chloeparrot jacqui94204

    Posted

    Hi Jacqui I'm just short of 6 weeks post op and have been trying over the past couple of weeks to walk without a walking stick, with some success.  I also limped pre op (though only for a couple of years) and don't want to get back into old habits.

    I find that to walk smoothly, without limping or lurching, I have to walk slowly and clench my bum really hard.  The bum clenching idea came from my pt.  A bit odd I initially thought, but it does seem to work.

    Also, don't try to do too much too soon.  A little and often seems to be the answer, just try to do a little more each time.

    If nothing else, think what a lovely firm bottom you're going to have afterwards!rolleyes

    • jacqui94204
      jacqui94204 Chloeparrot

      Posted

      Haha yes that's certainly a bonus ?? I've seen some videos on YouTube of people walking unaided at 3 weeks and it was getting me down. I was thinking, what can't i do this? What's wrong with me? I suppose I shouldn't compare, but it's so difficult not to

      Jacqui

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot jacqui94204

      Posted

      Yes I know it's difficult not to compare yourself with other people who seem to be doing so much better than you.

      I suspect we all do it, 

      Seriously, try standing on your own without your stick and clench those buttocks and see how you feel.  It might take quite a few tries before you manage to stand upright and not sway like a drunken sailor - I know I did, nearly made myself sea sick!  But I perservered and managed it, then I started walking.

      Give it a go and let me know how you get on.

    • jacqui94204
      jacqui94204 Chloeparrot

      Posted

      Okie dokie, I will try this every time I get up before I use my stick. 

      Can I just check with you.... I'm walking 10mins every hour round the house and garden, and doing my exercises X 4 a day. Does this seem enough at this stage? I also walk for 25 mins in a single walk every other day.

      i really should try driving soon....maybe this weekend ??

    • Chloeparrot
      Chloeparrot jacqui94204

      Posted

      Sounds good to me.

      Just a thought, are you doing the exercises correctly?  The only reason I ask is that I found I wasn't....

      I'm going to try driving at the end of this week too.

    • cathy21850
      cathy21850 jacqui94204

      Posted

      Hi Jacqui.

      sorry to hear that you were having a blue day. We can relate to you. Hope today is better. I am still using a cane after 3.5 months as I limp otherwise. Others have good advice about practising walking slowly and squeezing the butt cheek. My physiotherapy also gave me some adductor exercises to strengthen my gluteus. Just a suggestion but I would walk every day if you can. It's good exercise and getting out can lift your mood. You can also practice walking if there is a railing outside or inside putting your hand on the side of your good leg. I go along big a pier boardwalk and find I can walk straight without the cane.

      Take Care,

      Cathy

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK jacqui94204

    Posted

    When you feel ready - I used 'hiking poles' with antishock built in for some time after - a better grip position.

    • linda38528
      linda38528 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Great idea - I had forgotten about these RM! Thanks - this really makes sense to me as it helps manage weight balance which helps with limping.

      Just go slowly Jacqui - one day you will find yourself walking well although as all else with this journey, there will be days when you feel a bit of a relapse in this regard (tired or overdid it).

      Best,

      L

    • linda38528
      linda38528 jacqui94204

      Posted

      Xox.

      It is a rainy dull day here, but oh my we needed the rain. Sometimes I think the THR journey is the same - some days we just need a quiet (rainy) day for our body to say: oh yes that feels good.

      😊☔

      Hugs,

      L

  • Leslie4077
    Leslie4077 jacqui94204

    Posted

    Hi Jacqui -- I'm at 5 weeks and I'm still using a cane and even a 4-wheeled walker outside.  Without them, I start limping and I'm really trying to avoid that.

    When I do walk, I make sure I clench my glutes with every step -- If you're pushing off on the left leg, really clench the glutes (butt) of the left leg. Then as the left leg touches the ground and you start to push off on the right leg, really clench the right glutes.    I'm finding that is really helping me not limp and it's really strengthening all those muscles.  Might look a little strange so I do it lots at home or I have these long hallways in my building and I practice it there.  

    I've been doing some reading about that trendelenburg gait -- it's what I think I do when I try walking unaided and it is all about weak glutes and weak abductor muscles.  

    Leslie

    • linda38528
      linda38528 Leslie4077

      Posted

      My surgeon underscored the importance of these and not just for the short-term.

      It sounds as if you have been committed to your recovery and the work it needs - when I saw my surgeon last week, he complimented me on te same and noted that a shocking number of people do not not do the work and are surprised when the outcome is poor. I noted that I could not have faced him to ask for my second hip if I hadn't done as prescribed. He just smiled sadly and wished that more patients had the same attitude.

      Keep up the great work.

      L

    • jacqui94204
      jacqui94204 Leslie4077

      Posted

      Hi Leslie,

      I've been trying the clenching and wow, how difficult is that? I'm still on my stick and I'm 7 weeks in Friday. I went to see my physio for the first time yesterday, and she wants me to walk with 2 sticks for walking practice. Also I have got to add hip raises while lying on the bed (haha!!! These seem hard too and the clam exercise!!!!)

      So that's my focus for the next week until I see her again. I'm back on some pain relief now she's increased everything ??

      Oh and my knee on the operated side still feels at though there is a tight band around it, that can't be helping either

      Hope you are well,

      Jacqui

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