2 weeks post op

What kind of approach did you have done??

Hi Shape... I hope yr well.

I think this q's is based on the individual really. I used my walker in the sospital 2-3 times and the next time I turned arounf the Physios put crutched by my bed and I stayed with these till I left.

​Have you been using crutches as well or just the walker? Did they allow you t take the waker home?

​I think in the hospital I went to they were speeding patients to 'recovery, recovery' so a swift move from walker to crutches was what they wanted to see. However this is not a good method for everyone and I suspect plays a part in the rate of dislocated hips returning as ppl think they can do more then they really can due to the responses of the Physios.

In essence, see how you get on with crutches, if you do feel unsafe then stay with your walker but I think also work with the physios to move you on from the walker.

​Good luck.  

What does your surgeon say? I would check with that office with all important questions regarding recovery. In my opinion and experience, I would say that you should be using a walking aid until you can walk without a limp. You don't want to overstress your surgical leg and all of the trauma that was done to it during surgery too soon. Let things heal. Sometimes, too, if your other (the "good") leg has to do too much to overcompensate for post-surgical weakness on the surgical side due to not using a walking aid enough or getting too much exercise even with an aid, the "good" leg can start to have problems/pain.

So, in these early days, try to take it as easy as you can to allow for healing. Healing cannot be rushed, but if you over do it, you can delay healing.

If your incision follows up the side of your hip and partially across your buttock you had a posteriror approach. The recovery is a least a few weeks longer with this as some big muscle groups were removed and reattached to insert the prosthesis.  It takes months to regain your full strength after this. And every case is different when you add up different variables. I used the walker for a month. I didn't have a choice. I was very uncomfortable until about week 5 out and then when I started walking more with the crutches I developed trochanteric bursitis. That set me back another 3 weeks. I was told to rest and ice and take Motrin. Everyone is different. Take your time. Use what you need to use and don't overanalyze everything you read. You will know when the time is right for your progression to crutches and then a cane. Best of luck to you. Slow and steady goes the race.

Hi Shapeezee, 

warm welcome to our hippies forum where we share our personal experiences and stories-  you will find openeness and honesty and will realize that you're not alone , we have gone through it all ...

First thing : do not compare yourself to others - we all do, but still, it is such an individual journey ..

I was advised to use a rollator (4 wheels walker/trolley)  instead of crutches because I live alone and had not too much strength in upper body - 

At 12 days it is pretty normal to walk with an aid - be it walker or crutches - I walked with my walker for a long time, especially outside - took it with my in to supermarkets - 

Let us know how you are doing otherwise, okay - we are here for you !!!

big warm hug

renee

Are you getting physical therapy?  

 

I am two days ahead of you at 53 and this is my second one. I am still using two crutches although I "furniture grab" around the kitchen. I have got rid of the toilet riser but still use all my other aids.

Everyone will tell you that healing is not a race and normal is what is your normal.

Walking without your crutches or walker at this stage is just putting more pressure on the joint. You need to support it while the prosthesis beds in

Normal or not, it's how you are - the one thing you get to realise is that there is no normal in THR recovery.

I put the walker aside and was weight bearing on the day after my surgery - but not everyone can.  Then I needed sticks for absolutely ages, in fact right up to 10 weeks when I had my revision surgery following the discovery that my ceramic liner was not in the correct place.  Then I was on sticks (and on my back for sleeping) for a further 6 weeks.

Your recovery will differ from others, it depends on your pre-op fitness, age, surgery approach, surgeon's skill, and good old fashoined luck.

As Renee says, don't compare yourself to others.

Best wishes

Graham

I think everyone is differant, I had a walker (zimmer frame) for 2 days in hospital and then 2 walking sticks. My hospital doesn't give hips crutches. Im now week 9 this Wednesdays and I have not used any walking sticks for 3 weeks, but a man I was in hospital with is still on his walking sticks. Im 56, he is 72. So I feel everyone differant. It will happen when you can and when your ready or you hips ready. Take it slowly, its not a race.

X

Hi Shape! I'm 44 and I'm on day 10 and using a walker, still don't feel like I can do the crutches thing, but today I should start trying them on rehabilitation. I'm still in hospital because here in Okinawa is normal to stay in for longer periods. They don't discharge you just like that, they make sure you are out of risk of getting infections and being able to walk.

I let you know how that goes. In the meantime we can be Walker buddies!

Have an awesome day/evening/night!

Paula, Okinawa, Japan

My surgery was 11/19/2015 I came home with a walker I used walker for about 2 weeks then a cane for about 10 days then I have been walking ever since. I'm 52

I think it's different for everyone. I have my scar on the side. It's quite small - about 4 centimetres. But that all depends on the approach. I was not given a walker. Had two crutches on discharge, but was walking with only one after a day or so at home. Then dispensed with that altogether after about 3 weeks except for public transport. I did a lot of PT which helped. I'd say take it easy and do what feels right for you. It's not a race.