Farewell crutches, you've served me well

Hi Georgie, You will get your confidience back, it will just take time. I know exactly how you feel, my THR was done after an accident, prior to which I had been very fit and active and earlier that day had been exercising a young, spirited chestnut mare. Due to misdiagnosis I spent a few months in agonising pain and unable to walk, consequently I was terrified when it came to walking unaided. I also have big, bouncy dogs, one a 35kg pup so that added to my fear of being knocked over.

I am 4 months post op and still use either a stick or my pacerpoles to walk round the fields as the ground is very uneven and the pup sometimes forgets he has brakes ;-)

Take your time, day 8 is early days so gain your confidience around the house and take a stick, even 2, when you go outside. Big hugs, Dot.

I saw the consultant yesterday 8 weeks post-op, and he looked very surprised when I walked in using two crutches...he said' are you still using those?' So I told him the physio had advised me I needed to use them until I saw him, because 'that is what he wants his patients to do'. It came as a surprise to him, and he more or less told me they have probably held me back a bit, as I still have pelvic tilt, possibly linked to using two crutches for so long........so like you, I have now ditched the crutches, but also like you, feel a little bit apprehensive about not using them after so long! It must be so much worse for you after four months ......but I'm sure we'll all get there in the end. Wait 'till I see that physio in a fortnight though......she'd better watch out)

Best wishes and best foot forward

Barbara

I am still not walking far unaided after 7 weeks, still use my stick outside . I do try to walk round the house withou aids but it is still qute painful.xx

i am 5 weeks post operative and using one crutch but physio told me to strengthen the operated leg.  I have to stand on one leg holding the kitchen top with as little amount of fingers as possible and hold positiion for a minute to strengthen the leg and get the body used to using it. I can walk unaided for a little while but take a crutch and stick out with me outside.  

Day 8 sound very early to let go of crutches. I'm told by physio 5 weeks with 2 then on to one before review.

They are all so different so its probably best to listen to our bodies.

It's amazing isn't it all the different advice for after care? I had crutches for two weeks ( I was on crutches for a year before the operation as I couldn't hardly walk at all) then sticks. I'm down to one stick but I find that very annoying after 10 weeks post op. It seems so many people throw thema ll away much sooner. I don't use the stick much indoors but still getting burning down the back of my thigh.

Good for you!

I think having the courage to walk unaided will be hard for me as well. I had an auto accident June of 2014. This past year I was wheelchair bound for 4 months, the walker, then cane, then back to walker and wheelchair because of avascular necrosis. This led me to my recent THR.

But it has been a long year of not walking unaided and now I feel very uneasy. I am able to bear almost full weight with my walker. But I still fear the possible pain in the back of my head. I guess it will all come within time.

We are all so different. It's so interesting to hear how other people are getting on.

I was determined to walk unaided to see my consultant (today!). Last Thursday it seemed a possibility, but I must've done something - heaven knows what - and I could hardly put my foot on the ground. It's improving now, but I'll walk in to his surgery with my stick. Yuk!

Got to remember to go around more carefully I fear!

Xx