How long before the second stick or crutch goes?

I stopped using a cane at about 6 weeks unless out in a crowd or going a distance in which case I sometimes used my walker (ex., full day conference with lots of walking and standing).

As you say - t is very individual. In my case I am waiting to get my 2nd THR so that was a factor in my recovery (slowed me down).

My physio always emphasizes that the right time is when you feel confident walking without AND can walk without a limp. If you cannot walk without the limp, think about walking more slowly and deliberately down through your heel and through your toe. As another forum member reminded us, also try to imagine a string pull taut from the top of your head to help your posture when walking.

From other posts, it sounds as if you are doing fairly well ... just be careful to avoid over extending yourself. Part of the restrictions to protect the soft tissues which take a while to heal and reattach well to the new hip and it takes way longer than we would like.

Take care and be kind to your body!

L

Hi, I ditched my crutches just after the first week & bought some trekking poles instead, they are so much better x

Hi Jixipix, I'm 6 weeks post-op and still use a cane.  I sometimes walk around home with nothing but usually use the cane.  Today I was shopping in a mall for an hour or so and used my cane.  If I go out for a long walk, I am still using my 4-wheeled walker.  I find I can walk fast and well (with no limp) when I do that.    Somehow I still just don't feel strong enough to go without anything.....that will come, I am sure.     I might follow Fernlady's lead and start using my trekking poles outside.....we'll see.    You'll see from all the posts here that there really are no timelines -- it's whatever feels good for you.  Good luck!

Good comments and I can find myself in all of them -

After 1st THR my then physical therapist wanted me to go solo as soon as possible - that might have been a mistake, but I didn;t know any better -

After 6 months I had 2nd THR - different PT told me to use walker until I saw surgeon for follow up appointment - I was walking with a limp and unbalanced - was not even allowed to furniture surf inside -  

]It is easy to fall back to pre-surgery walking -

do you have physical therapy?  There are great videos on you tube about walking correctly after THR ... 

one day and one, correct, step at a time darling

how are you doing otherwise?

big warm hug

renee

Hi and thanks got some wonderful comments, I have tracking poles

so may try those soon. I'm doing ok but really feel I want to do things

right rather than too quickly. I've had one physiotherapy session,

where I've been given lots of additional e xcercises. My next session

will actually be on my 6 week post op date. The surgeon corrected my

Leg length which was shorter pre op but now pretty well balanced.

I've struggled against fainting with low bp since the op, one faint

Caused them to re xray the hip but all was ok. Each day sees a small

Improvement, but I battle post op tears which I know us nothing unusual.

I've had some brilliant advice on here, certainly going to look at food

And vitamin supplements. The next 'milestone ' for me will be the end

Of the anticoagulant drug, which makes me feel really sick! Roll on Aug 3!

Right, had better get on and do scar massage, bed, chair and standing

Exercises then go for my first walk. This feels like a full time job! Be well

Hipsters!! Janine xx

Mostly because I would get up wander into the kitchen or whatever and remember I was supposed to be walking with a stick and have to go back and get it!  

Then used trekking stick. 

Five and a half weeks now and yesterday took my dog out for Two and a half mile walk without stick or trekking Pole, mostly flat but two small steep hills!  

The information I was given was to reduce to one stick by week 3-4. And stop using one stick if you can walk as well without it as with it. For me that was about week 4. 

I am 51 yrs old and previously fairly fit. 

Already walking better than the last few weeks before the LTHR. Probably should have been using a stick then!  Limping about. No limping now. Only when tired and I think that is more learned habit than anything.  Soooooo glad I had the opportunity of this Opperation, will not hesitate to have the other hip done when it needs it. Probably next year. 

Take care and do it at your own pace. 

Sending healing Fairy Dust. Very effective!  🌟💫

Hi jixipix,

Im 7 weeks today and still walking with a stick. Just listen to your body and you can't go far wrong.

Had my first physio session this week and I asked should I do a few steps unaided even though I limp to try and retrain myself, she said absolutely not!!! That's telling me then ??

I'm not rushing as I had such a dreadful limp for 5 years before I finally decided to have the op, so my muscles were all out of sync and pretty shot before anyway.

We will get there!!!

Keep smiling ??

Jacqui

Jacqui