Left anterior THR 4 weeks ago -- Walking without cane is difficult

For the last week I used the walker when getting up in middle of night (to go to bathroom) knowing I wasn't as steady as during the day. Once up, I parked it in the bedroom and didn't use it. Today we put it in another location as I really do use the cane only. I know that if I need it, it's available.

I have the same thoughts about walking straighter with it, otherwise it would appear that I was limping. Since I used a cane prior to surgery (when hip hurt so much), doesn't bother me to use it.

I'm not really worried about it, knowing that I can walk with it and will soon without it.

Fortunately, I am in Florida now so no issue with snow/ice. That's one reason I opted for the surgery here instead of NY. (We split our time between 2 places, as "snowbirds." I do get concerned outside with uneven surfaces but know I have access to the cane. Inside is where I'm working on "caneles" walking. Will do a little each day and I'm sure it will come along.

Dear Diannesk

I found that using two crutches allowed me to make a faster recovery than using just one.

It allowed me to walk without limping so my body got used to walking properly with a good strong gait, the load was better spread and my muscles gained strength more naturally. It also avoided harming my back by walking badly.

Cheers Richard

I did use a walker for that purpose but considering using walking sticks, just as I sometimes do when hiking. That would definitely help my gait and give me more strength.

When I had my first hip replacement in 1997 at age 55 I only needed one walking stick to leave hospital and tossed that I think a day later and proceeded to walk rough unmade up country paths. No exercises, no physio just walking. It was all too easy that time around.

Then the poly cup wore out at the twenty years and I had to have a new cup and enclosure and a new ball. The new ball was only needed because the original one had become abraided by the metal enclosure after the poly had failed.

That recovery was totally different due to the extreme bruising caused I suspect because I was on regular blood thinning tablets. It was not helped by having a cracked pelvis due to being thrown onto the floor of the ambulance taking me home from hospital.

I was not allowed to weight bear for five weeks to give my pelvis a chance to mend and as soon as I wa given the all clear I was off trying to make up lost time! I ditched the crutches within days which was actually too soon even though I was walking about a mile a day.

I realized that actually I was not walking well so I decided to swallow my pride and reverted to using both crutches when outdoors. Within a week I found that I was walking really strongly with no hint of a limp so the crutches were set aside and I've not used them since.

Sorry to ramble on but someone may get something out of it hopefully.

I should just say that I'm just a very grateful recipient of a replacement hip and a revision not a doctor, but then how many doctors have experienced this surgery and the recovery process themselves?

Cheers, Richard

I know your revision was tough, but is it not normally easier than the original surgery?

Dear Cliff

The actual surgery was not tough though it could have taken longer than did. This was because a replacement ball was needed and after my original surgery back in1997 the stem diameter was changed which meant that an adapter had to be fitted so that the new slightly larger ball could be attached. An engineer from the company was there during the operation to ensure everything worked!

The problem was being thrown onto the floor as the ambulance left the hospital. If this had not happened I would have been walking well very quickly.

My surgeon told me before the surgery that the recovery time from a revision is usually about the same as for a primary hip but my hope was that it would have been similar to the very fast recovery I had the first time but rather unrealistic as rather than being 55 I was 75!

Cheers, Richard

Thanks Richard. Out of curiosity what kind of workouts have you done to make your hip last so long. One of the reasons I put the surgery off so long was because I like to workout for 1-3 hours every day. I am afraid I will wear out the hip too fast. Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cliff 

Dear Cliff

No workouts but many days worked a fifteen hour day. Looking after sheep on a very steep hillside so lots of walking across slopes, picking up sheep, turning them over on their backs and restraining them. Lots of heave building work involving climbing ladders, stone roofing work, squrming into difficult places, climbing trees with a chainsaw.....

Cliff I'm sorry to say that if you need a new hip then get it done sooner rather than later and beware that it can very suddenly worsen. I've no idea how old you are but you will find a new hip should be like a new start in life.

Find a surgeon with lots of experience and just do it.

Good luck,

Richard

Thanks. I had it replaced 6 days ago. I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis 25 years ago. All of a sudden, this summer, I could no longer bike, or golf because of the pain. Also, I could not sleep at night because of the throbbing pain. I am 66 y/o. My recovery has been going well. I started walking 1/2 mile a day since I got home from the hospital. My leg swells up during the day from the hip to my ankle. I spend hours icing and elevating it to keep the swelling down. I appreciate your comments.

Cliff

Dear Cliff

You are doing well, congratulations! Out of interest what approach did your surgeon use?

Cheers Richard

Anterior.

Thanks Cliff.

Cheers Richard