1. Community
  2. Operations and surgical procedures
  3. Hip Replacement

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

Posted , 9 users are following.

diannesk
diannesk

Using cane only for walking. I can easily stand to take showers and prepare meals. I can walk without cane if holding onto something (kitchen counter, table, etc) but not easily any other way. Wondering about when other people have been able to not need the cane for stability when walking.

2 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

Prev
  • julie40975
    julie40975 diannesk

    Posted

    Hi

    Why would you try and walk without your stick?  Don’t do it!  You will end up in pain and worse limp badly.  Just take your time.  As other folks have said take your own time you will know when you don’t need it.  I used two crutches for ages then went down to 1 for months.  I’m now 13 months post op and feel great.  It took me a lot longer than some people boast but who cares it’s not a competition it’s flippin hard work and for me it was a long journey.  So take your time be kind to yourself rest and sleep when you can and don’t forget those exercises!  Take care 

    Julie

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy julie40975

      Posted

      I must admit I never used crutches apart from in hospital, because I was rubbish with them. I also never used  anything in the house as it is small, so I furniture surfed instead. I do use a stick if I go out though and I am still rubbish at stairs. Luckily I do not seem to have had a problem with a limp at all, so I think it varies from person to person. 
    • diannesk
      diannesk ptolemy

      Posted

      I haven't tried too much yet with stairs. That's next on my agenda.

  • cliff1234
    cliff1234 diannesk

    Posted

    I am less than 1 week out. Feel good except for thigh pain. Not using crutches or cane inside the house. When I take my daily walks I use both crutches. I am not walking with a limp and feel stable. I am sure my doctor would like me to continue using crutches, but it is a pain walking short distances in the house.l
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy cliff1234

      Posted

      I never used crutches in the house as it is such a small house. Also I was not very good at using crutches anyway, so they have just lain in a corner getting dusty. I was never told to use crutches or not use crutches so I just did what I found easiest.
    • cliff1234
      cliff1234 ptolemy

      Posted

      I started getting this thigh pain yesterday. Did you get that?
    • RichardKen
      RichardKen cliff1234

      Posted

      Dear Cliff

      Considering what your body has been through it is hardly surprising. You have been pulled about perhaps muscles cut if posterior approach and you will need to rebuilt muscle strength all of which takes time.

      You can help your recovery by doing your exercises several times each day.

      Good luck, Richard

    • diannesk
      diannesk cliff1234

      Posted

      My doctor told me to use a walker for 2 weeks and a cane for 2 weeks. Of course, that time could be extended or decreased depending on my situation. I was comfortable with his advice.
    • diannesk
      diannesk cliff1234

      Posted

      Thigh pain could be due to many different factors. Remember that you had major surgery and your body is reacting to that. I was on pain meds at that time of my recovery so didn't experience the thigh pain, but have continued to have swelling. I use ice periodically during the day. Also important to not overdo anything at this point in your recovery. Elevate, too.

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy cliff1234

      Posted

      Hi Cliff, I was lucky and have not had thigh pain. In fact I was very lucky as regards pain. I stopped all pain killers apart from paracetamol three days after surgery. I think I may have quite a high pain threshold though.
Back to top
Prev

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.