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One Crutch or Two - upon release

Posted , 13 users are following.

susie74530
susie74530

I had always understood that THR was a three day stay in hospital, possibly extended, should there be the need.  It now appears that rather than being released and walking with the aid of just one crutch, or a walking stick, depending upon the pre release assessment, most patients are expecting to be released with two crutches.  Is this the norm?  So much contradictory info on thie site, I am finding.

1 like, 33 replies

33 Replies

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  • Thursday_Next
    Thursday_Next susie74530

    Posted

    One thing to remember about THR is that there are no rules or national protocol.  Different hospitals and different surgeons and even different surgeons within the same hospital have their own likes and dislikes, hence patients being on different drug regimes, some give physio and exercises to be done at home, others don't, some do not get their patients up as early as others, there is different lengths of time before they let people drive, etc, etc.  Some surgeons prefer their patients to remain on two crutches outside, others are happy for you to go to one crutch or to walking stick.

    You really will not get any definitive answers on anything to do with THR.  I don't think I've heard of anyone leaving hospital on one crutch or walking stick though. 

  • maggie93798
    maggie93798 susie74530

    Posted

    Even if you find when at home you do not use the second crutch much, I would take it. You will need it when you go out for your walks
    • susie74530
      susie74530 maggie93798

      Posted

      Good point.  There is furniture that I can use to steady myself when carrying items from one place to the other.

      Ian's most recent post covers what I have been saying about fitness for a long time, and that should stand me in good stead for recovery.  Very ipiortant to keep up with the pre op physio exerises, particularly the stretches.

  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK susie74530

    Posted

    I started day 1 with a walker

    On day 2 I was given 2 sticks.

    I certainly had two sticks when released - wouldn'thae been able to walk with just one.  

    However, someone I know personally said she walked out of the same hospital (same surgeon too) without ant sticks, but they made her take one in her hand anyway.  She is vert small, her legs have much less to carry than mine have wink

    Graham

    • susie74530
      susie74530 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Hi Graham:

      Good to hear from you.  What you are saying is what I had always understood to be the case upon release.  The introduction of crutches came as something of a surprise.  Again, I think it depends upon the patient, their fitness and abiity to manage.

      I do have my referral date, which is in Bath on January 13.  Will take it from there, and what the consultant feels about y general condition, etc.

      All the best to you,

      Susie

  • Guest
    Guest susie74530

    Posted

    I started the day after my op to walk first with a walker and then with two crutches. I left hospital after 3 days on two crutches and only when myu confidence built up did I go down to one crutch and then to a walking stick. Love Gillxx
  • sharon09171
    sharon09171 susie74530

    Posted

    I don't think it's so much contradictory info, rather, as the medics are keen on saying 'everyone is different'. I've found it reassuring to discover that there are plenty of contributors to the site who have had my experience, whatever that is at the time. It's a question of finding our what works for you and ignoring everything other than the absolute rules like not bending the hip more than 90 degrees, don't bend low down etc. For what it's worth, I had two crutches, graduated to one relatively soon and right now, because I have a bad knee, occasionally use the two in my flat but find that one outside is much less cumbersome. You will soon find what level of support works best for you. Your hip and leg will tell you.
    • susie74530
      susie74530 sharon09171

      Posted

      Spot on, I think.  We are all different, and we all heal at different rates.  confidence comes into the equasion, too.  Very muchh if being aware of your body and what it tell you it needs.  If in doubt, shout!!!!
  • annedi
    annedi susie74530

    Posted

    2 elbow crutches for me - you gradually go to one and by 6 weeks hopefully none needed
  • billiemaw
    billiemaw susie74530

    Posted

    I walked on operation day with a walker, the next day I was given 2 sticks to walk with and I left hospital on day 4 with one stick, which I stopped using around the house after 2 or 3 days and outside after maybe 2 weeks
    • susie74530
      susie74530 billiemaw

      Posted

      Many thanks for the input.  It is quite amazing the different situations that have have been described to me:  two crutches, have to climb stairs with crutches although I have none in a ground floor flat and so on.

      In the final analysis, it is down to the individual patient who determines whether they can manage on crutches or sticks or a walker, etc.

      Many thanks,

      Susie

  • billiemaw
    billiemaw susie74530

    Posted

    It's a combination of the patients health, fitness and healing and the surgeons personal preferences. They are too many combinations and variations, I haven't seen or heard of 2 experiences the same yet!

    I walked with walker 2 hours after coming out of theatre, the next day I had 2 sticks and walked up and down the corridor a couple of times, then next day I was taught how to use the stairs with a walking stick. I was sent home with one stick, TED stockings to be worn for 6 weeks, injections to be had every day for 6 weeks and a box of 16 paracetamol!

    I had to stay in hospital for a fourth day unexpectedly as my blood pressure kept dropping.

    Prepare for the unexpected!

  • ScubaRob
    ScubaRob susie74530

    Posted

    I agree, it depends a lot on your physical condition and how you do while at the hospital.

    I'm a younger guy, and in pretty good shape. I was using a walker for my 2 day stay, then given crutches and a cane to walk around with by the therapist, and sent home with the cane as I managed all of their tests just fine with it.

    My surgeon left the decision entirely up to the therapist on what she felt was best.

    • billiemaw
      billiemaw ScubaRob

      Posted

      Hahaha they are all so different! My surgeon told me therapists were a 'bloody nuisance' and to do whatever felt right for me, and to just stop if something hurt. I ended up doing no physio at all, just as much walking as I could manage!
  • renee01952
    renee01952 susie74530

    Posted

    Hi susie, 

    I was advised to use a 4 wheeled trolley (walker) because I live alone in a small bungalow - trolley was a bit wider and took a lot of maneuvring about - but hey, it was doable and I could put things on the seat etc. use it as a seat at kitchen counter and also made walking outside easier for me - I felt more confident holding on to the bars but got cramps in hands because of holding on too tightly -

    anyway, same with 2nd THR - another, but also, small bungalow - I am a clutz, so to speak and would have knocked over stuff or perhaps even tripped - 

    oh, one more thing .... try to not furniture surf too soon in recovery - very tempting and easy to do ..

    you will find out darling ... don't worry too much about it right now ...

    big hug

    renee

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