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Using sticks

Posted , 14 users are following.

Lama22
Lama22

Hi

I'm 5 weeks now and while I can more or less manage stickless in side I need one stick when I go out anywhere.

how long is it before I walk more 'normally' without sticks? Once driving, will I need to take sticks out with me?

Realise it's different for everyone- but I would have thought I would be there by now. Legs still feel very heavy and slow but I am walking and exercising.

Met a friend who told me her husband threw his sticks away after 2 weeks- didn't want to hear that!

Thanks Fellow hippes

1 like, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • kevin85498
    kevin85498 Lama22

    Posted

    Hi Barbara,

    i am 5 weeks post op and on one crutch out walkies then practice during the walk a few yards at a time not using it. Getting there at my pace as am just one of those who repair slowly. I've read some pushing hard, hd an accident which then set them back, so you take your time, your heading in the right direction at your own pace and recovery level. Doing well. smile

  • mic71403
    mic71403 Lama22

    Posted

    Hey Barbara

    Good luck...and as everyone else says go at yr own pace.

    At 6 weeks I'm pretty much crutch free...and at 5 weeks was not!

    As I wrote earlier I'm taking a stick to London at month end for confidence and balance.I'm also buying some walking poles at darts farm in topsham.

    Some say 2 weeks...others 9 weeks....sounds like u just fine

    Mic

    X

    • Lama22
      Lama22 mic71403

      Posted

      Thanks mic

      I have heard walking poles are an excellent form of exercise. Gives the arms a good work out too!

      X

    • linnet2015
      linnet2015 mic71403

      Posted

      Hi Mic

      I have been away and must have missed your post about walking poles. I have been thinking about buying some as they are supposed to increase the benefits of walking. Any advice would be great.

      Linnet x

    • mic71403
      mic71403 linnet2015

      Posted

      Hi Linnet (singing so sweetly)

      Glad things are going well....

      Yo...at 6 weeks post op today I'm delighted at my healing and indeed just enjoyed my first hot bath.

      Friends have advised nordic walking poles for country walks. I've tried a few and am delighted with the new Leki poles I've just bought, plus arranging an hours tuition on using them effectively. They give the support I need in the countryside but also give a good cadio workout too.

      Mix

      X

    • linnet2015
      linnet2015 mic71403

      Posted

      Hi Mic

      Thanks for the info.

      Wow I haven't had a bath yet as I was told to wait until 12 weeks post op. So next week will have the candles and perhaps a glass of wine ready. Showers are great but nothing so relaxing as a bath. 

      I like the idea of the support Leki poles seem to give especially if you want to walk in the countryside and more uneven ground.

      Linnet x

    • Lama22
      Lama22 linnet2015

      Posted

      Hi linnet and Mic

      Baths, walking poles..,.its the way forward!!!

      Good weekend to you both, warm wishes

      Xx

  • mic71403
    mic71403 Lama22

    Posted

    Hi Barbara,

    Yo, bath was wonderful: I was going to have it this morning but getting worried about getting me out: so feel the fear and do it anyway, as my Uncle Pat used to say, and jumped in - and getting out was much easier than I thought.

    ecologically, aim at one or two baths aweek, mostly shower, but nice to be back in business!

    Have a lovely weekend

    mic

    x

  • ali2301
    ali2301 Lama22

    Posted

    Hi Barbara,

    I'm 6 weeks post op and have been walking pretty much unaided for about 2 weeks indoors but still take a stick when I go out, mostly because I still have pain in my right hip which needs doing to. Don't compare yourself to others as we all go at our own pace.  Whilst you might not be as quick to leave the sticks behind as some others, you will also be quicker than some. It's a very individual thing as no 2 people are the same and no 2 surgeries are exactly the same either.

    You are doing amazingly well and don't let anyone or anything make you feel otherwise. 

    Keep up the good work.

    Ali xx

     

    • Lama22
      Lama22 ali2301

      Posted

      Thank you. That's really useful and very kind xxx
  • lindabowles
    lindabowles Lama22

    Posted

    Hi Barbara, the simple answer is - when you feel ready and confident to do so. There is no time scale with this op. everyone is different. You are doing well so don't worry xx
  • barbara17317
    barbara17317 Lama22

    Posted

    Take a stick out with you until you feel confident and ready to give it up.  Its not a race.  I had my op in December and I am taking one of those fold up walking sticks with me when we go on holiday in June, just in case we have done a lot of walking some days and my legs feel tired and in case I need some support.  I feel fine at present and can walk normally without any assistance, but on holiday you tend to do more walking if you do any sightseeing, so I would rather be safe than sorry.
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