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Using walker vs cane after anterior left THR

Posted , 8 users are following.

diannesk
diannesk

Doctor told me I can now use a cane. I'm nervous about it since the walker is very stable. I used a cane a lot prior to surgery as I was in a lot of pain at the time and cane helped. (I didn't take any meds for the pain.)

I can stand easily now and walk holding on to something. Occasionally, after active day, feel less strong than earlier so the walker has been good.

Concerned about when I'm out of the house. Cane is great for getting in/our of car and some walking.

Wondering about other people and their experiences.

1 like, 17 replies

17 Replies

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  • michael11283
    michael11283 diannesk

    Posted

    Diannesk

    You say your doctor said you can now use a cane not that you must now use a cane. Go at a pace you are happy with. Use the cane for short trips where the walker is more difficult. But just remember that you need to build your muscles up so you can walk without any aids and the more active you are the better. But take it easy.

    Mike

    • diannesk
      diannesk michael11283

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply.

      I'm realizing it's not going be a quick recovery, especially with the walking.

      Outside is good with walker so I can sit when necessary.

  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup diannesk

    Posted

    Two weeks ago I went from two crutches to a cane and since last Friday, nothing.  Let me suggest you get a collapsable cane.  Just increase use daily till you feel you can walk without it then try on and off walking without it.
  • Mehab
    Mehab diannesk

    Posted

    If you are not already doing so, you could use the cane in the house and walker for longer community distances until you get more comfortable.
  • chris13920
    chris13920 diannesk

    Posted

    Hi Diane,

    You lose nothing by using your walker. As long as you are doing your exercises and putting weight on the leg, use the walker until you feel ready. I had my last hip replacement 2.5 weeks ago and people love to tell me that so and so was putting after 10 days. Well,, that is so and so. I have had three hip replacements and it goes how it goes. The most important thing is your confidence and safety. Use your walker and perhaps use the cane in your house where you have furniture you can grab onto. If you take a gradient approach, you can build up your confidence bit by bit. You will know when you are ready.

    XO Chris

    • diannesk
      diannesk chris13920

      Posted

      I've heard about the "so and so" people, too. Everyone is different. I'm not in a hurry and know it's important to do it right. Safety is my real concern. Doctor said walk, rest, and don't fall. I did have my husband take away the special toilet seat since I can now lean down with no issues.

    • chris13920
      chris13920 diannesk

      Posted

      Oh great! That is progress! I think because these surgeries are so widespread we forget just how invasive and what a big deal they are. They are not light surgeries and it takes time to recover. We have to take our wins where we can get them so celebrate the toilet seat success and look for other successes to celebrate!

      Yours,

      Chris

  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup diannesk

    Posted

    Everyone is different.  If you scan various pages on the web you will see different levels of progress achieved by everyone.  Your comfort is what maters
    • diannesk
      diannesk Ducksoup

      Posted

      That's exactly how I feel. Being "comfortable" eases the emotional stress of thinking something may be wrong. My walking is improving and pain is decreasing. (Added extra hour for taking pill this morning. No adverse effect.) Getting sleep helps, too.

  • Ducksoup
    Ducksoup diannesk

    Posted

    I still have sleep issues.  I have quit all pain meds and sleeping meds myself and switched to melatonin.  Before THR I slept like a log.  Should be only a few more days.
    • diannesk
      diannesk Ducksoup

      Posted

      I sleep a few hours at a time and usually fall asleep watching TV in the evening. Fortunately, I don't have be up early most days. Not thrilled with sleeping on my back so finish end of night sleep in the recliner.

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