Walking unaided

I never used crutches! After first operation in the house with walker. But when I was cleared to drive so I could go to rehab facility, I used a cane. After the second operation, I decided to use a quad cane in place of a walker. And I used that quad cane the first week after I was driving myself to rehab; but I soon switched to regular walking stick! 

Hi Hilary,

Whether or not you try to walk unaided in the house all depends on how you feel. There is no set time so we cannot tell you if you should be trying it or not. If you can do it confidently and without pain or discomfort then by all means give it a go. I was walking unaided (not intentionally) after 2.5 weeks. I would suddenly find myself in the bedroom having left my sticks in the bathroom but I didn't plan it, it just happened.

Dont do anything you don't fell comfortable with, or causes you pain but you also need to push yourself a little bit more at a time. That's how you know you are progressing, by these little achievements.

Good luck and keep us posted 

I'm going on 20days post op and for the first two weeks I used the walker. As I began to feel more confident I ditched the walker and now have been using the cane, however, when I do my exercised I do a,bot of practice walking th no aid to help with my gait and strengthen my thigh muscles it is uncomfortable but I don't over do it.

My scars I have three are pretty noxious, my husband lovingly refers to it as my Frankenstein leg

Hi Hilary,

My best advice to be safe is to ask your doctor and/or your physical therapist. My personal thoughts if I were you, are that if I can maintain good posture and walk heel to toe without limping, then I would walk inside my house.

Sounds like you are coming along greatly! Keep up the good work and I wish the best for you!

💛 Dawn, USA

Hi , I am 11 weeks this week and wish I had kept a progress diary because you do forget . Don t think I walked without crutches then but only you can tell . Def didn't walk outside with them as I was told to use them for six weeks .my scar is large but it will fade . I am rubbing Bio Oil in it .

i do remember feeling worse at 3 weeks than I did at 2 .

it will get easier .

regards 

Mary

south wales

Hi Hilary

Where are you? UK or USA? there is a big difference, Ask your consultant and go by what he says.

I'm in the UK and the majority of consultants here say........6 weeks abeying the 90 degree rule, sleeping on you back etc. After that you still have to b carefull.

As for mobility.....I've had 2 THR's and one I was given sticks {or canes in USA} the other one I wasgiven crutches.   Its your own preference.......when you feel happy enough stop using one etc but if you dont keep on using both until your 6 week check up and then ask

Love

Eileen   UK

Hi Hilary,  there are no set rules about walking with or without aid. I was just given two sticks when left hospital and like Ali, I would go in kitchen with stick and then come out and realise I had left stick in kitchen !  Listen to your body, it is the best advice. I am 8 weeks in now and ave been without stick for couple of weeks. Sometimes feel bit vulnerable when out but confidence is improving. Re your scar, hopefully nurses will let you know that all is ok. I had 34 staples so mine quite long.  You are doing fine. Remember it takes time to heal and build up muscle. God luck with dressing xx

Dear Hillary

Greetings....

As you can see scrolling thru these replies we are a very different group at healing and also get different medical advise!

And...listen to your body seems the key message, a seeking medical help if u need to. For me, it seemed about the time at 3 weeks that I stumbled round clutching backs of chairs...and now I carry 2 cups of tea upstairs at 5 weeks. Tired days in bed I still have too.

Slow and steady wins the race!

Gooduck

Mic

X

At 3 weeks I walked with one crutch and sometimes round the house without any at all.  I used one crutch when I went out up until I was 6 weeks post op.  Also 6 weeks is the magic time when you can bend over, but be advised by the nurses or physio or when you go for a check up, as we are all different.  My scar is a thin red line, slightly curved at the top, which is getting less red by the week.  Go with what you feel comfortable with but stick to the rules and you will get there before you realise it!

Hi Hilary and happy Easter! We are all at different levels! Well done you! I am on to one crutch! But also have added problem of my very bad knee! Which might have to be done at some point! I am a carer as well for hubby! So not easy! Carry on the good work! Regards Amanda

Hi everyone

happy Easter . Thank you for all your replies they are most helpful.

my niece who is staying with me over Easter is a sister at a London hospital and this morning dressing came off and a picture taken as I can't look behind!  Bio oil was applied and some loose gauze placed for comfort on top.  It feels easier and a bit itchy so I guess it's getting better.

Going to walk to chapel today 3/400 yards. With crutches but remembering to look up and walk properly.

another step for womankind!(excuse the pun)

regards

hilary

Cornwall

Hello Hilary,I can't advise you as I haven't yet had my operation but I want to ask you if you think I will be able to manage in the house on my own after the op.  I am not in UK ,although I wanted to be operated on by a most wonderful surgeon in Manchester,so I will be having it done in Greece...I live in a flat with big verandas all around so no stairs and I will be able to practise my walking both inside and out,the weather will be warm so I won't have to worry too much about lots of clothing,socks,shoes etc.I will have no after care,district nurses or the like(unheard of here!) but plenty of friends to do shopping,pick things up off the floor!  etc. Can you think of any major problem I may come across, seeing as you are now going through the experience?  Thankyou.