when could you walk unaided after thr
Posted , 18 users are following.
Hi all im 3 weeks post op thr and find im able to move more each day. Im using 1 crutch to wlk around the house but 2 if the pain is present I attempted to walk a few steps earlier but I had a severe limp and looked like a penguin according to my daughter lol my question is how long before eveyone was walking without crutches and without limping.Ive only been out once since the op to my mother inlaws and it totally wiped me out so havent felt ready to attempt going out again yet .
tracy xxx
3 likes, 23 replies
debbie28087 tracy196868
Posted
jan06056 debbie28087
Posted
Hi Debbie🙋
Brilliant that hat you are doing grea!
Im on my second THR in 18 months, and 6.5 weeks post-op. I haven't used anything around the flat for the last 10 days but use a crutch when out as a safety blankie, probably.
Having read your post, just a word of caution if I may. DONT waddle! If you do you will end up with the dreaded cowboy style sway where you are rocking a bit sideways before you actually go forward. I've seen this reported on this wonderful forum and in at least 4 cases personally.
It is so critical that you remain an upright posture as you move with each leg straight out in front (that's why lying down to stretch the muscles is paramount). You are now moving and setting the repairing muscles for the rest of their life so good luck in keeping more swan-like than duck!
Hugs Janxx🌹
toy29952 jan06056
Posted
First let me say thank you for sharing. I AM GLAD YOUR NOT IN PAIN. TOMORROW will start my 5th week.and I am still using the Walker. cant walk by myself yet. One leg is still longer than the other the dr. Says it will go away. It hurts sometimes to stand straight. Or trying to walk on it alone.
Did. You smoke?
lyn1951 toy29952
Posted
You can check for yourself if one leg is longer than the other and how much, or close.
Dr's saying it will correct itself is OK if it is just muscles and pelvis tilt, but if it is actually longer it can cause you problems.
I know I have 3/4 inch difference and it has been a nightmare, problem in my case is complcated by natural 3/8 inch below my knee, and then the Dr added to that.
Can you lie down on a bench seat or boardroom table, strong dining table, something flat and hard.
I'm not going to suggest the floor as getting up is the problem, now this is where you need a second person.
Lie out straight, you need someone to check you are in a straight line through your shoulders hips, knees and ankles, 2nd person looking from your feet end, adjust if necessary. Then plant your feet flat on the table, and draw them up towards your bum, knees in air, feet still flat on the table, again 2nd person check and see if you are straight, if you see can see a differnce in your knees its lower legs, but if your friend can see a difference from the side its your upper leg.
This method was used on me by a private orthopedic surgeron after mine denied there was a problem, i kept insisting there was, my own surgeon never even used this method as it eliminates any issues with pelvic tilt i believe.
Maybe physio's can confirm my opinion.
Finally I had mine confimred by LONG LEG XRAY, from floor to above pelvis, even x-ray operator said you have a significant difference there while I was still standing in the x-ray machine, and before he did the actual measurements.
I solved my discomfort in the end by getting a shoe lift for the opposite foot, for the 12mm the surgeon has given me, or close, rather than the natural difference which i have always had.
graham6764 tracy196868
Posted
Hi Tracy.
You seem to be doing great.
I have passed 13 weeks the and feel 99% 😃
In answer to your question I think I have been walking without aids for about 4-5 weeks now and walking stronger every day still a bit slow when I get to my feet but once I get moving walking well again.
I did get tired easily for the first 4-5 weeks but that eventually goes, keep up the excersizes and do as much as you can without over doing it.
Good luck
Graham.
lyn1951 tracy196868
Posted
A hint - look up clam exercise, its wheree you lie on you non-operted side and pull your knees up so you are not quiet 90 degrees, put a cushion between your knees for a start, hand on the back of your hip palm down, undies help with placement, thumb outside about and inch behind the side seam line, then try to lift your knee, almost impossible for me for months as I was not doing it correctly, but physio showed me how to recognise the gluteus minimus muscle was twitching, you will know when you find it with your palm., for me the cause of months of limping that I could not get right.
wendy04447 tracy196868
Posted
Hi I'm on day 19 TKR I have been on one crutch since last Wednesday but can walk round hse with none when I got less swelling. I don't think I will ever walk without a limp but it's early days .
janet86017 tracy196868
Posted
Everyone is different but this was my experience.At 2 weeks post op I was without crutches in the house(no stairs as I live in. Bungalow)A t almost 4 weeks I went down the road maybe 200yards with my husband with crutches.Progressed from there,sometimes overdoing it!!
Go at your own pace.You will get there.No rush
Janet x
judith12644 tracy196868
Posted
Hi Tracy, take it steadily. I didn't try to walk unaided at 3 weeks. I used 2 crutches outside for the first 6 weeks, went all over the place with them.I wasn't in any pain. ( People are really good at moving out of the way, and also offering their seat on the bus and tube ). I used 1 crutch around the house until I had my 6 week physio. At that appointment, I did my exercises that I'd been practising at home. She watched me walk unaided, and gave me some tips, say 1,2, as you walk and concentrate on not limping. Don't let your shoulder drop on the operated side. She said I was doing well, then discharged me, without my crutches. That felt v weird. I'm now 12 weeks, and just limp a bit after a long walk.
Wishing you all the best.
chloebo10 tracy196868
Posted
Hi Tracy I'm 5 wks post op and I've been out for two short walks with my little shitzu first time wasn't to bad so thought I'd go further on my next one but my muscles and bottom of my back was really hurting me so I've just stuck to one crutch for now, as everyone is different and heals in there own way but have been on a few long walks with just one crutch. Wishing you all the best & hope you get there soon.
dave63380 chloebo10
Posted
Hey Chloebo, you're only 5 weeks, I was still using one crutch til at least 7 weeks. I'm at 11 weeks now and walking the dog about a mile a day, I still take the cane for safety support, but don't really need it. I have a black and white shitzu, he's my partner in this recovery! Makes me walk every day.
dave63380 chloebo10
Posted
dave63380 tracy196868
Posted
Hi Tracy, I'm at 11 weeks RTHR, you are still very short time. I used one crutch til maybe 7 weeks and I still use cane for mile walk with dog. Don't be in any hurry to give up the crutches. You can still get exercise without causing yourself excessive pain. Your not helping your recovery by overdoing it. I found the one crutch on opposite side from surgery helped the most. You are still healing / 3 months is considered the timeframe for a hip, so the surgeon told me, and you will still have work to do for a strengthening.
I had both knees replaced two years ago, very different from hip recovery, but the concept that it just takes time is the same. Took a year to really regain strength and feel 100%.
Work at it daily and you will see steady improvement, if something causes pain don't do it! You will get there.
elaine23679 tracy196868
Posted
I went from being a Penquin to an Orangutan,,, now more like a lopsided stance due to injury on my ankle.
early days for you, do the exercises and walking everyday will help little and often......
hope4cure tracy196868
Posted
It depends on age depth of injury from bone on bone loss of padding .
If possible before surgery stay in shape . I tried but I was younger first THR was walking 5 weeks out with cane, and 6 weeks no cane.
second surgery was in wheel chair for 3 weeks before surgery . Was up both times next day and out of hospital in one day second time and home 3 days in hospital first time.
take your time don't over do as you heel. Remember major surgery is not a walk in the park without lots of help.