Cane

[ouch]

First, sorry to ask so many questions, but you see, I have all this time on my hands, and I think a lot (he he)
Anyway, I know everyone's progress is different, but my husband is 5 and 1/2 weeks out and still using the walker. Is that right? They have started him walking between the parallel bars at p/t.
Also, what about pool exercies. Although he can't get in our pool yet, do they have specific excercises to do for your knees?

 

[Texas]

Please dont be sorry, we all did it....yes and the pool is GREAT . Ask your PT for excercises. . I do it and I love it. Takes a lot of weight off your knees, you can really do alot in the pool.............Maybe get him to crutches , then cane, you if he is comfotable do the cane. I just stayed by walls and things to make sure.....Good luck, you all are doing a great job........

 

[Surfsister]

Each person progresses at his or her own speed. It's not uncommon for someone to still be on a walker at five and a half weeks. He will probably progress to a cane soon or may just go straight to walking under his own power.

Don't try to overthink all of this, ouch. There's a lot of gray in the knee replacement area. It's not all a matter of black and white. The fact that some people have flexion that's off the chart irritates the hell out of me. Aren't I supposed to get that amount of bend too?, I think. Maybe yes, maybe no. Everyone is different. I guess what I'm trying to tell you is take a deep and let it be. You're being a wonderful and supportive spouse. But it's okay to take a step back and not worry about everything. Give yourself a break.

 

[Judles]

And make sure that scar is healed before going into the pool! Take it easy!!!

 

[Jamie]

Surfsister got it just right. Relax, hon. You're doing all you should be doing right now and hubby is just fine. Have another cup of tea and don't worry so much!

 

[Josephine]

Changing from walker > crutches > cane > nothing happens quite naturally in my experience. The patient will eventually find it irritating to be on one aid for so long and want to move on. Which is not to say the odd gentle nudge here and there won't come amiss but setting a time limit on it or adding it to the list of "shoulds and oughts" is usually counterproductive!

 

[ouch]

Jo - right on. I brought it up only because he was saying he is getting fed up with the walker, he said it feels like a ball and chain and this morning I saw him walking, without any aids, along the kitchen counter. Maybe 4 or 5 steps. We're getting there.

 

[Jamie]

Ouch, that is a really GOOD sign. Maybe this would be a good time to, as Jo said, nudge him toward a cane. You could take it to therapy and the PT can show him how to use it properly. If he was able to incorporate into his therapy session, maybe he'd be more inclined to make that switch.

 

[Texas]

Good for him...all in time !!!!!!!!!!!!He'll get it...They do get in the way, dont they ...ugh!!!!!