Hip revision
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Hip2it2
member
Re: post op walking
Hi Danni
I've got to agree with haldox and Jaycey. Listen to your body, if you feel you need a crutch or a cane, use it, but just use it for balance as you continue to work on strengthening your walk, that is what I did.
My PT told me to ditch my cane before I was ready and I just told him, I'll ditch it when my body tells me it's time.
I limped for years and my family and friends tell me that I'm walking much straighter these days. When I was using my cane at the end there, I really worked on strengthening my walk and I was diligent about doing my band exercises to strengthen those weak muscles. That helped immensenly.
Take good care
Toni
Hi Danni
I've got to agree with haldox and Jaycey. Listen to your body, if you feel you need a crutch or a cane, use it, but just use it for balance as you continue to work on strengthening your walk, that is what I did.
My PT told me to ditch my cane before I was ready and I just told him, I'll ditch it when my body tells me it's time.
I limped for years and my family and friends tell me that I'm walking much straighter these days. When I was using my cane at the end there, I really worked on strengthening my walk and I was diligent about doing my band exercises to strengthen those weak muscles. That helped immensenly.
Take good care
Toni
United KingdomRe: post op walking
hi danni,
Good to see you are doing well. I'm nearly 4months and still use a crutch as I still limp a lot. still a lot of strengthening to do. like everyone has said before I would keep the crutch until you are walking better and have the confidence.
you're doing really well :biggrin:
Jyoti
hi danni,
Good to see you are doing well. I'm nearly 4months and still use a crutch as I still limp a lot. still a lot of strengthening to do. like everyone has said before I would keep the crutch until you are walking better and have the confidence.
you're doing really well :biggrin:
Jyoti
Juliep
graduate
Re: post op walking
That is too funny!! As soon as I was told how to use a cane (hold in opposite side of bad side) I would watch House and tell everyone that the shows medical advisors didn't show him right. LOL. When my PT came to the house first thing he said was "someone taught you correct way to use a cane".
That is too funny!! As soon as I was told how to use a cane (hold in opposite side of bad side) I would watch House and tell everyone that the shows medical advisors didn't show him right. LOL. When my PT came to the house first thing he said was "someone taught you correct way to use a cane".
Christina NY
senior
Re: post op walking
I walk with a bad limp without my cane. I cant see me getting rid of it anytime soon. 3 1/2 weeks post op now. I dunno why but my leg still feels like It weighs 100 lbs. I dunno if it is because of me walking around with such a bad leg for so long. I learned how to correct myself so I didn't walk with a limp and well the result is a totally twisted pelvis. Ortho said over time it will correct itself so for now I will just walk around with my cane getting funny looks lol. I went to the grocery store today and had so many people staring at me. So rude.
I walk with a bad limp without my cane. I cant see me getting rid of it anytime soon. 3 1/2 weeks post op now. I dunno why but my leg still feels like It weighs 100 lbs. I dunno if it is because of me walking around with such a bad leg for so long. I learned how to correct myself so I didn't walk with a limp and well the result is a totally twisted pelvis. Ortho said over time it will correct itself so for now I will just walk around with my cane getting funny looks lol. I went to the grocery store today and had so many people staring at me. So rude.
Re: post op walking
Ya Cristina I know what you mean about the staring. You know what gets me, people who rarely spoke to me up to now, stopping in very public places and saying, "what happened to you". Do they not think that I may not want to tell them my business, of course I am too polite and end up telling them information that I would really rather not.:hissyfit:
Ya Cristina I know what you mean about the staring. You know what gets me, people who rarely spoke to me up to now, stopping in very public places and saying, "what happened to you". Do they not think that I may not want to tell them my business, of course I am too polite and end up telling them information that I would really rather not.:hissyfit:
MaryW
new member
Re: post op walking
I think that it is extremely important to have your body in a balanced position while walking (no limping) and if it takes walking with a cane/crutch to keep your shoulders & hips perpendicular to your spine, then use the cane/crutch.....and walk walk walk and walk some more! Even if you are very slow, the more you move the better.
As for people's stares, I have some great advice: What other people think of you is their business. That was one of the best pieces of advice that I ever got :wink1:
Good luck!
Mary
LTHR 3/7/11
I think that it is extremely important to have your body in a balanced position while walking (no limping) and if it takes walking with a cane/crutch to keep your shoulders & hips perpendicular to your spine, then use the cane/crutch.....and walk walk walk and walk some more! Even if you are very slow, the more you move the better.
As for people's stares, I have some great advice: What other people think of you is their business. That was one of the best pieces of advice that I ever got :wink1:
Good luck!
Mary
LTHR 3/7/11
HippyGal
member
Re: post op walking
I'm at 5 weeks and I still use the cane. If I don't I WILL limp and depending on how tired I am I will limp badly. Today, when I was feeling all fresh and good, I walked with no limp across the room in PT. But, once I'd had 10 minutes on the treadmill, limp, limp, limp on my way back to the place I'd placed the cane.
I've heard from several sources to keep using a cane (for balance to keep the body straight, etc) as long as I'm walking with a limp. Once I lose the limp, I can lose the cane. I'm sticking with it until I can walk without limping.
People stare, yes. So what? People ask "what happened" and I just say "I'm fine, I had a medical procedure." and if they pry further I just change the subject abruptly. If they say "so what was the procedure?", I say "Oh, have you had medical procedures recently?" and get them to talk about themselves. If they say "No" then I say "Oh, that's good. Have you always been blessed with good health?" Typically at that point, they do not want to discuss themselves anyway and they go about their business. However, you NEVER really have to tell them what's up with your situation if you just turn the questions back to the person asking the question.
Twisted pelvis?--ah, so yours is twisted too? Mine is twisted towards the right (left hip blade turned pointing more forward and right hip blade turned more "open" or pointing outwards. It looks very strange on x-ray. When x-ray laying down, it's very strange, but when x-ray standing, it's "over the top" weird looking. I just had an x-ray to evaluate level of (lumbar)scoliosis I have (I suppose due to walking so many years with the bad acetabular dysplasia of the right hip and due somewhat to leg length inequality 1" longer right side). I am worried about the scoliosis because it's worse than I'd thought it was. Luckily, I don't have back pain associated with it but I am hopeful that I can get the "twisted pelvis" straightened out and the scoliosis as well.
Back to canes--I'll let you all know when I'm not using mine.
I'm at 5 weeks and I still use the cane. If I don't I WILL limp and depending on how tired I am I will limp badly. Today, when I was feeling all fresh and good, I walked with no limp across the room in PT. But, once I'd had 10 minutes on the treadmill, limp, limp, limp on my way back to the place I'd placed the cane.
I've heard from several sources to keep using a cane (for balance to keep the body straight, etc) as long as I'm walking with a limp. Once I lose the limp, I can lose the cane. I'm sticking with it until I can walk without limping.
People stare, yes. So what? People ask "what happened" and I just say "I'm fine, I had a medical procedure." and if they pry further I just change the subject abruptly. If they say "so what was the procedure?", I say "Oh, have you had medical procedures recently?" and get them to talk about themselves. If they say "No" then I say "Oh, that's good. Have you always been blessed with good health?" Typically at that point, they do not want to discuss themselves anyway and they go about their business. However, you NEVER really have to tell them what's up with your situation if you just turn the questions back to the person asking the question.
Twisted pelvis?--ah, so yours is twisted too? Mine is twisted towards the right (left hip blade turned pointing more forward and right hip blade turned more "open" or pointing outwards. It looks very strange on x-ray. When x-ray laying down, it's very strange, but when x-ray standing, it's "over the top" weird looking. I just had an x-ray to evaluate level of (lumbar)scoliosis I have (I suppose due to walking so many years with the bad acetabular dysplasia of the right hip and due somewhat to leg length inequality 1" longer right side). I am worried about the scoliosis because it's worse than I'd thought it was. Luckily, I don't have back pain associated with it but I am hopeful that I can get the "twisted pelvis" straightened out and the scoliosis as well.
Back to canes--I'll let you all know when I'm not using mine.
Christina NY
senior
Re: post op walking
I went to PT today (first out patient one) and they went over a lot with me. My body is twisted so they are going to adjust and try and get me back to the right postion so I can walk normal. I knew that was my main problem. They also said I was not putting weight on my leg. Most is on my good leg. I walked on my good leg for 10 years. I am not doing it on purpose it is just normal for me. They are having me coming 5 days a week for two weeks and then 3 days a week for how ever long I need it. I think they are going to work my *** off. They said I did not receive the therapy I should have gotten and I should have gone to a rehab. SO today they hooked me up to a tens machine on my hip and a massage machine for my legs. Then they did lazer treatment on my hip? They said it will bring down the swelling in a couple sessions. Looking forward to that. I go back tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Hopefully in two months I will be walking normal. I knew it would take me awhile just because of be waiting so long. Glad I did because I would be going for my second replacement in the next year or two but just going to take awhile to fix me now. I can say one thing when my other hip starts up I am getting it done asap. I dont want damage my body anymore especially since I know the outcome. The doctor just shook his head when he was examining me. So for anyone limping see if you can meet with a chiropractor! I can wait to be twisted right. I know it is going to hurt like hell but it will be worth it!
I went to PT today (first out patient one) and they went over a lot with me. My body is twisted so they are going to adjust and try and get me back to the right postion so I can walk normal. I knew that was my main problem. They also said I was not putting weight on my leg. Most is on my good leg. I walked on my good leg for 10 years. I am not doing it on purpose it is just normal for me. They are having me coming 5 days a week for two weeks and then 3 days a week for how ever long I need it. I think they are going to work my *** off. They said I did not receive the therapy I should have gotten and I should have gone to a rehab. SO today they hooked me up to a tens machine on my hip and a massage machine for my legs. Then they did lazer treatment on my hip? They said it will bring down the swelling in a couple sessions. Looking forward to that. I go back tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Hopefully in two months I will be walking normal. I knew it would take me awhile just because of be waiting so long. Glad I did because I would be going for my second replacement in the next year or two but just going to take awhile to fix me now. I can say one thing when my other hip starts up I am getting it done asap. I dont want damage my body anymore especially since I know the outcome. The doctor just shook his head when he was examining me. So for anyone limping see if you can meet with a chiropractor! I can wait to be twisted right. I know it is going to hurt like hell but it will be worth it!
Re: post op walking
Christina it sounds like you are in good hands. I think I have a similar problem as my pelvis was swaying towards my good side. I used my pelvis to step forward but my PT and most importantly I myself, are working very hard to break that habit. That is why he is keeping me on the crutch for a few more weeks to try and break the very bad habits |I had over the years. Good luck Christina.
Christina it sounds like you are in good hands. I think I have a similar problem as my pelvis was swaying towards my good side. I used my pelvis to step forward but my PT and most importantly I myself, are working very hard to break that habit. That is why he is keeping me on the crutch for a few more weeks to try and break the very bad habits |I had over the years. Good luck Christina.
Re: post op walking
Depending on how long you waited to get your THR it can take months for your muscles to balance and the tilt in your pelvis to even out. Don't get discouraged! Just keep at it.
Depending on how long you waited to get your THR it can take months for your muscles to balance and the tilt in your pelvis to even out. Don't get discouraged! Just keep at it.
sharonann
member
Re: post op walking
Hi Danni
Listen to your body - it'll tell you the right thing to do re crutches/cane.
I had to use 2 crutches all the time between my ops as I couldn't bear the pain in my left hip, with using them prior to the 1st op I was on them for just over 7 months!
After the 2nd THR I was on both crutches till 6 week check-up, then used 1 crutch for 2 days & then thought I'll try a cane just to see how I manage with it. Never went back on crutches!
At first I used it for a bit of weight bearing as it was so much easier to handle than a crutch, but after about a week I walked more & more around the house without it & just used it as a balance tool when I got up in the morning as I was a bit stiff.
Now I just use it when I go outside but again only as a balance aid.
I still limp though, but I think that is partly habit & partly muscle weakness. Once muscles are stronger & I can break the habit I'm hoping to walk normally again.
Trying to walk tall at the moment - a bit difficult when you're 5ft nothing! Oops - 5ft 1/2inch, I gained a bit after the ops! :th_heehee:
About people asking about what's happened to you. I've had quite a few strangers ask me what I've done when they'd seen me with the crutches - I just told the truth & said I've had a hip replacement, without fail they've always been interested in how things have gone & what the hospital was like. Probably because its such a common op nowadays that they either know someone who has had it done or is going to have it done!
I go along with the idea that if they're interested/caring enough to enquire about your health, then I'll be just as nice in answering them. Usually end up having a lovely conversation & a good laugh about other things too!
Hi Danni
Listen to your body - it'll tell you the right thing to do re crutches/cane.
I had to use 2 crutches all the time between my ops as I couldn't bear the pain in my left hip, with using them prior to the 1st op I was on them for just over 7 months!
After the 2nd THR I was on both crutches till 6 week check-up, then used 1 crutch for 2 days & then thought I'll try a cane just to see how I manage with it. Never went back on crutches!
At first I used it for a bit of weight bearing as it was so much easier to handle than a crutch, but after about a week I walked more & more around the house without it & just used it as a balance tool when I got up in the morning as I was a bit stiff.
Now I just use it when I go outside but again only as a balance aid.
I still limp though, but I think that is partly habit & partly muscle weakness. Once muscles are stronger & I can break the habit I'm hoping to walk normally again.
Trying to walk tall at the moment - a bit difficult when you're 5ft nothing! Oops - 5ft 1/2inch, I gained a bit after the ops! :th_heehee:About people asking about what's happened to you. I've had quite a few strangers ask me what I've done when they'd seen me with the crutches - I just told the truth & said I've had a hip replacement, without fail they've always been interested in how things have gone & what the hospital was like. Probably because its such a common op nowadays that they either know someone who has had it done or is going to have it done!
I go along with the idea that if they're interested/caring enough to enquire about your health, then I'll be just as nice in answering them. Usually end up having a lovely conversation & a good laugh about other things too!
sharonann
member
Re: post op walking
PS Christina, glad to hear you're getting some extra treatment for your posture, it'll make all the difference not only to how you walk but also to your confidence.
PS Christina, glad to hear you're getting some extra treatment for your posture, it'll make all the difference not only to how you walk but also to your confidence.
Re: post op walking
Hi Sharonann, I tend to tell people for the most part but if they ask me in a rude way I tend to hold back on the information. I also find that some people ask what happened but quite clearly are not that interested when you are telling them the story. Weird.
Hi Sharonann, I tend to tell people for the most part but if they ask me in a rude way I tend to hold back on the information. I also find that some people ask what happened but quite clearly are not that interested when you are telling them the story. Weird.
Juliep
graduate
Re: post op walking
Danni,
Yes people can be quite rude. They try to push past you when you are walking slowly in a store. It's amazing, they see you are walking with a cane/crutch and still so rude. It has made me though realize to now take a second look at myself and how I may have treated people in the past. When it's now you in that position you re look back and think, have I been this way in a crowd of people and try to get around a person to quickly?? First time I was out in public with a cane after surgery I was so scared that someone would end up making me fall or something.
I do also get the "wow you are too young for that". Do you? Of course I also have my knee braced so the first question is did something happen to my knee and then I come back with, I've had my hip replaced. Now I will be able to say, I've had both hips replaced.
Danni,
Yes people can be quite rude. They try to push past you when you are walking slowly in a store. It's amazing, they see you are walking with a cane/crutch and still so rude. It has made me though realize to now take a second look at myself and how I may have treated people in the past. When it's now you in that position you re look back and think, have I been this way in a crowd of people and try to get around a person to quickly?? First time I was out in public with a cane after surgery I was so scared that someone would end up making me fall or something.
I do also get the "wow you are too young for that". Do you? Of course I also have my knee braced so the first question is did something happen to my knee and then I come back with, I've had my hip replaced. Now I will be able to say, I've had both hips replaced.
Re: post op walking
Yes Julie, I get the too young thing all the time, as I was 27 when I had my first hip replacement, its not as if I had a choice. After the replacement I was also expected to be as strong as everyone else and in my experience thus far, that simple is not the case. My OS is a wonderful man but he is not God and he does not create miracles. I will never be perfect, I will make the most of my knew hip but I will always know I have limitations.
Yes Julie, I get the too young thing all the time, as I was 27 when I had my first hip replacement, its not as if I had a choice. After the replacement I was also expected to be as strong as everyone else and in my experience thus far, that simple is not the case. My OS is a wonderful man but he is not God and he does not create miracles. I will never be perfect, I will make the most of my knew hip but I will always know I have limitations.
JoJo16
new member
Re: post op walking
Thanks Julie--I too still limp after 2 months. People really are rude with the starring. Many also ask me if I have been in an accident? I sure hope I can get this limping under control.
Thanks Julie--I too still limp after 2 months. People really are rude with the starring. Many also ask me if I have been in an accident? I sure hope I can get this limping under control.
staffsknot
senior
Re: post op walking
When people ask me I say I am about 90 per cent recovered. This sounds like quite a high figure and people are satisfied with the answer. The thing is it is perfectly accurate. I walk with a slight limp caused by not quite trusting the operated side. I would love for that not to be the case, but unfortunately it is.
My best pals see me walking quite normally into the pub and want to know when I will be able to walk with them in the hills again. I just say not yet, but I will let you know when.
Only I know. Maybe another month or two.
All the best,
Alan
When people ask me I say I am about 90 per cent recovered. This sounds like quite a high figure and people are satisfied with the answer. The thing is it is perfectly accurate. I walk with a slight limp caused by not quite trusting the operated side. I would love for that not to be the case, but unfortunately it is.
My best pals see me walking quite normally into the pub and want to know when I will be able to walk with them in the hills again. I just say not yet, but I will let you know when.
Only I know. Maybe another month or two.
All the best,
Alan
Re: post op walking
It will happen Alan and don,t be too afraid. When I had my first hip I was so afraid to use it that I ended up not using the surrounding muscles either. I am post revision hip now and I am having to work so hard at PT to get those muscles awake and this time I intend to use them. I feel now the stronger the muscles the better the hip, and that hip won,t get strong if it does,nt get used. As for you I think when you reach the one year anniversary you will be amazed at how different you will feel, make sure you enjoy that hip that is wy you were given it.
It will happen Alan and don,t be too afraid. When I had my first hip I was so afraid to use it that I ended up not using the surrounding muscles either. I am post revision hip now and I am having to work so hard at PT to get those muscles awake and this time I intend to use them. I feel now the stronger the muscles the better the hip, and that hip won,t get strong if it does,nt get used. As for you I think when you reach the one year anniversary you will be amazed at how different you will feel, make sure you enjoy that hip that is wy you were given it.
sharonann
member
Re: post op walking
I must admit I haven't come across anyone being rude or pushing past me! Maybe I've just been lucky where I live!
Even the teenagers have held doors open & got out of my way on the pavements - then again, maybe they think I'll clobber them with my crutches/cane if they don't! :th_heehee:
I must admit I haven't come across anyone being rude or pushing past me! Maybe I've just been lucky where I live!
Even the teenagers have held doors open & got out of my way on the pavements - then again, maybe they think I'll clobber them with my crutches/cane if they don't! :th_heehee:
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