Using a cane

[NLVCa]

Hi all,

Thanks to all who post their experiences and challenges here. It's great to know we are not alone in this journey.

I am now 1 month + 1 day post op with my LTKR. I'm still using crutches during the day and a walker at night for those endless bathroom breaks.

When did others graduate to a cane? My new knee feels solid enough (too solid most of the time) and I can put all my weight on it but I don't have the confidence to use a cane yet.

It is nice to see fellow Ontarian Nursepair back posting.

Vern

 

[ship4]

Vern,
I have not used a cane with my BTKR. I was in the hospital for 2.5 days, rehabilitation hospital for 6 days, and I was using 2 crutches in public and non in the house at day 10. I have been walking without assistance of any kind since week 3 in public (using stairs).
I think it all depends upon how bad your knee was prior to surgery. Have you been doing your PT? What is your ROM?
Do you walk in the house without assistance at all? We are all different so I say, give it a try.....
JMO
Best,
Crystal

 

[Linda2]

My doctor had me use the walker until I saw him at 3 weeks post-op. He then said I could start using a cane. I only use it when I go out. If you are walking any great distance, it helps the leg from getting so tired. I figure I can also ward careless people who might bump into me.

 

[carolinagirl]

I used my walker until I went to see my OS at 4 weeks post-op.
He advanced me to my cane, which I used only while out and about. I think I hung on to it for about 3 weeks. Only used it inside if I was extremely tired.
Best wishes to you.

 

[Josephine]

Try little bits at a time to regain your confidence. Across the room, from room to room, down the garden. Each time a buit further and so on. It's the only way.

 

[Rowdy66]

I never used crutches, used a walker for a couple of days after I got home, maybe a full week, more of a confidence builder than a need then I used a cane for two days total. I am not saying anyone was calling me Speedracer or anything remotely similar but I managed. I think in part it was because of the way my house is set up. Seems I am never more than arms length away from something. Don't worry though, you will get there. Good luck. Rowdy

 

[AlaskanTKR]

Vern -
I used the crutches solid for 2 weeks. Then hobbled about in the house - unless the dogs were running about - then grabbed the crutches. Used then for all outings until 6 weeks - more for security - we have a lot of uneven surface up here- They helped so I wouldn't get tired when I first went back to work. Had a beautiful cane but chose to go cold turkey. PT said it was fine since it was summer and we didn't have ice. I have an ugly waddle or limp when it is swollen or tired - but my gait improves in the AMs till about lunch and boy does it feel good to be kinda normal.

Good Luck!
Marianne

 

[NLVCa]

Thanks for all the replies.

To Ship 4, I've been doing the exercises regularly, 2 to 3 times per day, PT at a clinic 3 days per week. My ROM is 90 +/-. My clinic physio tech (not a fully licensed physio therapist) doesn't measure it each day like my home physio therapist did.

Since I posted yesterday, I've been trying the cane inside and have surprised myself that I can use it as much as I can. I had planned a short walk outdoors today, but it has been raining all day here, (and we are a long way from Hurricane Ike) so have stayed inside.

Cheers,

Vern