Hi all,
I have avascular necrosis of femoral head, consultant seems to think I will suffer segmental breakdown within 4 months. I also have advanced bi lateral arthritis in both hips and both knees.
I was contemplating using crutches to take the weight off my hip and hopefully slow down the collapse, I am 51 and consultant as advised age 55 would be his preferred age for a total hip replacement.
Can anyone offer me any advice regards this please.
Thank you
Ted
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Comments
If it's just the one joint that is affected then you may find that one crutch is enough. It should be held in the opposite hand to the affected joint and the handle should be set to just above hip-height. I prefer the cuff variety because if you let go they swing off the forearm rather than clattering to the floor! The crutch should be moved forward at the same time as you stride with the affected side, this allows you to transfer weight off the that side to the stick. If you find that two is better then they should be used alternately, not both swung forward together and then you step. I need two because I have wrecked joints on both sides. DD
It was my idea, came to me last night, when once again totally unable to sleep due to pain, it's now beyond a joke.
Unfortunately it is in both hips and consultant as stated I will need a total hip replacement in both although the left hip could suffer a segmental collapse at anytime and the right one isn't far behind.
I am hoping that by using crutches it will take some of the Weight off my right hip, I have rang the Drs this morning and asked for a telephone consultation regards this.
Once again thanks for replying.
I have had one hip replaces and my other is not far off, I use crutches sometimes one sometimes 2 depending on how my back feels,I have bought a set of flex*feet for the bottom they are a sort of shock absorber and it was to save my shoulder from getting painful..I sometimes think they are not working the same till I use a crutch with none on..not a clue if they work but they also do an hip support ..that might help for a while...
Barbara
Hi Barbara,Thank you for replying, I also suffer quite badly from pain in my lower back, I never thought about the additional strain using crutches may place upon it so thank you for mentioning it as I will have a think about that and the shock absorbers sound like a great idea, at the moment I will try any thing! Pain is ridiculous
Julian of Norwich
Julian of Norwich
Thank you all for taking the time to reply to my question, very much appreciated,
Ted
I use 2 crutches......I've had 2 hip replacements and the second one wasn't very successful....well it was four weeks post op and I was doing an NHS exercise and fractured the greater trochanter bone which will not heal so I was given crutches. I also have arthritis in lower back so have to be careful if I'm just using one on a short journey.....it usually hurts my back.
I've got to say that I was given the crutches and shown how to use them....both together......I came home and pm'd DD and asked her advice
I've got the flex+foot as well and it helps.
Love
Hileena
Thank you I will bear that in mind x
Went to see my GP last night who says I would benefit more from a wheelchair!
But thanks for all the input very much appreciated
Ted x
So much seems to be happening so quickly but hey ho always someone worse off than myself x upwards and onwards
It is a big 'step' and a real challenge in how we view ourselves. It ain't easy but these things can make a very big difference to the quality of life and that is what truly counts. DD
I'm very grateful for my equipment......it did take a little bit of arguing with myself each time I got something different
I was taught at Arthritis Care that they are coping mechanisms....helping you do things you couldn't otherwise do.
She did say to some of us one time....how would you open a can? answer...with a tin opener.....Right so you use a tin opener...well that's a coping mechanism. If you need a stick or anything else its no different
Love
Hileena
That is so true and like you say if it's there to help why not use.
I suppose it's all about what makes life easier and not what people think.
Ted
PS Hileena? I think that's a good point about the generational thing, my parents refused to apply for benefits despite the best efforts of Social Services. I remember my Ma saying that if she accepted any benefit she would lose her self-respect.
Wise words indeed and so true
Ted
it pains me to say this but i may need to use one on occasion i loved to walk especially in the countryside or go hiking which i can no longer do .. i want to go out with the OH and the boys but at the moment my legs are so bad i can barely walk let alone go out for the day i promised to take them to the local theme park and im damned if im canceling on them just because i cant go on anything or enjoy it the way i would normally shouldn't mean that i have to deny them the fun of enjoying themselves and enjoying the school holidays xx i will still be able to enjoy the boys having fun
my OH has said to use one and i refused at first but he has made me see the light and said if there are things that i want to do and i cant support myself on the crutches then i am going to need one especially for taking the boys out on trips etc ....
i am now of to go have a cup of T and come to terms with the fact that i can not do the things i want o do unaided any longer
Just a thought.....what about a mobility scooter....a lot of places hire them.
I have a mobility scooter or hire one and I feel more independent.
The red cross hire out wheelchairs.....well not exactly hire they ask for a donation
Love
Hileena
It isn't easy to accept that these things are required but it does make sense if it means we can do more, go further and generally join in with others' activities. I hope you find a solution. DD
If you haven't already tried this it might be worth contacting the place you are planning to visit to ask what they can do to help. Where I work we have several wheelchairs and also, thanks to a charitable donation, an electric all-terrain buggy, available to borrow. We don't charge but I gather that's unusual, however even if there's a hire charge, it would be worth it to make life easier for you?