Following your THR how long did you use a walking aid??

NanaAnna

Hi All,

I'm 3 weeks post L) hip replacement (had the other one done a year ago) and wondering about other people's experience of the duration for use of walking aids??

With my first hip I came home after 5 days using just a walking stick and I know I was walking unaided at 6/52 when I saw the surgeon for follow-up but can't remember precisely when I gave it up…perhaps around 4-5 weeks? I had a large leg-length discrepancy first time around, which has been beautifully corrected.

This time, I actually came home on two crutches but within a week was down to one however feel I could probably go without it all together,. I'm not limping and often forget to use it particularly around the house (although I still feel I need it on the stairs). The only advice I received was from the hospital physio who said "Keep using an aid until you can walk without a limp and don't give up the aid too soon" but three weeks just feels to soon…

I guess my questions are: 1) How long did you require/use an aid post THR? and 2) do any of you feel that in retrospect it was too soon?

Many thanks, Anna

Nurina

I don’t think there is an answer for this. Everyone is different: the damage, the surgery, the cause, the age, the willing to get better. I’d say that we’d need aids until we stop limping and we aren’t strong/ confident enough to walk without them.

NanaAnna

Hi Nurina and thanks for replying. I totally agree that everyone is different and there is no 'right time' to go aid-free so what I was curious about here was your own experience and that of other's on the forums.

By way of context, with my thr a year ago I had friends and acquaintances telling me stories about their aunt/uncle/brother/sister/mum/dad etc. dancing on the table by six weeks. While this might have been true for the (very) odd person, I had such unrealistic expectations for 6 weeks and that was difficult. These forums have been really helpful this time around but I haven't been able to find much here about people's actual experience of using aids so I'd love to hear the details :-)

Cheers, Anna

claudsl

Hello @NanaAnna

I agree that when people are telling positive stories of their experiences post-op it can be hard not to have high expectations and then feel disheartened when it doesn't go that way for you. As @Nurina said there are so many factors that come into recovery and no two people will have the same journey. Try to stay positive. Hopefully some others can share their experiences about the need for walking aids.

Wishing you all the best. Claudia x

Nurina

We've been speaking here many times about these superheroes. YouTube is full of them. People that can run a marathon in 4 weeks. We know these stories aren't true. Sometimes people around us exaggerate a lot the times, maybe because they don't know or maybe they want to help us with their optimism. Some people have a THR for different reasons than RA or OA so they are healthier than most of us.

I had my first THR in January, 11 months ago. I became crutches free around March and a month later I had to use the other crutch for the other leg so I don't really know about times, sorry. I'd say 6-8 weeks

Fran54

@NanaAnna

I think I stopped using crutches indoors at about 8 weeks, not completely sure, but I still use a walking stick when outside as I will have to have my other hip replaced in the not too distant future. My physiotherapist advised me to try without the stick outside but knowing my left knee aches and sometimes gives way, I will not go without it. I cannot afford to have a fall and injure my new right hip! So really I think your body will tell you when to go without. My consultant told me to err on caution which is what I do.

Hope this helps.

Janlyn

@NanaAnna As everyone says we are all different - there are so many factors to consider. I stopped using two sticks very quickly in the house, mainly because I wanted to carry a hot drink to a comfortable chair. And then I found myself leaving the sticks because I'd forgotten them and I was holding on to the furniture like a toddler.

Outside was very different. I was scared and found the sticks reassuring. I think by six weeks I had stopped using them though, although I sometimes took one with me 'just in case'. I think your body does tell you when the time is right and so long as you are exercising and walking straight it would seem to be the right time. I stopped with mine one night when I was going to the theatre and realised they would be a nuisance and I would manage. I kept them for longer for train journeys though, mainly so people were more careful with me.

Take care.

anxioussarah

Hi

Thanks for all the advice , this was what I was wondering, I had my 2nd hip on 4th December and 1st one on 8th May I think I will cry when I walk crutch free ! Still using 2 crutches all the time

Trish9556

I stopped using mine after 5 weeks when I could stand on one leg on my operated leg for 60 seconds :) although I will use one if my asthma is really bad as support if I get out of breath when I'm out and about or if it is really icy or snowy out.

I also use walking poles for walking in the countryside as instructed by my physio.

Trish

Nurina

When you walk with sticks, people is really considerate when they see you. Once you walk without them, they push you in supermarkets, they are annoyed when you cross slowly the road or they don't hold the door to let you pass before them. Also, with crutches you can walk further and feeling safer. Whatever others, physio, consultant say I'd recommend the sticks or crutches until you feel it's time to let them go. That time isn't far.

@anxioussarah I had my first in January and the second one week before you and I feel more comfortable walking with two crutches. Walking without limping makes me feel very happy.

NanaAnna

Thanks everyone! I’m so grateful to you for taking the time to share your experiences of using and then giving up your walking aids

Thanks Nurina and I agree that people are more considerate when I’m using the crutch and I definitely still use one when I’m out side, it feels much more stable on uneven ground.

Thanks Fran54 and I can totally relate to not wanting to injure the new hip, especially when your facing down needing to have the other one done. It’s a fine balance between extending the exercise/walking and maintaining a sense of safety. Good luck with the 2nd hip.

Thanks Janlyn and yes, it is a really useful symbol to alert people to take care around you when you’re out and about.

Thanks anxioussarah, I’m pretty sure I will weep too when I can walk aid free but I may cry even harder when I can sleep comfortably on my side… the back sleeping is getting very tedious after 4 weeks. I have had to go back to using CPAP while sleeping on my back whereas when I’m side-sleeping I can maintain my oxygen levels in the safe zone and don’t trigger the alarm. Sending you all the best for your on-going recovery.

Thanks Trish9556 and 5 weeks was about when I stopped last time although I think it may be longer for me this time. I’m fortunate that it is summer here in Oz so ice/snow/rain are not an issue but I suspect I’d be reluctant to go out at all if I had to deal with the winter conditions. Walking poles are a great idea, I’ll have to look into getting some for when I’m back into that type of exercise.

By way of update, I went to the physio on Friday who said feel free to potter without an aid in the kitchen/bathroom if it feels strong/comfortable but to use them on the stairs in my house (I would have anyway as they’re very old with uneven depths and without a banister) and when I go out. I’m happy with that. He also upped my exercise considerably. I do find doing the exercises regularly to be tedious beyond belief but I know from last time how vital they are so I persevere.

I hope Christmas preparations are going well for everyone. This year I have no choice but to leave it all to others.

I wish you all a lovely, happy Christmas Day. 

 Cheers, Anna