Strange walk...

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efleure
efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
edited 8. Jun 2010, 09:46 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello to all on here. Hoping all the post-hip op/other surgery posters are still recovering well . Was just wondering if any fellow oa -in- the- hip folks walk in a horrible, leaning over crab fashion?? I try not to walk if I don't have to as it hurts too much, but forced myself out yesterday with the kids, and noticed that even if the pain is not very bad some steps, my leg won't walk normally, and it feels like I'm in a robot's body that won't respond, if that makes any sense. It's like my hip is set in concrete and just wont let me walk straight. I stupidly thought that it was just pain that stopped me walking properly, but didn't realise that the whole mechanism of walking has gone wrong. Do the posters that have had hip surgery find they can walk normally after surgery, or will I always have a really unattractive limp?? Thanks for any thoughts on this.
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Comments

  • kathbee
    kathbee Non-active member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi efluere

    Sorry to hear about your pain and difficulty
    with walking. When did you have your hip done?

    I had a THR last december and prior to that I could
    not walk without extreme pain, but after the op,
    and the first couple of weeks or so my style of walking
    is fairly normal, the problem being my feet and knees.
    I dont have any pain or discomfort with the hip, it
    just feels a little numb around the scar thats all.

    I dont think you should have so much trouble, best
    ask the ortho doc about it. Did they give you a
    future appointment as I have got one a year after
    my six week post op appointment, but if I was having
    problems with pain or walking difficulties I would def
    ask to be seen.

    Take care, hope things improve for you very soon.

    Kath
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Efleure

    I am sorry to hear that you are walking "oddly" and are in pain some of the time. Once your have had your op I am sure all will be well, no more pain and a "normal" walk. Is it July you go in for your THR?

    Luv
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oops...sorry for the confusing post Kath...due to have thr end of July in left hip, so not had any surgery yet. Thanks Elna, I hope so...I used to have a decent walk, used to do ballet,etc many moons ago, and I can't believe how old and ugly walking like this makes me feel...not usually a vain person, but it just makes me embarrassed. I'm just worried that after putting myself through the op, I'll still walk badly, although I know if I'm painfree, I'll have nothing to moan about so...
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    As your hip isn't functioning normally, your balance will be thrown out, thus affecting your gait. Other muscles/joints try to compensate for this, hence more strain and pain. Have you tried using a stick or crutches? They can restore confidence in walking because they aid balance and stability, but if your hands/shoulders are also affected by arthritis that may not be such a good idea!

    Once you have had the op, and done the recovery, your balance should be restored and walking will become easier again. I know a number of women who have had THRs and they walk fabulously well, not a limp or a hobble between them. Good luck with it all, it will be worth it. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • skezier
    skezier Non-active member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Efleure,

    Oh I so know that bit about how old and ugly...... You know the chances are you don't look as bad as you think though don't you? I really agree once you have your new hip and its all settled you will find it so different and have a lot less pain as well. (my pain clinic consultant is a great one for telling me pain ages you..... yep I look old :lol::lol::lol: She is trying to make me feel better but you know what..... :lol::lol::lol: )

    Just hang in there a little bit longer and soon you should be much more upright. Keep in touch with us though please? Cris x
  • kathbee
    kathbee Non-active member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Oh sorry about the misunderstanding, I presumed when you said t
    all other post op hip peeps, that you had had a THR.

    You will be so much better I feel sure once you have had
    the hip done.

    Thing is, with the damage you are bound to walk badly.
    For me, the bad hip side had got so much damage that
    it wasnt functioning properly at all and couldnt even
    put it to the floor and put any weight on it, so I would
    say you will have a new lease of life.
    Also there was such a leg length difference and
    dah dah, that's all changed as they are now both
    the same length. :)

    Apologies once again, I dont get to read every post and
    havent kept up with everyone for a while.

    Good luck
    take care,
    Kath
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Ha Kath...my fault totally...Thanks very much to you, Dreamdaisy and Skezier...I'm cheered up a bit now...yes, I def agree that constant pain completely ages you...and exhausts you, and just basically robs us of what we were before...but hopefully surgery/ the right meds and lots of support, as in this site, all help us to adapt...thanks to all again.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Efleure, I agree with previous posts and DD's explanation of why you aren't walking as you used to.

    In the lead up to my op I walked much better when I used one or both crutches. I know what you mean about the bending over as you walk - that started to happen to me without even realising - it started during a bout of really bad pain and became a habit. Once I was in a good spell I consciously tried to counteract it and it felt very unnatural standing upright and tiring - I got there in the end though but my gait and limp just got worse.

    Post op - I walk loads better already!! I walk with even, good-sized steps using both crutches/one crutch - I'm still waiting for my new insoles (for leg length discrepancy) so I'm still limping slightly - I am using my foot properly - heel to toe walking (haven't done that in years ... Once my muscles are stronger again I have every confidence my gait will be as good without the crutches as with.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • woodbon
    woodbon Non-active member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    No information to add, as I haven't any experience! Just to hope that things will soon recover and settle for you.

    The only thing that I do know is that any surgery takes a long time to settle and heal compleatly. Take care and get well soon, love Sue
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Non-active member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Efleure

    Yes, I am happy to report that my walk is almost back to normal (albeit still using my crutches).

    Best wishes

    Marion (4weeks post THR)
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    That's fab, Marion.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Thanks to all who have replied. I'm much more hopeful now...I know the recovery is quite long but everyone on here is so positive post-surgery that I find it very encouraging...yes, Speedalong, that is exactly what I mean...and when I do try to correct myself and stand straight, the rest of me doesn't know what to do with itself!!! Ah well, only 8 weeks to go ...part of me wants it now, and part of me wants to wait much longer...thanks again to all.
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Ah well, only 8 weeks to go ...part of me wants it now, and part of me wants to wait much longer...

    Oh, I SO remember THAT feeling!!!

    I found the I found the forum very encouraging (and humbling) in the lead up to my op - I didn't really want it - and then all the encouraging post-op posts and folks desperately waiting for ops - swung it for me.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Exactly Speedalong. To be honest, I was terrified of being alone after the surgery, but after reading how people need the op and aren't being offered it, and the knowledge that if things get scary, I can post on here, and I know I'll get an answer and support quickly, I feel able to face the surgery. So, yet again, THANKS!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    You are fortunate(?) in that your problem can be fixed, so-to-speak. Surgery is not an option for many, we just have to battle on regardless. Embrace the chance you have and make the most of it.

    Start trying to walk more upright now, in order to simplify your post-op recovery. Get thee a stick - or even two! It will feel odd but persevere, because the post-op physios won't want you hunched over, that will just complicate things further. Keep in touch, let us know when it is, and we will bombard you with good wishes, thoghts, hugs and advice. That's what we're good at. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,425
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hey Efleure

    You will soon have your sexy shimmy back :wink:

    loev

    Toni xx
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    thanks Dreamdaisy, and Frogmorton, ha...not too sure I had that to begin with , but thanks anyway!!
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Efleure, soon you will posting with us post-op-sters!! I too was worried about coping alone after - but what we forget is - we are coping before hand and we are in lots more pain before ...

    DD you are right - it is such a shame that not all arther can be sorted by the surgeons knife ... life's not fair is it. The forms of arther are varied and wide ranging ...

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Yes Speedalong, you are right on both counts...in my self pity, I forget that some, as Dreamdaisy so rightly points out, have no choice about their treatment, or at least no option of surgery, and yes, I have never thought of it like that re coping NOW whilst in constant pain, and being irritable and cranky, and always tired....we just get so used to it I guess that it doesn't even register anymore...thanks for pointing that out...it helps...I suppose that arthur sufferers get so used to managing, that the thought of having to rely on others to do normal stuff is hard. We all find our way of coping and I for one do not like giving up control to others, but tough I guess!!!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Non-active member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    It is a tough lesson to learn. It is horrible to feel that you are losing your independence, that you are having to rely on others. It does make one cross, angry, grumpy, irritated etc etc etc but it isn't going to be like that for ever. Chin up effleure! Surgery will make a big difference and give back to you some of those things (if not all of them). That is the hope onto which you have to hold. It will take time but the rewards will be so great. Good luck with it all. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    and I for one do not like giving up control to others,
    I'm exactly the same - let go on what you can and be bossy over the things you can't ... your friends wouldn't expect you to be any other way!! Practise your smile - so that you smile encouragingly as you direct those helping you and stock up on some nice bikkies etc to offer folks with a cuppa after they have helped. (bottles of wine keep people onside too,) and remember one day they'll be needing your help ...

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • efleure
    efleure Non-active member Posts: 139
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    I hope so Dreamdaisy, and thank you for the kind words of encouragement, and Speedalong lol about the biccies...although, I'm afraid they won't last long enough for guests....and yes, will have to practise the "smile"....ha..x
  • marion1952
    marion1952 Non-active member Posts: 963
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Effleure

    I am nearly 5 weeks post op THR now and, honestly, compared to how I was before, it's great!

    The first few days/week post-op are difficult though - I won't deny that - I wasn't expecting my whole leg to be so sore and difficult to move - but then every few days after that first week I had an improvement and especially after 4 weeks there has been a BIG improvement ...

    You WILL need help in those early weeks - it's difficult (impossible) to hold a plate or a cup of tea when you are on 2 crutches.. and getting dressed and washed takes a bit of practice..

    I have 3 crutches - one is left upstairs all the time so I don't need to carry one when I walk upstairs. I also have 3 'helping hands/grabbers; - one downstairs, one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom.. that saves me having to take one with me wherever I go!!

    Best wishes

    Marion
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 8. Jun 2010, 06:23
    Hi Effleure
    The first few days/week post-op are difficult though - I won't deny that -
    But don't panic - you get through - you have too. You take your pain meds - you rest as much as poss and you do your physio. You write lists for your visitors ... and it passes.
    You WILL need help in those early weeks - it's difficult (impossible) to hold a plate or a cup of tea when you are on 2 crutches.. and getting dressed and washed takes a bit of practice..
    At my hospital they let you out at 5 days if you have someone with you at home, 9 days if you don't. I came out at 9 days and was desperate to escape by then. I could do all my own self care except my TEDS and feet and had the intermediary service coming in for that.

    My friends had their hands full with S - so I was mainly independent. Some nights they cooked and that was a godsend and I had few freezer dinners in prep too. I bought a tuberware container and a small shoulder bag - I made my tea/coffee in the mug, poured it into the tuberware, popped both in the bag and then could carry it to where I wanted. Having most commonly used crocks on the side etc was a godsend. I have since bought an electric jug kettle to keep near the sink instead of struggling with my gas hob kettle and a pedal bin - instead of the plastic one with the tricky lid. I got one visitor to rearrange the fridge with stuff I needed to reach at the front on the top two shelves and in the top of the door. You can do what you need to do, it's just slow and you need to rest plenty. (Nothing new there then!!)
    I have 3 crutches - one is left upstairs all the time so I don't need to carry one when I walk upstairs.
    Me too, which was great in the early days. Though now I'm mainly walking with just one except outdoors.
    I also have 3 'helping hands/grabbers; - one downstairs, one in the bedroom and one in the bathroom.. that saves me having to take one with me wherever I go!!
    I only have two - was going to buy 3rd and then didnt, though will if there is a next time maybe even have 4 - but now if pushed can lift my op leg out at the back as I bend forward and then I can pick things up without breaking the rules. I also have stuck a hook on my trolley so I always know where my downstairs grabber is hanging.

    Hope you don't mind me chipping in Marion?!

    Speedy

    PS I lie - I have ordered a 3rd grabber the other day - one that folds in half to take with me when out - I always seem to drop things when I'm sat on my scooter ... and a bag off ebay to put my crutches in on the scooter ... I currently tie them to the scooter arm with a cat collar and a piece of string ...a bit tenous as they tend to slip when going over bumps and crossing roads ...
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • dachshund
    dachshund Member Posts: 9,357
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Elfeure.
    i have had my thr 14 years and i walk with a limp.
    i have cerebral palsy as well as tkr i just think its me.
    i'm just glad i can walk not as far as i like i just have to sit down more now as my legs ache.
    take care. joan xx
    take care
    joan xx

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