Over 4 months since my THR op and It's wonderful being able to bend again but I still have a very lopsided gait when I walk without a stick, is this common? It still feels a bit odd too but I suppose that's 'normal'. My friend said I walk like donald duck (I prefer a drunken sailor!) but I must admit I'm rather disappointed, will it continue to improve or is this me until I leave this mortal coil .
MJ
Just a thought... Google 'Trendelenberg Syndrome'. Probably not pertinent, but I was astounded when I was eventually diagnosed with this.
Elaine. NE UK
Milliejean,
In one of your post op visits did the doctor measure to ensure both legs are even? Also maybe you could speak to physio about this.
When I first went off the cane the physio told me to walk so she could watch me and told me I waddled, but I had to confess that at school the kids would "quack" when I walked by, so this was normal for me!!!!
P.S. I was measured and the doctor assures me I am equal leg lenghts...hears hoping that next summer when I get the left hip done they stay even!!
Hi
It could be a slight discrepancy in the length of your legs.
I would suggest keep using your stick until your next appointment and then ask.
I waddle LOL but a different rease....after my THR {4 weeks post op} I fractured the greater trochanter bone......that was because I have {at then undiagnosed ostoporosis} I'll be on crutches for the forseeable future
When I walk around the house I waddle.
Love
Eileen UK
Milliejean,
I am 10 wks post THR and do not have a limp. You would never know I had the surgery unless I told you or if you see me when I first get up. I have a few steps that still hurt sometimes first getting up but then I am fine. Every day the pain gets less and less. But I do still have bad days. I also exercise everyday and am walking outside now in my hilly neighborhood. It feels great since it's been a year since I've been able to do this. It just feels like I get stonger each day. I do however still notice how my operative leg is so much weaker. Especially the muscles in my inner thigh. This is weird to me. It takes a long time to regain the strength and someone mention on another post to be sure you walk as straight as you can while healing so you don't heal crooked. I read somewhere that everyones gait changes, but it's usually so slight it's not noticeable. My granddaughter thinks I will be healed when I can twerk! I would certainly contact your doctor or other professional about it.
Kathee
USA
I also had my THR on 25th July and also have a significant limp when I don't use my stick. I am having physio to help it. The Physio says this is due to weak gluteal muscle and is giving me exercises specifically for this. It is really disheartening when you hear of so many people who seem to sail through this but I have found it pretty tough. The important thing seems to be to continue using the stick (cane in US) if you are limping. I agree it is great to bend etc and if only the blasted limp was not there all would be well. My leg lengths seem to be the same.
I certainly have Trendelenburg gait. What was the advice you were given to help? Seems to be due to weak gluteal muscles.
I would ring the hospital and ask to speak to the consultants secretary to ask for an appointment. It's perfectly ok to do this. Tell him how you are and you will probably be sent for physio. Many problems post op are due to muscular weakness and dysfunction. I have had physio after both my hip ops, both for different reasons. Both times it was sorted out.
Actually, I haven't been given any - yet.
Before it was recognised, I'd been registered in a generic 'lower body strength' Physio group, starting later this month.
However, given the mess up with my device coming loose and 'migrating' up into the pelvis, I'm about to query whether that's a good idea. I really don't want to be given standard exercises which could worsen my primary condition.
Sure you can get lots of ideas on YouTube if you search the term.
Good luck
Elaine NE UK
Hi
Yes ringing the secretary is a good idea
They are usually great. I've always got on well with my consultants secretaries.........so Its a good idea
Love
Eileen UK
My Physiotherapist told me to stay with the walker until you can walk without a limp because it is harder to get rid of a limp later. I just evened things out with an insole in my slightly shorter leg. I'll use the cane or stick as some call it a little later.
Miles
Hi Milliejean, i dont think that your limp is too much of a problem, i had my hip done on the 28 th july and i still have a slight limp if i dont use my stick, which i try to NOT use most of the time, on an ' achey ' day i also waddle a bit, i think this time of year its a lot colder and it gets into your bones and muscles, sometimes i generly ache all over, but i think also age contributes to that as well, ( im 66 ), i think we have to be patient, and dont try not to expect too much yet, overall im quit happy with my progress, it just takes time, happy Christmas
Thanks for that Christine, sounds like me! I wonder do you sleep on your operated side? I've given up trying to sleep on my back now and often turn in my sleep, which may not help either. I'm trying hard not to use my stick indoors and walk fine outside with my stick generally but sometimes, yes I ache too so it must be 'old bones' All the best to you for christmas too.
Meant to say I turned 70 in August....so.....old bones!!
thanks Juliette, I have been for physio and the consultant said to see my G.P. if I needed to in future so I'll see how I get on into the New Year and maybe ask my doctors advice, although the last time I saw him he seemed to think I was doing ok. Taking a couple of paracetamol when 'aching'. Perhaps it's my brain or mind that needs some attention (on other things!) I've been in good health for years so it must be age related too I suppose and that's a challenge, coming to terms with not being as young as I thought I was!
Not such old bones! We are the "baby boomers". :-) Seriously, I am in the same position as you are. Limping etc. the Physio seems quite pleased with my progress however and the surgeon did tell me that it takes 6-12 months post THR. Just keep doing the exercises to strengthen these gluteal muscles is the advice I have been given and also not to walk without a stick if still limping as it can throw everything off balance. Just get a bit fed up with being told things like "you should be better than this by now" and "my 92 year old granny was leaping around at 6 weeks post op"
Hi m
Hi Millie jean, sorry about above , my phone dosnt let me send messages on this site, anyway, yes i do sleep on my operated side, quit comfortable most times, but sometimes it feels hard and lumpy, so i go back on my other side or back, i must say though im sleeping pretty good now compared to those first 6 weeks, ! i think the summer months are a better time to have this op. as its not too much of a struggle getting dressed in the morning !and not too many things to put on, i went into town this morning and was struggling a bit after about the 3 rd shop !, glad to be home thats for sure, it does take time and impatients sets in, so we have to carry on regardless, the worst is over now, look forward to next summer yay !, chris
yes indeed I've just started to feel err less young since my op! Thanks for reminding me, I do forget and get some negative remarks like 'why are you still using a stick so & so didn't'! I shall have to forget I'm a lady and tell them to butt out I think! I tried doing those 'gluteal' exercises last night after forgetting about them for weeks and boy......I was sore! Will have to pesevere though.....no pain, no gain
Hi Milliejean
I was told that age is "mind of matter"........If you dont mind it doesnt matter I like that.....I'm almost 69.
I got that at my first THR "why are you still using a crutch" my 91 year old mam isnt !!!! that type of thing.
Now I have to have crutches permanently so I now have a pink pair and a purple pair.,.....different for you but if you have to use them all the time why not have ones that stand out....Now Christmas is coming......I've wrapped cristmas lights around them {opowered by battery}
Its wonderful to see the smiles on peoles faces when you are in shopping centres....I just say "if you cant be daft at Christmas when can you be daft? " LOL
I know you arent on crutches/sticks permanetly and you wont be but the attitude is the same.
If you are still using a stick...wnhy dont you wrap tinsle around it for the minute LOL
I know....I'm mad
Love
Eileen UK