I have a bad ankle (seeing consultant for first appointment next week) so it wasn't something that I could control. I had both crutches, but serendipity, they just happened to be not in the right position to stop the fall. To be honest, it was less the fall and more the being unable to get up that was scary. Still rather bruised this morning, but, interestingly, all on the unoperated side. I suspect that since I do know how to fall, I automatically protected the operated side.
But I'm not going to fear falling (not going to invite it either!) - if you really fear something you stiffen up and make it more likely! Watch people on ice - it's the ones who are stiff and ultra cautious who slip and fall.
You need to get a balance. If you avoid doing anything that hurts, you don't strengthen the muscles and hold back your recovery. There is a difference between "hurt" and "pain". A "little push" and then stop. Then another "little push" later, and stop. Getting your muscles back to their normal strength will cause them to ache - how much is an individual thing and depends on lots of factors. Just don't push so hard that you cause pain, or severe aches. You'll get it wrong a few times. It won't do any harm, just learn from it. If you don't ache at all, you aren't doing enough!
I know! No after care in north London.....but maybe there is if you really need it. I'm reasonably fit.
Hey again Kim, just wanted to add that if you overdo rest is necessary but I have also found walking maybe half mile can make the pain go away. I had pain in my surgery side thigh or (I-T BAND)from overwork. Hurt pretty bad -6- but actually walked it out. Now you're only 5 weeks, rest may be a better solution now , but as you gradually get stronger you do need to push what you do. Small gains on a daily basis will get you there, this is a 6 month plan or longer but the rewards are great!
Hello fellow hippies across the pond from rainy south California.
I'm 4 months post RTHR getting better every day, just out walking the dog in the rain. Just wanted to mention on this falling thing, I still take a cane with me on the walks. Gives you some added stability which I am still glad to have at 4 months. Almost slipped on a muddy little hill and the cane definitely saved me. Also used one crutch until about 8 weeks, it allows you to do more without hurting yourself. Stay positive, if you fell and hurt yourself, be grateful it wasn't worse and don't do it again! Dave 64
It not like I was planning it. I was on two crutches!!!! I have to have them outdoors for now due to complications of the ankle. It's a rock and a hard place. Need to walk to help hip recover. Can't walk well due to bad ankle. It wasn't a slip or slide. Just the ankle giving way unexpectedly.
I told the doctor a few months ago that I was having no x rays or scans on anything else because every time I do I end up with a new consultant and a new problem! I am already up to three concurrent consultants, and at one point in the summer it was four. I think this is more than my fair share and somebody else should have them!
Glad you're ok beth, no matter how careful you are things happen. Back about 2 years when I had my knees done I was out walking the dog. Had been in physical therapy long enough that I was feeling pretty confident. Moving along pretty quickly on a long grass lawn and admiring the sunny morning. My left foot found a big hole, couldn't see it because of the long grass. I went down so fast I landed flat on my face, no attempt to save or anything, happened too quick. Well other than a sore ankle for a week the worst injury was my pride. Looked around quickly, no one there to witness my crash, it would have been funny how quick I went down! No serious injury, just face first in the grass, didn't even have time to put my hands up. I'm much more careful to this day walking on grass.
Rest is your friend I rest after therapy and let pain be your guide on how far to go. Call your surgeon
I am now seeing a different consultant in a few days who will have all my notes and be able to advise me if all is ok. I walked quite a way today and it really did help.