I am 8 weeks this week and have not had too many strides. I'm still not walking down a flight of steps (probably due to being scared more than anything) although I did walk down about 5 yesterday. I went out grocery shoping (for 15 minutes) with a friend and found I can walk without OA pain but I need to slow it down when I walk. I get over confident since I don't feel any pain and walk too fast.
They're little steps but it gives me hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Hi miele! Take your time! Things will slot into place! I am 11 weeks post op! Even now still feel bruised at times! Its a very major op! But have got two knees which will have to be done and maybe other hip! But no for the time being! I am a carer for my hubby! So under stress!! I am having reflexology on a regular basis!and also a spa! So will focus on this as my way forward! But please listen to your body! Regards Amanda
Hi Miele you did not say how old you are here for the operation, I think that you could need another lesson for the crutches from a home visit to give you more confidence, or are you frail, or unbalanced in any way? I am getting about fine after just one week, but my unoperated hip is letting me down getting very painful this week still deteriorating bone on bone, smarts...Still on Naproxin + Tramadol just to walk. Reading between the lines here, you need to walk properly if a little slowely, just 10 mins out and back for a few days, and get back to the experts.
Love and kind regards Ian.
I think my whole problem is that I get too impatient and I think I should be completely better by now. I keep forgetting how major the surgery really was.
I just need to slow down!
I wish you continued success in your recovery. I know it may seem difficult right now as you are caring for your husband but you can always come on this website for support.
Thank you Ian! I live on a hill so it's not feasible for me to walk around. I live in a ranch style home so I do try to walk around the house as much as possible. I've been doing well on a cane but it's still that idea of walking down my 14 steps at one time that seems daunting. i haven't taken my pain medication for quite some time because the pain I do have is very tolerable which is much better than my OA pain was since I was bone on bone also and need the other hip done as well. I wish you continued success.
Hi miele I am the same as you I had right hip done but my left hip which needs doing soon is holding me back
I know my new hip works, I have no pain and it is getting stronger, when it comes to steps I can go down easier thant go up. My new hip has to push my un-operated hip up the stairs. It is confidence, I try to push through one very little thing every day. This keeps my confidence up, at first you feel a bit helpless and this gets you down.
Don't worry it will come, as others have said we have had major surgery and our bodies all heal at different rates; that is why we cannot comment on each other and how long it is taking to recover.
I advise you to take some light pain killers, if your hip is sore it will put you off pushing yourself. I have reached a point where I pop a couple of paracetamol before I go out and this eases my un-operated hip and makes walking further easier. Be confident and sensible go for it girl best wishes from Mags x
Sounds good Miele. A little and often they say. Keep up the good work.
Hi Miele, so its 8 weeks, what does it matter? we are all different as are our circumstances, so you are not feeling ready for steps/stairs, take your time. I live in a very quirky house that was built in 1745, stairs were frightening so I avoided them like the plague until at a few weeks later than you I suddenly thought I would go up them. Benefit of waiting is muscle builds up and you have more strength.
I also have large bouncy dogs and spiritd horses so I use two crutches when walking them, benefit is my posture and not risking being knocked over. Take your time girl, it will all fall into place and you will get there.
Big hugs, Dot xx
rings true to me too - I am 10 weeks and still get frustrated ... it is so easy to overdo it because it feels so good while doing them ... energetic and hardly any pain and off I go .... happy as a lark - and then: wham .... grocery shopping is exhausting - but to be independent is so great after weeks of having my friend go with me .... Physical Therapist told me yesterday to not walk for more than 5 minutes (????) - she rather have me go up and down the drive way 5times a day than walk for 30 minutes .... apparently the way I walk is not correct due to weak muscles .... my back hurts and walking, sitting up straight is challenging .... oh well, easy does it, right ? we are getting there and we are not alone ... take care