I had right THR nearly 12 weeks ago & although I've been walking around the house unaided for the last few weeks I still need one crutch walking outside as my hip feels weak & I limp. I noticed on the surgery notes that I had poor muscle quality so wondering if this is hampering my recovery as expected to be walking unaided by now. I am due to have my other hip done in Sept so wondering if I should delay it.
Hi I had my total left hip replacement six months ago , had six month check last week and to find out when right will be done ?
My consultant said I still have poor muscle tone on both sides and will see it how I am in 4 months , after upping exercise (just got recumbent exercise bike) .
So I wouldnt worry to much . It's best to have muscle tone as best you can as , you will be relying on this to keep you upright , also having week muscle causes falls .
I go back in November to check again .
Everyone heals at a different pace. Using walking aids also varies for anyone with new hip. You will need the muscle strength when you have the other hip surgery done.
At 12 weeks I was using a cane when out, especially concerned with tiredness and balance. Now, at 6 months, I don't use it. I do have it available just in case I might need it.
hi veronica! im ashamed to say i am 5 months post op,and still use a crutch outside on walks-i dont suppose everyone recovers as slowly as me-i hope not for their sake!these days i can just carry my crutch a lot of the time,so i must be improving,but oh so slowly!i was delighted the other morning because i managed a whole hours walk carrying my crutch,yet the next morning i had to use it as the hip was uncomfortable and making me limp.im pretty sure my muscle tone isnt too good yet,,despite loads of walking-3 walks a day(i have dogs)gradually increasing in length. i suppose its true what they say-we are all different! but i really hoped id be one of the speedy recovering types! i think you,like me,need to build up your muscle strength,keep up the exercises!good luck xxx
Hi
i used my crutch for about five months after LTHR in Feb 2016 as physio said I should until my gait was completely straight and balanced. I am a very active cyclist and walker and am glad I persevered to get my gait good and strong so I didn't put uneven strain on my other hip/back. I was in my forties and using a crutch didn't make me feel old. All great now but I do keep on with the exercises to keep up muscle strength.
a few weeks of rehab to give a lot of years of active life seems a small price to pay.
keep going!
Hi veronica,
I am 13 weeks post op on wednesday and use a walking stick when out on my daily walk as I limp without it. It is getting better but the thigh bone still feels uncomfortable which is not surprising after being sawn, drilled an implant put in. Yesterday I managed half my walk carrying the stick but I would not go out without one yet. Slowly, slowly, it is not a race.
Dear Veronica
You will probably find that if you feel that you need to use a crutch then you would greatly benefit from using two until such time as you can do without both. Not only that but you will be protecting your back because walking with any limp will impact on your back.
Good luck. Richard
I"m 5 weeks post opp I'm in my seventies and living on a narrow boat. I can walk around the boat and garden without crutches but walking around the streets I use my crutches . I did a lot of pre operation exercises and am doing post opp exercises. I think the exercises are crucial in recovery. I try not to overdo it because I believe this can set your recovery back.
Use a crutch or sticks as long as you need to，it's not a race.