I had always understood that THR was a three day stay in hospital, possibly extended, should there be the need. It now appears that rather than being released and walking with the aid of just one crutch, or a walking stick, depending upon the pre release assessment, most patients are expecting to be released with two crutches. Is this the norm? So much contradictory info on thie site, I am finding.
I think everyone is relised with 2 crutches then people start using 1
It is always 2 crutches and the length of time they're needed depends on the individual. Each is advised accordingly by the physios,
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Yes two crutches. Just take a look at your chart when you get it and count the number of muscles cut unless you have super path approach. Very rare in UK..
it is better to walk well on 2 crutches than badly on one so most advice is to take it slowly and only when you are ready.
my own progression was to 1 at home at about 14 days, but still 2 outside. The one outside and none inside, then a cane. Then a folding stick in large handbag in case of tiredness when out.
Yes, two crutches and you have to be able to walk with them and climb stairs before you are discharged. Tony
I think it depends on the hospital, i was in for four days, and released on 2 crutches, which i am still using outside after 4 weeks.
Do not have stairs, so I have been told that that is not necessary. Surprised about the two crutches. That is going to create major mobility and storage problems in my bedroom. Will have to address this with the GP, physio and consultant at the appropriate time.
They always give to as its safer and better for your recovery
One thing to remember about THR is that there are no rules or national protocol. Different hospitals and different surgeons and even different surgeons within the same hospital have their own likes and dislikes, hence patients being on different drug regimes, some give physio and exercises to be done at home, others don't, some do not get their patients up as early as others, there is different lengths of time before they let people drive, etc, etc. Some surgeons prefer their patients to remain on two crutches outside, others are happy for you to go to one crutch or to walking stick.
You really will not get any definitive answers on anything to do with THR. I don't think I've heard of anyone leaving hospital on one crutch or walking stick though.
With two crutches, I would have to "crab walk" between the bed and the chest of drawers, with the door to the en suite on the other side of the c. o.d! Might be able to manage it straight on, but turning around and disposing of the crutches safely so that they do not either trip me or fall, is going to be a further issue.
However, where there is a will, there is always a way!
I am sure that physio along with Social Services can give some pointers. I trained in ergonomics when I was in Interior Design, so that may be of some help.
It is all getting rather cumbersome, I feel!
Even if you find when at home you do not use the second crutch much, I would take it. You will need it when you go out for your walks
You can always leave one crutch at the door to the bedroom and use the wall or furniture as a second crutch within the bedroom. I discarded one crutch in the kitchen very quickly (within the first couple of days) because it got in the way and used furniture if necessary.
Hi there:
That makes sense. What puzzles me is the requirement to be able to use the stairs with two crutches! Surely not. It would make more sense to hold one crutch in one hand and use the stair rail for support, otherwsie, using two crutches to go up or down, could result in over balance and a fall. Fortunately, on the ground floor I don't have that worry.
I have been looking at kitchen trolleys to wheel things around, but again it would crate congestion my mbedroom. The bed is an antique French Baroque and the wardrobe is massive, three doors, and the chest of drawers to two up two down. And then, I have the bedside chest, and a butler's tray on the other side of the bed.
These new builds are ridiculous, and putting an en suite into a smallish bedroom, when the main bathroom is just across the hall is builder madness. Same mentality as the so called "van den plas" cars! Everyone wants an "en suite!" Necessary or not. My wardrobe would have been far better off in the space occupied by the en suite.
Good point. There is furniture that I can use to steady myself when carrying items from one place to the other.
Ian's most recent post covers what I have been saying about fitness for a long time, and that should stand me in good stead for recovery. Very ipiortant to keep up with the pre op physio exerises, particularly the stretches.
I was discharged with 3 crutches in actual fact one at top of stairs to make the pair for upstairs, one downstairs ditto. The technique if that is not possible is to hold your spare crutch as you go up and down
I started day 1 with a walker
On day 2 I was given 2 sticks.
I certainly had two sticks when released - wouldn'thae been able to walk with just one.
However, someone I know personally said she walked out of the same hospital (same surgeon too) without ant sticks, but they made her take one in her hand anyway. She is vert small, her legs have much less to carry than mine have
Graham
Hi Graham:
Good to hear from you. What you are saying is what I had always understood to be the case upon release. The introduction of crutches came as something of a surprise. Again, I think it depends upon the patient, their fitness and abiity to manage.
I do have my referral date, which is in Bath on January 13. Will take it from there, and what the consultant feels about y general condition, etc.
All the best to you,
Susie
I am finding that there are tremendous variations in what happens at the time of release. I do not have stairs, so no issues there, until strictly necessary.
When i had ops on my knees i used one stick up the stairs on oppisite side to banister and got someone to hold the other one whilst walking up behind me
You are asked if your stairs have banisters or not. If yes, you are taught to use one crutch and the bannister, if no banisters then you are taught to use 2 crutches. Like many others I have 3 crutches, so I only use 1 on the stairs but have 2 at both top and bottom. I have needed to use 2 crutches on stairs when I have been away from home.