Hi everyone, i am now nearly 4 weeks post op. THR, and i often potter about the house without a crutch, i was wondering if this is a good, or bad thing, was wondering if anyone had been told by their physio or surgeon that it was or wasnt a good idea, if i start to feel a bit achey then i use the crutch, thanks chris
Not using a crutch or stick is a big step and I wouldn't advocate it for more than a few steps, just in case.
Outside I would definitely still recommend at least one and on uneven ground or when you are extending your distance 2. When you get clearance to use buses I found that 2 crutches were useful when getting off buses which didn't pull into the kerb, made it easier to handle passes or purses and, most useful of all, meant that most drivers gave you time to sit down before moving off!
Do not ditch the stick or crutch if it means that you develop a poor gait, you should aim to take steps of even length and a rhythmic gait. It is all to easy in the first days to 'favour' the operated leg and get into bad habits (like the ones some of us developed pre-op). Do not ditch the aids until you can walk with a 'good' style, including standing upright and not hunching forwards.
Glad you are doing well and feeling confident.
Hi thanks for that, i only potter about, if i go outside i use 1 or both sticks, dont take any chances, i will take on board what you have said, i have my 6 week appointmant in two weeks and a physio app. on the 3rd, so questions will be asked !!.
Keep up the good work.
Hi
I think its OK to ditch the crutch at that stage as long as its inside only.
Keep it about and if you need it...use it......Its a matter of listening to your body
Love
Eileen
I too have pondered this. No doc has told me not to use a crutch or to use a crutch. Here is my thinking on the matter that works for me.
I wish to train my body into proper form during the healing process. Straight posture and take each step heel to toe with nice follow through with my knee and hip and no limping or using other body parts for compensation. It has worked for me. My greatest fear, (rational or not!), is that my body would heal in a less than normal state and cause me a permenent limp or crookedness for the rest of my life.
Also, to have a fall would be devastating and I try to avoid that at all costs.
So in this light I address your question. I feel that if walking without your crutch anywhere, in or out of your home, causes you to limp in anyway, or cause your body to compensate through other means in order to walk, then use your crutch. Your crutch is the compensator and it is safe. It will prevent falls and help you maintain proper posture and form while walking to prevent healing up the wrong way.
Safety and form.
Wishing you the best and hope this can help in some small way!
Dawn
Hi Dawn, yes good advice, i have to admit that when i am going without a stick it is more of a hobble than a stride, but its usually in the kitchen with plenty of worktops for balence, i think its me trying to do too much too soon as the frustration is setting in regarding doing stuff about the house, and i think training the body to do the heel to toe does require two sticks at any one time, as you can feel the support, so we will solder on, thanks , regards chris
Glad I could help. I understand hobbling around the kitchen for it is something I am tempted to do off and on because the crutches get in the way. Have you tried a walker with wheels on the front? It gives the support of two sticks and is less cumbersome in some ways. I keep one on hand and have a basket on the front of mine to carry my things around my house.
I have one teen and two preteens in my home whom I raise alone and often their messes on the floor, paper and clothing, cause my cane to slip when I land on them and that is when the walker feels safest.
My Best!
Dawn
Hey Christine. I had my hip replaced May 21. I got rid of the walker just before my staples removed. Used 2 crutches for about 2 weeks and then went to one. I saw my surgeron again 6 weeks after the staples were removed. I was using the single crutch as my security blanket, He told me then to get rid of it. So I did and then picked up the cane. I used this mainly when we went shopping or while I was at the pool. So about 2 weeks after that I got rid of it completely. I make myself walk properly. I find sitting for me, for any length of time I get stiff. I usually do a stretch before moving. I try not to sit too long. I had my other hip replaced 8 years ago.. Technology and treatment has improved greatly. I was in the hospital 2 days only this time, my first operation I did not want to leave. The whole surgical procedure is amazing to me. I almost wished I could have stayed awake during the operation. I had an epideral (totally was able to check out the OR and watch the prep) then I was given a mild sedative. Not sick at all, surgery at 11 and up in my room at 3 pm waiting for dinner.
Hi, that all sounds really positive thanks, i also had the spinal and was eating lunch 3hours later! All in all very pleased with how things are going
Hi again. The doctor told me that the hip was secure. I was always concerned as the new hip was not glued in. The bone had to grow around it. After seeing the xray, which was amazing I felt more comfortable. He stressed to me not to bend more than allowed. Which I find difficult. Keep doing the exercises. My thigh is still not 100% but I walk and swim. If you feel it is too soon for you to not use a crutch etc, then don't do it.. There is no time frame to follow. And everyone is different.
Hi Christine.
I think 4 weeks is very early to not using the crutches in side or out side.
Dont forget you've had majour surgery.
Your body will tell you what you can do or cannot do.
Am 4 coming up 5 months pre op THR and i still use just one crutch out doors as i feel that am not ready to ditch it just yet.
Take it easy.
hi i had my op on 22nd july and have been in rehab since, my PT said 2 sticks until walking is correct, not to use 1 stick as it make you walk incorrectly and limp, I am apparently lifting my hip when i walk????? so he would not let me go home this week.
Your doing well so dont spoil it for the sake of a month or two
Hi
Sorry this was for Christine....sorry Lynn
My consultant told me to listen to my body and et rid of crutches as and when I thought I could.....I got no medals for getting rd early
We dont have re hab {not after THR} but physio when I saw him said this and then at my 6 week check the consultant confirmed it
So you just listen to your body
Love
Eileen
Hi Eileen, your right, and i am listening to my body, and when i do walk, with or without a stick i make sure i do the heel to toe otherwise i could be walking like a hobbit !!!lol,
Also dont understand the re hab thing, here in England we have rehab for other things, but not recouvery, is this in America ?, does that mean that they keep you in for any length of time before letting you go home ?, here in England they cant wait to get rid of you, ha ha , i was out after two days, but i have to say i had excellent care, well done NHS.
Hi Christine
It is strange how countries differe isnt it
Apparently its in France??
Like you....they couldnt wait to get rid of me LOL
In on Fri and out on Monday morning but was well looked after. I think our NHS is great.
I'm not sure that I listen to my own advice 
I dont always manage the heel toe thing....Its doe as I say not as I do LOL LOL LOL
Love
Eileen
Hi there, can I ask you a quick question about swimming? How soon did you start to swim and while I totally get that it is a helpful activity - is getting dressed and undressed in a confined/cold area ok and how about getting in and out of the pool? (sorry that was more than one question
Hi bordersgirl
I dont like swimming so I didnt LOL I know it is a good exercise but cant make myself like it.
Just one thing......dont do the breast stroke if you've just had a THR
Love
Eileen
Listen to UR body , do what's right for u. Some days I could use my walker others just a cane. It just depends on how stable and confident u feel. Once u are stable muscles rebuilt u will walk and dance like THR was just a bad dream.