Hi all I decided to ask for this advice on Friday and then we had no broadband over the weekend I had withdrawal symptoms as my phone kept telling me there were new discussions and I couldn't get on here! I am 3 /3 post op getting around well on 2 crutches I can walk with one or with a walking stick but don't feel as upright. Does it need practice or one day do you just stop the penguin wobble '? I had been using a stick for 10 years pre op I just don't know whether to persevere with one or wait could really do with some advice
Hi Jane, I still use my crutch as it feels safer to me, i have tried using my stck but it seems to wobble and I don't feel safe, so it's really what feels best for you, good luck with your recovery,
Lynne.
Hi Jane
i would stick with two until you feel comfortable that you can walk well with one. I would also double check that your aids are set to the correct height as you should be able to stand nice and tall using your aids to stop the wobble.
And, while you are at it, give yourself a pat on the back for the progress you are making. Those of us that went quickly onto one stick or less were often not using a stick at all pre-op.
Laura
Hi Jane
i would stick with two until you feel comfortable that you can walk well with one. I would also double check that your aids are set to the correct height as you should be able to stand nice and tall using your aids to stop the wobble.
And, while you are at it, give yourself a pat on the back for the progress you are making. Those of us that went quickly onto one stick or less were often not using a stick at all pre-op.
Laura
Hi Jane
how frustrating having no internet, I'm in a rural area and am trying to get a better service!
we all seem to be different. I left the hospital with two sticks, I was never offered crutches.
I tend to use one stick now but still have the penguin wabble I think that because I have " limped " on my bad side for so long the limp has become a habit. I concentrate when I am walking. I think someone posted on here about thinking heel first, and it helped me.
As we are all so different I think you should keep to two sticks until you feel more comfortable good luck
Carol😄 Xx
If you are rolling from side to side I would definitely keep to 2 crutches as you don'twant your muscles to get bad habits and it will make it harder for them further down the recovery.
Sounds like you are doing well so no need to rush things.
Hi Jane
Welcome!
As Laura says, use 2 crutches till you feel confident to do down to one - and then if appropriate zero. I found going down to one easy, to zero very difficult.
Yes, really important to walk smoothly and well, with no limp. I've taken alexandra Lessons to help me do this. tis sooo good being stick free and reclaiming my life
Mic
xx
Hi Jane
I would echo Laura's comment about getting the height of the crutch checked out - my physio increased mine up a notch the first time I saw him, and this made a big difference to how I walked - stopped me rolling over towards that side.
A stick does feel much less safe initially - just take your time I would say and stick wth the crutch until you're more confident.... you can try turning the crutch round and use it as a stick (ie don't have your forearm in the clip bit) - just using the hand grip - but then be able to revert to using it 'properly' as you need to .....
Good luck
Neil
Hi Jane welcome,You need to feel as upright as you can lucky my walking stick is like the crutches and you can put it up or down. I raised my crutches 3 times in the first two weeks of my op, I was totally surprised at bent over I was, the physio said it was because of the pain I was in and the stance I using to get away from it. I call it unfurling. I changed to one crutch at 3 weeks, and to a walking stick at 5 weeks. I am now 8 weeks post op and still use a walkig stick outside but trying to go without in the house. Hope this helps Gillxx
my physio told me that I'd never overcome my limp until I could bear full weight on operated side. ie balance one-legged. At first, this was impossible. But I've progressed from, literally, one second, to, now, about 30. Four times a day. And it really has made a difference.
Oh, and interesting… while you're balancing, try just turning your head to one/each side. Interesting 😀