Using sticks

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi

I'm 5 weeks now and while I can more or less manage stickless in side I need one stick when I go out anywhere.

how long is it before I walk more 'normally' without sticks? Once driving, will I need to take sticks out with me?

Realise it's different for everyone- but I would have thought I would be there by now. Legs still feel very heavy and slow but I am walking and exercising.

Met a friend who told me her husband threw his sticks away after 2 weeks- didn't want to hear that!

Thanks Fellow hippes

2

Hi Barbara , first of all we are all different .

i was on wAiting list for 15 months , not at all nervous when I went in just glad to get it over .

i had just turned 60 and had weak thigh muscles .

not being rude but how old are you?

i am Ii weeks post op now , think I stopped using crutches and  stick 6/7 weeks .

in 6 week check up Dr told me not to listen to people who are doing wonders in so many weeks , listen to your own body . 

I still struggle with exercise laying on bed a,nod lifting leg up , seeing physio again next week .

 I have found walking and rest have been best for me …

it will get better 

mary 

South Wales x

3

Hello Barbara. I am 3 weeks post op and tiday I feel souch better but not ready to ditch the criutches when out. I have a fear of falling so feel more secure. Indoors one crutch and sometimes none. Also you may feel great at the neighing of a walk and then get tired so best to have the support otherwise getting home could be difficult. I go out a lot alone so need to be secure. Best not to compare yourself to anyone else. Some people may feel self conscious with crutches and ditch them ASAP. I finding them a talking point

4

Hi Barbara I was still walking with one stick at my 6weeks check up and consultant said it was because I was lacking confidence ,a neighbour who had a hip replacement like me was walking out and about after 3 weeks with no sticks which didn't make me feel any better. But I finally went without them when I dropped on on the floor and there was noboddy around to pick it up for me. But everyone is different you will get there when you are ready

5

Hi Barbara

Congratulations on managing to walk without sticks inside, and only one stick outside.  

If you read all the posts in this forum you will realise we are all different. I am 11 weeks post op. You are doing really well and my best advice to you from my experience is never compare yourself to anyone else.  If your friends husband threw out his crutches after 2 weeks I would say good luck to him, but I certainly wouldn't have done that.

I was only thinking today that I am going to take mine back to the hospital next week.

I am 64 and my progress has been steady, I was walking without crutches inside from about 4 weeks and at 11 weeks post op I am walking all the time without crutches. I was in France last week and was going for walks of about 1 mile, doing gardening and enjoying the sunshine. I went for a short walk (about a mile) with my 2 grandchildren yesterday all the time without crutches. Without pain but only as I still take painkillers for my other hip which will need to be done as soon as I get a date (I'm on the waiting list). The best thing for me is that before my op I could barely walk to the top of our road to collect my granddaughter from nursery without a lot of pain (even with meds) now I can walk much further and enjoy going out for walks with them. 

You will get there, in your own time. It's not a competition, so just relax, enjoy your successes and one day you will be ready to take back your crutches or ditch the walking sticks!

take care

Linnet x 

 

6

Took me 8 weeks to completely walk without a cane.

yes it's all different for everyone.

how confident you feel walking around the block without the cane?

7

I feel surprisingly (for me!) confident walking around the block. It's kind of strange, you start to do things with care because your body is ready, almost without thinking. You have to know I was not fit before my op and its just great being able to do what I can do now. I keep thinking how much more I will be able to do when my other hip is done. 

Linnet x

8

Hi Barbara

I took one crutch with me when I went out and when I went out in the car until 10 weeks when I suddenly like everything else just felt I don't need a crutch and off I went.

I take my crutch to work as by the middle to end if the day I need it for support, I think cos I'm sitting for longer so get stiff and I have quite a long way to walk.

But remember everyone is different and don't beat yourself up about it.

You need crutch until you can walk without limp my physio told me.

9

Hi Barbara,

i am 5 weeks post op and on one crutch out walkies then practice during the walk a few yards at a time not using it. Getting there at my pace as am just one of those who repair slowly. I've read some pushing hard, hd an accident which then set them back, so you take your time, your heading in the right direction at your own pace and recovery level. Doing well. smile

10

Hey Barbara

Good luck...and as everyone else says go at yr own pace.

At 6 weeks I'm pretty much crutch free...and at 5 weeks was not!

As I wrote earlier I'm taking a stick to London at month end for confidence and balance.I'm also buying some walking poles at darts farm in topsham.

Some say 2 weeks...others 9 weeks....sounds like u just fine

Mic

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11

There is a lot you can,do,once you're ready.

That is what we say that to listen to your body. That's how it works. You're doing great don't over do it.

12

Thank you Mary. I'm 62.

I suppose I am worried I'll always walk like this. Daft I know

13

Thanks. Yes, it's blimin awful when people say they got rid of sticks in the early days.

You're right, think it is confidence

Best wished

14

Thank you linnet. That is really encouraging x

15

Don't think I could do that. But may try with someone with me- holding my stick in case I need it!

16

Thanks Kevin x

17

Thanks mic

I have heard walking poles are an excellent form of exercise. Gives the arms a good work out too!

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18

That's good. Thanks Christine

19

Hi Mic

I have been away and must have missed your post about walking poles. I have been thinking about buying some as they are supposed to increase the benefits of walking. Any advice would be great.

Linnet x

20

Hi Linnet (singing so sweetly)

Glad things are going well....

Yo...at 6 weeks post op today I'm delighted at my healing and indeed just enjoyed my first hot bath.

Friends have advised nordic walking poles for country walks. I've tried a few and am delighted with the new Leki poles I've just bought, plus arranging an hours tuition on using them effectively. They give the support I need in the countryside but also give a good cadio workout too.

Mix

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