Walking Time – Lines after THR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hiya guys....

Looking for info on walking after THR..

Now I know it’s different for each of us, but just was just wanting to ask how long after your THR was able to walk with aid, then walk with out etc..

Also am I right in thinking you have not to put weight on the leg for some time, how long is this time etc...

Just a good run down on how you fine hippies have managed after your THR...

Any advice or help as ever most appreciated....  

Take Care...PJ

  

2

Hi PJ,

I'm 4 weeks post op today, anterior right THR. I was up using the rest room with my walker the same day. I was walking down the hall in hospital and climbing a few stairs the next day with physical therapist. I also went home that day. I used my wali er for about 10 days and then switched to a cane, which I still use. I can walk without it, but I feel better using it especially for walks that are more than 15 feet or so.

I've noticed huge differences on here as to what patients experience. So it may not be the same for you. I still sleep with my leg propped up, just for comfort reasons. I was told at my 10 day post op visit that I was completely weight bearing with no physical restrictions. It was more about listening to my body and not doing anything that caused me discomfort.

I hope his helps 😊

Jen

3

Many of us ARE allowed to weight bear, right from the beginning. Others are not, due to special circumstances. When is your surgery?

I had cementless THR in July 2015 and they had me standing up, weight bearing, about 5 hours after surgery, and I had a general anesthetic. After that I used a walker every day, and by the end of a week, I was getting around pretty well. Still very slow and painful, but wihout fear of falling.

From my reading on forums and in other articles, it seems that many people can walk unaided by 6 weeks, and many more by 10 weeks. Some can do it even sooner.

I am not the right person to ask about when I was able to stop using walking aids, since I still need them, although I can go a few steps without them, with a bad limp and pain. I think I have gluteal tendon tears and other possible more minor problems, and am seeing several doctors and having multiple scans to try to figure out why. I am sure I will have a definitive diagnosis within a week. I am fairly certain the prosthesis isn't loose, but will probably have a bone scan to check that out, too.

4

Hiya, i am 10 weeks post op, walking in side with no crutch outside on one crutch. I was up on crutches the day after my operation. Been ok with weight on both legs. Just listen to your doctors and physios.

suexx

 

5

It really depends on the type of procedure and if you are in USA or UK...Doctor's seem to dictate the time frame for weight bearing, driving, and aid use.

6

Hi, had my THR April 2015, spinal injection and twighlight anesthetic. I was weight bearing 5 hrs post op. Using frame for about 2-3 weeks then walking stick. Still use it on outings only as I get muscle tiredness and need double knee partial replacement so have other issues walking. I had anterior approach.

7

Hi PJ

i have just had second hip done. On both I was allowed to weight bear on both. I just have to wait on a special purpose built brace to help my new hip for 6 weeks because surgeon had to do so much extra work because federal head was so deformed and he can't garantee that I may get a dislocation without the brace. So it is only for 6 weeks I don't care as long as the leg gets strong as the other one and everything works out so I can have my life back. After all that is what it is all about 👍

8

11 weeks still on two crutches grrrrr

9

So much depends on your muscles before the operation and how long you waited for your op, how long you have been walking badly for - if it is years it will take longer to correct your gait. How your operation was done? etc. I don't think there is a definite 'normal' ecpected time frame because we are all unique. As long as you are exercising properly, and seeing a physio regularly you should get there.

I am just 8 weeks now and can walk without my crutch but with a limp, so am building muscles and using one crutch and working on my gait. It is a long road for most of us! But we all get there eventually...

10

Good morning P.J.

Well, as you can see, it really depends on several things -

I was full weightbearing right after both surgeries as they were just straight forward THR's   - 

One thing: it never goes as fast as one expects  - 

I agree with all responses - 

Listen to your body and take one step at a time, taking your time with it ...

oh, and do not compare yourself to anybody !!!!

big warm hug

renee

11

Hi, I am thirteen weeks post op. I was walking on crutches two days after op. On one crutch at four weeks and walking with a stick at about ten weeks. Walking unaided now. But everyone's different. 

12

Hi!

So we are all very different as is clear from above!

Exeter have a norm of returning crutches at 6 weeks. Aspiration for mist most...easy for sone.

I'm using the walking step app on my phone to measure progress week by week!

Bye

Mic

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13

I am 7 weeks post op today l was walking with sticks for 2 days in hospital then in 3rd day l only needed 1 stick. That was the day l was discharged. When l got home l stopped using the sticks altogether but had just been walking around the house. Then l went outside for a walk took 1 stick and walked around my housing estate with my husband. After that l stopped using them altogether. So by 2 weeks post op l could walk unaided and l was told to use my leg as it was made to take my weight. Now the leg is much stronger than my other which is getting a replacement in the next month.

But as we have said everyone is diffrent depends on how you feel.

14

Hi Lors..

Me fast...and you even faster!

Were you pretty fit pre op...which does seem to be more of a factor than age.

That certainly was true of me ...

I think also a burning ambition to get well and harvest the results of this fab op helps. Some folk are genuinely timid, which I respect, but it does mean if you arn't going out to the local libary say after a month your body just ain't doing the healing and strengthening it needs. Qed .

Good luck and good further progress.

Do you have a goal in sight for later? I was advised anything within sense goes...except bungee jumping! Maybe a full day costal walk with loving husband when you can manage your own sox putting on for both new hips?!

Bye...

Mic

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