Hello all, I am a 32 year old man. I had a left THR on 14th April and am currently walking without crutches. My leg is still not strong enough yet by no means. But I was wondering if it is safe as I have read all the discussions of people having loads of problems. Is it just because of my age? I did a lot of running/cycling pre op before OA set in.
Kind regards
Mike
Hi
i was a very fit 64 year old whose hip replacement was due to sports injuries. I am 5weeks and find when I am not tired I can walk unaided but tend to wobble which apparently is not good. Also I have read on this site that you can do more harm than good by trying to walk unaided so I suppose I would say be careful!
hilary
Can understand why you are so eager to get moving again , especially at your age but I was told firmly to use crutches for 6 weeks . Di stop using them at 5 weeks inside . I am 60 and not as fit as you but be careful , make sure you rest and good luck
mary
I think it's ok if you can walk upright withut leanng over.... if not then best to use a stick until your new hip is stronger. That's my understanding anyway. Good luck.
Thank you all for your comments. I can walk unaided but lean over to one side so I will take your advice and use one crutch until I can walk upright.
Kind regards
Mike
Hi your age has a lot to do with the healing process especially if you were physically fit prior to the operation.
The major muscle are cut to get to the hip bone that will take a while to heal.
Protein supplements are great for faster healing process.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetable, fish and other meats. This will give you all the protein you need.
Exercise you will get strong.
I am 7 months post op eating the right foods protein suppleness and exercises helped my recovery process.
I am 57 yrs old and feel great.
Hi Michael from Michael !
Greetings...
this site is abit like Marmite, very cautious or very go for it!
I'm 70 years young, pretty fit, and had a good exercise regime pre op. I'd go along with sally in saying fine if no signs of limping or waves of tireness. I dumped my crutches at 4 weeks, when as you say I was not then leaning to one side either!
some folk here do it at 2 weeks, others at 8 weeks: sounds like you are going good, yes be careful, but yet go for it too! Be careful bending to put on sox for acouple more weeks, or putting on jeans standing up, but yes see what you can do. I've found balancing on one leg q good exercise by the way! Age and fitness pre op are certainly good indicators -don't be too scared or too cautious....
Warm regards
Mic
______________
Hi Michael,
I was walking indoors with no crutches at about 2-2.5 weeks post op, mainly because I'd simply forget and fine myself in another room, crutch less! Everyone goes at their own speed but your speed will be ruled by your body. It will tell you when it's had enough and you will know when you have reached this point. Obviously the way to recovery is to exercise, and to walk as much as you can, within your own limits. On occasions like this, it's the tortoise that wins the race.
Good luck.
Ali xx
Hi Michael, well done on your progress. As I am only 6 days post op I can't give you very much advice but one chestnut that my physio told me was that even though you feel confident in your walking at home, take both sticks with you when out and about as this will alert other people that you may need a bit more space or be a bit slower to react.
Hi Fiona,
Well said. I'm 8 weeks post op, and got a Quaker meet up in London this weekend. so keeping sticks a week longer so that on the tube train etc folk will see I'm vulnerable and (hopefully) give me space!
good luck
mic
x
Hi Fiona, Thank you for your advise. I have been using 2 cruthes for this very reason :-) I have also gone back to 1 crutch in the house as it helps me walk more normal and i don't lean over to tge side. Good luck on your recovery!
Kind regards
Mike
Hi micheal, sounds like you're doin fine, just be aware that the bone takes the six week period to grow onto the prosthesis stem , so be careful not to over pressure the stem into incorrect position. Tho it should be a good "hammer fit" .I had no muscle cut for my thr now 7weeks post op, still got bit of a list with no stick and still get tired and achey. Im46 been back at work 1week now but not doin anytthing too strenuous. I was also able to wobble around with no crutch at two weeks but weak knee ligaments from years of poor walking gait have hampered me.
good luck with yor continuing recovery. Jay