when you first started to walk without crutches, how did you walk/wobble for and how long was it before walking normally again and at a good speed and good wide steps?
Hey Vicki, I was walking like a penguin when I first got off my crutches. I think my main issue was fear of hurting my leg or falling, so I took tiny steps and limped not having a crutch to rely on. Honestly, the time it takes will vary for everyone but, like with anything, practise makes perfect. The more you get your hip used to walking without aid, the quicker and better your walking can become. I'd like to say that 7 months post op is when I COMPLETELY found my normal walk. I rarely ever limp, I can take wife steps and the fear isn't as prominent anymore. Keep taking short little walks until it becomes better because there's no exact timing for these things. I wish you so much luck!
hi I'm 7 weeks post op still use my crutches out side. inside I do wobble like a penguin lol. hate it. I can wait to get rid of the bloody limp.
Have you tried walking with your crutches but not using them to take your weight just left leg left crutch and right with right, this alleviates the fear but teaches you a better gaite, no time scale it just depends on your own personal experience. I'm told I will be on crutches for at least another year after my op because of muscle wastage, try strength training as the main reason for the lack of walking ability is weakness in your damaged muscles, swimming cycling and walking is best exercise, if you can maybe as for hydrotherapy
Hi Vickie, I broke my hip 12 days ago but i was already disabled with limited mobility. I have to admit im really struggling. I cant hardly walk, dress myself or anything. I have never felt this low in my life as cannot see myself ever getting better. I know i should stay positive but its difficult and my GP is totally useless. I wish you a speedy recovery and hope i find the mental and physical strength to get better . Mandie
Hi Vickie, As others say we are all so different. I too had bad muscle problems prior to operation, so am still using crutches for longer walks and one crutch for shorter. Surgeon told me to be patient and do not try for the impossible too quickly! most long term limps are caused by not using crutches correctly for long enough after operation. My op was last June, and I am just so happy I am not in any more chronic pain, so I find it is easy to be patient. Good luck Vickie, and remember to just take your time - it will come! :)
Hi Vickie I was told to stay on 2 crutches as long as possible to prevent a limp from forming . I happily stayed on both until about 8 weeks, after that i quickly reduced to 1 and walked without aids after about week 10. Iknow that seems a long time but for me it has paid off. Good luck
John
Hi Vickie, I'm 4wks post op, Have just started walking outside without crutches this week. Could have probably tried it sooner but was just the psychological side I think preventing me.
Can walk about a mile before getting achy on operated side. Not pain as such, but i definitely have smaller strides at the moment, than I did pre op.
Everyone's fitness and age etc plays a part though, as i was walking and cycling quite a bit before my op. I'm sure the best advice is to listen to your body. :)
Vickie
As people have advised a lot of us have different experiences and some if it is in our head and preconception of what we are going to be like after surgery . If you were fit before surgery and in good muscle tone in general it does help and seriously religiously do your exercises . Your glutes are a big factor in walking properly again and watching yourself walking on mirror and shop fronts is good to see what you are doing. To see the differences on in experiences I only used crutches for first day and then walking stick for 10 days then off and walking as normal . PS it's not bragging just showing differences
I do walk round the house now without crutches, but I already had and will continue to have a limp as my unoperated hip leg is 4cm shorter anyway, but yes I'm walking like a penguin and thought maybe I am therefore not ready to be doing this. At work and outside still using 2 crutches but quick and big steps. 4wks post op today. thanks
aww hugs mandy...
When I had my hip replacement as Salky And damaris will tell you I got so down not being able to do anything or dress myself, but every day now feel stronger and has helped going back to work.
Have you thought of changing your Doctor?
you do need some positive vibes and I found this forum a good bunch of people and support...
Hope you feel stronger and better soon...
i still limp and im 8 weeks .. dropped the crutches at 4 weeks .. have i done the wrong thing? limp is getting better but some days worse than others .. will it go after a while? hope so lol
Thanks Vickie, I am going to change Drs as soon as i can as they have made me feel like a burden and thats not good when you are struggling everyday. I will get there but at the moment you cant see the end of this long tunnel. Im pleased you are feeling better and on your way to a full recovery. Take care of yourself xx
Hi Sally I was advised not to stop using my crutches until I had the strenghth on my operated leg to walk without a limp. I was walking on one crutch around 4 weeks and walked unaided without a limp at around 8 weeks . I am 4 months post op now but still occasionally limp when getting up after sitting a while
Thank you for this question Vickie. I had been on crutches for while before surgery and now am told to only use a walker for better gait. Im 9 weeks post op. Is anyone else using a walker? Maybe for me they wanted me out of crutch mode. I am slowly improving but going back and forth with wobble. Would appreciate any feedback from all you lovely people re walker and any best exercise that helped you finally not limp and be free.
Hi. Broke my femur nearly 10 mths ago. The first 2 mths I used the walker with wheels than a walking stick for 6 mths. Have been walking aid free now for 2 mths and yes it was scary at first, always second guessing myself. Still have a slight limp but mostly noticable if Ive been walking around the shops for too long.. Hopefully it will disappear altogether soon.
Hi. Broke my femur nearly 10 mths ago. The first 2 mths I used the walker with wheels than a walking stick for 6 mths. Have been walking aid free now for 2 mths and yes it was scary at first, always second guessing myself. Still have a slight limp but mostly noticable if Ive been walking around the shops for too long.. Hopefully it will disappear altogether soon.
Hi. Broke my femur nearly 10 mths ago. The first 2 mths I used the walker with wheels than a walking stick for 6 mths. Have been walking aid free now for 2 mths and yes it was scary at first, always second guessing myself. Still have a slight limp but mostly noticable if Ive been walking around the shops for too long.. Hopefully it will disappear altogether soon.
Hi. Broke my femur nearly 10 mths ago. The first 2 mths I used the walker with wheels than a walking stick for 6 mths. Have been walking aid free now for 2 mths and yes it was scary at first, always second guessing myself. Still have a slight limp but mostly noticable if Ive been walking around the shops for too long.. Hopefully it will disappear altogether soon.
it's a difficult one for me, with me already having limp before hand and with this op will still have limp anyway, so cannot go off if limping still use crutch so to speak...
been a good debatable question and love way everyone speaking up sharing their experiences....