Why can I come off the crutches!?

Hi all I am 13 days post op ( right hip) I still Need to get my left hip replace don't know when. I am doing great, walking good in and out side each day I am walking more and more, doing my exercise well, I can get out and in of bed my self and plus felling no pain. I am dying to get off my crutches when can I come off them?. I was going to ask my physiotherapist on Wednesday as its my first session with them since I had my op.

Thanks

Megan X

Mean when ******

When you think you are ready portion out the change slowly. Things have to mend inside. Setbacks can be discouraging. 

I've tried using one crutche but I still need to hold on to the walls or something. Thanks for your comment

Hi megan: I am so happy you are doing well. That is wonderful. You will know when you are comfortable without the crutches but remember 13 days is still early in the recovery. It all depends on the person, take baby steps you can try without them and if it is comfortable not using them that is great. If you are bothered with pain or discomfort I would wait a while and try again another time. You can discuss this with the physiotherapist when they come out and they can help guide you to know when you are ready. I know the feeling of being so anxious and wanting to be able to function like we should. Wishing you well and continued healing...Hugs....Barb

Hi Megan,

It sounds as if you are really doing well. Congratulations.

Barb has the right of it.

Please be patient as the muscles and other connective tissues need time to read here to the hip, hold it in and begin the work of helping you walk again with some weight.

Going too fast at this stage could set you back badly. Check out the video of this operation on line (actual or animated) to really appreciate how much force was exerted in this operation and why your hip and muscles really need the time to heal.

Take care,

Linda

Hi Megan,

It sounds as if you are really doing well. Congratulations.

Barb has the right of it.

Please be patient as the muscles and other connective tissues need time to read here to the hip, hold it in and begin the work of helping you walk again with some weight.

Going too fast at this stage could set you back badly. Check out the video of this operation on line (actual or animated) to really appreciate how much force was exerted in this operation and why your hip and muscles really need the time to heal.

Take care,

Linda

Hi Megan - when I went to get my staples out on day 10 my surgeon told me to switch to a cane immediately. In my area we start with a walker and don't use crutches unless you can'take put full weight on it which I'm told is rare. Anyway I started using my cane on the opposite side, focusing on standing tall and walking heel toe. A week after that I walked on my own, again focusing as with the cane. I won't pretend every day was great but I have made steady progress since and head into my 2nd replacement in less than 2 weeks. It will be week 14.

hi megan , 

there are different opinions about using walking aids - I was told that in order to fall back in to pre-op walking/posture, walking with , in my case, rollator would help me to prevent limping - My body was so used to compromise and go in to lob-sided mode to avoid pain - 

even surgeons and T do not see eye-to-eye on this topic - Surgeon usually wants you to ditch crutches, walkers and even canes as soon as possible and PT not so much - even inside furniture surfing is discouraged - 

Good plan to ask your PT Wednesday and most important, I think, is to listen to your body - you will know when you start limping - 

I too think that you are really doing great, darling ... 

big warm hug

renee

Hi Linda. Thank-you for comment. Thank-you so much for your words!

Megan x

Hi Fiona.

That's great!. I hope your doing well. It's inly two weeks today since I had it done!

Megan x

Hi renee.

Thank-you for your comment. A day after my op my doctor said he's want me to get off the crutches soon as possible. It's two weeks today since I had my op. I tried walking with one crutche but I still hold on to the wall and other things. I will definitely ask my PT on Wednesday got a few questions to ask!. I feel better when I walk each day. I still have a swollen ankle and leg but it's going down. I started to cut down my meds I don't take them during the only at morning and night. I take other tablets during the day but it isn't painkillers it's for something else. Plus I am sleeping during the night now.

Thank-you for your words!.

Megan xx

Hi Megan, I was down to 1 crutch after a week & then bought some trekking poles & ditched the crutches. They make you stand up tall & walk properly whereas you lean forward on crutches & put a lot of weight on your hands x

Hi Sweety

Im glad to hear you are doing so well after your scare last week, Mines on wednesday, listen to your body it will tell you when enough is enough. When did you first sleep through? I dont function on no sleep

Take care hunni

Kim xxx

I have had conflicting advice about the use if my crutches. I am 12 days post op and had my staples out this morning. I can weight bear on my new hip but the nurse had told me I need to use both just in case I stumble my surgeon told me before my op that I should get off my crutches asap so both lots advice at odds with each other.

What is invested in this thr, time, $$, pain and effort I listen to my Doc. My instructions were walker up to 2 wks, cane up to 6 wks. A fall or big misstep and one is in for a miserable recovery if not more surgery. 

Good Luck.

Hi Eileen. I trusted my surgeon and it appears he was right. I'm sure that there are many cases where circumstances dictate keeping the crutches or walker for longer but I think in a safe environment that it's good to try to progress and you'll know quickly enough if you need to revert. I'm assuming you'd progress next to a cane so you still have support. Just always remember to stand tall and heel-toe. I did much better when I continuously reminded myself of that. Good luck!

Yes you're right. All the into about dislocation of new hips is scary. Think I will carry on as I have been doing ie. Holding onto the furniture when not using crutches. I feel much stronger today without my staples in but my ankle still very swollen but I am still frustrated over not being able to pick up my normal day to day activities like driving etc

Hi Kim good look for tomorrow. Yeah I was auntie scared last but I am fine now . It was about a week and a half for me. xxx

Hi there thank-you for your comment. Glad to here it. Like I am doing well just want to come off my crutches lol.

Megan x