Any info would be appreciated. I'm 5 wks post op. Had posterior thr and have been using just one crutch for 2 weeks. I can walk unaided around the house but physio said not to do so for long outside. I'm due to go on holiday to Florida in 12 weeks and want to know what is the likelihood of being able to walk around the Disney parks all day by then without any crutch. I'm doing all the exercises given and physio said I'm doing really well.
Anyone else had the posterior procedure who can tell me what they were like at 17 weeks and advise if I will need assistance for the amount of time I will be on my feet on holiday would be welcomed. I'm fit; 3 weeks before op was playing competitive table tennis and swimming 40 lengths most evenings, worked full time and play bass guitar twice every weekend in a band. Last week I did 3 performances standing for 2 hrs with a 25 minute break.
I've been told by others on another site that I should hire a wheelchair as I won't be able to walk too much at 17 weeks post op. Any comments from those who had posterior please comment how you were at 17 weeks. Could you cope without a wheelchair?
Sue going to Disney and waking , the area is huge and very hot.
I went two yrs ago and wished I rented a mobility scooter. Walking for me was a night mare.also standing in line was difficult. It's a long Waite even with handicapped tag on you.
In four days I walked 28 miles. I did this before surgery THR. I also have M.S..And then was 67yrs old.
Make the trip enjoyable rent a scooter. And all the busses have handicapped lift on the busses and you will be able to get in first on the bus.
I had posterior ORIF after a bad car accident last year. I used my wheelchair even when I had the go ahead to use cane. I did this simply because my hip still could not handle full weight without some discomfort. Plus it was tiring to walk with a cane for long distances.
However, ORIF is different than THR. But from what I've seen from other people and heard here, better safe than sorry.
I say rent one or a scooter so you know you will enjoy your trip and not be miserable.
Hi Sue .... wow, going to Disney is challenging to begin with - even when I was young !!! (long time ago) which park are you going to?
I think Ginger and Carla are right ... in order for you to really enjoy your visit, rent a scooter or if not possible, a wheelchair ...what does your PT adivse? don't be a hero okay ? the ultimate decision maker is you ... however, please don't make a decision based on how it might look ... who cares ... as long as you have fun and enjoy your visit ....
well, that is my 2 cents !!!
you are doing great !!!
warm hug
renee
on the other hand, you are doing great ....
Dear Sue,
Hi from Exeter, England.
I'm at 20 weeksand honestly from what you say it sounds like you are fit enough to walk delightful. my major health thing, as an ex Health Studies lecturerer, is drink plenty of water!
I'm assuming no extra complications and think your posture needs a gentle up-rightness, and hopefully you'll loose the crutch very soon . Most folk in UK are encouraged to walk without one by 6- 10 weeks.
sorry to confuse but that is the beauty of this site. i've just return from sunny France, walking 6 miles a day for a week!
Enjoy the experience wotever!
Hugs
mic
x
Hi Sue,
Sounds like like you were pretty fit and doing well now. I had anterior 10 days ago. I'd be wanting to aim to walk, surely there'd be places to sit down. Do you really want to use a chair? You have plenty of time to prepare by building up your walking 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃
I would think that you would be Ok for the walking, I am finding that standing in queues is difficult. Why not hedge your bets, folding walking stick, walker with seat, and possibly hire a mobility scooter
Hi again, just to make you aware that I am UK based, only 55, fit and healthy and before the thr did not use any walking aid nor use any painkillers. In addition, I have been to Disney before so know what walking is involved.
I'm asking the opinion of those who are at 17 weeks post op stage and who've had the same posterior procedure so I can get an idea of how much walking they can comfortably do. That way I can gauge whether I will need any walking aid.
If I do need a wheelchair it would be far cheaper to buy a 2nd hand one and take with me rather than pay to hire.
I'm not sure as my first surgery was after a huge trauma to acetabulum and it was pinned and played using the posterior approach. I was no weight bearing for 3 months and after it was slow going.
My Dad had his first THR through posterior approach and he used a cane for at least 6 months. I think Disney World would have been too much for him to walk at 17 weeks.
However, he was a bit older....I think 60 and slightly overweight.
I'm not overweight and a young, fit 55 yr old. Was fully weight bearing 4 hrs after op. Hope that info helps give a better picture of me.
Adding up your weeks and dividing by 4 weeks per month you are saying that you will be 4 months plus 2 weeks post op when you plan on going on a trip.
I think you will be okay. There are plenty of resting areas at Walt Disney World. The thing is you don't have to start out with a wheelchair, Disney World has them, you can reserve one and if you don't need it you simply do not go and claim your reservation. As a back up plan you could have a walker (trolly I think they are called in the UK) with a seat, you could have a walker in the trunk of the car waiting jsut in case.
You know what? Our surgeries are done to get our lives back, to be normal again, I would try normal on my trip, not ask for any accomodations at all. I want to feel like everybody else, like I did before my hip handicapped me, so for me, I would reserve a wheel chair but not pick it up upon entering the park. At the most bring a cane, but I doubt if you will even need that. I'm 61 and had my surgery a year ago when I was 60. Except for being careful not to carry heavy things on the side I had my surgery, I am completely nromal.
If I need a chair I will buy 2nd hand and take with me. It's cheaper.
hi sue ... well, I think that you are the only one who can make that decision when the time comes ... we are only suggesting things here - if you find your self fit and strong enough, go without any aids ... the only body we know is our own ... you are familiar with the premises and know what you are up against ... so it is all up to you - and you still have 12 weeks until you leave -
I am sure you will make the right decision -
take care - you sound very joyful and doing very well - please keep us posted about your progress ...
big hug
renee
Disney In Florida does have seating like benches.But not a lot few and far inbetween.
We generally sat in restaurants. I had wished I had scooter to sit on.My younger friend she was 52at the time we went to Disney.She had to rent a wheel chair.And she is healthy.
It's a good idea To buy a used one and take with you.it better to have it and not need it than need it and not have one.
Believe there are thousands of people there to seating on benches are filled with people.
Dear Sue,
Hi again! Just supporting Renee here
Confused at the cautious views of many here. Ultimately its your decision of course, but at 20 weeks I can't imagine using a wheelchair ever!
I've simply got my life back post op ~ I'm 71 by the way, and as I wrote earlier just back from Francefrom Devon and a fair amount of happy walking in hot climes.
Good luck babes - you say you are fit so........
Paix
Mic
x
I personally would have a wheelchair available as you find that you get tired easily or if they do hire a mobility scooter