aesop11
07-23-2005, 01:11 PM
Hi all,
I'm new to the board. Had THR 6 weeks ago. A few questions. Can anyone describe their walking progress from cane to walking normal? Has anyone had trouble sleeping? Thanks. Aesop11.
I'm new to the board. Had THR 6 weeks ago. A few questions. Can anyone describe their walking progress from cane to walking normal? Has anyone had trouble sleeping? Thanks. Aesop11.
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MrsLinda
07-23-2005, 09:40 PM
Hi aesop and welcome! I'm glad you found us.
When you say "walking progress from cane to normal", do you mean how long did it take to walk without them? I think everone is different so I'll talk about me.
I had my THR 11 months ago. I can't believe it'll be a year soon. Anyway, let me see...I can't remember exactly when I didn't use the cane at all. Gosh it seems soooo long ago. What I did do however, was when I was in the house I wouldn't use them. This way I was able to get use to walking without them in a "safe" environment. I'll have to say that I began "practicing" without them at about 8 weeks maybe. I think I was walking without anything at 12 weeks. Now, I still didn't have a "normal" gait then. That still took time and therepy but it did happen!
With regards to sleeping....Yes. I had insomnia for about 6 weeks. I even had a prescription for Ambien but that never worked for me. The bigger problem was my husband couldn't sleep in the bed with me. I was tossing and turning so much that I'd wake him. And trying to turn over was a major deal for me so he slept out in the livingroom on an Aero bed for a very long time. The only advice I can offer is try not to take naps during the day if possible. You get use to that and that can just make getting back into a normal sleep pattern more difficult.
If you have any questions please feel free to post them. There are enough of us here that can try and answer them for you.
When you say "walking progress from cane to normal", do you mean how long did it take to walk without them? I think everone is different so I'll talk about me.
I had my THR 11 months ago. I can't believe it'll be a year soon. Anyway, let me see...I can't remember exactly when I didn't use the cane at all. Gosh it seems soooo long ago. What I did do however, was when I was in the house I wouldn't use them. This way I was able to get use to walking without them in a "safe" environment. I'll have to say that I began "practicing" without them at about 8 weeks maybe. I think I was walking without anything at 12 weeks. Now, I still didn't have a "normal" gait then. That still took time and therepy but it did happen!
With regards to sleeping....Yes. I had insomnia for about 6 weeks. I even had a prescription for Ambien but that never worked for me. The bigger problem was my husband couldn't sleep in the bed with me. I was tossing and turning so much that I'd wake him. And trying to turn over was a major deal for me so he slept out in the livingroom on an Aero bed for a very long time. The only advice I can offer is try not to take naps during the day if possible. You get use to that and that can just make getting back into a normal sleep pattern more difficult.
If you have any questions please feel free to post them. There are enough of us here that can try and answer them for you.
aesop11
07-26-2005, 02:13 PM
Thanks Mrs. Linda,
It seems like I'll never get off this cane. My right hand actually has developed calluses. Last night was the first night I slept without a sleeping pill or Advil. I guess I'm making progress. Aesop11.
It seems like I'll never get off this cane. My right hand actually has developed calluses. Last night was the first night I slept without a sleeping pill or Advil. I guess I'm making progress. Aesop11.
gram17
07-26-2005, 04:52 PM
I had my surgery 3/9/05, had complications with the stretching of the siatic nerve, so I have numbness down the left side of my calf, total numbness of heel, top of foot and toes, sole of my foot is ok.
Had EMG test done and was told that I will get feeling back, when? how much? About two inches of feeling have come back to left side of calf, so I have high hopes.
This numbness has made walking more difficult, it's like have drop foot from diabetes, as I have no real control of foot movements, cannot elevate foot or turn it to the right, which is cumbersum.
I graduated to my cane sometime in May 2005, try to get around the house without it, but if I'm tired or have sat for a long period of time, it's easier to get around. Once I seem to be mobile, I can let it go, but I still limp a lot, and have soreness on left buttocks (Dr. says it's the muscles) I believe the limping is solely due to the fact that I can't walk right with left foot. I always take cane with me when I go out as it gives my better stability,
I guess there is no special time for anyone, it's up to your body.
Had EMG test done and was told that I will get feeling back, when? how much? About two inches of feeling have come back to left side of calf, so I have high hopes.
This numbness has made walking more difficult, it's like have drop foot from diabetes, as I have no real control of foot movements, cannot elevate foot or turn it to the right, which is cumbersum.
I graduated to my cane sometime in May 2005, try to get around the house without it, but if I'm tired or have sat for a long period of time, it's easier to get around. Once I seem to be mobile, I can let it go, but I still limp a lot, and have soreness on left buttocks (Dr. says it's the muscles) I believe the limping is solely due to the fact that I can't walk right with left foot. I always take cane with me when I go out as it gives my better stability,
I guess there is no special time for anyone, it's up to your body.
CarlieJewel
07-26-2005, 07:49 PM
I had my surgery on April 20 and stopped using my cane at about 9 weeks. My surgeon asked me to have it with me if I plan to be on my feet for an extended time. (I didn't ask him what he considered an extended period of time. Before he told me this I was at the fair for four hours and and I was fine.)
I still have a bit of a limp but then I have another thr surgery planned for my other hip in Sept. I think my limp is due to the pain in the other hip more than anything else. I finish my out-patient physical therapy tomorrow and do my at-home exercises religiously. My quads and muscles next to my shins are sore but then that's where most of my exercises are focused. I'm seeing a gait specialist next week to help me walk more balanced.
I had trouble sleeping for several weeks when I came home from the hospital but mainly because I don't like to sleep on my back. I had to keep a huge foam triangle in-between my legs. After a couple of weeks I was allowed to switched to a bed pillow and it was much more comfortable. If I couldn't sleep I'd take my pain pills - they knock me out. I had plenty because I didn't have much pain.
I hope this helps.
I still have a bit of a limp but then I have another thr surgery planned for my other hip in Sept. I think my limp is due to the pain in the other hip more than anything else. I finish my out-patient physical therapy tomorrow and do my at-home exercises religiously. My quads and muscles next to my shins are sore but then that's where most of my exercises are focused. I'm seeing a gait specialist next week to help me walk more balanced.
I had trouble sleeping for several weeks when I came home from the hospital but mainly because I don't like to sleep on my back. I had to keep a huge foam triangle in-between my legs. After a couple of weeks I was allowed to switched to a bed pillow and it was much more comfortable. If I couldn't sleep I'd take my pain pills - they knock me out. I had plenty because I didn't have much pain.
I hope this helps.
MrsLinda
07-26-2005, 11:18 PM
Hi Carlie and gram ~ Each person heals differently and at different paces. So it's hard to judge other individual's progress with canes. I use to carry it with me when I went into crowded places even when I could walk without it. It was like a security blanket; helped me keep my balance should I get "bumped into" accidently. Do what your body tells you to do. If you feel unstable then by all means use it. If you feel comfortable without it, then don't use it. If you're not sure what you feel keep it handy! :D
I had insomia for several weeks after coming home from the rehabiliation facitlity. It was a combination of having to sleep on my back like Carlie and who knows what else!! Even my pain pills didn't help much. I eventually returned to a normal pattern, but I still don't sleep through the night. It comes with "being a mature woman". :rolleyes: I'm 55 and they say as you get older your sleeping becomes more and more interupted. Great... :eek:
I had insomia for several weeks after coming home from the rehabiliation facitlity. It was a combination of having to sleep on my back like Carlie and who knows what else!! Even my pain pills didn't help much. I eventually returned to a normal pattern, but I still don't sleep through the night. It comes with "being a mature woman". :rolleyes: I'm 55 and they say as you get older your sleeping becomes more and more interupted. Great... :eek:
balleteach
07-27-2005, 12:57 AM
MrsLinda, You gave me a good laugh."Being a mature woman" has it's ups and downs. I haven't slept through the night in years. I often think if I could only sleep 6-7hrs straight without having to go to the "you know where" it would be wonderful. We have to look at the positive and realize that maturity brings wisdom and self-knowledge, but just for awhile, I would love to have my 40yr old body back again!! Talk to you all tommorow...balleteach
MrsLinda
07-27-2005, 08:22 AM
Balleteach ~ good to see you! I saw you were home from vacation with the kiddies. Glad you had such a good time. Sleep 6-7 hours straignt?? Gosh...I'd be happy with 4 hours straight!!! I sleep for a couple of hours then wake up. Fight to go back to sleep and then I'm up again. This goes on every night. And it's not because I have to run to you know where.....I just wake up. :yawn:
Oh it's going to be a hot one today....stay cool my friend!!
Oh it's going to be a hot one today....stay cool my friend!!
Cathy46
07-28-2005, 09:49 AM
Hi,
I had my surgery exactly 7 weeks ago today. I am walking with a cane, but in the house I try not to, but I am limping and it still hurt. My doctor said I really didn't need the cane, but its scary to go without it. Walking up and down stairs takes some time to master. But for the first time I am going to work today!!! :bouncing: :bouncing:
Hope everyone is well and making progress.
Talk to you later and have a good day. :wave:
I had my surgery exactly 7 weeks ago today. I am walking with a cane, but in the house I try not to, but I am limping and it still hurt. My doctor said I really didn't need the cane, but its scary to go without it. Walking up and down stairs takes some time to master. But for the first time I am going to work today!!! :bouncing: :bouncing:
Hope everyone is well and making progress.
Talk to you later and have a good day. :wave:
hiphop
09-03-2005, 02:10 PM
Hi all,
First time on hear and i must say its great to hear from other people having the same op as i have had, full hip replacement, i have had ups and downs everyday i cam out with an infection which did not help and i had quite bad depression its now nearly four weeks on and i am getting on great but i am so much wanting to run before i can walk if you know what i mean, can anyone tell me what stages did they go from crutches to sticks and walking normally without any aids, :confused:
First time on hear and i must say its great to hear from other people having the same op as i have had, full hip replacement, i have had ups and downs everyday i cam out with an infection which did not help and i had quite bad depression its now nearly four weeks on and i am getting on great but i am so much wanting to run before i can walk if you know what i mean, can anyone tell me what stages did they go from crutches to sticks and walking normally without any aids, :confused:
Kiricki
09-03-2005, 02:55 PM
Hi HipHop--Everyone is different, I think. Four weeks is very early. You sound like me........what you need most is patience! :p I can't recall the exact time frame from walker, to cane, to just walking. I believe I gave up the walker at about 4 weeks, and went to a cane. In about another 3-4 weeks, I was using the cane only when I left the house. That went on for maybe another month, when we left on vacation. I had a folding cane, which I took with me but used only one time. It has been just over 6 months since my surgery and I am now working on gait.....there is a 1/2 inch difference in leg length and I'm using a lift in my shoe, which helps a lot. Pain is still an issue, but is decreasing. This week I overdid greatly one day, and had two bad days afterward, but am much better today. I also find changes in barometric pressure stirs things up a bit, but that has been an issue for me for many years. Hang in there, keep working on everything, and it will get better with time. This board is such a great source of information and support! :wave:
hiphop
09-03-2005, 05:06 PM
Hi HipHop--Everyone is different, I think. Four weeks is very early. You sound like me........what you need most is patience! :p I can't recall the exact time frame from walker, to cane, to just walking. I believe I gave up the walker at about 4 weeks, and went to a cane. In about another 3-4 weeks, I was using the cane only when I left the house. That went on for maybe another month, when we left on vacation. I had a folding cane, which I took with me but used only one time. It has been just over 6 months since my surgery and I am now working on gait.....there is a 1/2 inch difference in leg length and I'm using a lift in my shoe, which helps a lot. Pain is still an issue, but is decreasing. This week I overdid greatly one day, and had two bad days afterward, but am much better today. I also find changes in barometric pressure stirs things up a bit, but that has been an issue for me for many years. Hang in there, keep working on everything, and it will get better with time. This board is such a great source of information and support! :wave:
Hi anne,
Thank you for replying to me it was so nice to relate to somebody that knows how or what i am going through you seem to be doing really well, i did hear about the leg shortening i do not know if i have that as i couldnt tell by being on crutches, the trouble with me i want to go back to doing everything i used to do i have three children my youngest is 8 and just miss so much doing all the things i used to do i know i couldnt do much before hand as i had severe arthritus in my hip and sometimes i could walk and other times it would just give in felt horrendous and i would have to not go out i just feel so sorry for myself and find myself in floods of tears where i get so impatient, i know time is a great healer and i really thank you for your support :)
Hi anne,
Thank you for replying to me it was so nice to relate to somebody that knows how or what i am going through you seem to be doing really well, i did hear about the leg shortening i do not know if i have that as i couldnt tell by being on crutches, the trouble with me i want to go back to doing everything i used to do i have three children my youngest is 8 and just miss so much doing all the things i used to do i know i couldnt do much before hand as i had severe arthritus in my hip and sometimes i could walk and other times it would just give in felt horrendous and i would have to not go out i just feel so sorry for myself and find myself in floods of tears where i get so impatient, i know time is a great healer and i really thank you for your support :)