Walking - Knee & Hip Problems Message Board

aesop11 · 07-23-2005, 10:11 AM

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.

MrsLinda · 07-23-2005, 06:40 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.

aesop11 · 07-26-2005, 11:13 AM

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.

gram17 · 07-26-2005, 01:52 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.

CarlieJewel · 07-26-2005, 04:49 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.