Bi-lat crutchy question!

[Rich jones]

Firstly just wanted to say how good this site is! Reassuring me on my path to a pain free life and getting back to the sports I love.. i am two weeks in tomorrow after a bi-lat BH installed by the genius Mr Mc Minn.. what a ledge nd! The first seven days were brutal.. I was withdrawing from two years of tramadol. Never felt so poorly. Thought I was loosing it to be honest! The three days I felt tip top, back to my normal self with out any meds and it feels good.. the question I wanted to ask is I’ve been told to stick with the crutches for six weeks, I’m finding I’m not using them much indoors I feel good with out them I wouldn’t venture out side yet incase I slip, is this SAFE to do or am I risking upsetting my new hips? I am walking a a bit like yoda.. and I am worried I might slide into walking with a bad gait..thanks in advance

[Asalisbu]

Rich- I am a bilat as well approaching 7 weeks. 
It’s impressive that you aren’t u the crutches I read on hear many that ditch them early.   I did also had mine done with a different heavyweight surgeon.   All these surgeons have different protocols so not sure on yours but I followed the docs instructions and started experimenting inside with one and no crutches at four weeks.  Others I think start doing it earlier but four weeks was definitely what I needed to wait for any way.   

As far as your gait i have been told my doctors office to really mind the gait and any limping.   I still keep the crutch close as when I sit to long I sometimes use it (like walking stick) to help me loosen up from the start up pain.  I know the waddle you describe as it’s the exact one I get, yoda is the perfect description.....damn wish I thought of that. 

So i am obviously no doctor but I was told to not push through a bad limp or waddle and use in walking aid necessary to help “normalize” your gait during walking.   

Personally I am taking the bi-lat as an opportunity to start with good gait and posture habits (getting solid positure is so much easier and natural now).   I am constantly resetting myself in attempts tontighten up my gait which starts slipping when I get tired.   I have decided will have the crutch around a little longer (I could probably ditch it) but I figured since I’m walking like a baby giraffe (yoda is better reference) I will talke the extra time since I am relearning pretty much everything right now and try to have a real solid foundation.  To be honest it’s touching my feet while sitting that’s going to rake forever trying use perfect form.   

Good luck.  Sounds like your doing good. 

[Rich jones]

Asalisbu!

Thanks for the reply.. yes sounds like the plan is to get a good solid stride before rushing off the crutches. Have you been swimming yet?

[Asalisbu]

Yes started in the pool at four with only pulling not using legs at all.   Only just started a light flutter kick.  Felt good but of course weak.   

I started PT phase 2 exercises and gym last week.  All I can  is take it easy.  For some reason I rode the bike with zero resistance, walked a mile, did some upper body gym work, and my two rounds of phase 2 exercises throughout the day.

It felt great and almost normal.  I am hurting today.  Going to take it easy.  Left flexor letting me know who is boss still.  The above was almost a normal presurgery day for me.   So like everyone says on here let your body be your guide.   I’m going to sit on my butt as much as possible today.