Hip Talk Forum About Hip Resurfacing

I see that there seems to be a disparity in the number of Wonder hip recoveries reported here (like Pats) and the time it takes to get back to work. In the returning to work poll 54.4% of the respondents are back to work by 6 weeks. That means there are alot of people out there with slow recoveries who are returning to work past the 6 week point. How about a poll asking how long it took patients to go from crutches to cane and then off the cane? This could be interesting, I suspect that there are alot more people like me (2 1/2 weeks post op Gross, and still can't get on a cane) than there are the super hips. I know I get somewhat discouraged when I read the "4 days post op, climbed the Eiffel Tower today..." posts.

I would not worry too much about walking with a cane at this point.   Can you do a single crutch short distances say around the house?  That is how I started, I would try to go from my livingroom to kitchen with one crutch, then I tried holding out a crutch with both hands to hold me up and I would walk to the crutch 2 or 3 steps. 

Eventually it will come, we all heal at varying rates.  Some people are rabbits, some are turtles, we all will cross the finish line, and remember turtles live a lot longer than rabbits   ;)

Keep the faith, it will come.

BTW--- I did a poll, but it's how long to walk unassisted.


Chuck

Hi Frosty,
I was in your situation a little over a year ago, and had all of the same feelings. Now all of that is distant memories, and a couple of weeks one way or the other does not seem like much. I also had my hip done by Dr. Gross (who I think is a fantastic Doctor). At two to three weeks, I kept feeling that I "should" be able to get around on a cane, but it did not go that well  ??? :'( I talked to a couple of PTs, both of whom observed me and advised that I would be better off to stay on two crutches with increased weight bearing, rather than trying to struggle along with a cane :P. I was not able to really switch to a cane for long walks until after 4 weeks, and was not off the cane until about six weeks. From there things progressed very rapidly, and I was running steep mountain trails and skiing eight hours a day by six months :D :D; so try not to let the current rate of early healing bother you. Just enjoy each little small step of improvement, and things will keep getting better at their own pace. :)

I too, didn't get rid of the crutches until after 3 weeks.  After that I used a cane for a couple of weeks and by 6 weeks I could walk without any limp.  People remarked on how well I walked after surgery.  Dr. Gross was also my doctor.  It also took me longer to walk the first mile, but now at 6 months I can walk several.  So hang in there, it will come.

Quote from: frosty1235 on August 20, 2009, 09:18:05 AM
I see that there seems to be a disparity in the number of Wonder hip recoveries reported here (like Pats) and the time it takes to get back to work. In the returning to work poll 54.4% of the respondents are back to work by 6 weeks. That means there are alot of people out there with slow recoveries who are returning to work past the 6 week point. How about a poll asking how long it took patients to go from crutches to cane and then off the cane? This could be interesting, I suspect that there are alot more people like me (2 1/2 weeks post op Gross, and still can't get on a cane) than there are the super hips. I know I get somewhat discouraged when I read the "4 days post op, climbed the Eiffel Tower today..." posts.

Go at your own pace.  You'll get there.  2-1/2 weeks ago your leg was disconnected and they were drillng, grinding and pounding metal parts into your bones, and they were not gentle about it.  Do what the Dr. says, relax and take your time, and don't try to keep up with the Jone's  :D :D   Remember it is going to take some time. The over 8 weeks guy in your poll was me, but I walk perfect now !! HaHa.  A couple months from now you'll be walking around like a champ and when you look back it's not gonna matter if you walked perfect at 2 weeks or 6 weeks or even 10 weeks. Listen to your body and take your time, you'll get there !!    Just my $.02   8)
   

For both my ops I left hospital (op 1 day 5, op 2 day eight) on two walking sticks (canes).  I spent about another week on two sticks and then went to one right up to six weeks.    I felt it wasn't doing me any harm to keep using a stick and it might do me some good.     Even now I still go out on long walks swishing along with a wooden walking stick, swapping hands as I go along.

Quote from: frosty1235 on August 20, 2009, 09:18:05 AM"4 days post op, climbed the Eiffel Tower today..."

LOL. Don't they wear you out sometimes? :)

Thanks to everyone for all the encouragement, patience is not my strong suit, I will have to keep your thoughts in mind as I struggle. I just thought it was an interesting question to see how long it takes people to walk unassisted because I am back to work (I sit in front of a computer all day) in 2 weeks but can't walk w/o 2 crutches. Thanks again for the perspective.

Hi

I am approaching 4 weeks post op.   I think everyone has to go at their own pace and listen to your body.   I asked my Dr 3 times in the hospital how long I would be on crutches and he wouldn't and said he couldn't answer me but I would know when the time came.   I was walking with crutches for about 2 1/2 weeks, then a cane for a few days and then nothing.    The time between crutch and nothing was quick.   However, I am not working yet and doing pretty intense pt 3 times a week.   I was sore yesterday and didn't get off the couch.  Hang in there....your day will come and you will have a ball!!

Be patient and let things happen at your own pace.  I made a quick progression from 2 crutches, to 1 crutch, then to a cane within only about 1 week.  But, that's where I got stuck.  It took me several weeks to no longer need to the cane.  Eventually, I really needed to force myself to practice walking without it and boy, did I look goofy.  It took awhile to walk like a normal person - which, by the way, I hadn't done in many, many years.  Your body needs time to not only heal, but also to adjust to the possibility of being able to walk normally again.  It must have taken about 3 months or so to work out the kinks in my walk.

I'll be 1 year post-op next week and my hip is totally amazing!  It's better than it has EVER been. 

Three weeks after my first hip resurfacing, I was walking around the house unassisted and went onto one crutch  when walking outside.  After four weeks I walked without any crutch or stick.  When I went back to my surgeon at six weeks he felt I should still be using a walking stick. However,I find a walking stick very awkward to use. Being only 5' 4" all the walking sticks I've tried, including adjustable ones are too tall for me. I've also got a psychological hang up about using a walking stick. For me, a crutch implies a temporary incapacity, whereas a stick implies a permanent disability. Silly I know, but I don't want to be seen on a stick.

Neil

I have been walking unassisted around the house and my office since I came home from hospital on 7th September.

I do however use the crutches for walking outside.

Hi Gav

I was told to use a crutch until I was not limping.  If someone can watch you and see that you are no longer limping, not using a crutch for me was fine according to my doctor - I am not a doctor and can't advise you.  I used a crutch for about 3 weeks.  I could walk without one, but was still limping.  I was told that if you are limping and don't use the crutch, it can cause more problems or slow down your recovery.  So be cautious and careful.

Glad to hear everything is going well for you.

Pat

Today is the fourteenth day post op; yesterday I was able to take very small steps un-aided by my crutch. Today I can take slightly bigger steps, nothing I would do away from my crutch in case I stumble, but my new hip is able to hold the weight. I had a resurface with the BHR product. I'm pleased with this but still wanting more muscle tone. Most of what holds me back at this point is the lack of muscle tone on my shin. I have great difficulty raising my toes up to place the heal down and roll. It's improving.

I was able to walk unassisted after 10 days however if I did that 2 days in a row I had more pain so just as a precaution I decided to stay with the cane until I had my follow up appointment.

Judy

This is week 4 post op and I'm almost able to walk normally. I was able to walk unassisted at week 3. Seems like the more I walk with one crutch, longer distances, more frequently, the stronger my muscles become and the more easily I can walk unassisted. I am still amazed at the success of this procedure and the BHR hip. Very thankful for this site and those who take time to add their experiences. Glen

I was on two crutches for about two weeks after surgery.  I think I could have gone to one sooner, but I was lucky to have my mom around waiting on me hand and foot. ;D

Once she left, I went to one crutch immediately since it is difficult to carry food or water or anything while on two crutches.  At three weeks out, I started using a cane around the house and one crutch when I walked outside.  I also went back to two crutches when I went to the county fair just for more stability and to keep people further away from jostling me.

When I went back to the doctor at four weeks, I was still using the cane because my therapist told me not to get rid of it until my limp was totally gone.  After Dr. Ball watched me walk, he told me I did not need the cane and my limp would go away in a few days after building up the muscles and letting them get used to their new situation.  He was right and I only used a cane once or twice after four weeks when I walked around Disneyland.  It helped keep people away and give me a little extra support at the end of the day when I got tired.

Hi there, I am new to this site and I am exactly one month post op. I was not too worried about when I would be walking without a crutch until my surgeon told my husband at my 10 day check up that I could have walked without any type of aid a few days after surgery. After that I thought about it a lot but did not actually do it until three and a half weeks. It was not my hip that hurt is was everything else My knee hurt, my leg hurt and my leg felt weak. My physical therapist said ( and I think this is good advise) Your body will heal one way or another so it does not matter when you stop using the crutches of cane. Take your time, you will get there.

What I found out was that my Doc (Peter Brooks) takes a very conservative approach and with good reason. By week four, I was still experiencing swelling. By week six, I chose to walk with one crutch, and the leg gradually got stronger. Daily walking on the treadmill helped, as well as lateral abductor exercises while standing. Water therapy-awesome. I was cleared to walk without assistance at my six-week visit, but I had a really noticeable limp, so I chose to use the cane for four days. I am finally "walk-assistant" free, and would say this is probably the worst case for someone my age (41).  Bet on at least six weeks just to allow the device to adhere to the newly shaved bone.
Best Regards,
Al

Hi
I am a new member to the site and just 20 days post op. I am walking short distances around the house unaided, but still use 1 elbow crutch most of the time. It is good to hear that progress from crutches to stick to unaided is often quite rapid, but I am cautious - I want to give my resurfaced joint the best chance of a long life - and plan to use the crutch till 6 weeks as recommended by the physio.

I must admit that I'm a little discouraged.  I'm 3 weeks post op and still using crutches.  I don't understand it, my doctor insists that I stay on crutches until my 6 week check up...I will do what my doctor says, but I feel that I would be okay.  Do doctors advice vary that much?

For me it was 6 weeks.  I could have gone to 1 crutch at 3 weeks but chose not to because I didn't want to limp. 

Instead I kept using 2 in order to simulate a normal walking motion.  During week 6 I was hardly putting any pressure on the crutches but still used them when walking outside to keep the proper motion.

I'm almost at 4 months now and hadn't even thought about it for a while.  Don't worry you'll get there.  Soon you'll be looking for a place to store your crutches.

I'm at 12 weeks. I switched over to a cane at about 6 weeks and I'm just recently began walking short distances unassisted. I do walk with a cane 3 to 4 miles a day. I walk perfectly with a very small amount of weight on the cane.  The muscles need to get stronger so I don't limp when cane free. I played golf for the first time this past weekend.

Don't be discouraged. Surgery like this isn't a 3 week process. I think it's amazing that I can walk as well as I do now. My realistic target of 'normal' is 5 to 6 months.

Don

When I asked my doctor about the huge disparity in doctor recommendations and time on crutches and canes, he said that a lot of it depends upon the patients age, bone mass, and physical conditioning before the surgery.  It is better to be safe than sorry and a few extra weeks/months will not matter in the long run.  My home therapist the first few weeks was more conservative than my doctor required of me, so it is best to get very clear instructions from the doctor before leaving the hospital.

It really is amazing the different advice people get! Without much consensus, it seems that the profession (doctors and physical therapists) really don't know the answer, which is fine, because in the end, everyone does ok. Maybe over more time there will be more consensus or maybe there's just too much diversity of patient situations for a best practice to emerge. I am on and off a cane after two weeks, which is great, but I have no idea if I should be using the cane more to help or not. In general, I'm just grateful for the procedure and look forward to looking back on all of this wondering why I worried about it at all.

Hi SF Hip

There can't be a consensus about how long to use a walking aid since we are not all the same.  Some people have different problems prior to surgery which means they will have a more diffiuclt time.  Each doctor has their own protocol which is tempered to the individual.  How could it be the same for everyone? Not one of us look alike, act alike or think alike - our bodies are all different.  Each surgeon has different surgical skills and each body is different. Not every car is alike - every dog is alike - every person is alike. 

Most doctors want you use use a walking aid until you don't limp.  If you walk unassisted while you are still limping - it can cause damage and slow down your recovery.  That is pretty much the standard answer - if you don't limp, you don't need walking assistance, unless you ahve some special problem.  Some people have had small fractures in their bone or femur neck which is not good at all, but managed to remain non weight bearing and have it heal. There are many reasons for not being completley weight bearing. It is up to your doctor.  Listen to him because he knows your case the best.  Don't judge yourself by others.

2 weeks post op is very early in a recovery. Be careful and cautious.  You don't have good balance after hip surgery. That is the main reason for using a walking aid. Your leg will actually hold the weight, but your muscles are not in control yet.  Not using a walking aid so early could mean you might slip or fall - then have a revision to a THR from cracking your femur neck.  Be careful and cautious for 6 weeks, then remain cautious in your activities until 6 months.  Most healing has taken place in 6 months, but not all healing. It takes a full year to completely heal - that is why most surgoens won't let you run until then. 

Pat

My surgeon puts all his resurf patients on a touch only weight bearing status for six weeks, as he believes this gives the capsule the best chance to heal.  It was somewhat frustrating to be shuffling on a walker for such a long time while reading accounts of others who were walking much earlier, but once I was given weight bearing permission at six weeks, I found that walking was pain free right away, though a little wobbly for a day or two.  It  just needed a few days to discard the cane entirely indoors, though I would carry it with me outside for a few weeks as a way to fend off other pedestrians who might jostle me.
I'm at ten months now, and am thrilled with my pain free, pill free hip.

This is a really useful thread. Thanks.  I'm 5th day post-op (RBHR), discharged yesterday, walkingwith a cane only.  Today, I feel I've regressed a little as I'm putting more weight on the cane.  Having read this thread, I may go back to a single crutch, as I definitely had a more flowing walking motion, and concentrate on loosing the limp. 

I was 6 weeks unassisted and now at 13 my "gimp" is just about gone. Funny thing now is I don't even think I have a prosthetic hip now. It feels so normal.

Hi Stephen,

Don't get discouraged!  I was 7 weeks post-op this Monday - yesterday had my post-op visit with Dr. Brooks and he told me I can go off crutches. I am, however, relyoing on my cane for now as I am limping.  I almost want my crutches back!  :)  From what others have posted, though, the limping at first seems to vbe normal.  Dr. Brooks gave me another exercise to do - to strenghthen the leg which will eventually help the limp disappear.  As annoying as the crutches have been, I do appreciate the doctor being conservative as I don't want to have a femoral neck fracture.  It sure does feel strange, though, to walk on 2 legs again!


Good luck in your recovery!
Doris

Since my resurf was still part of the FDA Trials, I obeyed my Dr and used crutches for, um the  first 5 1/2 weeks.  But once I went to the cane - I kept walking off without it - OOps!

BUT:  I only suffered with my bad hip for about 9 months before I got my resurf - that's not much time for muscles to atrophy, and I walked with a cane so I didn't limp so bad.  I think I was in pretty good shape going into the surgery - and that made the recovery easier?

I used two crutches for 3 weeks.  Then I switched to one.  I used one crutch for about two weeks. I used it mainly for walking outside.  The progress at times seems slow, however each week I notice small improvements.  These small improvements add up to large gains. I am now 4 months post-op lift weights and walk 2-5 miles each day or ride my bike. Even though I exercise it doesn't mean I do  not  experience soreness. I take 800 motrin every night to  helpwith imflamation. Progress is slow but it is nice to slowly get my life back.  I would love to jog a couple of times per week, but I know my hip is not ready for that.

Kevin

Hi everyone,
Yep, six weeks for me on crutches with only 50% weight bearing on HR leg. Do not rush!!! The bone needs to integrate into the prothesis. After 6 weeks I used a cane for about 2 weeks. Now at 10 weeks, I am cruising!!! I was so overwhelmed at my recovery that the other day (while walking perfectly- no limp or pain- after 4 years of being "disabled") I just burst into tears of happines. So far it has been soooo worth it.
Lovin' life again, Luann

Hi, I was put on crutches the day after surgery, and on 2 sticks the day after that, I was discharged tis way after 4 days. I'm committed to using them until at least my first outpatients physiotherapy appointment which will be 13 days post op, or until my gait is judged to be satisfactory, I have limped for nearly 2 years. Using them at home requires discipline as I can easily get around without them, but of course I'm determined not to have a limp, so I walk up the road for 20 mins twice a day using 2 sticks.

Ginny

Hi.  Don't be in a rush.  My surgeon goes by full weight bearing after surgery or more appropriately "as tolerated."  Aside from the different protocols from surgeon to surgeon, I stuck with my PTs advice.  I moved from crutches to a cane at around 3 weeks but only after I could tolerate full weight bearing and had developed associated glute and quad strength from PT exercises.  Finally, and I think that this is crucial, I did not move from a cane to unassisted walking until I had virtually no limp in my gait.  The PT rationale is that why develop bad habits which will surely come as your body overcompensates for the surgery.

I am a regimented type of person.  I liked the wait for full weight bearing, wait for no perceptable limp... it gave me something to shoot for as I worked through these early rehab phases.  For me the results are amazing but we are all different, I am now 4 months out, weight lifting 3x a week, no limp at all, cycling upwards of 120 miles a week and climbing Mt. Lemmon in Tucson this coming Sunday.

We all go at a different pace... you'll get where you want.  But in due time... Good luck.

By the time I had surgery, my good leg would take my entire body weight all day and everyday, so I'd only stop when the bad one got too tired to be used for balance. The problem therefore is not mobility but correcting the firing order of the muscles

After five weeks I am off crutches and stick. But I do notice that after my evening walk I am stiffer than usual.

I'm at 3 weeks post op today - officially using two crutches (Dr. Su's advice is two crutches for 3 weeks) but in the house quite often just walk with one crutch.  For my outside walk though (which today hit 1.8 miles) I do have both crutches with me but barely use the one crutch.  Thursday I go for my first out patient PT evaluation - Monday I go for my 4 week check up with Dr. Su - I expect to be using one crutch or a cane for another few weeks, more info after my Thursday/Monday appointments.

Lee Ann
(8/31 - Dr Su NYC - Right BHR)

Crutches 2 days, 2 sticks 3 1/2 weeks, 1 stick 3 weeks, after that only for long walks and hitting every other step. I still take the stick out with me, sometimes put it on the other side to work the left a bit harder.

I was discharged from the hospital full weight bearing on a cane.  I'm 16 days post-op and can walk without the cane for short amounts of time without limping.  The PT said to use it when I need it, and to walk without it for short periods as long as I'm not limping.

I received a BHR  (right side) on February 3rd. I was discharged the next day. I was walking without any assistance on the 4th day and returned to work at 14 days.

Jim

I was not allowed to walk unassisted until my 4 week appt...started walking unassisted that day! Probably could have done it much sooner but followed my surgeon's orders!

My surgeon used the anterior approach. I used a walker the day of surgery followed by two days using the cane.  I never used the cane after that!

I'm at day 16 post-op.  Crutches were used the first day and a cane for the first week.  Today I take a cane when going outside, but use only as needed.  Inside I'm unassisted.

Craig

Today!   :)

Operated on 4/20/12. Was walking unaided on 5/11/12.

Day 14

I was required per my surgeon and his protocol to use 2 crutches for 6 weeks with 75% WB. I must admit that I used mostly one crutch around the house, but feel that I was pretty much 75% WB because I was careful about it. At 6 weeks I was allowed and encouraged to go without any AD, or a cane if needed. I find, that at 9 weeks I still have a moderate limp, which is getting better every day. I still use a cane if I am going to be out and about very much. At first I had pain if I limped too much (more in my back), but now, even though I limp, I don't have the pain. I also have a very bad knee in my opposite leg and that also affects my walking a lot - hard to say what I would be like if my knee was good - but it is what it is and I have to work with what I have. I also have plantar fasciitis in my right foot, which affects my walking. The right BHR was the first step in getting this body back in shape.

I am almost 44 and in good shape, other than a bad hip.  I work out of my house, at a desk.  When I finally get the surgery done, I am inticipating I would only be out of work for 2 weeks.  Does that sound reasonable for someone that works out of there house?  Feedback is appreciated.  -Thanks.

Matt

Matt, it's Chuckm again. Just like you I work out of my house. My surgery was just over a year ago. I went in for surgery on a Friday morning at HSS and came home 2PM on Sunday. I was back at my home desk working on Wednesday. Keep in mind you will need to take naps and cut out early but you can begin to be productive within a few days. If you stay in shape right up to the surgery you will much better off. You will be able to move about the house freely on one or two crutches but it's not that bad.

Chuckm

Hi Matt,
I just had my surgery on Wed. 1/22.  By Monday I was at my desk working for about an hour. The pain was pretty bad on my back side and when I would get up to stand.   By Friday I was able to work for a few hours.  Had to remind myself NOT to try and cross my legs!

Lorie
1/22/14
Dr Gross

dear friends, don`t forget, that you have an injured bone. that is totally different from a weak muscle. if you break a leg or arm, you will wear a cast up to 6 weeks!

I too am a Dr. Peter Brooks patient and was told that I would be on crutches till the 6 week check up.  One item that wasn't mentioned (although I skimmed the replies) was that with the crutches I was allowed to weight bear up to 75% of my body weight. Surprisingly I found out with the bathroom scale that (for me) 140# was a lot of weight! The crutches were indeed somewhat of a inconvenience, but I went confidently with them, usually walking 1 to 2 miles or more most days.

I think the conservative approach was wise and the time with crutches is really small when considered to the years of use you will get from your new hip. I have a very demanding / physical job and I didn't want to screw it up. Definitely feel free to consult your doctor on any concerns! They are there for YOU. 

I am about 68 hours after surgery with Dr. Gross, and I took about 10 steps without using the crutches.  I then walked about 100 ft with just one crutch.  It's going to be a while before I will want to go without them completely though.