👯‍♀️ Hips and Knees part 7

Hi. I posted back in January about my (then) impending total hip replacement. Unfortunately the op was postponed twice, which was quite devastating, but it eventually went ahead last week and I am now 9 days post op. As far as I’m aware everything went well and other than the day of the op itself I’ve had very little pain or swelling. I’m doing my exercises religiously and, even though I’ve been told that strict hip precautions are no longer considered necessary in most cases, I’m still trying to follow them just in case. Although by the amount of banging that went on during the op (I was awake with no sedation although I’m not sure I’d recommend it) I’d say that surelymy new hip must be pretty firmly in place 😂

teabagwoman it sounds to me, you should be on the waiting list to have your knee replaced. Unless you are very lucky, most waiting lists are horrendously long. My sister in law left it too long and could hardly walk when she eventually had it replaced. She is delighted with the result and t matches her newish hip.

Oh yes Grammargran, my hip is only 6 months old and recently the knee on the affected side and my back have deteriorated. I can’t help feeling disappointed, for a while walking was a pleasure but now it’s become harder work again and I don’t feel as stable as I did.

I can’t stand for very long and have to have regular sit downs. I’ve resolved to do my exercises more diligently in the hope that this will improve things. I’ll be 80 in August and I know my family will want to take me out but at the moment I’m not sure I’ll be able to cope.

Hello all of you! I’ve suddenly realised I haven’t had a peep out of Gransnet for weeks and weeks and I’ve missed you all. How’re you doing, all you hipsters? My hip is now 18 months old and gives no problems but the knee of the side of the new hip is not good and as for my back …….. I can’t stand for long at all but a 15 minute sit down resolves it for the next session on my feet. Anyone else have that issue?

Message for narg re folding sticks. I was in a cafe where a woman had a very pretty foldable stick. I asked the owner if she felt safe with it. She told me that the cheaper sticks coukd wobble a bit but she paid about £25 for hers and it’s completely stable. She didn’t know the make.

Feel free to ask whatever you want and we will try to oblige,

finally messages I can relate to

I started off very briefly with a walking frame. I was told off for using the crutches too long, I didn't care, I live on my own and I was thinking about my own safety.

At my hospital the choice is crutches or a walking frame. I went for crutches but was soon done to one.

Thank you all for taking the time to post your advice . I’ll see what’s offered and hopefully be able to choose which is the most comfortable and more importantly which feels the most stable.

I was offered a choice after TKR, would you like sticks or crutches? I had no idea! The physio suggested I tried sticks and if I didn't get on with them she’d bring crutches. After being taught how to use the sticks away I went. As silverlining said two were needed for a very short time, it may be less difficult than you fear grannynw. Probably best to talk to hospital staff, certainly whoever provides the aids, and explain your concern.

I was given two sticks by the hospital and was fine. You won’t be using the two of them for long but if you are worried have a word with them.

In theory you should be given what you need and will help and not hinder you. I agree it is easier to rest your hands using crutches because you are stationary, and the crutches are steadying you.

If you have no choice and are given crutches, keep saying how unsteady you feel and you are likely to fall. The physio will wake up when she hears the word fall!

Soon after recovering from the anaesthetic, you will get a cup of tea then goodbye! 100 years ago you stayed in until your sutures were removed. It has gone too far the other way now.

After both knee replacements, the last in 2018, I came home with a pair of crutches. It wasn't easy because I live on my own.

Can I ask a question please? I’m waiting for the first of 2 knee replacements which will hopefully be in the next couple of months.

I had a look at the hospital website for post op information and noticed that the patient is discharged with 2 walking sticks rather than elbow crutches.

I currently walk with one stick and find I sometimes need to stop and hold the stick in my other hand while I give my fingers and wrists a wiggle to ease discomfort. I can’t picture being able to do this using 2 sticks as opposed to 2 crutches which would still be attached to my arms if I briefly need to ease my hands.

Is it commonplace to be discharged with 2 sticks and is there a reason why they’re preferable to crutches?

narg you may find a sturdy one as cornergran did. I put too much weight on my normal stick so I know I would be on the ground soon.

The ones I have seen have been very thin. Have you looked at my corner shop, Amazon?

You are probably right narg. Using a cross body bag does make things easier.

Thank you to those who replied to my question about folding walking sticks. I have decided it is maybe not a good idea and will continue to use the stick I have.

Have you had a local infection? I really can't think why you are getting pain in your calf. Maybe a trip to your GP and suggest a scan to see if the joint has moved slightly or if there is any other reason. Try not to go privately because they are expensive and the money mounts up. I waited around 6 weeks, pre op. I live in London.

MayBee
Had TKR right leg nine months ago.
Went private as in mid 70s. NHS wait wasted a whole year to see consultant who told me another 2 YEARS at least before any op.
Op went well and felt great until 6 months in. Had been getting regular physio exercises. Then started feeling pain in my calf, not near my op site.
GP suggested ibuprofen and paracetamol, but they are not helping pain when walking outside. I've always been fit and walked a lot prior to this op

I realised a TKR was needed when my knee finally gave way, after many years of putting up with it dragging along. It wasn't painful so now I think I'm in worse condition since op.
Hope NHS comes up with answer.

I’ve a folding stick purchased from a local pharmacy which is sturdy enough to keep me balanced and is comfortable to hold. It lives in an old umbrella case when not in use.

Wanting one for the car and one indoors I ordered another from Amazon. Looked identical. It certainly isn’t and is nowhere near as sturdy as the other although its fine for a potter round a shop.

My advice is buy a stick from a pharmacy or a disability store where you can try it first.

I doubt if a folding stick will take any weight. My normal stick is fine for that so please be careful.

You can buy rubber ferrules that will make your stick stand up on its own provided the floor is level. Mine works pretty well and also makes my stick more stable. I have a folding one but as others have said it’s a bit flimsy and I unless I put it into a pretty tight bag it promptly unfolded itself. I use a backpack plus a small cross body bag when shopping, have given up trying to look smart.

I did consider it but was concerned that it might suddenly collapse.
I used a cross body bag which freed the hands.

Try before you buy because some are a tad rickety and obviously not as solid as a proper walking stick.

I had to ditch my handbag for the same reason and pop everything in my shopping bag. Because of the stick and mobility problems, I can't carry much.

I am 11weeks post op following an emergency hip replacement.
I am managing to use the bus with the walking stick supplied by the NHS with no problems. I am considering buying a folding walking stick so that I can put it away in shops rather than trying to juggle handbag ,shopping bag and walking stick.
Have you used a folding stick and did you find it ok?