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Living without a hip

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Jun 16 1:36pm | Replies (99)

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@cmarsh

Hi Melane....I'm so sorry you have had to go through so many revisions and still lost your hip. My surgeon told me right from the start that I was not a candidate for revision, so I've never really looked into doing so. Perhaps since I have only been opened up once to remove the metal hip, it has helped me to heal better??? I have no idea really. I was in hospital for 3 weeks after surgery and they actually taught me how to go up and down steps before I left hospital with just one crutch and handrail. When I had home physical therapy, I started using crutches part of the time along with the walker and wheelchair. I'm kind of determined at 72 NOT to use a wheelchair except for when I have to go really long distances, like a stroll in the park or a large department store, etc. I figured if I live to real old age, I will eventually be in a wheelchair. I pretty much use a 4 wheel rollator with seat at home as it's easy to get around and carry stuff on the seat, but when I go out, I use crutches. I started with under arm crutches and finally went to the forearm crutches. I can walk short distances in the house with just a cane and when in the kitchen, I just hold onto counters to get around and I can take 5-10 steps without any aid at all. I spend a lot of time on exercising to keep BOTH my legs strong on a daily basis by doing two 30 minute sessions and I also ride an upright exercise bike twice daily for a total of 8-10 miles. My Girdlestone leg seems very strong right now and my only probablem is the pain in my "good Right knee", from a torn lateral meniscus and severe arthritis. I'm going to start a series of HA gel injections next week and my Ortho measured me for a custom fitted 'off loader knee brace' for my Right knee to use on and off. Are you following an exercise program daily? I think that is the most important thing to do for the best outcome. I know it's a pain, but I look at it as my "job" and I have to do it. I was an avid treadmill user for 30 years and walking, hiking was my favorite pastime. If you want to chat more, please feel free to reach out. Wishing you the best of luck on this journey to walk again!

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Replies to "Hi Melane....I'm so sorry you have had to go through so many revisions and still lost..."

Hi Cindy,
It sounds like you are doing very well getting around. I would love to be able to manage on crutches and then progress to a rollator.
I also like the notion that exercising to improve strength is my job. That is a very practical mindset that I'm going to incorporate into my lifestyle.
I have home PT and we are working on my goal to be able to get to my yard so I can be outside & not feel so cooped up in the house. I got a walker with arm platforms to help take the pressure off my wrists. I have RA and my hands/wrists are affected. I also have forearm crutches so I'm going to ask my PT to work with me using them. My leg length discrepancy made it too difficult to use an under the desk bike, but I found a seated elliptical works well so I get some leg/ankle/foot motion.
Your progress is an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing your story & giving me some great ideas.
Wishing you the best in your continued progress.
Melane