Walking without a hip joint

Mary I am so sorry for what you are going through. What I went through was bad enough but your situation is a lot worse than mine. Hopefully they can do something about some of those...like what are you allergic to, and hopefully you can eventually get off those antibiotics because I’m sure they aren’t helping your stomach issues. Maybe when they get rid of those infections things will get better. I’ll keep you in my prayers and thoughts. Hope you get some positive feedback soon...try not to give up on your recovery.

It has been almost 3 years now. I walk with a walker mostly but I can walk with a cane. I use a cane going in doctors offices and restaurants...but not really long distances and shopping. Mainly because I don’t like being in really crowded areas with the cane where I could be accidentally pushed. Do not want to accidentally fall since I do have fragile bones caused by radiation over 16 years ago.

I can walk without anything but I will do that mainly around the house where I am on carpet. I also find walking without anything can cause some pain since no matter how hard they try with shoe lifts, not having a hip makes a difference in walking. A Cane helps prevent some of that.

I can climb stairs with a cane and rail, but we did put in a ramp to come in the house just to be on the safe side. It appears I am doing as well as I will but I still push myself everyday just in case there is still improvement to be had....but I am not complaining because I can walk, I shop on my on and clean my own home (which I can definitely tell when I vacuum and scrub floors) , and I will go to the coast on my own since the hubby doesn’t like the beach. I try not to let it stop me from doing things I want to do. It has been a change but I guess I’m getting use to it and know how to plan when I go places. All that being said I guess you should know I am now 70 years old and I had my surgery when I was 67. If you are younger you may find you will do better and from the sound of your recovery so far you are ahead of where I was at that time.

Just a note: Going to a gym where you can walk on a treadmill and do some exercises on the machines really helps. But be sure your therapist or doctor says it is ok first. They should also be able to tell you what type machines to stay away from. I also have used a few different types of canes. Hate the medal four legged one. My favorite is the one that has the large round rubber bottom that stands alone. I liked the hurricane until I found this one at the drug store. It makes me feel more steady and it doesn’t sink in the sand if I step on the beach.

@jbro

I've had four surgeries, but never had a hip replacement hardware. I had broken bones that would not heal (radiation damage) that got infected. The last surgery was on 04/2017 removing some more bone from the top of my left femur (girdlestone) and removing the front part of my pelvic bone (due to infection). Note that this surgery was way more drastic than a regular girdlestone surgery. It was my fourth surgery, removed lots of bone, and I had a problem with the femoral artery, so I ended up with three large incisions instead of one. My muscles are finally getting stronger, but without the bones in there, my hip area is definitely unstable. Also since part of my pelvic bone was removed, my muscles don't work like they used to--the underlying framework is gone. A couple of times, I've tried to do too much physically which resulted in a terrible muscle spasm in my hip and thigh with pain that lasted for weeks. I need to learn to be more gentle with my efforts to recover.

My bones will not fuse together as they might for some people--they are too far apart. I think the scar tissue will continue to form in there which will add more stability over time. I've gotten a lot stronger since January of this year.

I am currently not able to walk without some external support. I am able to use crutches for short distances, but prefer a rolling walker as it is more stable and I can sit when I get tired. After the last surgery, it took several months before I was able to walk with a rollator. I was using a wheelchair until then. A few more months before I was strong enough to use the crutches. Now I am able to go up one step (or a curb) with both the crutches and the rollator. I have been able to go up a few steps at a time with a sturdy handrail on one side and a crutch on the other side. I avoid stairs. I don't walk very far with crutches. I can walk much farther and faster with a rollator. I am hoping one day to be able to walk short distances with a cane or one crutch, but I don't know if I will ever be able to walk unassisted again. I have difficulty just standing in one place for more than a few seconds.

My left leg is about 2.5 inches shorter than the right. I had the sole modified on my left shoe to add 1.5 inches. It makes walking and standing easier.

I use pillows when I sleep to help support my hip. I don't recall being immobilized after surgery. They used foam blocks on one side just for support. I use a leg lifter to get my leg in bed. It's a long stick with a loop at the end. I have to use my hands to reposition my leg sometimes or roll over in bed. I have to lift my leg with my hands into my car. I would not be able to drive a stick shift--I have an automatic transmission in my car.

I take Doxycycline forever to help prevent infection from flaring up. When I went off the antibiotics the last time, I had an infection within a month and was back in emergency surgery. They call it suppression therapy.

I definitely have less pain after the broken and infected bones were removed. But it took a few months to feel better because I had such a big surgery.

Whatever PT they give you, do it. It helps strengthen the muscles you need to walk. You can do it! The body is an amazing thing!

Hi, I had a Girdlestone procedure in July 2018 due to cancer. I am currently undergoing radiotherapy treatment. I can walk with crutches or a frame and can get up and down stairs with one crutch and a hand rail. I do have significant muscle loss on my bad leg and it is also about 3cm shorter. I'm eager to walk again as unaided as possible. Any tips or advice would be gratefully received

It was my right hip and yes I can drive. My right shoes have a lift that helps even out my legs which also helps with the driving. I do not require any other adaptations to my car to drive. Scrubbing floors is a challenge. Can’t really get down on the floor and getting the edges like I should. But I can use a mop but I have to admit when I do the vacuuming and scrubbing my left leg pays a price. It will ache from overuse since I am compensating for the right leg. If you haven’t gotten a lift on your shoe to compensate I recommend you do so. This helps prevent back problems because of the shorter leg and helps with your overall walking.

Hi, Geek_Girl
While reading your post again, I have some new questions and would be grateful to learn what you know.
1. Before your first surgery, did the surgeon discuss as an option the purposeful separation of your femur and pelvic socket, rather than trying to fuse them (Girdlestone)? If yes, did the surgeon give pros and cons for each option?
2. Did your doctors ever say that infection was less likely, or easier to treat, with one of the two options above?
Thank you for your time, jbro