I’m sorry you are going through this. I have been without a hip now for 4 years. Lost it due to radiation damage a infection from a cat bite. When my hip was removed they tied my ligaments together and I had to wear a brace for 6 weeks while it healed and scar tissue form to help support the leg. Where they tied up the ligaments helps to keep it from just hanging loose. I also had shoes built up about a inch and a half for the leg with the hip removal. While I was in a wheelchair for a while I can now walk with a walker or I can walk with a cane for a short distance. I also walk around the house without anything but I have to be careful plus I find walking without anything or even with a cane too much will cause my good leg and back to hurt. It took a few tries to get the right build up for the shoe and even then when you walk without a walker the hip area gives because of no bone. All that been said here are some of the things I went through....
1. I’m very independent so it was hard at first having to depend on people. But, I guess that helped me fight to find what I needed to be able to get around the best I could, learn to drive with a built up shoe etc.
2. I guess I’m a little vain, and I loved shoe but now I wear a good tennis shoe, I prefer New Balance, build ups aren’t cheap so you want a shoe that holds up and helps you balance.
3. Other things like grocery shopping when you need larger items when you use a walker..I have a rollator with a basket but you need to use a regular walker for a while until you go through therapy and build up strength. That’s one thing you will need to keep in mind is to keep upper body strength. Don’t resist help while you recover but don’t give in to the feeling of helplessness you may feel at first. They had to remove not only my hip but part of my pelvic bone and they didn’t know if I would be able to walk. I had to push back on my husband because he was worried every time I tried to do something on my own.. thought he would have a heart attack the first time it took the van off without him.

I don’t know how old you are but I was 67 when my hip was removed. If you are much younger you may find your challenges are different...some easier and possibly some harder.....but don’t let people feel sorry for you to the point you let it get you down and you don’t push to do for yourself. I met one family and the wife asked me about my problem. When I told her what happened she looked totally surprised and said you can walk without a hip? Her mother had her hip removed and was in a wheelchair and appeared not to even try to walk and she about my age. So do your best not to let this get you down.....

I know you are worried, but keep the faith and take a day at a time and you will get through this. If you need to talk or I can help let me know and I’ll send you my phone number.

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