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Hello,
This is an open question to everyone that would like to help, but I would love to hear from those who are already ambulating without a hip. I'd like to know what has help you the most, from assistive device to taller shoes or even braces with a mechanism to assist with flexion of the knee with each step or anything that has helped you walk as functional and as normal as possible.
I'm asking on behalf of my father (71 YO) he suffered a traumatic injury on his femur at the age of 36 (car crash) and ever since, he has have nothing but complication after complication and several surgeries over the lapse of the past 30+ years. He had a severe infection for the last 7 years, and doctors were reluctant to operate because his hip was so destroyed that it couldn't hold a new hip anymore (unless graft was use to build a new hip) and his infection was really bad. So, last May, he fell from the second story of his house while fixing the roof, they immediately had to do surgery, due to the severity of the accident they removed the hip (ironic how life works) long story short, he recovered, infection is gone completely, pain is gone, yet no hip. Doctors are telling him that he should not get anymore surgeries because things will just continue to get worse and that infection most likely will come back, he agrees, we are all happy. He is semi-functional right now, he is driving and walking with axillary crutches.
I'd appreciate any tips on what type of shoe or assistive device he should go for.
Thank you in advance
Replies to "Hello, This is an open question to everyone that would like to help, but I would..."
Hi...I just found this website today. I am a Girdlestone with no left hip as of last February due to osteomyelitis. They also had to remove part of my Quadricep muscle and IT Band. I am able to walk with crutches now and take a few steps on my own, but not a pretty site. I am hoping to eventually walk steadily with a single cane. That's my goal. My husband has glued old shoe soles to my left shoes to help with leg length issues, which does help even me out. Eventually I hope to get some profssionally made, but I know they are very expensive. We live in Michigan. Good luck to your father.....Cindy
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Good Morning,
Sorry to hear of your Dad's health issues. But there is hope.
As far as the lift for shoes - if you go on the internet and search SHOE LIFT you'll see several companies who provide shoe lifts at reasonable prices. Your dad will need to have his leg measured, if he hasn't already, to determine exact lift measurements.
Secondly, your dad my find using an upright walker is better for his back, arms n balance for walking. I have one and it is incredible. Amazon has the best prices n current reviews. I presently use an Elkener upright walker with 12" front wheels which is good for most terrains. Be your is another excellent brand. Average prices range between $200-$300.
Finally, I was told the same from surgeon regarding no further hip surgeries. The odds of serious life threatening infections is incredible. I had two previous hip infections which lead to near death sepsis.
I hope this is helpful. Please keep us informed of your dad's progress. I wish him all the best.