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I have been using a rollator to get around on when out & about with my husband and also a cane if it is a short distance to see the Dr.. I am fortunate that my husband is still in great shape and I realy on him. I have had PT to strengthen my muscles, which I can't really see any difference. I had back surgery almost 3 yrs ago, which did not stop my back pain and it keeps me from walking and standing upright. I have to lean on it due to the horrible lower back pain. The back surgeon says there is nothing more he can do for me. I feel like I am just falling apart. I do get very depressed although I try not to, but it is hard not to feel like I am such a burden on my husband. However, I keep plugging along. PT was very hard for me to try since standing up is quite the problem. I have strong legs & arms, though, it's just the rest of me.
Oh well. I am a survivor. I tell myself all the time that is could be worse.
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Hmm, adding the back issues and that you are using a rollator to the previous info, I think I would side with the surgeon - no more cutting unless absolutely necessary. It would be very hard to rehab from hip replacement if you have pain when trying to stand upright...
One question about the PT - do you do all the exercises they showed you, at home, at least 4-5 times a week? PT or balance training is not a "magic bullet", it's an introduction to a tool - the exercises. You need to use the tool for it to do any good.
For example, I have chronic pain that flares up and "does a number" on my neck and upper back if I don't faithfully do my exercises every day. This winter I had a (very) minor injury that caused my neck to stiffen have even more pain than usual, but had to wait almost 3 months to see my PT (I was at my winter home.) In May it was so bad I was only able to turn my neck about 30% in either direction. He used some manual therapy to start it moving, but for over 2 months I have been doing my prescribed stretches and exercises at least twice a day. Today he measured - I can turn my head 60-65% in each direction - about normal for my age.
Sue