1. < Bones, Joints & Muscles

Can walking be accomplished without a hip or hip replacement?

Posted by stargirl13 @stargirl13, Dec 17, 2023

I had to have 8 surgeries this year for a hip replacement which didn’t take due to bacteria. I ended up with MRSA so bad it took many additional surgeries to clean it out over and over, they finally made the decision to just remove the hip replacement and clean it all out again and not replace it. It bought me almost a whole year in a care center and much physical and mental anguish. They don’t want to put another replacement in and I personally don’t want one. I want to live without one , but I’m wondering how do I go about walking again with the assistance of maybe just a cane? I’m currently using a Walker around my house and a wheelchair when I go out shopping or to events, I can’t stand or walk for too long without dealing with major pain. I also have one leg longer than the other now so I am also wondering if a shoe lift could help out my situation in the future if I try and walk with just a cane.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Bones, Joints & Muscles Support Group.

Moderator
Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Dec 18, 2023

Hello @stargirl13. I'd like to invite @radcalrose, @cmarsh, and @janeen17 who have all discussed their experiences with hip replacement issues and having hip replacements removed or getting around without a hip joint. They may be able to share their experiences with shoe lifts and other tips for safely moving around.

You can read some of their posts, and many others, in the discussion "Walking without a hip joint" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walking-without-a-hip-joint.

@stargirl13, it sounds like you and your providers are in agreement on not wanting to try another replacement. Have they provided any direction on what that would mean moving forward? Any suggestions from them on how to safely move around and manage your pain? Have they suggested any therapies or rehab?

REPLY
2 replies
janeen17 | @janeen17 | Dec 18, 2023
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @stargirl13. I'd like to invite @radcalrose, @cmarsh, and @janeen17 who have all discussed their experiences..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @stargirl13. I'd like to invite @radcalrose, @cmarsh, and @janeen17 who have all discussed their experiences with hip replacement issues and having hip replacements removed or getting around without a hip joint. They may be able to share their experiences with shoe lifts and other tips for safely moving around.

You can read some of their posts, and many others, in the discussion "Walking without a hip joint" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walking-without-a-hip-joint.

@stargirl13, it sounds like you and your providers are in agreement on not wanting to try another replacement. Have they provided any direction on what that would mean moving forward? Any suggestions from them on how to safely move around and manage your pain? Have they suggested any therapies or rehab?

Jump to this post

@stargirl13 MY APOLOGIES. The reply I wrote below is irrelevant. I thought you had asked how to go about WORKING after getting your hip removed. ..
My hip was removed in September, so about 4 months ago. This month I started working on limited projects (such as updating our website, participation in meetings, etc. ). Prior to the surgery, I was already working fully adjusted to the wheelchair life, and I have a work from home arrangement so I just needed to wait for my post-surgical head to clear and get my pain under control enough to be able to concentrate. So far it's going well, but I'm not ready to restore my full hours yet. There are just too many unknowns around each corner as I reach a new level of rehab (or have setbacks) so I can't call myself reliable yet. Of course, rehab and recovery comes first and foremost.

REPLY
stargirl13 | @stargirl13 | Dec 18, 2023
In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @stargirl13. I'd like to invite @radcalrose, @cmarsh, and @janeen17 who have all discussed their experiences..." + (show)
@JustinMcClanahan

Hello @stargirl13. I'd like to invite @radcalrose, @cmarsh, and @janeen17 who have all discussed their experiences with hip replacement issues and having hip replacements removed or getting around without a hip joint. They may be able to share their experiences with shoe lifts and other tips for safely moving around.

You can read some of their posts, and many others, in the discussion "Walking without a hip joint" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/walking-without-a-hip-joint.

@stargirl13, it sounds like you and your providers are in agreement on not wanting to try another replacement. Have they provided any direction on what that would mean moving forward? Any suggestions from them on how to safely move around and manage your pain? Have they suggested any therapies or rehab?

Jump to this post

Thank you so much, I will definitely look at what they have to say. And no, the surgeon and the team haven’t been very helpful to be honest. I called my surgeon recently to ask about physical therapy and he just fixated on me asking my general practitioner for Ozempic to lose weight….he had very little direction for me. And also I have state funded insurance so the help I get isn’t very much and most physical therapy places won’t accept it unfortunately

REPLY
2 replies
Cindy | @cmarsh | Dec 19, 2023

Hello Stargirl. I'm 71, live in Michigan and almost 2 years now without a hip due to severe infection in bone and muscles. I get around with a walker in the house and crutches when I go out. I can go up & down stairs with one crutch and a handrail. I can walk a short distance in the house with just one crutch or a cane, but I wouldn't trust myself to do it outside. I ride an upright exercise bike daily and also bought a tricycle last summer and road that. I did have an issue in the fall where I tore my meniscus in my good leg along with a stress fracture in that knee also which has set me back some. However, I am not giving up and continue to do my daily exercises daily for about an hour. That is a lifelong commitment to staying as strong as possible. I know it's not fun and gets boring, but it must be done to make the best of it. My leg is about 3 inches shorter and my husband has glued bottoms of soles I've cut off on one shoe to another to equal out my legs pretty good. That makes a big difference when walking so you don't hurt in other areas. He's become a good cobbler making my shoes, which is good because to have them make professionally, it costs about $200 for one shoe! There is also a Facebook forum page called "Hip Replacement Complication Forum" which has helped me a lot. If you are on Facebook, you may want to join that too. I have struggled with weight gain since my surgery also and about 25 pounds overweight and find it very difficult to lose weight but I'm trying. I do attempt some chair yoga from time to time, but haven't gotten into a habit of it yet. I was very active before all this happened so it has been difficult, but results are attainable if you keep at it. I just use Tylenol and Mobic (NSAID) for my pain. I'm on antibiotics for the rest of my life for "chronic Osteomyelitis" of femur and pelvis. (Infection in the bone) I pray you can get your pain under control so you can continue with exercises. Any exercises to strengthen your core muscles, Quadriceps and gluteal muscles are what needs to be done. I got lots of exercises to do after my surgery and had home care and Physical Therapy for 6 weeks. Those are what I still do as well as others I've found online. Everyone progresses at their own pace so don't feel frustrated. Just keep trying and do the best you can. I too have hopes of just walking with a cane or even one crutch some day, but I'm not sure it will ever happen for me, especially if I'm going to keep injuring my good leg/knee trying! Defintely not worth that. Wishing you all the best and feel free to send me a private message through this Mayo site if you want to....prayers for wellness.......Cindy

REPLY
2 replies
patenelson | @patenelson | Dec 20, 2023
In reply to @cmarsh "Hello Stargirl. I'm 71, live in Michigan and almost 2 years now without a hip due..." + (show)
@cmarsh

Hello Stargirl. I'm 71, live in Michigan and almost 2 years now without a hip due to severe infection in bone and muscles. I get around with a walker in the house and crutches when I go out. I can go up & down stairs with one crutch and a handrail. I can walk a short distance in the house with just one crutch or a cane, but I wouldn't trust myself to do it outside. I ride an upright exercise bike daily and also bought a tricycle last summer and road that. I did have an issue in the fall where I tore my meniscus in my good leg along with a stress fracture in that knee also which has set me back some. However, I am not giving up and continue to do my daily exercises daily for about an hour. That is a lifelong commitment to staying as strong as possible. I know it's not fun and gets boring, but it must be done to make the best of it. My leg is about 3 inches shorter and my husband has glued bottoms of soles I've cut off on one shoe to another to equal out my legs pretty good. That makes a big difference when walking so you don't hurt in other areas. He's become a good cobbler making my shoes, which is good because to have them make professionally, it costs about $200 for one shoe! There is also a Facebook forum page called "Hip Replacement Complication Forum" which has helped me a lot. If you are on Facebook, you may want to join that too. I have struggled with weight gain since my surgery also and about 25 pounds overweight and find it very difficult to lose weight but I'm trying. I do attempt some chair yoga from time to time, but haven't gotten into a habit of it yet. I was very active before all this happened so it has been difficult, but results are attainable if you keep at it. I just use Tylenol and Mobic (NSAID) for my pain. I'm on antibiotics for the rest of my life for "chronic Osteomyelitis" of femur and pelvis. (Infection in the bone) I pray you can get your pain under control so you can continue with exercises. Any exercises to strengthen your core muscles, Quadriceps and gluteal muscles are what needs to be done. I got lots of exercises to do after my surgery and had home care and Physical Therapy for 6 weeks. Those are what I still do as well as others I've found online. Everyone progresses at their own pace so don't feel frustrated. Just keep trying and do the best you can. I too have hopes of just walking with a cane or even one crutch some day, but I'm not sure it will ever happen for me, especially if I'm going to keep injuring my good leg/knee trying! Defintely not worth that. Wishing you all the best and feel free to send me a private message through this Mayo site if you want to....prayers for wellness.......Cindy

Jump to this post

Good morning ladies!
I have been without a hip for a year and a half now. Just started walking with one forearm crutch. My infection is gone and I'm finally off of antibiotics. I'm left with atrocious pain but just go with it. I'm hoping for a new hip in a few months but have to make sure the infection is truly gone.
Prayers for you both, we can at least get around. Faith

REPLY
1 reply
Cindy | @cmarsh | Dec 20, 2023
In reply to @patenelson "Good morning ladies! I have been without a hip for a year and a half now...." + (show)
@patenelson

Good morning ladies!
I have been without a hip for a year and a half now. Just started walking with one forearm crutch. My infection is gone and I'm finally off of antibiotics. I'm left with atrocious pain but just go with it. I'm hoping for a new hip in a few months but have to make sure the infection is truly gone.
Prayers for you both, we can at least get around. Faith

Jump to this post

That's wonderful news! Can I ask how old you are and where you live? I was told I could never have another hip implant due to my chronic osteomyelitis and likelihood of re -infection and I'm on lifelong antibiotics. At this point and my age, I'm not planning on trying for another hip, but curious as to those who do and how their progress is. I'm happy that you are able to get around so well. Prayers you have a successful operation and rehab! Cindy

REPLY
stargirl13 | @stargirl13 | Dec 21, 2023
In reply to @cmarsh "Hello Stargirl. I'm 71, live in Michigan and almost 2 years now without a hip due..." + (show)
@cmarsh

Hello Stargirl. I'm 71, live in Michigan and almost 2 years now without a hip due to severe infection in bone and muscles. I get around with a walker in the house and crutches when I go out. I can go up & down stairs with one crutch and a handrail. I can walk a short distance in the house with just one crutch or a cane, but I wouldn't trust myself to do it outside. I ride an upright exercise bike daily and also bought a tricycle last summer and road that. I did have an issue in the fall where I tore my meniscus in my good leg along with a stress fracture in that knee also which has set me back some. However, I am not giving up and continue to do my daily exercises daily for about an hour. That is a lifelong commitment to staying as strong as possible. I know it's not fun and gets boring, but it must be done to make the best of it. My leg is about 3 inches shorter and my husband has glued bottoms of soles I've cut off on one shoe to another to equal out my legs pretty good. That makes a big difference when walking so you don't hurt in other areas. He's become a good cobbler making my shoes, which is good because to have them make professionally, it costs about $200 for one shoe! There is also a Facebook forum page called "Hip Replacement Complication Forum" which has helped me a lot. If you are on Facebook, you may want to join that too. I have struggled with weight gain since my surgery also and about 25 pounds overweight and find it very difficult to lose weight but I'm trying. I do attempt some chair yoga from time to time, but haven't gotten into a habit of it yet. I was very active before all this happened so it has been difficult, but results are attainable if you keep at it. I just use Tylenol and Mobic (NSAID) for my pain. I'm on antibiotics for the rest of my life for "chronic Osteomyelitis" of femur and pelvis. (Infection in the bone) I pray you can get your pain under control so you can continue with exercises. Any exercises to strengthen your core muscles, Quadriceps and gluteal muscles are what needs to be done. I got lots of exercises to do after my surgery and had home care and Physical Therapy for 6 weeks. Those are what I still do as well as others I've found online. Everyone progresses at their own pace so don't feel frustrated. Just keep trying and do the best you can. I too have hopes of just walking with a cane or even one crutch some day, but I'm not sure it will ever happen for me, especially if I'm going to keep injuring my good leg/knee trying! Defintely not worth that. Wishing you all the best and feel free to send me a private message through this Mayo site if you want to....prayers for wellness.......Cindy

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for all the info and for replying. It feels like a lonely life out here sometimes when I try telling people about what’s going on with me and the fact that I don’t have a hip anymore, so thank you for reaching out. It is very much appreciated.

REPLY
2 replies
janeen17 | @janeen17 | Dec 21, 2023
In reply to @stargirl13 "Thank you so much for all the info and for replying. It feels like a lonely..." + (show)
@stargirl13

Thank you so much for all the info and for replying. It feels like a lonely life out here sometimes when I try telling people about what’s going on with me and the fact that I don’t have a hip anymore, so thank you for reaching out. It is very much appreciated.

Jump to this post

Most people I tell can't even imagine it. It would be much easier for them to understand that my leg got amputated. Then the next hurdle is they can't understand why I'm not getting another hip -- because I'm 59 and I was walking just fine before the surgery. It's all just so complicated, how we each got to this place, and it is isolating, so I'm grateful we could meet here. Someone mentioned they are walking but are in excruciating pain. Can we talk pain control? I've never been on so much pain medication in my life and it worries me!!

REPLY
Cindy | @cmarsh | Dec 22, 2023
In reply to @stargirl13 "Thank you so much for all the info and for replying. It feels like a lonely..." + (show)
@stargirl13

Thank you so much for all the info and for replying. It feels like a lonely life out here sometimes when I try telling people about what’s going on with me and the fact that I don’t have a hip anymore, so thank you for reaching out. It is very much appreciated.

Jump to this post

You are welcome and remember you are not alone in this journey. Keep working towards your goals and Merry Christmas! Cindy

REPLY
radcalrose | @radcalrose | Dec 23, 2023
In reply to @stargirl13 "Thank you so much, I will definitely look at what they have to say. And no,..." + (show)
@stargirl13

Thank you so much, I will definitely look at what they have to say. And no, the surgeon and the team haven’t been very helpful to be honest. I called my surgeon recently to ask about physical therapy and he just fixated on me asking my general practitioner for Ozempic to lose weight….he had very little direction for me. And also I have state funded insurance so the help I get isn’t very much and most physical therapy places won’t accept it unfortunately

Jump to this post

Hi. Sorry to hear the problems you are having. I went into having a left hip replacement and it fell apart. Went back in to having a hip revision which went well but 4 days before going home I had a lot of pain and went to the hospital and had a big infection and was told they have to take the hip out. I was shocked when my surgeon told me since I had a hip replacement on my right hip and had no problem. I also developed a drop foot on my left side. It has been very difficult since I get groin pain when I walk. I have to take antibiotics for the rest of my life. I did have a shoe lift put on and I feel better because it balances you out. I also have a problem with my left rotator cuff which gives me pain but I can’t do anything now since I need both hands on the walker.
I asked my surgeon about getting another hip in the future and gave hope that I can but I need to lose weight. I was also advised by another orthopedic surgeon to go to the Mayo Clinic since they deal with problems like this. It is always best to go for a second opinion. I’m getting a little better but it takes time. I hope for you nothing but the best. You take care🙏

REPLY
1 reply
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.