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.

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Cindy | @cmarsh | Oct 31, 2024

In reply to @terrylis "I use a walker with no wheels, but is it possible to go with a rollator?..." + (show)

Hi Terry...I started using a 4 wheel rollator walker at about 8 months post-op. There are times when I'm pushing it where it feels like it will get away from me, so at times, I find myself pushing down harder on it as I walk to slow it down. I really find that crutches are the most natural feeling for me and I use them whenever I go out. I have both underarm crutches and forearm crutches I use. You do need to even out your legs for optimum mobility. My husband has made all my shoes by glueing soles from one shoe onto another to get the right height. I can send you picture if you'd like of my shoes. There is also something called "even Up" you can buy off Amazon for about $35 to strap to your current shoes to add height. I've used it on my tennis shoes. Good luck and wishing you wellness......CIndy

terrylis | @terrylis | Nov 4, 2024

In reply to @cmarsh "Hi Terry...I started using a 4 wheel rollator walker at about 8 months post-op. There are..." + (show)

Cindy, not sure if this will reach you. Thought I’d replied already, but can’t see it anywhere.
Thanks for your very helpful comment. I have an “evenup” shoe raiser and it is really an improvement. Judging from your comments I’m going to use my crutches more, especially for outside walking. I was trying to decide about a rollator, but intuitively kind of realised it wouldn’t be the perfect choice. I need to put some of my weight on walker/crutches and I figured a rollator isn’t designed for that.
Until recently I was a bit worried about crutches, but I’m gaining more and more confidence in them and your remarks have reassured me.
Also, progress is inevitably slowing down. It’s 11 months since I had the Girdlestone procedure. Must say, I’m pleased with how far I’ve come, but I think I’ve got a bit lazy, a bit complacent. Your comments always encourage me to keep going and move forward.
I wish you well in every way. Terry

Cindy | @cmarsh | Nov 9, 2024

In reply to @terrylis "Cindy, not sure if this will reach you. Thought I’d replied already, but can’t see it..." + (show)

Hi Terry....I'm sorry, I had not checked my email in about a week to see this. I find this site not the most user friendly, but very helpful to connect with other Girdlestone patients. I have become friends with several of them through Facebook and now we chat via Facebook Messenger. There is also a way to send Private message on this forum too and I will send you this same message that way. If you want to try to "friend me" on Facebook, it is under Cindy Showerman Marsh. If I don't know your name or recognize the person, I won't except the request though. Too much spam?hackers out there. It sounds like you are getting along pretty good for only 11 months out, so keep up the good work! I'm happy to be available for questions you may have as I totally understand what you are going through......Cindy

aunaliesa | @aunaliesa | Sep 16 12:30am

This was pretty much what happened to me...with both hips. Right hip replaced 2010, left hip replaced 2013. Years of pain in both. I continuously complained that something was wrong.
I was ALWAYS told I was wrong. I was told it was not infected or out of socket repeatedly until I started seeing an amazing doctor...Dr Jimmy Bowen who listened and believed me. In 2018 he sent me to St Louis to a surgeon who removed the infected implant on the left side. In 2022 I had to have the right (and worse hip/leg) I was told I would only be able to use a wheelchair...no crutches, walker, cane etc.
Well it took me about 2 yrs but I can walk with crutches. One leg is about an inch shorter my leg and hip muscles are week but getting stronger. So Yes you can 😉 Remember the right physical therapy is important

daughterofthekingmos | @daughterofthekingmos | Sep 16 1:13am

Have you had your legs length checked?
My left leg shorter than my right. I couldn't walk around block without hip pain on right side. Just bought custom orthotics with lift.
Mind you, everyone has a small difference in leg lengths. But some more than others.

Ann Shrader | @annshrader | Sep 16 5:33am

In reply to @cmarsh "Hi Terry....I'm sorry, I had not checked my email in about a week to see this...." + (show)

Keep in mind that Facebook is public. This format is probably secure and navigating the access is a part of it. Once you start having these conversations on Facebook it is visible to everyone.

Cindy | @cmarsh | Sep 16 4:04pm

In reply to @aunaliesa "This was pretty much what happened to me...with both hips. Right hip replaced 2010, left hip..." + (show)

Hello...are you saying you have had "both" hip joints removed with no implants and able to walk with crutches? That is amazing and I'm so very happy for you if that is the case. I had Girdlestone Surgery (left hip joint removed) 3 years ago and can walk on crutches or walker and doing quite well with minimal pain. There is a group on Facebook that was started this spring called "Girdlestone Procedure Outcomes" for those that have gone through this surgery. There are currently 75 members from all over the world sharing their experiences with each other and offering support & encouragement to one another. Please feel free to join and share your story if you'd like to. Wishing you continued success in your journey!!