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learning to walk 2023

Posted by msladyborsa @msladyborsa, Dec 27, 2023

I laughed when I saw your post. I too just started my 8th week PO and walk like a peg leg pirate, all I need is an eyepatch.
I have a great support team of friends and husband that yell out to me" heel to toe heel to toe"…omg, I can't believe I forgot how to walk. my range of motion was 136 but my extention goes from 0 to 2..Im still having swelling..I walk up and down my stairs 18 of them several times a day..I just have this stupid gait..my therapist said just keep
at the exercise..they aren't concerned as I am
.maybe a new therapist..will this get better?

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msladyborsa | @msladyborsa | Jan 21 11:58am

being retired makes a difference. no rush in doing things.. sorry you had some bad times, and glad that you have a good outlook going forward
..blessings and hugs

REPLY
jipc | @jipc | Feb 5 10:52am
In reply to @lahipster "I've come to accept my reality that everything just takes longer now, and try to plan..." + (show)
@lahipster

I've come to accept my reality that everything just takes longer now, and try to plan for that. I took an early retirement because of complications and recovery, and in a way I feel like I'm being cheated out of my golden years for not being able to walk long distances comfortably or get on my bicycle again.

On the other hand, how lucky I am to have had great care up until now and regaining my independence. Had my last hip revision not been successful, or an infection returned, the only alternative left was amputation...so as far as I'm concerned now every day I can get up and walk around on my own is a gift. Now that I'm retired I have no excuses not to continue with physical therapy and work towards living a healthier lifestyle. Grateful for what I have - trying not to be sad about what I've lost.

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You have a great attitude! You inspired me this morning to pull myself out of depression, thank you. I had hip replacement 9 weeks ago and I'm upset that it is taking so long and I'm still in pain. I also look at my bike every day and wonder if I will ever get back on. I feel the same about retirement, I feel robbed. I have plans, but all on hold now since I don't have the energy to move forward. I also have a not so nice PT who isn't helping me, so I am searching for alternatives. I get depressed, but reading your post reminded me that it beats spending my golden years in a wheelchair and I should be grateful instead of crying about what I've lost. Thanks for posting! I hope things get better for you, I'm sure it will....attitude is everything!

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2 replies
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Feb 5 1:17pm
In reply to @jipc "You have a great attitude! You inspired me this morning to pull myself out of depression,..." + (show)
@jipc

You have a great attitude! You inspired me this morning to pull myself out of depression, thank you. I had hip replacement 9 weeks ago and I'm upset that it is taking so long and I'm still in pain. I also look at my bike every day and wonder if I will ever get back on. I feel the same about retirement, I feel robbed. I have plans, but all on hold now since I don't have the energy to move forward. I also have a not so nice PT who isn't helping me, so I am searching for alternatives. I get depressed, but reading your post reminded me that it beats spending my golden years in a wheelchair and I should be grateful instead of crying about what I've lost. Thanks for posting! I hope things get better for you, I'm sure it will....attitude is everything!

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@jipc - Please give yourself grace and time to heal! 9 weeks is barely time for the incisions (internal & external) to heal, let alone bone, muscle and nerves to begin to mend.

I am the "Promoter of Rehab PT" here - the typical run-of-the-mill, one-size-fits-all "do this exercise, then add this, then walk and all is good" PT is not the answer if you have pain or issues. Ask for help to find a rehabilitation PT who will customize a plan for you, and perhaps add some manual therapy for the bad spots. If your ortho is no help, find a practice that specializes in post-trauma and post-stroke rehab. They are used to designing a program for an individual.
Sending you healing vibes!
Sue

REPLY
LA Hipster | @lahipster | Feb 5 9:22pm
In reply to @jipc "You have a great attitude! You inspired me this morning to pull myself out of depression,..." + (show)
@jipc

You have a great attitude! You inspired me this morning to pull myself out of depression, thank you. I had hip replacement 9 weeks ago and I'm upset that it is taking so long and I'm still in pain. I also look at my bike every day and wonder if I will ever get back on. I feel the same about retirement, I feel robbed. I have plans, but all on hold now since I don't have the energy to move forward. I also have a not so nice PT who isn't helping me, so I am searching for alternatives. I get depressed, but reading your post reminded me that it beats spending my golden years in a wheelchair and I should be grateful instead of crying about what I've lost. Thanks for posting! I hope things get better for you, I'm sure it will....attitude is everything!

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Wow! Thank you for sharing that. You made my day.
You mention your bike - just today I got a new seat for my exercise bike - one for 'seniors' - a big, wide, cushy seat that is absolutely a game changer. Getting on and off still takes some acrobatics, but once I'm on it's a game changer. "Bikaroo" - ordered off Amazon. Things are looking up for me at least getting back on an e-bike.

Looking back to where I was a year ago - I wouldn't have believed I am where I am now. Keep up with that positive attitude! Up and at 'em!

REPLY
1 reply
nursefran68 | @nursefran68 | Feb 6 7:40pm
In reply to @lahipster "Wow! Thank you for sharing that. You made my day. You mention your bike - just..." + (show)
@lahipster

Wow! Thank you for sharing that. You made my day.
You mention your bike - just today I got a new seat for my exercise bike - one for 'seniors' - a big, wide, cushy seat that is absolutely a game changer. Getting on and off still takes some acrobatics, but once I'm on it's a game changer. "Bikaroo" - ordered off Amazon. Things are looking up for me at least getting back on an e-bike.

Looking back to where I was a year ago - I wouldn't have believed I am where I am now. Keep up with that positive attitude! Up and at 'em!

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I echo the last comments about being surprised by the improvements that take place! I am about 15 months out from my TKR and just recently I noticed that going down steps has become much easier and more comfortable. What a good feeling! Have faith in yourself and the process.

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