The worst part about recovering from arthroscopic hip surgery hasn’t been the pain or soreness, or even the bad anesthesia headaches that lingered for several days. It’s been the limited mobility. And for an active person like myself – who doesn’t really stop until hitting the pillow late at night – that’s a pretty big deal.
But thank goodness for crutches!
Just a few hours after surgery, I was fitted with my very own pair of alloy “underarm crutches” (used mostly by people with temporary injuries or disabilities) and given instructions by a physical therapist on how to use them up and down the model “stairs” and near the hospital recovery area. I couldn’t be discharged, really, until I could demonstrate a minimal level of proficiency.
Maneuvering around with crutches is not particularly difficult, but it does require a certain technique and gait adjustment. Because I was allowed to have 50 percent weight on the leg where the hip surgery occurred, I’m probably able to move around a little quicker than someone with a non-weight-bearing injury.
If you’re about to have arthroscopic hip surgery, or if you’re just curious about these things, take a look at this instructional video on walking and encountering stairs with crutches.
Thanks, and nice to hear from you, June!
Yes, stairs with crutches can be a fast education in…well, all sorts of things. When I broke my pelvis, I spent weeks on crutches. Just getting from my couch to the refrigerator was a challenge, no less carrying something back! I’m just glad to know that you’re getting back into action.
Thank you, AFC! I’m already starting to walk without crutches for very short distances. I’m expecting to be off them completely, however, by the time my stitches come out in about three days.
Vivian, enjoyed the video and it is worth noting that for a person who just had surgery eight days ago you seem be getting around very well. When do you think you will no longer need the crutches?