ANA Discussion Forum
General Category => Inquiries => Topic started by: boomer on October 28, 2008, 07:48:39 am
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After surgery how many have had to use a walker or cane and for how long?
Vickie
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I have never had to use either one with 4 surgeries due to NF2.
Cheryl R
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Hi Boomer,
I am three months post-op and still occasionally use my cane. I am trying to stop using it completely but just feel safer with it at times. My balance is almost back to what it was before surgery, which ws wobbly at times, but not terrible. The only thing that makes me nervous is that I sometimes lose my balance ot of the blue and walking in crowds still make me feel weird and really off balance. Oterwise, walking without support is not really a problem. I never use hte cane when I am at hom and never had.
Wendy
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Boomer -
I only used a "cane" once post op - about ten days into my recovery.
I was attending a picnic with my daughter and her Girl Scout troop and since the ground was very uneven I decided to use a Eddie Bauer hiking stick my son had insisted on getting when he was in Cub Scouts. I was glad I had it since being in a Forest Preserve there were no railings or furniture to hold on to. Leaning on my daughter wouldn't have work too well either.
Jan
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hi, i used a simmer type thing with wheels on it, and i used a stick too, only for about a few months, i have a friend who is 8 months post op and uses her stick still esp when out and about.
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I was thinking about this the other day when I read that someone had a walker or cane. Back in the dark ages, being able to walk the halls WITHOUT my walker was what I had to do before the Dr. would let me go home! Of course, I probably stayed a few days more than most of y'all. I didn't use anything once I got home - except family members!!
K ;D
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Hi, Vickie
I was sent home from the hospital with a walker, which I used only for about 2 days. While indoors, I had walls and furniture to hold on to. When I was out and about, I wasn't alone and had family to hold on to until I got my came. That one I relied on alot, esp. once I began walking around the block. It must have been around 7 wks post-op before I hung up my cane.
Syl
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Hi Vickie.
I haven't used a walker or cane after the operation. I feel pretty off balance, but I don't feel like I'm falling.
However, the first couple of walk-abouts in real nature/traffic, I brought my wife along with me holding hands.
Please don't tell her that I used her as a walker ;D
Kenneth
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Vickie,
Like Syl, I used a walker for 2 or 3 days after being released from the hospital after AN surgery. So that would be a total of 6 or 7 days post surgery, and I haven't used or needed a walker since then.
Regards,
Rob
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I would be lost without my hiking stick when I'm hiking on the least bit of uneven ground. I never had a cane or walker but I did have family members, walls and funtiture to hold onto for about a month before I ventured out into the world!
Capt Deb (http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee60/Captdeb_photos/pirate2.gif)
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i used the walker for the first 3 days after my surgery - as part of the physical therapy. after that, it was small baby steps for the first 2 weeks, and i stayed close to the walls/furniture/someone as my "security blanket". hope this helps!
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Thank you all for your replies. I was just curious if about everybody did need help for a little while. I guess I'm just thinking ahead.
Vickie
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Vickie -
it's always a good idea to think ahead. I know the hospital where I was, told me that if I needed a walker to take home I'd have to find one on my own since they could not lend me one.
Not too many of us have a walker just hanging around the house ::) so it might be an idea to find a place near you that lends or rents them just in case you feel you need one.
Jan
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Hi Vickie
From the looks of things, it seems as though everyone has had a different experience. I used a cane for about the first two months regularly whenever I went outside. But I live in the city and there is a lot of stuff that I needed to avoid that I had to be steady for. And even now, 11 months post-op, I take a cane with me in case I'm going to be in an unfamiliar situation. I am still in vestibular therapy. My balance is still out of whack.
Best wishes
David
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Not too many of us have a walker just hanging around the house ::) so it might be an idea to find a place near you that lends or rents them just in case you feel you need one.
It just so happens I do have one that I no longer need. I would be very happy to pass it on to a fellow ANer.
Syl
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Boomer:
As you know, every AN experience is similar but unique to the individual involved. I had borrowed a cane before my surgery, expecting that I would require it. I used it once post-op and realized that it wasn't necessary. My physical therapist agreed but said to use it if I ever felt unsteady. Fortunately, I never did.
Jim
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I needed a walker for 2 weeks after surgery ... now 3+ years later... I'm still a little unsteady in the dark, or when I tired. I can't do a toe to tow DWI walk dead sober.... lets hope I never get pulled over and tested :-X but I'm out in the kayak ... take the train .. it just takes a little longer to re-learn balance again ...
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Syl -
if you have no takers for your walker, you might want to consider selling it on craigslist if there is one in your area. I've sold tons of stuff on craigs - and someone is certain to be looking for a walker. If you're opposed to selling it, craigs also has a "freebie" area.
Sorry for the small hijack of this thread ;)
Jan
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a helpful highjacking...
K
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to cwood - WHOOP WHOOP!!!!!!!
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Hi Boomer,
I was thinking about getting a couple of walking poles (like Leki Nordic walking poles) in preparation for the post surgical period. Sounds like a few of you has used something similar. No negative comments, so may be a useful item to pick up. At least they have life after recovery.
Joef, how long was it before you felt comfortable getting into a kayak again? I love being on the water and was wondering if the balance & strength required came back to you fairly soon after surgery. I'd hate so see my Prijon in storage for too long.
Cheers!
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Ya'll are scaring the doo doo out of me. :P
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Cheri -
congratulations on reaching the driving milestone ;D
As I recall, it's a great feeling to be mobile again and not have to rely on others for a ride.
You are doing really well; keep up the good work,
Jan
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Ya'll are scaring the doo doo out of me. :P
And you are cracking me up. :D
You might be joining their club for a while, but just as likely not. Don't let them spook you. ;)
Steve
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i had baalance issues from my lack of hearing and AN b4 surgery. as the night came on it was much worse i leaned to left , my good ear side, and couldnt stop from hitting walls.
after now 11 months, i still have moments where i know im off kilter. and i lean on wife or use a cane. but not many. the Ear surgeon tested my balance 3 days ago and said it was much better then b4 or even 6 months after surgery
so its improved according to every one.........