Attempting a minor wean from walker

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
Two separate conversations with friends here got me curious. They both asked if I use my walker inside my apartment. Since surgery and all. I had been...and we all wondered if I could do it without,
So, over past couple days I have left my walker somewhere in apt and walked a bit. Assuming , of course, I feel my balance will cooperate. My apartment is laid out such that I am not more than a few steps from something to hang on to. I am doing OK. I will never totally be free of the wheels, but I want to keep my legs strong
 

Marie5656 said:
Two separate conversations with friends here got me curious. They both asked if I use my walker inside my apartment. Since surgery and all. I had been...and we all wondered if I could do it without,
So, over past couple days I have left my walker somewhere in apt and walked a bit. Assuming , of course, I feel my balance will cooperate. My apartment is laid out such that I am not more than a few steps from something to hang on to. I am doing OK. I will never totally be free of the wheels, but I want to keep my legs strong
Click to expand...
The force is strong in this one.
 

Just a suggestion, keep doing the exercises for your legs that you learned in rehab. There are many I still do that are done in a chair or lying down. I also want to keep my strength in my leg muscles after my hip replacement. I don't have to use a walker but don't get as much exercise as I used to.
 
I don't know about braces, but in theory ... Wouldn't it be better to let the muscles do the work?

I try not to evangelize too much about rebounders (mini trampolines). But I will share my story here.

I have a torn meniscus in each knee. For 2 years I walked with 2 canes, even to walk across a room.

I did all the recommended exercises (straightening the knee, etc.). The theory was that if the muscles are stronger, they'll take some of the stress off the knee itself. The exercises were very boring, and they didn't help at all.

I already had a cheap rebounder for cardio exercises, but decided to buy an expensive one. Just stepping back and forth and raising my arms, similar to an aerobics class. I spent about 30 minutes a day doing this.

After 3 months, I went somewhere with my 2 canes, and left them there by mistake. Two days later, I realized that I'd been walking around the house without canes for 2 days.

Stepping around on the rebounder had strengthened my muscles that much. My legs don't look muscular at all, but for practical purposes it was enough.

I still need the canes if I'm walking more than a block or two. But it's great being able to get around the house or a store without them.

I don't expect anyone to run out and buy an expensive rebounder, but I think it's a great idea to work on building leg strength.

At this point I'm not going to do heavy leg presses or anything like that. But I like being somewhat functional.
 
Marie5656 said:
over past couple days I have left my walker somewhere in apt and walked a bit. Assuming , of course, I feel my balance will cooperate. My apartment is laid out such that I am not more than a few steps from something to hang on to. I am doing OK. I will never totally be free of the wheels, but I want to keep my legs strong
Click to expand...
Good for you!!

I am kind of going through the same thing. Right after knee surgery I used a walker all the time. Not so much for support, but as you say balance. Then I went to a cane and I am trying to figure out how to live without that now. Most of my walking I do without it, but stairs not so much. And when I go some place new to me I take it not knowing what I'll encounter. I also take it to the gym with me, helps me do some exercises I could not do without. I must be an odd sight going into a gym with a cane...

Best of luck to you with it!
 
One thing for sure, I will not be giving up the walker, Especially when out of the apartment, I feel I will need it for my balance..as that was an issue even prior to my surgery back in May. I feel more comfortable with something to hold onto. Especially when outdoors.
I keep a can in my car as well. I use my walker to get to my car, and when I go to the grocery store I use one of the scooters.
 
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