Exercising, walking, distance

It seems pretty much "the norm" (and yes, yes, I know, everyone's different), that they're walking between 1-3 miles per day after spinal fusion surgery, 4 months, maybe 5 months out.  I'm 8 months out and feel like I've been run through the mill walking around our block. 

Granted I had a total hip replacement with complications, and that creates an alternative launching point for measuring my activity.

But when I've been looking this up, such as youtube to see other people's experiences with spinal fusion, I seem to be in the minority.  Do you guys who have had multiple level fusions get around this well?  I feel like I'm doing rather well considering, but then, as I search for healing info, I'm feeling behind the starting post here....

Sookie

I agree with Susie that the hip thing is probably setting you back. I had multiple level lumbar fusion last Oct and was doing really well with my walking until I fractured my rt hip and sacroiliac joint. Now it is like starting at square one and going very slowly. I noticed a lot more pain in my back than when I was able to walk. Hopefully as you heal from the hip surgery your walking will get better.

Hang in there!!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your support.


My right hip will not extend. My right thigh is 3" larger than my left (as of this morning, still). I have foot drop on the LEFT which makes walking some challenge. I have an AFO brace, and I feel like it "over braces" me, it's too stiff. I still trip.


My body feels like I have one high heel on and one flat. I do wear orthotics. I'm in PT twice a week. I only wear fitted sneakers. I have another appointment with my orthoticist (?) tomorrow morning for a WalkAid external device.


I'm restricting my activity because I'm afraid of falling. I can't afford it. My PC and (former) therapist (I recently got discharged, she said I was good to go and could cut the strings, I'm fine) and hip surgeon are not getting the whole low back hip connection. My PTs get it, very well, and that's one place I simply LOVE being.


When I walk, with my cane of course, I feel like I'm going to fall. With my legs being so different, I'm not able to walk straight, I have to lift around the swollen thigh and circumduct while I walk. My XRays show the implant is sound. My right hip won't extend when I walk so I start my lift off after heel strike prematurely, and that's causing me knee pain.


I just get told: You need to exercise. (Ya think?) I'm terrified of falling down stairs. I have a dog to walk. I have a family to take care of. And I start getting edgy at the idea of walking through a store to pick up a few groceries or a trip to the pharmacy.


Our new house has three levels, so not doing stairs is simply not an option. I can only go up stairwells that have railings, unless I have help. My drop foot ankle and leg fatigue. My hip hurts when I extend it, pulling on all that swelling (which my hip surgeon and PC think is....because of atrophy). Yes I have atrophy, but they're not getting that's a big difference in thigh sizes to move around.


I'm frustrated and even a little scared.



Sookie

I think Lexi hit on something here. I have used canes for several years and finally a few months back bought a rolator & wow what a difference. Walking with a cane really does throw the balance off much more than I realized. ..Susie