Amputees Support Group

I used a cane for about two weeks after I got my leg. I just using the cane less like training wheels on a bike you keep raising them up until the kid no longer needs them. It also depends on you and how bad you want to get off the cruthes. So good luck and keep up the hard work its a long road to travel but it will get better as time goes by.

Dennis

I had my LBKA in May 1995. Because it was an 20 year infection that eventually took my leg, I was not fitted with a temporary cast/foot.
I was not allowed to wear a prosthetic for 6 weeks, and I think it was another 4-6 weeks before I could be full weight bearing. However, I used nothing for almost 14 years to assist my walking. Now I have neuropathy in my foot and also neuromas, phantom limb (we all have this) and phantom pain in my stump. So I use a cane about 50% of the time, and crutches when I have my leg off.
Back to the question - It is individual. 6 weeks and until you can walk safely without them.

God bless, Paul

I have had my c-leg since xmas .I used my crutches for a while as I feared doing a face plant.In my house I do not use either a cain nor a crutch .If I am going out side I useually will take my cain with me.It all depends on how quick your stump toughens up.Balance is a problem.Learning how to walk up a hill is something that having a cain helps.One of the problems with useing a crutch is that you can cheat,not applying your weight, to stump useing a cain you can't cheat.Good luck and keep us posted on how ur doing.

Hey Dean,
Like Paul I had to wait a little bit for the prothesis (3 months) and then they did not want me in my leg except for gait training with the PT (for the first few weeks, at least). While in the prosthesis, I used a cane for balancing and weight shifting. I do use my crutches now (4 years later) but only when my leg is off (to the shower, pool, etc.). Everyone is different, but I only spent a few weeks of full time leg use with a cane. The best of luck to you with this.
Kevin

Hi Dean - I was fortunate to get the IPOP - immediate post operation prosthesis - they had me walking the day after amputation. I did use a cane - not to help me walk but to keep balance. Used it for 3 days and then said good bye. I walked on the IPOP for 2 months before getting first prosthesis. That was 30 years ago. Except for blisters, I have never used cane or crutches unless I can't wear the prosthesis. Sometimes a new prosthesis or sleeve will lead to a blister and some downtime. Dont throw the crutches away - they come in handy when you can't wear the BK leg. Good luck - sounds as if you are doing fine and remember, none of us is the same. We all take different paths. Regards/John

I used crutches for the first week. After that I used a cane for another 2 weeks,as someone else said,more as training wheels that actual support.
Personaly,I felt better about the whole deal once I was walking on my own.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm 6 weeks into my new chapter of life. I am diabetic so they advised me to wait 6 mor weeks.Thank you all for your comments. It will help in my recovery.
Kevin