If any one could point me to specific information on assistive devices for movement, seriously think I need a cane, but am clueless. A question I will be raising with my doctor on call in the morning.
Right now at a snail's pace. Not working out too well. when am able to use a wall on side opposite from the worst side of my body, I can manage very small slow steps.
Thanks in advance for whatever you can share. The knee and ankle of the worse of my two legs have pooped out on me, having to brace them. zero cartilage in that knee doesn't help.
take great care,
Perplexed (and fallin apart, but refuse to give up on myself)
If you try a cane, you use it on the side opposite of your troubled side like you're doing with the wall. I used one, it helped me walk a bit better while I was healing. Be prepared, it caused discomfort in my wrist using the cane for some time.
I have used a regular cane and a 4 legged cane. I felt safer with the 4 legged cane because you have a wider base so it is better for balance. You can get them at any medical supply store and probably at drugs stores. If they don't have one it stock, they probably could order one for you. But they should have one. Have them adjust it to your height (very important) and show you how to use it (how the base should be pointed). I agree they can cause problems with your wrist and I ended up (after a long time of using a cane) with copal tunnel, but it was worth it to be able to get around without falling. Good luck!!
I have a four prong cane, it offered more stability than the single cane. I purchased mine at Walgreens, but Walmart carry them as well. They are cheaper than going to a medical supply store. I didn’t know about the height adjustment until going to PT, it made a world of a difference.
oh thank you all so so much! I have a place to start.
Called doc first thing this morning, to try to find out MRI results quicker than my first of the day appointment on Monday and begin choosing how to go for best long term help. And guess what? out of town until Monday . This guy takes more vacations than any doctor I have ever know, keep reminding myself you never know what challenges someone else may be facing for them, loved ones, etc. And he could be one of those working in a charity program too, is a good man, but don't always agree with his methods. A pill isn't always best option.
going to check for canes, easier than trying to drive about. Yes, the old fashioned thing. a phone call. Have a land line too. (I am a real old school relic) hope not too expensive. we have been slammed with bills lately.
Have you thought about a walker? If you have balance issues a cane won’t help and could possibly make things worse. I have canes (I collected them before I actually needed them) but I also have my late mother’s walkers. I used them after my spinal fusion surgeries in 2011 and after I broke my ankle this summer. She has one sim
She has one simple, lightweight, gray walker and a heavier, teal walker with hand breaks and a foldout seat you can use if your waiting in line or just get tired. Either one would give you more support. If you can get a prescription from your doctor insurance should pay for it. If you have the time and the energy, I would recommend going to a medical supply store so you can try everything and see which piece of equipment works the best for you. You don’t have to buy the equipment there but they should be able to give you all the info on which ever option you pick. Give that to your doc and he will write the script based on the info. Then use that ancient communication device of yours and call around for the best price. Good luck! Oh, it is best to have someone with you when you go try the equipment. Have them watch how you walk using the various devices. You want you gait to be as natural as possible or you’ll damage the “good” side and I know you don’t want that.
I use the cane around the house, br my life saver has been my “roll-ator walker.” It has four wheels, you push it holding the handles, it has hand brakes to stabilize you when you stop just to stand and it has a little seat so it is very helpful especially out of the house or when shopping. You can stop me sit and rest on it. I also use it at he sink when I’m washing up and brushing teeth or in the kitchen washing dishes. You probably will néd a dr. Script for it but Medicare paid for mine. You see more and more people using them these days. Ask your doc about it.
I have a walkng stick, arm crutuches, 3 wheel rollator and wheelchair and how you can just about walk i'd say a rollator would be ace for you with a seat combined for resting in between.
Here's a link for them, as i find a walking stick throws my hip out more with the strain.
My balance and strength are to bad to use a cane. I had to swallow all pride and get a rollator walker with wheels ad a seat, or never leave the house. not really an option when I have no help. The seat allows me to sit when worn out.
Sheila we seem to be in the same boat mate and heading down the knackers yard ....sorry mate just having the crack as we need a laugh sometimes as it's sick at our ages :)
Sheila W. said:
My balance and strength are to bad to use a cane. I had to swallow all pride and get a rollator walker with wheels ad a seat, or never leave the house. not really an option when I have no help. The seat allows me to sit when worn out.
hey everyone in my lupus family, a bit of my cane, walker uses. I started when discharged from hospital 4 years ago with a walker (the metal kind ). it worked for awhile then now 3 years later im in a power chair that my ins. paid 100 percent. I went through hell and high water to get it. It took a year, now to find out my vechicle doesnt carry the weight of a lift. So now ive got the chair but am bound to house and mailbox. Does anyone have suggestions how i can proceed? love vegasgirl.xxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooooo
We call them electric powered wheelchairs here...do you know the weight of it roughly, so we can try and help?
Vegas Girl said:
hey everyone in my lupus family, a bit of my cane, walker uses. I started when discharged from hospital 4 years ago with a walker (the metal kind ). it worked for awhile then now 3 years later im in a power chair that my ins. paid 100 percent. I went through hell and high water to get it. It took a year, now to find out my vechicle doesnt carry the weight of a lift. So now ive got the chair but am bound to house and mailbox. Does anyone have suggestions how i can proceed? love vegasgirl.xxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooooo
That's exactly my problem. I was given a scooter but my car won't take a lift, so until can buy a van with a lift that will lift it into the van, I can't use it.
Vegas Girl said:
...now 3 years later im in a power chair that my ins. paid 100 percent. I went through hell and high water to get it. It took a year, now to find out my vechicle doesnt carry the weight of a lift. So now ive got the chair but am bound to house and mailbox. Does anyone have suggestions how i can proceed? love vegasgirl.xxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooooo
Latina i had to buy mine...i got it brand new for £30 and that was good as they can run expensive here...the ones i've had in the past are the ones with just the rubber footings and they're no good trying to move them when you can hardly walk at times :)
P.S Don't get challenging sheila as she'll take you on .lol
Latina said:
I use a walker with a seat, basket, and wheels. My health insurance gives me one every few years.
Hey, I can really go fast as a hare with the walker, so I'll beat you, Sheila! Just don't take away the walker! I'll walk with the turtle instead!
We call them electric powered wheelchairs here...do you know the weight of it roughly, so we can try and help?
Vegas Girl said:
hey everyone in my lupus family, a bit of my cane, walker uses. I started when discharged from hospital 4 years ago with a walker (the metal kind ). it worked for awhile then now 3 years later im in a power chair that my ins. paid 100 percent. I went through hell and high water to get it. It took a year, now to find out my vechicle doesnt carry the weight of a lift. So now ive got the chair but am bound to house and mailbox. Does anyone have suggestions how i can proceed? love vegasgirl.xxxxxxxxxxxooooooooooooooooo
