Quote:
Originally Posted by reluctant@thetable
I am just under the 2 yr. mark from when I injured myself and my whole crps type 1 disorder started. I am starting to experience my first big loss with this disease.
I am rapidly losing the ability to be able to walk for any distance without significant pain and spasms. (I'm on lots of medications for crps, spasms & pain.) My balance is also starting to go and I've had a few near falls. This is truly upsetting for me. I enjoy my walks and my hobbies that involve walking so I need to figure out what my next step is to try to hang onto these for as long as I can.
I don't feel that a walker will help because my legs hurt too much. And I don't feel like a wheelchair will help because my arms and upper back hurt & are weak. Crutches are out for the same reasons. I'm not equipped to have an electric wheelchair in my van- couldn't imagine having to get it in and out of the trunk.
I'm considering the type of walker with 4 wheels that one can sit on and just push oneself along with his/her feet. I don't know the name of this or if it's even intended for this use.
Any input/suggestions from anyone who has gone this route would be appreciated.
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I have a rollator (4-wheeled walker with a seat) and it has given my life back. You cannot imagine what a difference it makes just having that little bit of support. So much less weight bearing on you legs (I have RSD in my left ankle and my whole upper body between waist and neck). I was at the point where I could not stand or walk at all and had to rely on others to push me around in a transport chair. That was AWFUL. It took a long time to get on my feet again but now with my walker I am a free bird. I sit when I need to, kneel on the walker either when I need to use my hands or just take the weight completely off my bad leg (wheels locked of course), or even sit and scoot as you described when I need to. It also helps me carry things (the bag under the seat is a real godsend).
I got mine on amazon.com and it cost about $100-$150...but it's a GOOD one with bigger wheels (better for uneven ground) and it's made for people my height.
When I started my physical therapy I had a "regular" walker with two wheels in the front and then you drag it. This was very difficult and took a lot of energy to use. The 4-wheeled walker is smooth and it allows you to walk with a normal gait...which for me was key to making sure I didn't make the rest of my body worse with an abnormal way of walking.
Life is different using the walker but it really has given me back the freedom. It takes a while to sort of "relearn" how to do things with the walker...but who cares HOW you do something so long as you CAN do it, right?
Another good thing about the walker is that if you go out of the house, people tend to give you more space. With RSD...this is a very good thing especially if you go out to places where there are lots of people. I can even go to the grocery store. I get one of those carrying baskets and put it on the seat of my walker. Once it's filled that's my limit...but it still is better than nothing and gives me a great sense of independence. Sort of sad that something like going to the grocery store gives me so much joy...but when you've spent a year sitting on the couch not able to move hardly at all...you take joy in the little wins.
I'm now back to working full time with the walker and it feels great. The pain is still bad...but mentally I've never been happier or healthier now that I have taken so much of my life back. The walker and the physical therapy are the two biggest pieces of that puzzle for me. It will take time to really get the hang of things, lots of practice around the house, but it is worth the effort.
Also wanted to mention that I am 29...27 when I started using the walker.