Hey IHH

I already PM'd but thought I'd add something here.

I went from forearm crutches to arthritis forearm (elbow) crutches to gutter crutches to gutter frame to NHS wheelchair to Sports wheelchair to Electric singing and dancing wheelchair.

Forearm crutches are much easier to use (elbow crutches) than the axilla crutches the US likes - there is less chance of nerve damage through their use (although elbow crutches can damage the palm of your hand). I used arthritis crutches until my legs died. They are better as they have thicker, softer, moulded handles and are lighter and just generally better for you. The moulding decreases the amount of pressure on the palm etc. You can use elbow/ forearm crutches individually (for balance/ low support of leg) to ski poling (balance with small amount of support) to drag pole (erm... this isn't really " correct" but when my legs first died I used to be able to drag my feet and legs behind me though using my thoracic vertebrae to swing them forwads. (Basically had the crutches higher than supposed to so that I could drag my legs behind me - HOWEVER - this does really dmage your arms and is v hard with RSD in the arms).

With gutter crutches you put the weight through the flat of the forearms (like standing and resting your arms flat out from the elbow on a desk). These are good because the weight is being taken over a wider area so destroys your arms less. However, I found them really hard to walk with.

K frame - this is apparently good but I was never able to use one - this is a kids version but I can find you the adult if you are interested.
http://www.adaptivemall.com/walkers.html

it's a gait trainer as well which means it will help you stay in an optimum position like standing straight etc.

Gutter frame - really annoying - kicked it out from underneath me too many times. Same as walking frames

Wheelchairs.................... too complex to explain here.

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http://www.adaptivemall.com/kaadwawise.html

This is a K frame without seat....

http://www.adaptivemall.com/kaadwawise1.html

and one with seat!!!

Home > CATEGORIES > Adult Adaptive Equipment > Adult Walkers/ Gait Trainers > Kaye Adult Walkers > Kaye Adult Walkers with Seat

Kaye Adult Walkers with Seat

This walker fit adults in a target height range of 67"-72+", and has a handle height adjustment range of 36"-41". Available in 2 wheel, 4 wheel, and 4 wheel with swivel front wheel layouts.

This special needs walker also has a standard fold-down seat to allow for easy transitions between walking/standing and sitting. The seat provides a simple way for adults with special needs to stop and rest, conserving energy.

Is this Product Right for You?
Reverse walker folds up conveniently for storage
Fold down seat included for rest breaks
Appropriate for adults with mild to moderate disabilities
Target height range of 67"-72+"; Hip height/ height adjustment range of 36"-41"
3 different wheel configurations
Questions? Our therapists can help you with a proper fit… to start please click SIZING HELP and complete a simple form, or call us toll free at (800) 371-2778
Critical measurement: measure the user from the floor to mid-buttocks (should match the range for "Handle Height")

To Find the Correct Walker Size, measure the user from the floor to mid-buttocks, and match that distance with the handle height adjustment. If you don't find a "fit" based on your measurement (36"-41"), proceed to a smaller size grouping to find an appropriate fit.

love ya

rxxxxxxxxxxxxx

LOL, I do love you, baby girl!

all the best

I'm like alot of others here, I have total body, but refuse to use a wheelchair or walker. Currently using forearm crutches, but I HATE using them. I still work ( in an office as a hospice nurse), and I can not stand people seeing me use the crutches. I know it's a vanity issue, and I know I need them, but still......HATE THEM. Ok, now that I've vented...

my crps is full body too, but the statement u made there is not always a choice for some of us with crps. when u say that u refuse to use a wheelchair or walker... some of us can't refuse when we get movement disorders and weakness. is a wheelchair a sign of weakness when u cannot walk correctly not by choice? u can just refuse to use one because u don't have a movement disorder or severe weakness- just pain, but some of us do. and we have to use one even though we would also refuse to use one if we had the choice.

i hate the statements that people make about crps people "giving in" because we use a wheelchair, and not by choice! we aren't giving in, and we are fighting hard and hoping much!

i hope u are doing well.

I Have Had To Use A Cane And Brace For Years Now. I Used To Use Those Crutches As A Child ... And They Are Nice And Sturdy. Good Idea.
I Do Not Think Anyone Gives 'in' To Wheelchairs, Etc., I Think Rsd Takes Us Where It Takes Us And We Are Just Along For The Ride. Everyone Is In A Different Stage Of The Monster Here .... I Say
Good For You If You Are Still Working
And Good For You If You Are Still Getting Around
And Good For You If You Got Up This Morning!!! Joan

I use a cane sometimes, and a elctric wheelchair sometimes, and when I cant use the electric I have a regular wheelchair.

It is all about not adding more pain to me. So short distances is cane, and longer the wheelchairs.

For buting in but i'm one of those PRers and was a nurse for to many years
venting here is fine by me. But i hate it when i'm in my electric
wheelchair,in a grocery store and somebody will walk up and say i have
bla bla and they wanted me to use one of those things. But i just told them
no way. Then my son said to himself oh noooo. I say bless your heart,
and when they get a little ways down the aisle,i fly by them and say
you will if you don't at least use a cane,your going to end up on that
hard floor. I just don't nor will i understand people who feel they have to
say things like that to people they don't know.. So sad Sue Thanks
to all of you.

ok, ok... I KNOW I am pathetic and use a wheelchair.

If I had any choice in it I wouldn't be.

But unfortunatly my entire body is f***ed.

(Sorry - I know none of you mean it personally - I am just having a really bad RSD time and feeling a bit sorry for myself and fed up that everyone else at uni is normal and I'm shut in my room AGAIN - WHY??? because it's windy. And I missed out on a BBQ. Because it's windy. How pathetic is that?)

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Oh, sorry Frogga - your turn of phrase sometimes does make me laugh out loud, though....
all the best ------------>This is for you...

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