Any folks in my reach who use forearm crutches regularly and might be willing to indulge a couple of questions? I find myself shopping.
@sungo I used them for several years. Maybe I can help? @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @epicdemiologist Thank you :) I’m trying to avoid it but extended crutch use may be in my future. I’ve got axial crutches which I dislike pretty strongly and am looking at forearm crutches. Are there features or anti-features I should be looking at, if I’m pondering long term usage? And I’m seeing different cuff sizes, from full cuff to just a back plate. Apart from “this won’t fall over if I let go”, are there pros and cons for the different cuff types? Again, thank you for offering to help.
@sungo I went through several sets before finding the right cuff. I like the ones that will stay on your arm. They have to be both closed enough for your arm to not slip out, but open enough to slip over it in the winter if you’re wearing a heavy coat. I never found anything adjustable, which would have made much more sense. @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @epicdemiologist the ones that are fully open and some that don’t seem to have a proper cuff at all. I’m confused about why they’d even have that plate if it’s not supporting your arm or being held up.
the heavy coat is something I hadn’t considered and will add to my list of ponderings.
@sungo The cuff doesn’t really provide any support at all. I have seen, but never used, the kind that are called “forearm” crutches, where you rest your entire forearm on a plate and hen hold the “handle.” Those would give you excellent support, I imagine. @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @sungo Forearm crutches are generally prescribed for people who can't bear weight through the hand/wrist. They're very useful for that circumstance, but they are somewhat awkward. (Former physical therapist assistant here.)
@epicdemiologist @AlliFlowers I'm looking at crutches like these https://www.vitalitymedical.com/millennial-medical-in-motion-forearm-crutch.html
@sungo The opening isn’t big enough to go over a coat, and takes forever to slide into. @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @epicdemiologist the ones that keep coming up are from ergobaum but woof they're expensive [CW amazon] https://a.co/d/eaGUSo3
@sungo Those are the ones I had!! And yes, ridiculously expensive. But when you’re doing the zombie chemo shuffle and can’t feel your feet from the neuropathy, they really make your life better. @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @epicdemiologist top of the list they go. we've that same chemo situation brewing in the house too. we might yet avoid it but it'll be close
@sungo Have you considered a rollator? I spent 2 years with that before moving to the crutches. @epicdemiologist
@sungo The only change I would make is to get the kind that goes up high, so you’re not stooping over. I could whiz along pretty fast with that thing! @epicdemiologist
@AlliFlowers @epicdemiologist for me, the rollator is absolutely something I should look at and I have added it to the list. Might escalate to crutches but a rollator would have saved me ass the other day. for my partner's growing neuropathy, I don't know. Would you be ok sharing some of your experience?