They are called smartCRUTCH and they use the whole of the forearm rather than relying on the wrist or underarm to take all the pressure. Like so (BTW, this is my husband's arm, not mine, since he was taking the piccies for me :)):
The knob you can see there allows them to be angled anywhere from straight down like a normal elbow height crutch to 90 degrees so you can pick whatever is the most comfortable. They are also padded all across the inside and for those with long arms, the handle moves in and out too. The height adjusts like a normal crutch. They are very comfy and come in snazzy colours as you can see :).
I've only had a chance to use them a couple of times, but they really stop the ache in my wrists (and they also look like they should be able to shoot lasers or somthing ;)).
The websites for most countries have the crutches, but the UK site doesn't seem to have any in stock, I bought mine from CareCo, who have them in stock and the £79.99 is for a pair even though there is only one in the image :).
I have also had my first session with my new personal trainer and he is brilliant. I know I mentioned another one previously, but his car blew up and he had no transport so he couldn't come out to our house any more so I only ever had the one session. The new chap, Steve (InterS.E.P.T. Training) is great so far. Rob and I are alternating weeks to have sessions on Saturdays now - so much easier than random times, and he emails - yay!
We found him though a friend, Ben, who has been using him since October.
He seems very good about dealing with my disability and the first thing he did was ask us both a whole load of questions about what we were trying to achieve and if there was anything he needed to avoid and things like that. He also explains what each exercise is for and what is good form and what I should be feeling when I do it so I can be sure of getting it right. It means I can put my own circuits together if I want to :). Definitely knows his stuff.
I've only been doing the new exercises for a week and the bit I want to shrink are already doing so :D. He also does boxing and he puts together little sets, which are so much fun. It's a bit harder with me because I have to do it sitting down (not stable enough standing up), but he seems very good as changing his usual sets so I can do them too.
Was on crutches for about 10 months (over 4 months in a cast)... and we are always seeing people use their "underarm" to support their weight... that can quickly rub blisters to that area (we found out the hard way)... but all that was when I was a kid.....
ReplyDeleteWe did not know of your "problems" dear Lady....
It is good that you have someone like your Husband to be there for you....
Have a great Day... and the Best of all things to you and yours...
Thank you. I remember the underarm crutches from when I was a child too - I had operations to help with my feet and ankle issues when I was 7 and 8. Got quite nippy on them in the end :) and luckily did not suffer any of the problem they can sometimes cause. Have been using the standard forearm cuff types for the last few years when walking any distance, but these new ones are much kinder to my wrists :).
DeleteThose crutches seriously look like a weapon from a sci-fi video game. Like Halo. I can totally see that. Now, promise me you're going to go around pretending to be battling evil with those crutches. ;)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteYou betcha! The baddies won't know what hit them ;)
DeleteThose crutches totally look like they can shoot lasers! I'm with Patricia, you need to imagine some epic battle scenes while using them. ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the new personal trainer is working out. Sounds like he might even be better than the last one, which is cool. Yay! :D
I'm gonna end up the weird writer lady who starts mock shook outs across the road with passing school children, aren't I ;)
DeleteHe is definitely more organised :)
Wish I'd had crutches like that when I used them - more ergonomic plus the laser aspect might deter aggressors. Might have to get the designer to work on my wheelchair ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave them put obvious looking turrets in some places and have the actual laser shoot from hidden spots to put off the bad guys ;)
DeleteGreat ideas - will get the designer started ;-)
DeleteHi Natasha - those sound like excellent news ... long may they help you find life easier; while the trainer does sound like a very good find ... so pleased for you.
ReplyDeleteTake care and here's to improvement and strengthening ... Hilary