United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

I am going to have foot surgery this month and am not able to use crutches. Any advice on how to get around. The doctor suggested a walker but i refused.Have any of you ever been in this situation.I guess I will be hopping alot.LOL Judy

hi Judy - remember that I don't have a bpi so I'm not clear on what the issues are with the crutches so bear with me ok?

How about forearm crutches? These crutches are very different then the regular crutches.

And if you can't use your affected arm in the crutch - how about just doing it one armed so that you have some support while you hop.

If you can't use a crutch or a walker then what will you do outside of a wheelchair?

How long will your foot need to be weight bearing free?

good luck with the surgery,
francine

Hi Judy,
My daughter's the one with the BPI, not me, so I may be off the mark here, but I broke my ankle last year when she was only 2 months old! As funny as it may seem, the walker was much easier to get around with than crutches and no one even glanced my way when I was out. I even loaned it when done to someone else who had had foot surgery and they said the same thing. I also used the one crutch when I was able to weight bear a little. I realize my strengths and weaknesses may be different from yours, but knowing this may help. Good luck!

Hi Judy

So sorry you need surgery.

I broke a small bone in my foot a few years ago. I did not realize that I could not use crutchers - yikes! under the arm --- ouch!!!

So we promptly ordered a walker... that would have been fine if I was able to weight bear on the bpi side...that is when I discovered that hopping was about it!! I really feel for you... I don't think I could use the arm crutch either I see it was suggested above... I would be worried about the pressure on the ulna nerve and my lack of muscle on my arm... I wish I could be of more help... I really could not get around without a hop or two or three...

If you use a walker you need to hold on with both hands and that is impossible...

Become a princess and let the family serve you!!!...LOL...

How long will you be without walking...?????
I was couch bound...grrrrrrrrr...
Take care
Kath