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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to think that using crutches is the hardest thing I've ever done?

21 replies

Hooya · 11/12/2013 03:40

I broke my foot the other day (stumbled while walking - idiot) and I am not to put any weight on it. I've been given crutches, but managed to nearly fall over 3 times the first time I attempted to use them.

I am not strong, I have little spindly arms, and still have a bit of a fat arse / tummy having had DS 3 months ago; AIBU to think walking with these evil sticks is near impossible? I've googled all the tips, watched the youtube videos of people looking like they are having a whale of a time going about on their crutches, but I still feel a bit queasy just looking at them.

OP posts:

Chottie · 11/12/2013 04:55

Lots of sympathy from me. Using crutches is a knack and not everyone can do it. I hope your foot heals soon and you are not in too much pain

larry5 · 11/12/2013 09:22

I broke my ankle some years ago and wasn't allowed to put weight on my ankle for 4 weeks so you have my sympathy. It does get easier.

Worst bit when using crutches was getting to the loo. I used to go upstairs on my bum but if I dropped the crutches it was a nightmare as I would have to go downstairs again and try again.

abigboydidit · 11/12/2013 09:25

Did you get the through arm ones or the old fashioned ones that go in your armpits? I had the latter and found that you could build up terrifying momentum on them! It is bloody slow/exhausting progress though initially. And I can't imagine how your coping with a baby too!

cyberfairy · 11/12/2013 09:26

Exactly the same thing has just happened to me! I am dyspraxic which does not help. Every little thing is such an effort- been all day without heating on as could not get to boiler and making and moving a coffee is so hard. Miss going outside but too scared to risk going to town with a bolting toddler... You have my sympathy- just chill out with Poirot and good books in a little nest with duvet if you can.

Damnautocorrect · 11/12/2013 09:28

Massive sympathy from me. Best thing I did was buy a special boot from the physio room website it was £100 but abs

SPsWantsCliffInHerStocking · 11/12/2013 09:30

I had a friend in primary who used them a lot. I would nick them to play with thinking they were ace.

At 11 I was run over. I broke my leg and needed pins. From may til October I had crutches/frame and a wheelchair.

My hands were blistered due to crutches and tiniest wet spot sent my crutches flying from under me!

Going upstairs on my bum carrying both crutches under one arm for them to slip down as I got to the top was a common occurrence.

Damnautocorrect · 11/12/2013 09:30

Oops living up to my name!
Changed that 6 weeks and made them bareable for me and little ones as I could walk on it (and have a bath!) so get them food and drinks.
I bought one and took it to an appointment to make sure the consultant was happy, he was. They took the cast off, I put my robot foot on and off I went.

FayeKorgasm · 11/12/2013 09:33

Totally agree. I was floored by my lovely girl ( Labrador) taking her for a walk last year. Buggered my ankle and was given crutches. They were impossible!

Ankle still not great, probably because I won't stop wearing heels!

Original poster

Hooya · 11/12/2013 10:16

Glad it's not just me bumshuffling up stairs.

DP is out, DS happily playing on sofa, but has just shat himself so much that it went through onto his clothes. Given the challenges of getting next door to get a new set, I've settled on a dribble bib and swaddle. He looks thoroughly eccentric.

OP posts:

festivefrolics · 11/12/2013 10:20

I broke my ankle recently & was on crutches for 6 weeks. If the handles hurt your hands try taping some of that grey pipe foam insulating stuff on them to pad them. It helps loads. Also, use a backpack to carry stuff from room to room & make yourself tea in a thermos so you always have some to hand & you can carry it easily.

festivefrolics · 11/12/2013 10:21

oh, another tip I was given by a lovely MNetter. When doing stuff in the kitchen rest the knee of your bad leg on a chair, that way you can stand & do stuff without relying on crutches. Makes cooking etc so much easier.

festivefrolics · 11/12/2013 10:23

If you haven't ordered one of these for baths or showers do so. they are fantastic www.limboproducts.co.uk/

EssexGurl · 11/12/2013 11:47

I so feel your pain! I have them at the moment and hate it. Feel stranded at home as I can't really go out much. It takes me twice as long to get anywhere and then I can't carry anything - so no shopping or going for coffee.

Kids were invited on one play date "to give me a break" but luckily I know the mum well enough to ask if I could come too. Otherwise I would have been at home on my own all day and most of the evening too. None of my other friends have been in contact either. Can't do anything in the house. I never thought I would miss the housework!

They do get easier though! Although the first thing I am going to do when I am back on my feet is have a back massage as it is so sore from being hunched over.

Osmiornica · 11/12/2013 11:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

mrspolkadotty · 11/12/2013 11:58

YANBU, it can be hard to get the hang of them. I use them frequently and have done for almost 15yrs so now i'm a bit of a pro but they are a pain in the arse at first,

Hope your foot heals quickly

Original poster

Hooya · 12/12/2013 04:36

Thanks for the tips festivefrolics and osmiornica. Mrspolkadotty 15 years, wow you must be badass!

OP posts:

MiaowTheCat · 12/12/2013 06:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ScarletLady02 · 12/12/2013 09:16

They are a total pain in the ass (and hands, and arms etc) I really feel your pain. I only sprained my ankle, but it was a horrible sprain and I was on crutches for six weeks...I got callouses on my hands and everything it was horrible.

I also remember once my arse of an ex making me go and pick up the Chinese takeaway. It was only a few doors down but when I came back he was in the bathroom and wouldn't answer the door...so I had to let myself in with my key, whilst juggling a bag of Chinese takeaway, my crutches and a very poorly foot....it ended up with my falling through the door, grazing and bruising my whole side while I tried to keep my foot off the floor and the Chinese went everywhere...

Yeah....he's an ex for a reason...

Osmiornica · 12/12/2013 10:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AnneEyhtMeyer · 12/12/2013 10:21

I have had them twice and found the under-arm ones far easier to use than the through-arm ones.

With the under-arm ones you can stop, lean on the crutches and do things with your hands. With the through-arm ones I was like Bambi on ice. I have no idea why they changed them.

dollywobbles · 12/12/2013 10:24

I've spent a lot of time on crutches over the years (12 months was my longest stretch).

I definitely prefer the elbow grip ones, I actually have my very own pair with ergonomic handles, no less [smug face].
My problem is with my hip though, so maybe you need under arm ones for a foot injury?

My tips would be get a pair of good quality padded fingerless cycling gloves. And get a rucksack. The annoyance of a shoulder bag banging against your bum/tummy all the time gets too much!
Go through shop doors backwards, if they open inwards, that might be commone sense, but it usually takes me a day or two of being on crutches to remember!

Good luck with your recovery.

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