Any long term crutch users want to discuss coats (specifically sleeves)?

[Thoosa]

Part moan, part shopping thread, I think.

I have a lot of trench coat styles from “before crutches” (BC). They’re the worst, the buttoned flap bit on the sleeve cuff gets hooked in the crutch cuff. None of my BC coats really work though. On my puffas and parkas there’s too much bulk in the sleeve for the crutch to fit around. Even the more traditional wool coats are a bit too thick so work well,

So for the last few years, since crutches, I’ve been mostly making do with cardigan and scarf combos. I also bought a poncho, which doesn’t suit me.

So recently I’ve splashed out on a Monsoon sleeveless coat and a Karen Millen cape coat. Now impatiently waiting to try them on.

What does everyone else do?

Hopeful bump.

Not the point of the thread really but would changing the type of crutch you use to open cuff ones be a possibility?

Thanks @Imitatingdory - it’s a thought.

I’ve thought about switching back. I used to have them (still do somewhere), but they were such a hassle because you couldn’t just lean against something and use your hands to pay, to put the key in the lock, to grab something, whatever, without first carefully nestling the spare crutch against something. I was forever dropping them. So it’s a bit of a Hobson’s choice, for me at least.

Having no luck with the coats anyway. The rather glamorous Monsoon sleeveless one, holds your upper arms inside it, the arm hole being at waist/elbow level. Most bizarre, even for the fully ambulant.

The Karen Millen one is lovely - and a complete steal - but it’s double breasted which makes me look matronly. I’d forgotten the last time I wore something pea-coaty, I was 53kg and an A cup.

I think there should be occupational therapy stylists!

Aah, to be 53kg and an A cup again.

Still doesn’t solve the coat issue, for which I am no help sorry, and if you wouldn’t rather focus on that please say and I will stop. But what about tripod feet (you can get some relatively small ones now) for the crutches? Then they would stand up alone. Or interlocking crutches? Aimed at being able to go upstairs whilst holding the rail, but would work, although a bit of a faff would prevent you dropping them.

I haven’t seen or can’t remember interlocking ones. Will Google. This disability business is an expensive hobby.

I’m debating hanging on to the Monsoon coat and getting the armholes extended, which feels like rewarding bad design, because honestly both DD & DH have tried it and it forces you to adopt dinosaur stance (can’t think which dinosaur I mean), so it’s not just crutch users that will struggle with it.

Thanks for letting me pick your brain @Imitatingdory

I’ll continue the quest after work.

This disability business is an expensive hobby.

Very, especially when you try multiple things before finding something that works. Between me and DC we have tried so many items that turn out not to help/work.

That reminds me, I need to eBay all the perching stools and old crutches cluttering up the garage.

If you have a specific coat type in mind, the girls on the fashion and Beauty section, have fabulous ideas. Not sure exactly what its called but they can find fashion needles in haystacks.

Feel your pain. After much faffing around online, I've decided to go for something like this with a warm jumper or hoody underneath. Pretty cheap, so not going to be an expensive mistake like everything else and if I get on with it, then may order a quality one for Autumn / winter next year

Funnily enough just ordered one @RainbowZebraWarrior , but not a long one. Long looks warmer. Will try to find one.

I wondered about S&B @inheritancetrack

Have a look at Smart Crutches op, I can't use traditional crutches because of the nature of my disability but the cuffs are long and open, it doesn't solve the issue per say but definitely easier than traditional crutches.