Anyone here using crutches for SPD/PGP ? How are you finding it ?

[SherbertDip]

Hi

Was given crutches for my SPD by the physio, think I need some practice with them.

Do you feel self concious with them ?

Any tips on making using them easier ?

I felt really self conscious at first but it gets easier. People do stare a lot and it is pretty embarrassing when friends or neighbours come running over asking what happened as if they expect to see a leg in plaster.

My advice would be:

Make sure you have the height adjusted properly by your physio so that you don't risk causing more problems to your back/ shoulders/ wrists

Take small steps, try to keep your knees close together and try to stand tall and walk lightly if that makes sense.

Just because the crutches might make it possible for you to walk a little bit further doesn't mean you should do it. The idea is to protect yourself from permanent damage, not to keep up with your previous expectations. Sorry I know that is really boring.

Don't be tempted to try and get away with one crutch just because it means you can still hold a bag/ bannister/ toddlers reigns. One sticked hobbling can cause an exaggerated asymmetry in your muscles and alignment which makes everything worse.

Use a small backpack on both shoulders for essentials. Don't whatever you do overload it with stuff

Hmmm... I'm sure there are loads of other bossy boring things I could tell you but you'll probably still need to learn the hard way like I did. There is a big temptation when you first get the hang of crutches to go "woohoo I've got my freedom back a bit!!" And do way too much.. And then be in bits for a few days. So be careful with yourself and remember that the point of the crutches is to protect you while you do the bare minimum.

Good luck x

Hmm thought i'd be ok walking a short distance tonight without the crutches- wrong am suffering now :( lesson 1 learnt I think

Yes I have been given crutches, and I do feel really self conscious using them. I agree with Betty about people rushing over and expecting to be able to actually see something wrong. Everyone says to me, "but you still have 3 months to go!" Err.... I know! I just try to remember this is (hopefully) temporary and some people have permanent mobility issues, which I am eternally grateful I don't have, after this experience.

Last week I had a particularly embarrassing time picking the DC up at school where I was in agony and all the sympathy (& hormones) made me burst into tears. I keep thinking it will all be worth it when the baby arrives.

It takes ages to get around, so it's a complete pain having to factor in 3 times more time and energy to do anything. Agree with Betty, I recommend a rucksack to help carry things round, and also have a look on the NHS website about tips for helping, eg plastic bag on the car seat so you can swivel in and out, sounds bonkers but it really works. I have been paying privately for osteopathy which is helping things not get worse at least, and I also have a Serola support belt belt, which I highly recommend. I'm still struggling into work (self employed so have to) but I think this normality probably helps a bit. It can be hard to stay positive though, can't it?

How much longer have you got to go and when are you planning maternity leave? I'm counting down the days!

The plastic bag thingie is brilliant!

I've done the bursting into tears thing too. Mortifying! A couple of times I've just burst into tears with utter frustration, exhaustion and pain. TFL is really not my friend these days. The worst thing is bursting into tears halfway up or down a flight of stairs or sodding broken escalator, when both your hands are tied up with the crutches and you just have to let the tears and snot flow down your face while the people going in the opposite direction stare. Aaaargh! So embarassing!

I am 27 weeks so a fair while to go yet. Hoping to get to end of Jan at work (have 2 weeks off over Xmas)

I think what's making it worse for me is I went to physio on Monday expecting her to just give me more exercises to do but I had had to walk quite a fair way and by the time I go there I was hobbling quite badly and in pain. got a few things coming up involving walking to so physio thinks crutches will be best

DS is 18 days old.
Had spd and walked with a crutch.
Spd nearly gone as soon as ds born,
It does get better, please be patient.
It was one of the worst things I've ever had, pain, unable to walk.

Would it be really bad of me to use one crutch just for a few hours ? just trying to think of a compromise for this weekend

If u need it, use it.

IME, best way to walk is tiny steps. (Think of Mrs Overall in Acorn Antiques, by Victoria Wood. )

I wouldn't use just one crutch Sherbet as you'll be hunched over with all your weight on one side and could put your pelvis more out of line so more pain in the long run. Try and use 2 with a rucksack, I know it's awful not to be able to use your hands as well as hardly being able to walk!
I'm in 'tearful mode' today after a crap nights sleep and a couple of mistakes at work already today, so it's good to hear I'm not the only one, though I wouldn't wish this on anyone