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Oh Joy...

Posted , 6 users are following.

edarlingb
edarlingb

After years of walking with sticks and/or crutches, I decided to swallow my pride and buy myself a walker - or rollator.

Just taken it out for its first journey - about 3/4 of a mile and am utterly delighted.  No stooping, no limp (Trendelenberg gait) - upright all the way.  I'm thrilled that it helps me feel much, much safer; no wobbles at all.  It also has a shopping box built in, topped with a seat I can rest on, if necessary.Wish I'd got one YEARS ago!

If there's anyone in doubt out there, go ahead.  Get one.

4 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • barbara17317
    barbara17317 edarlingb

    Posted

    Good for you!  I see a lady quite often with one, and she toddles along at a really good pace, popping in and out of the shops getting her shopping.  She usually goes in the local cafe and has a coffee and cake there and then walks back home which is up a hill at the same pace.  I really admire her stamina.
    • edarlingb
      edarlingb barbara17317

      Posted

      Thank you, Barbara. 

      I'm also thinking it will really help strengthen my muscles, which have atrophied something dreadful, because of my difficulties. That should be good for my 4th THR in May. 

      Elaine UK

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK edarlingb

    Posted

    Hi Elaine

    They are good aren't they? I got one when I needed balance for the scoliosis.

    Not all the time....maybe if I was in the Metro for a few hours.

    Now I cant use itsad I have tried again but because of this fracture in my left Ieg I have to lean really heavily on on my right arm and it really hurts after about 15 mins or so and I end up back with the crutches

    I wish I could use it because as you know you cant carry things with 2 crutches but with this you can put things in the basket, hang bags on the handles but then I set them on the seat......much better than crutches. I'm really upset thatI cant use it now

    Good luck with yours

    Love

    Eileen

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Oh, Eileen, that's such a shame. I'm feeling that this going to be a life- changer for me. Don't know about what will happen after next op though. 

      Yes, I found it a real problem carrying things when using crutches. I eventually bought myself a v large bag which I can sling across one shoulder and my head, so that it hangs down my front. Still not ideal though. It's the feeling safer thing that's really been the factor I'm most happy with. 

      Thanks

      Elaine x

  • eileen64__UK
    eileen64__UK edarlingb

    Posted

    Hi Elaine

    It will be a life changer for you and you deserve it after all that you hav been through

    See you some time

    Love

    Eileen

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Yes. Indeed.

      Still haven't managed to get to the Metro Centre but intend to do so soon, before May.

      New acquisition should make it much easier!

    • eileen64__UK
      eileen64__UK edarlingb

      Posted

      Hi Again

      Is that when your next THR is {May}?

      It will make it easier  to get about.  I dont know what your car is but mine is just a small nissan and my rollator wouldnt fit in the boot so I just had a piece of plastic on the back seat and put it along it.

      Sometimes I opened one passenger door, got it in a bit, went round to the other side and pulled it the rest of the waycheesygrin

      We are off to the Peak District Sunday morning. Its a coach holiday with Arthritis Care. This is the first one this year {with them} Towards the end of the year we are going to Chster with them

      Eileen

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb eileen64__UK

      Posted

      Oh that all sounds v exciting!

      I'm having the same problem. I have a Ford KA and have to put the rear seats down to get it in. I v rarely have more than one passenger, though, so should be ok.

  • linnet2015
    linnet2015 edarlingb

    Posted

    Well done for getting one of these walkers, I had seen a neighbour with one but didn't know they were called rollators. Just looked them up online and they look brilliant with a bag and even brakes. The main thing is they help to make you more mobile and feel safe which is really important.

    I think you are right that as you have more confidence in walking it will help build up your muscles ready for your next operation.

    Hope the weather improves so you can enjoy more walks.

    Linnet x/

    • edarlingb
      edarlingb linnet2015

      Posted

      Thank you L. Yes, because I'm prone to impulse buying, made sure I did a lot of research in advance, knowing how important it would be.

      The one I decided on is a best seller on Amazon and has hundreds of 5 star, v positive reviews. Plus, it was less than half recommended price. No brainier!

      Only slight downside is fact it's quite a lot bigger than I'd imagined. Given I'm not quite 5' or 7 stone, could have done with something smaller. But really can't complain. It's great.

      Thanks

      E x

  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee edarlingb

    Posted

    That sounds great! I have seen those and they 're impressive looking. So happy for you!!!

    💛 Dawn, USA

  • diannemcgee
    diannemcgee edarlingb

    Posted

    I have one with the huge 10" front wheels. It's pricey at over $200 but is supposed to be good on grass and gravel. However, the effort to actually push it through that kind of terrain is exercise in itself. Makes me want to stick to the shopping malls and grocery stores. I do keep it in my vehicle where it's handy to grab if I need it though. My suggestion: for less dollars, get a rollator with the 6" wheels.
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