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Public transport with crutches... ugh.

Posted , 5 users are following.

belleAUSSydney
belleAUSSydney

I have to go to confirm my continuing enrolment in my tertiary course today, which involved a hike to the train station, train trip, and hike at the other end.

First time I have been on a train since my op 8 weeks ago... getting on was okay because there was barely any gap on the platform. Getting off was a nightmare because of the gap between the train and platform at the other end. The conductor held my crutches while I gingerly stepped down (on the wrong leg)... it was scary.

The return trip was worse. There was no seating at all in the vestibule near the conductor, so I had to stand all the way home. When I arrived at my stop, the conductor didn't even look out, so no hope of help this time. The gap this time was enormous and I actually had to jump off the train onto the platform or the doors would have closed on me.

I have to do it all over again on Monday. How do people cope? BTW, I'm in Sydney...

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • DawnDedee
    DawnDedee belleAUSSydney

    Posted

    Oh Belle, I am so sorry you have this challenge.  I had something similar, but not as bad, when my car broke down and I had to use public transportation while using my walker.  It is very difficult!  Here in the USA though, I had all the helps I needed, but that did not lessen the physical exertion caused me to sweat and feel exhausted.  Somehow, someway, we cope by sheer will and determination.
  • AnnieK
    AnnieK belleAUSSydney

    Posted

    That sounds downright dangerous, Belle. Shame on those people who didn't give up a seat for you. We have seating set aside for those with physical handicaps on all of our public transportation, and you should have that in Australia, too.

    If I were you, I would try to seek out the conductor when you first get on the train and tell him that you will need assistance getting out of the train. And then stay near him. Perhaps he could ask an able-bodied person to move if there is nowhere for you to sit. Even if getting off ends up being simpler than the last time, you never know what the situation will be, apparently. Please speak up for yourself and ask firmly for what you need to stay safe and sound!

    • belleAUSSydney
      belleAUSSydney AnnieK

      Posted

      Annie: It wasn't that no one gave up a seat; it was that there were no actual seats at all in that part of the train. Most trains do have at least one seat in the vestibule, but I picked the wrong carriage, it seems. I could have sat if I'd gone down stairs to the lower level but the train shook a lot when moving and I didn't want to do that.

      The giant leap off the train was scary. Once again, I went down on my good leg, not my bad one. No way was I going to land hard on the op leg... I couldn't put a crutch down for support.

    • AnnieK
      AnnieK belleAUSSydney

      Posted

      I see. I get that you didn't want to have to move to a different car or down a flight of stairs! We don't have any cars with no seats here. Trying to wrap my head around that concept.

      There is so much risk involved in doing a giant leap. Hope you don't have to do it again!

    • belleAUSSydney
      belleAUSSydney AnnieK

      Posted

      Just remembered, Annie, that even if it had been a one-seater, I'd have had a battle with another woman who had a cane to get it. She got off about six stops before me... lol.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK belleAUSSydney

    Posted

    Oh yes, you need to beprepared when you start going out for the first time. 

    Train, bus, or just plain old escalators - think about how you will get on and off before you get there - be prepared.

    The step varies by country and by station, some UK stations are perfect, and others have a step, but nowhere near as much of a step as other european trains.  You really should NOT be leaping on or off anything, especially trains, with a new hip joint.

    In the UK, some buses have a huge step, others will drop the floor down for you.

    I had problems with escalators, now I get on and off with the non-operated leg leading, so prepare to steady yourself on the operated leg and a stick or crutch as you near the start or end.

    It's a challenge, but so satisfying when you acheive it. I found that mental preparation was the key for me.

    Graham - 🚀💃

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