Alternatives to crutches for 2 month disability?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,724
Alternatives to crutches for 2 month disability?
My traveling companion made a mess out of his knee and femur recently, and is looking at at least 2 months on crutches (non-weightbearing) which severely restricts, i.e. kills, our summer travel plans.
I looked into renting one of those mobility scooters for him, but they appear to rent for about $89 to $119 PER DAY, which pretty much kills the idea of renting on for a road trip. I've also been scoping out craigslist for a used one, but so far no luck.
Any suggestions for someone with a short term disability who needs a way to get out and do things this summer?
I looked into renting one of those mobility scooters for him, but they appear to rent for about $89 to $119 PER DAY, which pretty much kills the idea of renting on for a road trip. I've also been scoping out craigslist for a used one, but so far no luck.
Any suggestions for someone with a short term disability who needs a way to get out and do things this summer?
#2
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
I assume one of those things that rolls that you rest your leg on is out, too?
What about a manual wheelchair, if he's otherwise fairly fit?
Presumably he'll need to use crutches some of the time - if he can get forearm (aka Lofstrand, Canadian, or elbow) crutches they are vastly more efficient and comfortable than axillary crutches. If they are not supplied by the hospital or surgical center, they can be purchased for a under a hundred dollars.
What about a manual wheelchair, if he's otherwise fairly fit?
Presumably he'll need to use crutches some of the time - if he can get forearm (aka Lofstrand, Canadian, or elbow) crutches they are vastly more efficient and comfortable than axillary crutches. If they are not supplied by the hospital or surgical center, they can be purchased for a under a hundred dollars.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,724
He's a teenaged boy - no way could I get him to go for that option.
Presumably he'll need to use crutches some of the time - if he can get forearm (aka Lofstrand, Canadian, or elbow) crutches they are vastly more efficient and comfortable than axillary crutches. If they are not supplied by the hospital or surgical center, they can be purchased for a under a hundred dollars.
#4
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Join Date: Feb 2012
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I think the motorized scooter might be your best option. Check out ebay, craigslist, etc. to see what they are selling for. Also, call the local scooter/wheelchair stores, explain the situation (moderate use for a short period of time), and find out if they have any reconditioned scooters they would be able to sell you. It would probably be cheaper than renting at the rates they are quoting you.
As katja pointed out, though, he is still going to need some support in walking short distances -- be that elbow crutches or a walker or something else.
As katja pointed out, though, he is still going to need some support in walking short distances -- be that elbow crutches or a walker or something else.
#5
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
Heh. Have him watch one of Aaron Fotheringham's videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUUVfPy0UgI). Of course you can't get a decent chair for a short term injury like that.
They also prevent axillary nerve damage, very common with underarm crutches. As far as I can tell, no other modern industrialized country sends people home on those torture devices.
They also prevent axillary nerve damage, very common with underarm crutches. As far as I can tell, no other modern industrialized country sends people home on those torture devices.
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,724
Heh. Have him watch one of Aaron Fotheringham's videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUUVfPy0UgI). Of course you can't get a decent chair for a short term injury like that.
Hey! Have a little respect here! That pair of crutches has gotten me through 7 orthopedic surgeries. They're venerable antiques.
#7
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: DEN
Posts: 1,962
It is funny, though, that a youngster would think that a scooter (which requires no effort on the rider's part to propel) is cooler than a manual wheelchair. I guess I'm just too immersed in the disability community.
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,724
Amusement parks often have powered scooters to rent, but museums don't. Wonder what says about our culture?
#9
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AVL
Programs: AA/BA/DL/US Air
Posts: 426
Not sure where you’re located, but there’s most likely a Veterans Service Organization close by. You can visit my website to find one. My site is geared towards NC Veterans, but most of the NC websites have a link to their National Organization’s website which in turn will provide a link to a VSO office near you, or tell me where you live and I’ll give you a link.
They might have a used scooter that they would loan you. My local DAV Chapter has a lot of home health care items/equipment that we loan out to veterans and their families.
If there’s no veteran in the family, a donation to a worthy non-profit might get you the loan of the scooter.
They might have a used scooter that they would loan you. My local DAV Chapter has a lot of home health care items/equipment that we loan out to veterans and their families.
If there’s no veteran in the family, a donation to a worthy non-profit might get you the loan of the scooter.