walking

[dart123]

Hi I am new to the forum . I have had copd for the past fifteen years , and found getting about hard, but I have invested in a walker , now it is possible to walk anywhere within reason , just cannot understand why this ,does anybody have any answers ? but I would recommend it to anybody .

[Hidden]

Welcome to the group. I have just bought a walker too. I got the idea from how easy I found walking round the supermarket with a shopping trolley. I must admit I feel that I look a lot older with my walker which I suspect is why there are not many using them.

[hypercat54]

I suffer from chronic back pain as well as copd and while I am not at the stage where I would be willing (or need) a walker really I must admit that like Don I always use a trolley when walking round a supermarket. I find it much easier as I can lean on it.

It also helps my breathing as some of my weight is transferred to the trolley. x

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to hypercat54]

I agree ,I also use a trolly when out shopping it really does help. I honestly never thought about getting a walker, do you have to see an occupational therapist about one?😊 Bernadette xx

[hypercat54 in reply to Damon1864]

As far as I am aware no. You have to buy them yourself so just shop around. I have a friend with osteoarthritis who bought one with a seat so she can sit down when needed too. I think she paid around £60. x

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you for your help. Will shop around. Have a great weekend and take care😊 Bernadette xx

[hypercat54 in reply to Damon1864]

amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

You can get them for half that without the seat, but I got a seat. Mind you I think sitting on it in the middle of the pavement would make me feel ancient and I need of assistance, so it will probably never get used.

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

Well my friends one was very sturdy as she weighs about 20 stone! It is a good one but I am sure you can get them for less. x

[stone-UK in reply to Damon1864]

Hi

Your respitory team may be able to assist in acquiring of the NHS.

I borrowed one from the hospital on my last oxygen assessment, the nurse said “ if I want one she will arrange it”

I was offered one, a tri-Walker but declined as there just the basic frame, no seat or pockets.

Care Co have a tri Walker with seat on sale January £59.00

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you Stone.😊xx

[maggiewhiteley in reply to Damon1864]

And don't forget you don't pay vat.

[Damon1864 Volunteer in reply to maggiewhiteley]

Thank you 😊 xx

[wheezyof]

Hello Dart,

I use a walker all the time now. I wouldn't be without it. (Actually them, I have two)

By leaning a little of your weight onto the walker you relieve pressure from your thigh muscles. They are some of the largest muscles in your body (Your buttocks and bigger). Large muscles need a lot of oxygen to work. Using the walker to take the weight of my handbag, shopping etc also helps.

As for sitting when I need to? I just go to one side, make sure I'm not blocking anyone's way and I sit!

If you saw someone struggling to breathe wouldn't you want to help them? Offer them a seat? Well I just do that for myself.

One of my walkers is a hefty one I use for local shopping, on the bus. The other is a lightweight, umbrella fold style, it's not as sturdy but ideal when travelling or being given lifts by friends as it takes up so little room in their car.

[Gigi71]

I just bought one from CareCo, well last Saturday, my sister came with me and I bought a 4 wheel one with a seat. It was £49. 99. It was suggested the tri walker wasn't as suitable for me. I have had a mental block about buying one. I have been struggling to walk with severe spinal stenosis, RA and lung problems, my breathing has been a problem. My car is a Toyota Aygo with a small boot, so have to put the back seats down. I only used it today on my own. Had a bit of a problem unfolding it and a couple came to my rescue. I must say walking with it made a real difference, didn't get out of breath and helped with my waking, was able to walk much further. I was even able to go in a changing room to try on a Jumper that didn't have a seat so I used the seat. Unbelievably the same couple turned up when I was attempting to fold it up again to go in the car. Need a bit more practice . X

[Hidden in reply to Gigi71]

I've just bought a Toyota Aygo and am very pleased with it. But, do you have trouble pressing that little button to get the boot open? I find that very difficult probably due to arthritis in my fingers and thumb.

[Gigi71 in reply to Hidden]

I agree Don, when I first got it I had real trouble with the boot, my hands are very weak, I used WD40 and that helped. I now press the button in and take my hand off and lift the boot lid that seems to work on mine not sure why. I too am happy with the car on the whole, with hindsight maybe a bigger boot. X

[2greys]

I believe that it has a lot to do with posture. It also the same on a treadmill with your hands on the rails, you can walk much further than out on the streets. The difference is your arms and shoulders are supported in a neutral position. Re. explanation from pulmonary rehab, two years ago.

[Misstickle]

once you know which type of walker you want I suggest you look on Amazon where they can be a lot cheaper. We less than £40 I think for a 3 wheel walker for my husband.He needed one with space to stow his oxygen cylinder as as he was too weak to carry it. It served him very well for a couple of years but sadly now he has to use a powerchair if he goes out.

[Shirleyj]

Good you for x x x

[Candyred]

I love my walker and I go no where without it.. I use to hang onto my husbands arm and gasp for air while looking for a seat somewhere .. now.. I stop and sit on my walker seat .. I absolutely love it .. xx