question: Hi Guys my name is Gabe and I... - Children With Cer...

Children With Cerebral Palsy

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Hi Guys my name is Gabe and I have cerebral palsy Diplegia which only affects my legs,

I have used forearm crutches for walking and i also wear Afo's. I have switched to a rollator and I have not used the walker yet but I am wondering when i do use it how do I use the bathroom with the walker? I look forward to hearing from you guys thanks.

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Dr_J_Choi profile image
Dr_J_Choi

Hi, Gabe-G!

Thank you for your question about walker :)

I have asked few of my colleagues and we have found a very useful PDF to guide you through your problem! Take a look

fvfiles.com/520823.pdf

A walker with four legs can give you better stability. A walker lets you keep all or some of your weight off of your lower body as you take steps. With a walker, you use your arms to support some of your body weight. As your strength and endurance get better, you may gradually be able to carry more weight in your legs.

Positioning

When standing up straight, the top of your walker should reach to the crease in your wrist.

Your elbows should be slightly bent when you hold the handgrips of the walker.

Keep your back straight. Don't hunch over the walker.

Check to be sure the rubber tips on your walker's legs are in good shape. If they become uneven or worn, you can purchase new tips at a drug store or medical supply store.

Walking

First, position your walker about one step ahead of you, making sure that all four legs of the walker are on even ground. With both hands, grip the top of the walker for support and move your injured leg into the middle area of the walker. Do not step all the way to the front. Push straight down on the handgrips of the walker as you bring your good leg up so it is even with your injured leg. Always take small steps when you turn and move slowly.

Sitting

To sit, back up until your legs touch the chair. Use your hands to feel behind you for the seat of the chair. Slowly lower yourself into the chair.

To stand up, push yourself up using the strength of your arms and grasp the walker's handgrips. Do not pull on or tilt the walker to help you stand up.

Stairs

Never climb stairs or use an escalator with your walker.

In order to minimize the risk of accident, I recommend you to refurbish your bathroom slightly to accommodate facilities for walker, which can assist you to get in and out of shower with less trouble.

Thank you :)

in reply to Dr_J_Choi

thanks for your help.