Better to use a forearm Crutch than a stick walking long distance outside.

[Fred27]

I was very sick last year my kidneys where at six per cent

I was diagnose with Anca vasculitis I was on Chemo Tablets

Over three months was put of them due to them affecting

My bone marrow I was to do six months.

I was then put on Immune Tablets was very sick with them

I was in coronary care left with and inregular heartbeat.

I am now on myfenax 250mg mycophenolate & down to one steroid tablet now my kidneys is now back to normal & my illness is now in remission.

What I want to ask is between my lillness & Chemo my mobility

Is now effected very bad on bad feet My legs get sore and very tired balance not great at times.

I use a stick to get about my hip is now effected with the steroids I am on.

What I would like adVice would I be better using a forearm Crutch than a stick walking long distance outside.

I appreciate your advice,

[oldtimer]

Best to ask a physiotherapist (or occupational) therapist, whichever deals with walking aids. They could try you out on them and see what's best for you as an individual. You may be able to borrow them and see how you get on at home too.

There are other aids to walking as well. Also I know some people get on much better with two sticks than one. One chap I know prefers to use the sticks you use for rambling - they don't hurt his hands and he feels more "normal" using them.

[earthwitch]

Agree with oldtimer that the best plan is to get advice from a physiotherapist (or OT). For a start they will be able to assess your mobility needs properly taking into account all your medical problems. They they will have a much better idea of what will work for you without putting additional stress on your body (which may be a solution you hadn't thought of). Finally, they can make sure that whatever aid you end up with is adjusted exactly for your body, and you are taught how to walk with it properly. Far too many people end up buying their own aids, not using them the right way, and it causing more pain or difficulties in the long run.

If you do end up being advised to use crutches, then once you have been properly assessed and shown how to use them, you might want to look at buying your own though - the NHS typically only supplies quite clunky ones, that aren't very comfortable on your hands if you use them a lot. I initially got assessed for NHS crutches, but replaced them with ones (adjusted to exactly the same height) that had an ergonomic soft grip and an open cuff - the soft grip means my hands don't get anywhere near as sore, and the open cuff (that doesn't work for everyone) makes it easier to put your crutch down while doing something else.

[Someonesmother]

I would get some professional advice from a physio as it will need to be specific for your needs. I use a swan neck walking stick as it is most comfortable for me. Even then my hands ache badly.