Reddit mentions: The best canes, crutches & accessories

Using a throwaway for this. I work in the festival industry and have fibromyalgia along with other non-visible chronic illnesses.

Festivals are challenging for us for a number of reasons:

• not many places to rest, being on your feet for long days
  
• long lines for bathroom facilities that are usually also gross
  
• schedule is usually packed, sense of FOMO if you arrive late/leave early. Hard to find friends that are on the same wavelength.
  
• food that leads to tummy trouble and other naughty drinks/substances!
  
  Despite that, I still attend several a year and obviously work many too. Here are my tips:
  
  
• bring a flipstick or portable seat. Huge crowds aren't very sympathetic to those who need personal space unless there is a visible marker of disability.
  
• try to walk around the site before it gets crowded. I know this is more physical activity which might make you tired... but it can also reveal shortcuts, quiet spaces, less used washrooms, and other places you will gratefully use over the next few days.
  
• If there's an accessibility tent, introduce yourself and ask for tips. You don't have to disclose your actual disability but you can ask questions like, "In your opinion, where should I go if I need to sit in a quiet place? Is there a seating area near each stage? What should I do if I'm having a medical issue?"
  
• ask a festival staffer, security guard, volunteer, medic, or anyone with a radio for help if you need it. Don't be shy. It is their job to ensure public safety and even if the first person can't help directly, they are responsible for finding you someone who can.
  
• don't get trapped in the crowd, accept that being on the outskirts will help you leave if needed and also have fewer instances for people to thoughtlessly shove or step on you. The pit is a high-contact zone and not safe for us. I see older people, families with children, etc make this mistake all the time and it is frustrating for all involved.
  
• rent a locker. Cannot stress this enough. You can have comforts like toilet paper, sunscreen, raincoat, phone charger etc. nearby without having to trek all the way back to the campsite. Keep your bag light with just the essentials - earplugs, bandaids, phone, cash, etc.
  
• bring AND WEAR earplugs. This has made a huge difference for me. It not only eliminates headaches from the PA system but reduces the level of insanity when people are bouncing around and screaming.
  
• don't drink alcohol, it will also hit you like a ton of bricks after a day of being active and likely low water consumption. This also goes for drugs that you have not been prescribed.
  
• pay close attention to security rules regarding prescription drugs, liquids, etc, and follow them to the rule. I almost had my painkillers confiscated once which would have made for an awful day. Bring copies of prescriptions, be honest, etc.
  
• if you're going with a group, you kind of have to also be comfortable with being independent. Groups are fickle and there will be a lot of changing plans, hurt feelings, drama, etc. If you're wiped out, just say you need a break and plan to meet up with them later. Don't get stressed or freak out at not being able to please everyone. Obviously if you have a friend who can travel with you it's safer and better, keep in mind that doesn't always happen especially if people are intoxicated.
  
• keep your phone charged in case you have to break with the group or need assistance. Don't waste phone battery on social media.
  
• Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. I've regretted showing up too early in the day because I was exhausted by the time the headlining act came onstage. Check out the lineup before you get to the festival and pick your must-sees. Plan to leave a little bit early before the huge rush. Factor in travel time between stages! If you miss part of a set or a couple of acts, so what, you're doing the best you can. There is literally no act in the world that is worth trashing your health for.
  
• festival food is soooo tempting but it can end you. Keep meals light and snacks healthy - try to eat as normally as you would at home with more protein and fats to make up for being active all day.
  
• recovery days! Plan to be a zombie for a day or two afterward, if you can take time off work do it, if not, take it easy in other ways.
  
  I hope this helps! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you are in control, not your disease. It's tougher for us than others but it can be possible to enjoy festival life despite fibro. Take care!
  
  

I'm using In-Motion forearm crutches (these). Before using these, I'd only tried under-arm crutches before -- they bothered my shoulder and took up lots of space, thus the switch. Anyway I don't know much about forearm crutches in general -- just lots of experience with this one single model. Which is great! But not without its problems, and I imagine some of them are present in other models too. Let's go by bullets.

> What can you tell us about the current forearm crutch?

It's more compact, lighter, and a little less stable than under-arm counterparts. It takes an extra second to pick up and use, or to put down -- sometimes that's great, like if you want to knock on a door or something, the crutch stays right there with you; sometimes it's a little annoying, like if you only have to move a small distance, you'll spend more time slipping the cuffs on and off than actually walking. Forearm crutches aren't as stable as under-arm, in my experience, but despite that, they're much easier on my shoulders (though that could be partly due to the shock-absorber tips on mine -- you could get under-arm crutches with those). Overall I definitely prefer forearm.

> Likes and dislikes?

I like the size, weight, look, and feel. Also, transitioning to a single crutch feels a lot more natural with forearm models, I think -- it's somewhere between a crutch and a cane.

I don't like the elaborate dexterity process required to put them on. Especially with mine -- the handgrips are specific to one side or the other, but not marked very well, so I usually wind up fumbling with them for a few seconds. More importantly though, I don't like the way the handgrips are designed -- I suspect this varies between different models, but on mine, the grip is rubber, wrapped around a metal post and secured in place with a bolt and washer. But as the rubber heats up, whether from use or from ambient temperature, it gets malleable enough that it slides right over the washer and starts to slip off. They can come totally free in mid-use, and if that happens you're just kind of boned. It's kind of a lot unsafe.

> Is it stable enough?

Most of the time. Wet tips can sort of ruin that -- I guess if they were wider (or maybe just less worn-out than the ones I'm using), that might help.

> What would your ideal crutch have that current crutches lack?

I'm pretty sure that not all models have the spring-tip shock absorby things that mine have. They totally should. Those are awesome. I think it would be neat if it was easy to collapse -- think, like, switchblade crutches that just retract up into a tiny size when they're not in use, and then shoot out like lightsabers and play heavy metal music when you need them. Or, okay, maybe not that -- but that's always gonna be a good direction to explore. When you get into a car, it would be nice if you could quickly, easily, and comfortably stow your crutches.

I have visited Iceland twice with disabilities. I can tell you that most places would take a long time to get to due to the terrain and distances between populated areas. You should not count on immediate assistance at any cost.

I’ll tell you how I prepared and what I did while I was there to be as prepared as possible. Keep in mind that I’m not a doctor and don’t have the same medical conditions.

The first thing I did was get cleared by my doctors. I’ve had 2 big knee surgeries for patella dislocations so I check with my ortho. I got a knee brace (wrapped hinged neoprene) to help walking. Downhill is where I have problems. I asked for a list of restrictions so I’d know how far to push it. . Also went to PT and got a home strengthening program for the time leading up to the trip. Because the flight is a bit long and cramped he gave me a blood thinner to prevent DVT because of previous history of them.

Most important though, I didn’t physically exert myself and push myself to hike long distances if I wasn’t feeling well. We rented a camper van (Happy Campers, love em) the first time and traveled the ring road. When I needed a break and my partner wanted to explore more, I went to the van and was comfortable while he did his thing.

I also have POTS (a kind of tachycardia) so went to my cardio and got the ok. I had to rest often but didn’t have any bad episodes. Keep in mind that you won’t have any benches to rest on for the most part. I’ve seen lightweight collapsible chairs that might be an option for you. I had an app to check my pulse when I felt it was high. Compression hose and tights/leggings were a must, especially on planes.


Best Health Cane Stool Golf Walking Seats Retractable Lightweight Walking Stick with LED Light for Elderly Outdoor Travel Rest Stool Folding Chair Replacement Large Weight Capacity (Brown Cane seat) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D17S7ZV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q4x3Db8777XAY

I brought nutrition bars and drinks and electrolyte powder for water. If you aren’t close to an area with food you’ll need a snack. Stay hydrated!!! It’s easy to forget and makes a huge difference in how you feel. Pack all the meds you need and ones you might like Imodium, eye drops, whatever. I’d rather bring too many meds than be without it if I need it.

I know I sound over the top but being prepared is the best way to prevent accidents. I had a lot of anxiety before I went because my health stuff is unpredictable and this assured me that I’d have what I need just in case. Prepare a little kit for excursions with what you might need. Rest when you need to. Don’t hike in remote places. Get nonslip waterproof boots, the wet rocks are slippery. Hire a guide to explore glaciers. There are so many places to go that don’t involve intense physical activity.

The second time we went, we took into account any difficulties I’d had in the first trip and planned accordingly. No camper van that time, we stayed in a hotel in Reykjavik and did day trips for the first few days. After that rented a comfy 4WD and found AirBNB’s close to where we were. Don’t forget to get a data card for your phone so you’ll have internet access on the road.

The Secret Lagoon in Fludir was my favorite but any of them are great after a day of activity! Well, this was a novel lol. If you have any ?’s feel free to DM me. I hope this helped; I couldn’t really find any info on being there with disabilities before we went.

Have fun! You’ll love it.

>1. At least three times, someone kicked my cane. All of those three times resulted in me nearly falling.

This is shitty. This is assholes being assholes, it isn't right but it's to be expected when such large groups of people gather.  The best and worst of humanity.
 
>2. People stared. I mean, I had dramatic bi flag colored eyeshadow and a huge bi flag cape, so I’d love to imagine they were staring at THAT and not my cane, but, no.

People stare at me all the time and have for the last 3 decades. Yesterday there was a boy with a disability and he couldn't stop staring. Maybe because it's probably not every day he sees a grown up with a disability? He was rendered speechless when he saw me the first time and his head was on swivel. I am pretty sure he did a triple-take stopping and turning around absolutely bewildered. I kept smiling at him every time we passed because he would stare with this absolute look of awe and I hope I made his day.

Sometimes people stare at things they're not accustomed to seeing, myself included. Is it rude? Sometimes. You're at this HUGE event. A higher number of people are going to stare. Maybe it's not all rude. Maybe some are wishing they brought their disabled sister or they're lost in a memory of their disabled friend that died.

I once had a woman chew me out for staring at her disabled child. Sorry, but she only thought I was staring. The reality of it was they happened to be between me and where I was looking. I didn't even see them. They had no idea I was looking past them.

You can't assume you know anything about the intent of another person in a crowd, it makes you look super foolish when your wrong.

>3. Cane.People LOUDLY pointing it out. Stop.

As for your cane, is it awesome? Are you awesome? Take pride in yourself. You're out celebrating PRIDE. Don't let this stupid shit bother you.

>4. There’s almost no where to sit. Not great when you need to sit every 5 seconds.

This is where you need to be proactive and depend on yourself to take care of your needs. Bring a wheelchair. Bring a cane with a seat. Bring a rollator with a seat. Expect reasonable accommodations, you said yourself you need to sit every 5 seconds.

>5. The parade organizers didn’t announce at all when we’d all be moving. It “started” at 10:30 but we didn’t move until almost 1.

This is typical of these kind of events. Things happen. Have you googled to see if something beyond the parade organizer's control happened?

>6. The parade route is hilly and is full of shittily paved roads, bumps, cracks, loose rocks, etc. I struggled with my cane, i can’t imagine how someone in a chair would manage.

This is San Fransisco, California, USA. You should expect hills and shitty roads. I know I would probably not be able to do the whole parade. I would consider finding out if it were possible to do part.  Maybe this is why you didn't see more disabled people? Maybe they know something you don't and only do part of the parade. Reach out to the disabled community in SF, ask what you should know prior to participating!

>7. For a decent stretch of the route, every other block or so is filled in with these grate things (to let air in I guess?) the holes in the grates are big enough to fit my cane through it. These grates cover most of the area for that stretch besides a small patch. I’m short and the crowd was thick, so I couldn’t see when a grate area was coming up. So when I got to one, i had to frantically hobble across the swarm to get my strip of freedom.

Well, now you know and you can prepare better for the future. Bring a larger cane tip next time. Something like this?

>8. NAKED ASS MEN. Literally naked men walking around, penis out, in front ofKIDS. Children. I get dressing skimpy for a thing, that’s cool, but your gentitals shouldn’t be out in public in the first place and DEFINITELY shouldn’t be out in front of kids. It can and WAS a trigger for sex repulsed people and rape victims.

The parade provides a family friendly area...but this is San Fransisco isn't public nudity a thing there?

I've actually paused a moment and done some googling because I was super curious about this and turns out it is perfectly legal for this to happen. Know your local laws.


I don't know what to say but your entire post is seriously showing your inexperience. You are a kid and have a lot of living and learning to do. (The same as I did and a lot of other young people.)

Yes, it's super fucking shitty that people kicked your cane but like everything else? Let it go. Some things you are just plain ignorant about.

Also, be the change. Educate yourself in the real issues where you truly see short comings. Organize. Partner with the parade create where they lack, these parade organizers have some amazing accessibility options that I have never seen anywhere. Speak up and be heard. I would bet anything these people will listen if you appropriately share with them.

- kinesio tape

-biofreeze balm

- my NOVA brand cane. They come in a ton of fun colors. I have the proud peacock one, but there are many styles to choose from. My favorite cane. https://smile.amazon.com/NOVA-Designer-Offset-Handle-Flowers/dp/B00SWX4BHU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537596395&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=nova%2Bcane&th=1

I am a big believer in having equipment that is cute or cool or pretty looking so it matches your personality and you enjoy using it.

- Crazy Compression makes compression socks in fun prints. Also, they are the most comfortable compression socks I own.

- a memory foam mattress topper for my bed makes it at least a little more comfortable to sleep, though I still have a lot of trouble finding a way to sleep that doesn't hurt.

- a kitty litter scoop with an extendable handle so I can scoop the litter box without having to crouch! Total game changer.

- one of those grabber tools so I can pick up things like laundry without bending. should have bought one ages ago. It is making it a lot easier to pick up my room.

I had the same surgery 7 weeks ago as of tomorrow JackC88. My surgeon and nurses also estimated I'd be off crutches by about week 6. At week 3 though they allowed me weight bearing as tolerated (while using crutches) to start getting the motion and movement back while working with my PT. I was able to lose the crutches completely by week 5 with my PTs guidance. Listen to your doctors and also your body. I know it seems like forever but you'll be glad you did. Appreciate your body as it goes through the healing process. It's pretty amazing.

I'd also recommend investing into some cushion comfort for your crutches and this sweet bag to put your phone and other small items in so you can at least carry some stuff with you. https://www.amazon.com/Crutch-Bag-Vive-Accessory-Lightweight/dp/B01IBUD24G/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1498787782&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=crutches+accessories&psc=1

Good luck!! One day at a time.

Oh man. Do yourself a favor and get some forearm crutches if you think you'll be on them for a while. I spent the first week after knee surgery on a set like that and they were super uncomfortable and way harder to use in everyday life. The forearm crutches require a little more upper body strength on your part, but are way more comfortable and easier to use. I bought a set and spent the next five weeks much happier on the forearm crutches.

Like these: https://www.amazon.com/Lightweight-Forearm-Crutches-Size-Small/dp/B008OD6FWM

The cane I have is a folding cane similar to this one, and it folds down small enough to easily fit on my rear rack or my trunk bag. I just bought mine from Wal-Mart, so it didn't come with a bag, but there are plenty of bag options out there. Thankfully, riding my bike has improved my pain to a huge degree, so I don't have to carry my cane around anymore. Hopefully riding your bike will help you at least a fraction of how much it's helped me!

Anyways, back to your question. What's the geometry of your bike? like jacromer said, you may be able to run it along the top tube with a universal u-lock mount, or some other velcro solution. Other than that, without seeing a picture of your bike, I'm not sure what other options you'd have.

Not sure what type of cane you're looking for, but I have this one https://www.rollatorshopping.nl/a-28508521/chroom-zilver/wandelstok-zilver-derby-jugendstil/
It's shiny black with silver handle (kind of reminds me of Lucius Malfoy's, unfortunately without a wand hidden inside it) and a bit more on the expensive side, but a lot of people think I use it as a fashion statement instead of necessity. Figured if I have to be a 22-year old with a cane, I might as well make it look good haha.

Depending on what you're looking for (and where you live and how you define tacky lol) you might like this one https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Soft-Grip-Cane-Pink/dp/B001AFFMSE or this more pimped up one https://www.fashionablecanes.com/80561.html. I'm really just guessing here, hopefully you'll find something you like soon! :)

Ill be 5 weeks post op (ACL & Meniscus medial) tomorrow. As the other posted stated i would try the stairs on the crutches before hand. Recommend you take it very slow. Limit the amount to you need to go up and down them. As you get comfortable it will get easier. I would get some crutch pads. Have been using these.

​

As for studying the first week will be the hardest but after that studying for an exam should not be hard. The toughest for me is time budgeting. With so much time I procrastinate.

​

Try to get the house organized before hand, pillows to raise the leg on the couch, make walking around with the crutches easier and some ice packs. Good luck! You can pm if you have any questions.

I am so sorry that you are struggling! I do too, very often, and it sucks!

The item that I need the most is this cane for me to keep my balance while walking...my current one is falling apart. If that is not considered self care, then I'd love this eyeshadow palette, please. The cane is on my default list and the palette is on my Beauty and Nail Stuffs list.

Thank you for the contest! 💖💖

Let me tell you about the pegleg crutch. It was $150 on Amazon and after my achilles tendon surgery, it was AMAZING! I love this thing with all my heart. I swear this is not an ad, I just really, really loved this crutch.

https://www.amazon.com/iWALK-HFC20001BK-iWALK2-0-Hands-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

I live in the US! I use amazon for a lot of my needs, and really love these! They're a little pricy, but they last forever and have great customer service. I've gotten free rubber tips like 4 times now!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LGZ43E2/ref=pd_aw_sim_sbs_121_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DFS25BCJCAH52PE98FJG&dpPl=1&dpID=81KwBVUy1%2BL

Pimp canes don't have to be expensive!! My insurance wouldn't cover anything, so I picked this up in engraved gold god bless amazon http://www.amazon.com/Switch-Sticks-Folding-Walking-Bubbles/dp/B008RHF558/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1406600403&sr=1-1&keywords=switch+sticks

congrats on the writing!!! that's super awesome!!!

My brother in law went across the country for his bachelor party. He went with his brothers, best friends and his dad (his dad went to keep him out of trouble....)

After a night of going out, the went back to the hotel when my future brother in law had the genius idea to walk to a gas station looking for dip. He decided to take a short cut by going through some yards and jumping the fence. As he put it, he went up like Tarzan and down like Humpty Dumpty.

He shattered his ankle, broke his phone, and had to hobble to the street where a stranger drove him to the hospital. He had to have surgery and screws put into his ankle/foot.

For his wedding, he used a knee crutch. He looked like a pirate. My bridezilla of a sister surprised us all by not freaking out, despite the fact they had spent months on private dance lessons and had an adventurous honeymoon planned.

The bachelor party story was epically hilarious. It just added to it that they had wedding crashers in sports attire come to a black tie wedding. Then the bride and groom overslept the next day and missed their flight for their honeymoon. They lost a day on the island as a result. The whole thing was like a movie.

Ah man that can’t be fun. I’m sorry to hear that. Crutches are such a pain! Have you heard of a hands free knees crutch? iWALK2.0 Hands Free Knee Crutch - Alternative for Crutches and Knee Scooters - by iWALKFree https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00092RB06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fBQMDbVS25A4Y It’s definitely something i wish i had known about when i broke my ankle! Good luck with your recovery!

The Bullock Museum has some interesting exhibits right now. For the exhibits I have seen, they have seating throughout the exhibit so that you can walk a bit then sit and rest. Also most museums are wheelchair accessible and have loaner wheelchairs. Your mom may not be at the point where she can mentally admit she needs a wheelchair.

There are several walking canes with an incorporated seat available on Amazon. I think this one is the least "old-lady" looking. The security of knowing she would have a seat readily available when she needed it might allow her to try to some things that she is not entirely sure about.

Austin has several ADA compliant nature/hiking trails. If they enjoy nature, Google ADA compliant trails + the name of the city and you will turn up options all along their route.

Check the calendar at Central Market. They usually have live music on the patio on the weekends. The music is free. Food and drinks from the cafe are reasonable.

LOL, it actually is great for times like that. It's probably a little cumbersome for daily use and there's a bit of a learning curve for maneuvering without kicking it over (which I still do TBH) but it's so much better than trying to get through an event without an assist.

https://smile.amazon.com/Travelon-Walking-Seat-Cane-Size/dp/B001CZMXDE/

This is the one I use and it serves me pretty well!

This is awesome for when you need real crutches. However, for a sprained ankle, check this out: https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

I saw a guy wearing one of these walking down the street, just booking it. it keeps both your hands free.

They're amazing if they work for you (so not for knee stuff, just for foot stuff).

John Watson pulls off one quite well.

as seen here

you need to get one very simple, but still looks like you have a cane for MEDICAL reasons, not because you're cosplaying. pretty much something like this. then dress however you want to dress (though it helps to not dress like a 14 year old).

and if people give you shit for carrying a cane, don't be afraid to tell the, why you have it

Yo! It's been a ride this past week. I posted a while ago that I had a stress fracture in my foot from running. Well I went back to the doctor cause it still hurt and I was not ready for them to say "Well, if it hasn't healed yet you really shouldn't be on it. You need to be on crutches for two weeks. Then in a boot for two more". So. I live alone in an old house with stairs so crutches or a scooter are not great options. In the end, I got this thing that's basically a modern pegleg called the iWalk 2.0- I'd never seen anything like it before. It's hands free and can do stairs, so I can do most things, but obviously not as much as I want!

I manage to do maybe 4000 steps a day on the iWalk and can't really do much else for exercise without putting weight on my foot, so while I want to feel bad for myself and eat everything - I need to be super careful about what I eat cause I have no buffer! If you have super easy, low cal meals that require almost no dishes and no prep hit me up!

One more week on me pegleg, Mateys! Have a great one!

If you're out for a while, this is what you need.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00092RB06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_6-SByb5BRZ46E

I severed my Achilles in October and used crutches for a few weeks. This is miles better than anything else. Complete use of your hands is amazing. I've fitted mine with some more padding on the knee but everything else works great. I'm in a boot now, but I still keep this around as its handy for around the house.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00092RB06/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1542286211&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=iwalk&psc=1&smid=A16VRQ4X5LV1CM

I don’t know if you have the spare cash for this but one of my friends was in a similar situation and used this. She swears by it as it is much easier to maneuver than the knee scooters!

Thank you. Yes I did. It was a soft rubber tip, and would break off. You can go to Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or wherever and buy new ones. They're super cheap.

Medline MDS805161 Aluminum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00083DFOW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I don't have a knee scooter (sold it already), but I do have an iWalk 2.0

I found it way more useful than a knee scooter, especially for doing stuff around the house or being in small spaces.

I'm in town this week if you're interested.

BQ Favorite vacation was in 2010 when I took the kiddo to the Riviera Maya area of Mexico and we had a blast together. Or, maybe when I backpacked in the Rocky Mountains in my 20's.

Yesterday I was really good - kept my foot elevated, took short breaks from the lying on the couch to do stuff. I have one of these that I'm borrowing from a friend. It's made life way easier. I can cook food and do dishes and I'm not completely dependent on someone else for everything! (I still can't drive. Stupid stick shift car.) Oh, and I had a lovely little dinner/fun take my mind of things evening with B before he had to play softball.

Today

• Work from home. I've already discovered that sitting at the desk must include propping my leg up on top of my desk. We'll see how this goes. I've got stuff I need to get done, though.
  
• Exercise - do my z-health drills. Figure out how to do some more upper body stuff today.
  
• Life - continue to behave. Don't try to walk on the damn foot (I tried yesterday. No go. I tested just a little bit of weight this morning. Still no.) Take breaks from sitting. Figure out how to pad the back of my knee so that knee crutch stops killing me there.

Also, and I've never been to the place Axxesss is going to be (I'm like, super annoyed at how it's going to be a fucking trip to even get there) so I don't know if you can bring this in, but perhaps you should see if there's a place in NYC that you can buy or rent (since you' probably can't take it on the plane. Unless you buy one in the UK?)

https://newatlas.com/lex-folding-wearable-chair/56211/ - this one is sexy and weird

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Walking-Chair-Stadium-Company/dp/B0026RSREQ - this is a tripod

https://www.amazon.com/Flexzion-Directors-Professional-Foldable-Furniture/dp/B016UH2SQ0/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1530203201&sr=8-15&keywords=portable+tall+stools - high-end but this is the kind that I really mean and can't figure out what to google to show you a photo of things I've seen at baseball games here

​

You can get an adjustable cane like this, I would also suggest getting one of these with it.
You could look into your local YMCA for a pool or gym.
If he has insurance he may be able to get doctor ordered physical therapy.
My father (who also has back issues) used to put a sheet of plywood in between his mattress and box springs to give him more support. ymmv.

You're likely going to be in a quite a bit of pain after your surgery. You really are going to need a lot of care in the first week post-surgery. I went through this recently with my SO. He broke his ankle in 2 places and had to have surgery to put in a plate and 6 or 8 screws. He was not able to really even move the first few days as he was in so much pain, and it took about a week for him to at least be somewhat comfortable again. I don't want to make you nervous, but I just want to tell you what you could be facing.

See if there is any way possible to have someone in your family or even a close friend come and be with you during this time. Your boyfriend is already feeling overwhelmed now, and it is going to get worse before it gets better. Even if you could rotate people after a day or two, to give your boyfriend a bit of a break, that would probably help. I did it without question for my SO, but we've been together for 13 years and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you and your boyfriend have not been together too long, this could definitely put some strain on your relationship.

After that initial period of pain, however, you should be able to start moving around again. I suggest getting: http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-790-Steerable-Walker/dp/B003VMAKVS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414551922&sr=8-1&keywords=medical+scooter

or: http://www.amazon.com/iWALK-2-0-Hands-Free-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414551964&sr=8-1&keywords=iwalk+free

**EDIT: If you have the type of injury that would allow for either of these devices. If not, I would definitely look for devices that would accommodate your injury. Being somewhat mobile is the key to your (even limited) independence and crutches are just a pain.

You can probably rent one of the scooters from your surgeon's office, but we found out the hard way that it was cheaper to buy one on Amazon and then resell it when you are finished with it. People told us that the iWalk crutch worked out well for them, too. By the fourth or fifth week post surgery, we were in Vegas with my SO scooting around all over the place. The scooter is a drunk person magnet, FYI. Ha ha

I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Get something like this, you will thank me later.

[This] (https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Soft-Grip-Cane-Black/dp/B001AFCWYQ/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1497673800&sr=1-13&keywords=cane&th=1) is the cane I use.

I have a bad hip, so this is always an issue for me too. Sometimes the cost-benefit of having a seat with you vs the weight of carrying it along with a cane is annoying. I used to have one of those little camping chairs and it was pretty terrible.

Now I have this cane-stool which I got for last year and it was great. You can actually see how I decorated it in the photos section. The one catch is it isn't height adjustable, so you'd need to find one the right height for your husband. I'm 5'4" and this one was perfect for me.

One other reason I'd recommend the cane-stool is that it has you sit closer to a normal chair height. I can't sit on the ground, and I found the campfire sling seat kept me so low it barely helped.

AMAZON!! http://www.amazon.com/Switch-Sticks-Folding-Walking-Bubbles/dp/B008RHF558/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1427679349&sr=8-1&keywords=switch+sticks I have the engraved pearl gold and get complements on it all the time. I keep meaning to get the black & silver one. (I'm 32, but like you, I have nerve damage and if I was going to have to use it for the ongoing future, I was going to be blinged.) They have all kinds of options.

Fashionable Canes that someone else linked is a good place too, but I felt as if the cane I got for the same price wasn't as sturdy, if that makes sense. I got another metal one, but their wood ones looked sturdy.

Carex Health Brands Round Handle Wood Cane, Natural https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001QD6A90/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_gHO6xb594B1AN

Something like this?

get a duffel bag that you can use as a backpack.

Get one of those kneeling hands free crutch things for walking and going up and down the stairs. They are so neat I almost want to break an ankle!

https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

This style would be easier to work with. Wood or metal, the right angle and straight runs will make things a lot easier/cleaner.



http://www.amazon.com/Carex-Soft-Grip-Folding-Black/dp/B001AFD2Z4/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1420450801&sr=8-8&keywords=cane

#1, get the ADA seating; you'll surely have a good view and no one bumping you. #2, I saw a guy at the Gorge this summer with one of these, and he said it made the whole Gorge experience possible; using a scooter was impossible out there. https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

40 with osteoarthritis of the spine here. I had the same apprehensions when thinking of switching from a cane to these (what I refer to as a forearm crutch). In my experience, folks in the US are a little more understanding that you have a condition when using these.

The cuffs do not come off unless I turn my to release them. This frees my hands up to do much more and I don't have to worry about dropping the crutch. My one recommendation is to look for a pair with well cushioned hand grips. I have this pair but would prefer to have this set if I were to purchase again.

this is what superior waifus look like. you might not like it, but it's true.

/u/elleyonce

You mean like an IWALK? https://www.amazon.com/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06

There's always something like this (Amazon came up first; I neither recommend nor don't recommend them): http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Chair-The-Stadium-Company/dp/B0026RSREQ

I got these off of amazon crutches

I'd echo what mt_sage said above, I think a cane/stool would be the least obtrusive way to carry what you are looking for around and could be considered a mobility aid in terms of luggage.

Can she use the forearm crutches or do you need the under arm kind. I have a pair of forearm crutches I can lend you. We are in upstate Manhattan so an easy subway ride.

https://www.amazon.ca/iWALK2-0-Hands-Free-Knee-Crutch/dp/B00092RB06/ref=asc_df_B00092RB06/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292950082213&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15463579542744911318&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001082&hvtargid=pla-406644562735&psc=1

https://www.instructables.com/id/Peg-Leg-from-Old-Crutches/

Directions unclear. Where do I put my penis?