(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best mobility aids & equipement

There’s already a lot of good advice here so what I just want to add is this: get any medical equipment offered to you before you think you need it. My dad died of ALS this past February. A lot of the time when he was offered medical equipment (whether by rental/donation/prescribed by doctors and paid for by insurance/etc) he’d do the “nah I’m good” thing if he didn’t see an immediate need but it’s better to have what you can before you really need it. Sometimes these things take a long time to actually get to you.

Something that was a must-have for my family was a patient lift. We had a Hoyer lift that I believe was paid for by my dad’s insurance, but he preferred this one:
Lumex Sit-to-Stand Patient Lift, Battery Powered, LF2020 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VXKAWO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lftQDbS4089GW
Unfortunately that’s something he had to pay for out of pocket but it was a huge help.

Also it’s important to note that different ALS patients lose certain functionalities at different rates. There were people at our local support group who could not talk or eat on their own but could use their arms and legs just fine, but my dad could talk and eat whatever he wanted up until the end but couldn’t walk or use his arms at all. Some people progress quickly and some people take longer. If you meet other ALS patients it’s easy to look at them and think that’s it, that’s what’s going to happen to your wife, but it might not be true. Even though my dad was totally dependent on his wheelchair and caregivers for a few years, he considered himself to have very good quality of life because he could talk and eat.

Also, speaking of his wheelchair: he had a Quantum powerchair that had a Bluetooth-enabled joystick control to move the chair. When he wasn’t able to use the joystick anymore he switched to a head array (basically 3 pads that position behind and on the sides of the head and you move your head to move the chair). My dad bought an iPad, we installed a mount on his chair, and someone from Quantum set it up so that he could control the iPad through Bluetooth using his chair controls. He was able to use it to scroll through Facebook and change the TV channel, watch YouTube, etc. He also loved having an Echo and a Google Home in his bedroom and the living room. He was cold a lot of the time so we installed a Nest thermostat he could control himself, too. There’s a lot of great options for home automation now that really help people with ALS retain some independence.

My dad also paid out of pocket for a caregiver to come to our house and get him out of bed and ready in the morning, get him showered and fed, etc. She came for 4 hours everyday Monday through Friday. It was not cheap (almost $500/week) but it was a huge help with caregiver fatigue for myself and my siblings.

This is already a little more long-winded than I intended but the last thing I want to say is that if it’s reasonable for your family, try to take a trip or something. My family went on a cruise even while my dad was totally wheelchair-bound. We had to bring a llllot of medical equipment and such with us so it wasn’t super easy to manage but it was worth it to have one last family vacation with my dad.

If there are any questions I can answer for you let me know!

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.

How expensive is too expensive? How much difficulty do you have? A rollator looks like it runs about half a proper wheel chair (at least on the low end). It's not perfect, but it would probably help a lot more than the scooter board. My dad uses one when his health takes a downtick and he can barely walk - but he can walk so I'm not sure how much help it would be in your case.

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Rollator-Rolling-Supports-Burgundy/dp/B079PG3BR3/

I'm honestly not sure if you'd be able to even make something as cheap and effective as something like that. Even a decent rolling computer chair is going to cost more than that, with a greater risk of tipping and being less generally useful.

There's probably also charity groups that would help you purchase a wheelchair or even give you one outright. I would start by trying to find a local fibromyalgia charity or support group or a "ramp build" charity group (most cities will probably have them, they come and build ramps for free so people with limited mobility can more easily get in and out of their homes since a lot of private homes aren't exactly ADA compliant) and calling them, they'd probably have a good list of resources for you to hit up.

All of this sounds promising. Your family's approach to his care is definitely a factor, and while it's incredibly frustrating for you, my main concern is that you don't internalize and repeat the behavior. There are better approaches that can improve quality of life, but if your parents aren't seeking them out (or worse, pretending the problem doesn't exist), then there isn't that much you can do. Please don't see this as a window into your future. There is a certain amount of autonomy into your trajectory through life; hold onto it and learn from other's mistakes. I'm sorry about the decisions your dad is making; you could try to talk to him about the effect it has on you.

A few comments:

1. I'd definitely suggest checking out some anxiety meds (benzodiazepines). I wouldn't recommend them as a daily solution for anyone young since they're addictive, but since your grandfather is 99, I think it'll be okay :)
   
   
2. Videos on a loop - especially things like Chinese movies or shows from the 1950s or 1960s could be really fantastic. Definitely comforting. Great idea.
   
   Check out geri-chairs. They're like recliners on wheels, so that you can wheel your grandfather around and he can be in the room with you guys: https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Position-Chair-Recliner/dp/B002VWK2EE/. They also sell additional comfort cushions for extra support: https://www.amazon.com/Geri-Chair-Comfort-Seat-Cushion-Color/dp/B005DLJBK6/. I could understand why he wouldn't want to be alone in his room especially if he was refusing all forms of entertainment (music/tv/movies/podcasts/books on tap/etc).
   
   I think there are quite a few potential paths forward - hopefully we find one that makes things easier for you.

- 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.

Ok, so this is $50 above your price range, but TOTALLY worth it. I bought it for DragonCon last year and it was a godsend. It's a combination walker and transport chair. I used it as a walker and a seat every day, and stored extra water and food in the carrybag underneath the seat. Super useful. And, of course, the first day I overreached, but instead of having to go to the hospital, the medic and I turned the walker into the transport chair, and a hotel employee simply pushed me back to my hotel room, where I recovered in peace. (I tipped her well, of course.)

Tomorrow, thanks to new meds and my walker, Barney, I'll be going on my first solo vacation ever! I'm very excited.

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.

So sorry to hear about your step father. Good for you for being proactive and reaching out. This illness is so difficult. Hobbies will change and evolve but I understand the fear that with a loss of hobbies comes of loss of will. My father was an avid golfer, biker, hiker etc. Two years into this illness he now watches a lot of shows, takes road trips, etc. It changes but it’s absolutely a struggle. All I can say is I never thought he’d be okay with this stage, but I feel like it’s a matter of them learning they can still enjoy life, although it’s very different now.

I would recommend reaching out to your local ALSA asap. I regret not doing that sooner. They will be able to coordinate loaner equipment, help answer questions and be a great support system.

This item helped my dad get up independently for a long time:
Carex Upeasy Seat Assist, Portable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000095ZMP?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf.

I purchases it, set it on his chair without discussion and he continued to use it so I knew it was helpful. We started bringing it with us to appointments etc to get him up. He’s 6’7 so chairs were a real issue for us. There’s tons of useful equipment out there that can help. You’re already doing the right thing reaching out to a community like this for help. Hang in there.

Just as an FYI for you or those reading, we do not allow any fundraising in the sub or requests for donations here. If you are looking for actual resources I recommend you and your Mom check out /r/personalfinance about financial information and options. You can also look at /r/charity and /r/randomactsofamazon for help. You also may not need a wheel chair per se, you may work out well with rolling walker with a seat [like this](https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N5DQEUL/?coliid=I10U9OHCWZNHEM&colid=1OX6FEFNF9L3K&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it). Your Mom may want to reach out to a local abuse agency to help with resources and planning. She may want to consider reaching out to social services for help and to file for social safety net programs like medicaid if needed, food stamps, etc. And to figure out her health insurance and whats covered for you with things like durable medical equipment like the wheelchair or rolling cart. I know this is a lot. Its a lot going on. I dont know if you are dont high school or not. You may want to look for ideas on jobs in places like [this](https://www.wearecapable.org/). Maybe a medical transcription, etc. See if that helps. We wish you both luck.

It beats the shit out of crutches but it's not perfect. Part of this could be because I got a well made, but cheaper model. The wheels are pretty narrow so you have to be careful with bumps, and the turning radius is lacking. The knee pad is pretty cozy though. I can't bitch too much because like I said it beats crutches and this is the model advertised for $120ish dollars at Walmart.com and Amazon but I found a gently used one on letgo for $70 and the fella even brought it to me. It definitely makes trips to the kitchen and bathroom faster and more bearable.

If you use Amazon Prime and don't mind paying full price they can have it on your doorstep tomorrow.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I471EI8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_TdTYDbN01HS0D

I’m a custom wheelchair provider. What you are asking for doesn’t exist. There are some nice half lap trays which do flip away when not being used you can get on Amazon for between $100-200. When you flip the tray away it will rest against the rear wheel. This means the tray will rub against the rear tire when flipped to the side. They flip to the side for transfers. Not for the chair to roll with the tray in that position. It would also damage the tray to be banged into doorways. I’ll include a link to a tray on Amazon. Look carefully at the different styles. Padded are usually provided to support a non-functional arm. Plastic is for functional for writing, reading, or supporting plates/cups.

SHE SHOULD NEVER USE A TRAY FOR SUPPORT WHILE STANDING. IT WILL BREAK AND CAUSE A FALL

Please send a message if you have any questions I can help with

https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Advantage-Polycarbonate-Wheelchair-Rubber/dp/B00GC5BMSQ/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543293960&sr=8-8&keywords=wheelchair+tray+half

I’d suggest sitting down with her and show the options and all the considerations so she can choose the best fit for what she needs

Last thing, the arms on the chair are desk length (about 9” long). There is a full length arm available (14” long) which will support a tray like on the Amazon link better. Her wheelchair provider may be willing to switch the assembly at no cost if you bring it to them

Hi! Mom with vascular Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and tons of fractures/dislocations here (including L4-L5-Coccyx and compressed sacral nerves.) Pregnancy really wasn't horrible, even though at the end my hip dislocated. I had a c-section and recovered well. But nursing was hardest on my body. I nursed for three years. I decided before he was born that I was going to, come hell or high water, but it took a lot of modification. My disease causes almost all of my joints to dislocate, so I needed a ton of positions to try and methods to hold him. My biggest piece of advice is to buy a very comfortable swivel rocker with a gliding footrest, and definitely consider buying a high quality medical gel seating pad like this: The GENERAL Gel Seat and Wheelchair Cushion (20W x 18D) by Miracle Cushion https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006K1NDEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jcfnzb6VV5VEV. It made a world of difference. I still use one. But two positions worked best: sitting in the chair with a boppy on my side and him in the football hold to lessen the weight on my lap/lower back, and once he was about 4 months old, standing up with him seated upright in a low sling. The less lopsided you are and the less weight that's on your lap, the better your lower back will feel. And seriously, please message me with any questions whatsoever. I volunteered with LLL for years helping moms with multiples and moms with chronic pain or illnesses successfully breastfeed. I'm by no means opposed to bottle feeding, I just want to help anyone with pain to be as comfortable as possible during pregnancy and postpartum.

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.

Really, he got to the point where it was compromising his quality of life so much that he had no good alternative. He couldn't do any of the activities he enjoyed without pain, and then enduring many days of a swollen, sore knee afterwards. (And, like you, sometimes there'd just be a freak tweak that would set things off.)

We also have no one nearby to help, so he was pretty dependent on me. Luckily, we work pretty near each other, so I could usually get to the office by 10 and leave by quarter of five, then I'd drop him off at PT and run errands, then pick him up and go home. We used a meal kit service for a few weeks to make life simpler-- the fewer errands I had to run, the better.

My husband's surgeon was the head of Sports Medicine at Emory University, the head physician for like all of the colleges here in ATL as well as the Dream, the city's WNBA team, and a physician for the Braves too. If your doc is quoting you twelve weeks, it might be work seeking other opinions. Because that sounds like a REALLY long time. I'd be curious if that'll actually be the case. DH was in a brace/unable to drive for only six, and went from no weight bearing to using a walker to using crutches to fully weight bearing remarkably quickly. (Pro tip: get a walker with a basket. It was a game changer because it let him carry stuff around and function at home once I went back to work-- he was out of work for a week. Also one of these things: https://www.amazon.com/Rehabilitation-Advantage-Rigid-Lifter-Foot/dp/B0788BR86V Those are my two absolute best tips for getting through the post-op period. Whenever you end up having the surgery, a walker and a foot lifter! Don't forget!)

I don't know what your job situation looks like, but if you'd be able to work remotely even a few days a week, that'd reduce the logistical burden on your husband. Or if you're close enough and the finances can tolerate it, a Lyft/Uber commute?

I completely understand your hesitance. My husband put it off for years, and in the end waited probably two years or so past when it really should have happened. The length and severity of the recovery was totally daunting, and the process wasn't fun. If the timing isn't right, all things considered, right now, I get that. But seriously consider going forward with the surgery when life allows. Unfortunately, this is a degenerative condition. The recovery period felt interminable back then, for him and even for me. But it's been so worth it.

If/when you do ever decide to go forward with the surgery, be that now or well into the future, feel free to reach out! I'd be happy to talk more in-depth (as if this weren't, ha!) and put you in touch with my husband if you'd like.

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! 💖💖

You can find these at many medical supply shops under several brands. It's a hybrid Walker/Sorta Wheelchair.