Post OP and Crutches advice please.

Swing doors are completely impossible. Ask for help.

I didn't have any trouble with my elbow crutches, post hip replacement and when I could make it to the corner shop, I had a small backpack to carry purchases and purse etc.

Leave a spare crutch upstairs. It means you only have to get one crutch upstairs and can use the banister with your free hand for support, but you still have a pair when you reach the landing

When I had just one bunion done more than 25 years ago, I wasn't given crutches so I can't remember how I coped, I just remember it was painful for a few days and I couldn't get any shoes on. I am at a loss to remember just how I got about.

If you have to cope with stairs and feel a bit frightened trying to ascend and descend with crutches, go up and down on your bottom, shoving your crutches with you. When you are a bit more confident remember the instruction: good leg first when going up (to heaven), bad leg first when going down (to hell).

I had both feet done for bunions at the same time., so I spent 6 weeks walking on my heels with crutches. I must admit I left most things to my wonderful DH and watched a lot of Midsomer Murders . I did find it took so much energy to walk, especially uphill, that I could eat practically anything I wanted without putting any weight on

I have asked GNHQ to merge both posts and that way there will be less confusion.

I was obviously very lucky then. Of course the carrying is a problem but I had a light plastic shopping bag for bits and could manage to carry that using the hand of the crutch not supporting my bad leg if that makes sense. The physio will make sure you are safe and comfortable. I was given , on prescription , a perching stool for use while washing or doing anything in the kitchen. I should say I was not in plaster just a knee replaced with metal and plastic, not much to see on the outside it was all hidden away on the inside.

I was on crutches for a long time. I did not find it easy during the period when I was not allowed to put any weight on my one foot as my balance leaves a fair bit to be desired.

One of the most difficult things is not having your hands free to do things, or transport stuff around the house. I managed to buy a small container (a crutch pod) that clipped onto one of the crutches and allowed me to take small things around with me. I was also very glad of the pads I bought for the handles, as my hands were getting a bit sore. Try this website: www.mobilitysmart.cc/walking-aids-c-43/stick-crutch-accessories.html

Somewhere I got hold of a length of firm tape with clips on either end that you can clip to the crutch handles and put the tape round the back of your neck - this leaves your hands free in the kitchen for instance as the crutches just hang round your neck.

Also found this website: greatist.com/happiness/guide-to-survive-life-on-crutches

I also hired a knee trolley (https://www.wheelfreedom.com/products/knee_scooter_hire?gclid=CN7Fr9CPks8CFUg8GwodTWAFOg)whch was totally brilliant - I could basically scoot around with the plastered leg sitting the the gully of the trolley. It was a godsend.

I am in the situation where I have been offered foot surgery but so far refused it - they want to fuse the bones in my foot. If this is the surgery you are having I would be very interested to hear how it goes!

Lots of good luck!

Absolutely no problem cherry with elbow crutches. I managed fine from the first moment. I am almost off them after 5 weeks. Good luck.