Yikes - crutches help!

I used a tea trolly type thing to transfer food and drink , have you someone who could check local charity shop for this , or the Red Cross hire things you hope you won’t need long term ?

There are things called perching stools which you can lean against while freeing hands to prepare food etc. the cross body bag will help.
I found crutches very hard to manage so you have ny sympathy.

Could you borrow a Zimmer frame from the Physiotherapy Department?

I'm using one at home at the moment due to a fracture, it's still not easy to carry too much stuff but you could hook a bag on the front, and can, in fact carry a plate or a cup (one at a time).

I wouldn't go out with it though, use crutches then!

Hope it heals well.

A zimmer is a good idea. 👍

Long-term those 'bicycles' with a basket on the front are a good idea but short-term a Zimmer works fine.

Have a look on the Ableworld website and I think they will deliver.Barbara

You need to get loops for the crutches so that you can let them drop without them falling on the floor. You can stand with your hands free then.
Like this: www.amazon.co.uk/BEHAHAI-Walking-Straps-Accessories-Wristband/dp/B0B2NR16NT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?psc=1&c=ts&s=drugstore&ts_id=2826409031&keywords=Walking+Stick+%26+Crutch+Wrist+Straps&dib_tag=se&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&tag=gransnetforum-21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.t4kYfrgCvRjasj-Wx8qeUDIKxcZJC2iHVQf2TXH-eoIQ6Z89Nf-cK_u_iVl0Lifx8TO8LFMp4LRp-4ENIPgnlV3g-8iqWIda12QioofMp5ENUG772JebuMdBtsT7n6ANLxp_ZbS5HonzftQQhU-W12fIDny1wRDDQmRSQykid2Phco-Gn2uAXQDo0tJ9-of_T6d4COGwGXSMMB1lUpFU1cU-tGG-amWblxJzjptYtBhpjJx4WmK_9mmfDURQHzh71p5ihS1WpzNVsQdMUv16fbgpx_TJyndQ7JZYc4ph96c.Usd7Ln3a2mwOIMY-tGJR4dxKOIYlYoFywklR-J31PQQ&qid=1744801315&sr=1-1-spons

You can also get a cup holder to go on crutches: www.amazon.co.uk/Vive-Wheelchair-Cup-Holder-Adjustable/dp/B0CT62Q6FQ/ref=sr_1_6?s=drugstore&crid=YS9Y09BZXYJX&keywords=Crutch%2Bcup%2Bholder&sprefix=crutch%2Bcup%2Bholder%2Cdrugstore%2C83&th=1&dib_tag=se&tag=gransnetforum-21&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ndh4y8RzWIPtSwykMoLJXzA6tAkb24X06qlpGS4u7wqnS37_kTnG1F1f-HHoeJn8v8sYA_0SwzVUx5v3oM4Q8er2vuCe4O-QAERN1eX6YnSRlWBZ0B45w2dGyKOhmQl2KG9bWME6kXO4yj5evfAnnxaFbTBX5qcarLraa9jyn4LuCTRFekEAwxFA4-ynEhAyr3fEcIEDMcH2f15qbADlUwWYkhnZ2A5pTDdeDMTA8Vc.GION6ndsjC8Rw64GaiFIhpNHzvzAW7H_P54pVSDrflk&qid=1744801403&sr=1-6

Good luck - I have been on crutches lots and you do find ways of adapting.

ferry 23, sorry to hear about the difficulties you are having, hope it won't be too long till you can do without the crutches

Thanks everyone, all really useful stuff here

It was very difficult. I was given a trolley, I think by Social Services, after my last knee replacement in 2018, and it was strong enough to act as a Zimmer frame.

I could not cook, it was ready meals in the microwave. This was for a short period of time,

I used the perching stool when brushing my teeth etc and luckily had a stool in my shower.

Ask a friend to change your bedding and place a flat sheet between you and the duvet. It is easier to change and wash that than a duvet cover. Mine is King sized.

It’s a good thing you are a resourceful woman ferry23, hats off to you. I would ring your local occupational therapy department as they may be able to provide aids. A Zimmer frame is much easier to manage than crutches. A friend had a tray that fitted on hers but you will need a non slip mat as well.

My mum has mobility difficulties and uses a Zimmer frame around the flat . Hers has a small tray on top to put plates and cups .
Mum has looped a small basket around the handles to carry stuff around .
She also has a perching stool to wash and brush teeth .
Could you speak to your GP for a referral to occupational therapists .

When my mum was becoming more infirm, we bought her something similar to this, hers was round. She could put her dinner on the top and wheel it through and it didn't tip her plate up. she could also keep her medicines hand on one of the shelves, tissues and wipes etc. She found it really useful. Hers was metal, this one is plastic but there metal ones on the market.
www.amazon.co.uk/Trolley-Storage-Plastic-Rolling-Bathroom/dp/B0CLVH1HT2/ref=asc_df_B0CLVH1HT2?hvlocphy=1006656&gad_source=1&linkCode=df0&hvptwo=&mcid=ad569c3d0e823d5bb8cd13ec182568f0&hvnetw=g&hvadid=697171465638&hvpone=&hvlocint=&th=1&hvpos=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvqmt=&tag=gransnetforum-21&hvtargid=pla-2292033683233&hvrand=5802765691925598339

When I had my hip replacements done, I was lent a wheeled trolley with a shelf for getting myself and things around on. The local occupational therapist arranged this through the Doctors' Surgery. Good luck. It's not easy is it!!

Thank you all so much.

I have to share this - one of the most difficult things is getting dressed and undressed. It's not quite warm enough yet for me to ditch pj's and just wear a nightdress of some kind.

So last night, I carefully make sure that the label of my pyjama bottoms is at the back, and slowly go through the process of gingerly standing on one leg to get them on. 4 times - yes 4 times as I went to pull them up the label was suddenly at the front and indeed they were back to front. I've now idea how they started off at ground level the right way round and then turned themselves 180 degrees by the time they got to my hips. I tried putting them on sitting down but that didn't work either.

I think the next thing I'll buy is a baby's drinking cup with spouts for wine

Do you have anyone near to help?

I’d justwear a pj jacket and some knickers

Grannylynj

Do you have anyone near to help?

Well, my cousin lives quite close and she's been an absolute star - but her husband has snapped his Achilles tendon and he's also on crutches and a boot so I'm trying not to call on her too often.

I've managed to get a home help from an agency just for an hour today and again next week and although eye wateringly expensive it's money well spent. Today she cleared my fridge out for me as I had a load of food rotting in there as I usually cook but haven't been able to for over a week now. Rubbish is out and a couple of other jobs done.

I'm cautiously optimistic that this is going to be a relatively short term situation as I've been able to put a little weight on the bad leg today and actually made it from the bathroom door to the loo with just one crutch.

It is what it is and even though I'm finding it rather challenging I'm trying to see the funny side of my attempts to adapt!

Have you heard of a knee walker? Sort of a tricycle where you rest your bad leg on the 'seat' and push with the other.
Your local health agency may assist with a loan of one.

ferry23

Grannylynj

Do you have anyone near to help?

Well, my cousin lives quite close and she's been an absolute star - but her husband has snapped his Achilles tendon and he's also on crutches and a boot so I'm trying not to call on her too often.

I've managed to get a home help from an agency just for an hour today and again next week and although eye wateringly expensive it's money well spent. Today she cleared my fridge out for me as I had a load of food rotting in there as I usually cook but haven't been able to for over a week now. Rubbish is out and a couple of other jobs done.

I'm cautiously optimistic that this is going to be a relatively short term situation as I've been able to put a little weight on the bad leg today and actually made it from the bathroom door to the loo with just one crutch.

It is what it is and even though I'm finding it rather challenging I'm trying to see the funny side of my attempts to adapt!

Would the neighbours put your rubbish out?

Allira mine did once!

ferry I would wear a nightdress and sleep with my dressing gown on.

Have you got a picker-upper to help you put on knickers and PJ bottoms? I find them difficult to use, but others find them easy.

When I have a hip replaced, I will buy another so I have one upstairs and the other downstairs. At least you will be improving daily, but you still will not be able to bend properly for many weeks.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/gout-diet/art-20048524

However, irrespective of pork’s nutritional value, some experts advise against its consumption. For example, Dr. Josh Axe has highlighted several problems with pork:

The pig’s problematic digestive system.
Increased cancer risk from bacon and other processed pork.
Swine flu in humans.
Trichinosis dangers (caused by roundworms in pork).
Pigs harbor common viruses and parasites.
Factory farming and pigs.
Drug resistant bacteria in pork chops and ground pork.

address why you have gout since brits love their pork

silverlining48

A zimmer is a good idea. 👍

There are caddies for frames, a sort of box that attaches to the top rail. NRS supplies lots of this sort of stuff I think.

I have a small lightweight bag, which I put things like pens, remote control, paper tablets glasses or whatever. This is easier to deal with so I take things in it to the bedroom or back to the kitchen or whatever, and you only have to think of that one bag of things , which you need to take things in, so that the infuriating effort of getting somewhere and finding you have left something that matters elsewhere. So I put a tape through the handles with a bit of velcro to then make the tape like a circle and could hold that with the crutch handle. Or again, talking about lightweight things you might be able to carry them in a bag over your shoulder. another useful thing I find is having a washing bag with a zip. Again to put bits and pieces in and then it is easier if you only have the bag to put somewhere rather than wretched little things falling to the ground where you cant reach them.

Also keep a little notebook and jot down things as you find them difficult. Then if you have a visitor you can ask them to do something for you. I often have difficulties opening jars etc and things like the oil bottles , and get cross with myself when I go to try and do them the next time and think I should have asked someone to do that for me. As regards meals, do you have a friend or neighbour who is a decent cook? I have done this for someone before. So I got a pound of minced steak and made up half into a good mince with onions, celery carrots etc, and the other half I made into a curry. Then split them up into indivdual portions and put them in the freezer. That way she just did a baked potato with the mince which reheated in the microwave, and she had that 2 minute bag of rice for the curry. If you had someone who could do something you like to go in the freezer that would make it easier for you and also tempt your appetite too. Then I think you might get the menus from chinese, piazza, and of course fish and chips! It may also be worth your while to check if a local church or community group do any lunches where either they might collect you and take you there or bring something to you. Hope you find something to enjoy