Yikes - crutches help!

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

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!!

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

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 .

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.

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.

Thanks everyone, all really useful stuff here

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

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.

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

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

A zimmer is a good idea. 👍

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.

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.

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 ?