Oh yeah! Today at noon the designer of the iWalkFREE crutch dropped by and now I’m walking with 2 free hands. Within a few minutes I experienced a new sense of freedom. For now Lance wants me to walk around as if the device was a cane. Now and then I’ve already walked almost naturally with both arms swinging freely and even took a call on my cell phone.
Here is the 1st photo taken by my wife. I’ll see if I can make a video and post it before the weekend.
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September 25th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
molin
Nice! I also bought one, and I have found it to be well worth the money. I use it mostly in the morning and at night, when I’m helping out with our 2-year-old son. It definitely frees up your hands!
September 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am
frenzy
I can only imagine, as I read other posts of the challenges when you have a family on top of other daily responsibilities. It’s taken almost no effort to walk and I have to remind myself to ease into it. Using the stairs as you probably discovered requires that I be mindful of the grade. Compared to the office the stairs at my home are at steeper so my injured leg just grazes the top of each step as I descend. The benefit of being able to get around and stand comfortably is amazing. Believe it or not, I’m looking forward to cleaning the house this weekend!
Cheers!
September 26th, 2008 at 9:17 am
annieh
It looks fantastic albeit a little strange. Is it uncomfortable anywhere?
It isn’t any use to me now but it surely would have been. An English TV Presenter Andrew Marr used one when he ruptured his achilles, although he referred to it as a knee trolley, but I imagine it was something similar.
I hope it makes life easier for you.
Keep us posted
Annie
September 29th, 2008 at 9:33 am
frenzy
Hi Annie,
Depending how long I’m standing the area where the cast ends at the top of the leg can become a tad sore. The difference in height caused by the cast creates a little more pressure. For now I use a small washcloth to evenly create support right across the enitre area (cast and leg/knee) to minimize pressure points. I’ll probably pick up some foam and make this modification more convenient.
The knee trolley sounds very similar to a device that was designed for use in an office environment. It basically allows you to kneel with your injured leg onto a 4-wheeled platform… in essence allowing you to skate around the office. I would be concerned about the wheels catching and not being able to use the stairs.
I’ve found the iWalkFree to be more flexible in use… as Molin shared, the greatest benefit of this device is when you’re up and about for longer periods of time. I still use the traditional crutches when I am making short trips in the home - visiting the restroom, going from one room to another.
This past Saturday I finally had a social life. My wife and I attended a lunch and dinner party. I knew that I would not be moving around a lot but I brought along both the crutches and the iWalkFree for lunch. If the rain had stopped during the lunch I knew I would have the option to use the iWalkFree and join the kids in the backyard.
I’ll post how well I perform with the new crutches during my media events this week. I have an interview with a local morning TV show and a larger product launch with several journalists the following day.
Cheers,
Frank