Okay it’s PWB time & I need advice from you pros on Crutches.
So I am at 3 weeks post surgery tomorrow and when I saw the surgeon on Monday, he said that I could start PWB on Friday. He said to start out at 15 min a day then increase it 15 min every couple days as tolerated. Now before I get into my question there is something I want to explain. I am an overweight woman, my surgery was not due to an injury or tear like most everyone on here. (Read my post Not your everyday Achilles Tendon injury…in fact, there was no injury. ) I have chronic back pain and had to have this surgery done before I can do back surgery so, I have spent the past year in bed. We have a split level house so, I haven’t gone anywhere except to the follow up visit. I have pretty much zero upper and lower body strength.
That being said, I’m trying to figure out the best option for me of what to use while doing PWB. I have been using the knee scooter for getting around. I originally had a walker that I was going to use for getting around before the nurse explained to us that I would be NWB. I see a lot of people talk about using crutches, I some with no upper body strength that’s gonna be very difficult BUT, a great way to start working on my upper body strength. The Millennial crutches look interesting and like they might be easier for me to use. I’ve also seen the forearm crutches, I don’t think those would be very easy to use. Anyway, I would like to find out what you guys used and your opinions.
What did you use to help you get around when you started PWB? Did it work well? Did you switch to something else? Did it work better?
I really appreciate any help you guys can give me! Thank you! 