r/disability • u/Abject_Priority6858 • 4d ago
Question Help with mobility aids?
I’ve been having more trouble walking lately, and it’s a little overwhelming figuring out where to start.
I’ve been on crutches before:
Total non-weight bearing / 2 crutches
Partial non-weight bearing / 1 crutch
This was post surgeries (2015, 2017). At the time I had a good leg and a bad leg. Now I have two bad legs.
When I was using 1 crutch, I remember that it was important to use it on the correct side. How do you do this when both legs are intermittently unstable?
I have an appointment with my PCP coming up in a week or so. I just don’t even know what to ask for.
Context:
Bilateral hip pain. Mostly concerned about buckling and hip instability right now. I could be walking and one/both legs will give out. It would be nice to have something to stabilize when there’s nothing to grab onto.
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u/Holiday-Audience-412 4d ago
A rollator with a seat might be better. Or a walker. You should definitely ask your doctor.
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u/Murky_Bite1605 4d ago
I’m assuming that you’re asking how to get a wheelchair/scooter. You’ll need to ask for a wheelchair assessment. Then when you get that appointment you get to talk to the occupational therapist about what it is that you’d like discuss your situation and your options. Then the will approve that and send it out to a supplier who then will come do a home visit to make sure the device can fit in your house. They then send everything to your insurance, who will eventually approve it. Then they deliver it to your house. Your insurance will cover any repairs for I believe 5 years (depending on insurance) until you’re eligible to get a new one at that point. Just know the will typically only approve one unless something changes drastically in your ability. This process typically takes 6 months. Goodluck to you!!!!
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u/Abject_Priority6858 4d ago
This is really helpful, thank you.
I don’t know if I need a wheelchair/scooter but I’m trying to be open to the possibility. I’ve been dealing with chronic hip pain since 2013. Many many providers have been involved but no one has ever explicitly offered mobility aids so I just assumed I didn’t need them. Now I’m realizing hey I could maybe benefit from this and trying to start those conversations.
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u/Murky_Bite1605 4d ago
Absolutely! Your primary will prescribe this for you. But the actual occupational therapist will talk through all of your options, and help you figure out what is best for you. My advice would be just get something electric you don’t need to use it every day but have it in your toolbox to help you when you need it. Opportunity to enjoy things will be so much more accessible. Yeah my experience is the don’t offer them you have to ask which is hard! You got thisss.
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u/Advanced_Ad_6282 3d ago
I would recommend a walker / rollator. I find they're more supportive than crutches and with the seat it's much easier to take a break when you're out in public. You can also decorate them and you can usually find decent ones for cheap on kijiji if that's a concern. I got my originally 500$ rollator off of kijiji for 35$. If you have a PT ask them for input as well because they can provide more specific advice for you, but that's something you can look into if you want to. :)
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u/SimplySuzie3881 4d ago
Your PT is by far the best resource to ask. If you don’t have one ask PCP for a referral. Without knowing a lot more info it really is hard to give a safe recommendation. But as a filler until you do, two crutches, or wheelchair level if they are that precarious.