Using Crutches after radiation/lymphedema

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Rwoods45
Rwoods45 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

HELP! I broke my ankle and am on crutches . I've been on crutches a number of times but now have a hard otime with friction on my irradiated skin....it'S PAINFUL and looks burned! Anyone else?

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited August 2012

    I had toe surgery last summer, they offered me crutches but I asked for a walker!  much better and does not give a problem for lympho folks like us

    I would give you mine but if insurance wont cover, the drug store sells them for 60 or so bucks

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  • BikerLee
    BikerLee Member Posts: 355
    edited August 2012

    i broke my hip just about 3 weeks after my bmx.

    i got the forearm crutches - much much easier to use once you practice for a while... and for an ankle, you'll be on crutches for a while.

    the one thing that did happen - i now have hypertrophic scarring... probably just from so much upper body use so soon after the surgery.  

    another thing to consider is if there's a place in your town for borrowing mecial equipment.  we have good will easter seals.  i got the forearm crutches through insurance and a shower chair and walker through easter seals.  in case i do end up having the pins out, i'll keep the forearm crutches for a bit longer...  but once i have the pins out, i plan to give the crutches to easter seals.

    anyway, i used the forearm crutches during the day...  quite a bit of hand soreness until i wrapped the handles with bicycle handlebar tape... and i used the walker at night, when i was half asleep and needing to just get to the bathroom.

    all in all - TOTALLY SUCKED.  but the forearm crutches were way way better than underarm crutches.  they are the norm in europe, apparently (in fact, that's all we saw when we were in the uk).  you'll build up a fantastic pair of shoulders!

    good luck.  i'm so sorry for your break!  ankles take a while to heal!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    Rwoods, when I broke my leg I couldn't use crutches of any kind (lymphedema), so I used a knee walker. I had to rent it, and my insurance didn't cover, but it was well worth it. In fact, it was actually kinda fun! Here's what they look like:

    http://www.amazon.com/Roll-A-Bout-All-Terrain-Knee-Walker/sim/B001LJASQ0/2

    Be well!
    Binney

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  • BikerLee
    BikerLee Member Posts: 355
    edited August 2012

    Oh yeah - those knee walkers are pretty awesome.  And for an ankle - that should work quite well!  Friend of mine used one, and she had good luck with it.  Seems totally unreasonable - Binney - that your insurance would not cover such a thing....  But, independence in being able to get around is sooooooo important!

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  • Binney4
    Binney4 Member Posts: 8,609
    edited August 2012

    BikerLee, for sure. And with a break you're looking at weeks of immobility if you can't use crutches or a walker. The insurance folks offered me crutches, but they don't "get" lymphedema so never could understand what my issues were. Lymphedema: breast cancer's dirty little secret!Frown

    After my experience our son asked for a knee-walker for his birthday, because it was so much fun.Laughing (No, he did not get one! lol!)

    Be well,
    Binney

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2012
    I prefer you should use knee walkers. This is ideal aid to those persons who suffers from foot surgery, sprains, broke ankle etc. It is use whether for indoor or outdoor. Here is the link where you can find knee walkers:

    http://www.alltimemedical.com/category/Knee_Walker__Crutch_Alternative_Leg_Caddy.html

    I am looking forward for you fast recovery. Thanks.

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