Re: walker/rollator users?

[Guest guest]

Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside. My

indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on it more

and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles a bit

and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk with

your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a thought.

......Flora

[Guest guest]

Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside. My

indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on it more

and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles a bit

and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk with

your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a thought.

......Flora

[Guest guest]

Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside. My

indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on it more

and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles a bit

and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk with

your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a thought.

......Flora

[Guest guest]

Well Marsha, just do what feels the easiest, when I got my walker there was

no instruction booklet!! LOL.............I wasn't shown how to use I was

just given a script to go get one. The PT might be able to help you of course.

Least try and go once a week to get a feel of it. They had me on this

machine that measures the amount you lean in degrees. Like I had to lean

inward

as far as I could and with control as long as I could. Forward was not bad

but leaning backwards forget it. Failed every time. It was a challenge but

well worth the effort. So take the plunge girl..........Flora

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/24/2006 9:25:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

marfla04@... writes:

they give you a script for a device. you get it but

no manual or instructions on using it correctly or at least way that doesn't

cause more problems

--------

When I first got a cane and a walker, the PT told to bring them in and she'd

show me how to use them and we'd practice. Well, I never got the hang of

using a cane perhaps because of my balance. I kept kicking the walker and she

said I walked too fast and maybe I didn't need it yet -- that was a couple of

years ago. I don't know if I've gotten used to it but I rarely kick it now

and I feel much more confident having both hands on something.

[Guest guest]

thanks flora. will check the height of handles. you are right i do lean to

the left more anyway esp using the one crutch. if use two crutches then i

don't do that as much if at all. so i probably have gotten into the habit

of putting more weight to the left as i use the crutch. when using the

rollator the tipping only seems to happen after i have been walking with it

for many hours and I am tired. i know when i am tired i fall over more. but

you have a great point with the crutch leaning, as if i remember correctly

when using the rollator it is to the left that i tend to tip over. also my

right leg seems more difficult to pickup to step, bring forward, and bend at

the knee and/or hip.

i hope to get into PT in August once i get moved and settled. even if can

only go once a week, at least i can be evaluated and shown what i can do at

home. also i hope they can help me learn to better use the crutch/s,

rollator, and use them more correctly. since i haven't had anyone to show me

correct ways, i just have taught myself and do what feels right, better, or

seems to work. but i wonder if i am using them incorrectly which at times

can cause me more balance, pain issues.

again thanks

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

> Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

> for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside.

> My

> indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on

> it more

> and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

> them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles

> a bit

> and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk

> with

> your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

> perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a

> thought.

> .....Flora

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks flora. will check the height of handles. you are right i do lean to

the left more anyway esp using the one crutch. if use two crutches then i

don't do that as much if at all. so i probably have gotten into the habit

of putting more weight to the left as i use the crutch. when using the

rollator the tipping only seems to happen after i have been walking with it

for many hours and I am tired. i know when i am tired i fall over more. but

you have a great point with the crutch leaning, as if i remember correctly

when using the rollator it is to the left that i tend to tip over. also my

right leg seems more difficult to pickup to step, bring forward, and bend at

the knee and/or hip.

i hope to get into PT in August once i get moved and settled. even if can

only go once a week, at least i can be evaluated and shown what i can do at

home. also i hope they can help me learn to better use the crutch/s,

rollator, and use them more correctly. since i haven't had anyone to show me

correct ways, i just have taught myself and do what feels right, better, or

seems to work. but i wonder if i am using them incorrectly which at times

can cause me more balance, pain issues.

again thanks

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

> Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

> for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside.

> My

> indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on

> it more

> and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

> them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles

> a bit

> and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk

> with

> your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

> perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a

> thought.

> .....Flora

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks flora. will check the height of handles. you are right i do lean to

the left more anyway esp using the one crutch. if use two crutches then i

don't do that as much if at all. so i probably have gotten into the habit

of putting more weight to the left as i use the crutch. when using the

rollator the tipping only seems to happen after i have been walking with it

for many hours and I am tired. i know when i am tired i fall over more. but

you have a great point with the crutch leaning, as if i remember correctly

when using the rollator it is to the left that i tend to tip over. also my

right leg seems more difficult to pickup to step, bring forward, and bend at

the knee and/or hip.

i hope to get into PT in August once i get moved and settled. even if can

only go once a week, at least i can be evaluated and shown what i can do at

home. also i hope they can help me learn to better use the crutch/s,

rollator, and use them more correctly. since i haven't had anyone to show me

correct ways, i just have taught myself and do what feels right, better, or

seems to work. but i wonder if i am using them incorrectly which at times

can cause me more balance, pain issues.

again thanks

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

> Marsha, Hi there................could it be that the handles are to high

> for you. I have two walkers one is a insiide one the other for outside.

> My

> indoor walkers is made for a peite person but I find that I can lean on

> it more

> and distribute my weight better. Its easier on my arms to, doesn't cause

> them to tighten up at the shoulder area. You might try lower the handles

> a bit

> and see if that makes a difference. Another thought when I saw you walk

> with

> your canadian crutch you do have a tendency to lean toward that side so

> perhaps you've learned to walk that way out of habit.. Its just a

> thought.

> .....Flora

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

yeah don't ya love it. they give you a script for a device. you get it but

no manual or instructions on using it correctly or at least way that doesn't

cause more problems

oh i would fail the backward leaning for sure. side leaning most likely

would too. not sure about forward.

i fall over even sitting in a chair without arms or something to lean on.. i

need support on at least one side and back to sit without leaning/falling

over.

i have to find a PT place close to where moving. my PCP office didn't know

any in that area. they suggested one PT group but i know they do more with

sports PT stuff. i believe i need to someone with exp in neuro issues like

MS, SP, ataxia etc.... I do plan on finding somewhere just can't do it

right now. told PCP office i would call them with a PT place when I am

ready to go.

i find it embarassing though going to PT. I had to go several years ago for

neck pain. ortho sent me said i needed to strengthen my neck muscles. maybe

i did but he didn't bother checking to see if pinch nerve, well really he

didn't check much of anything. saw me 15 min brief exam if can call it that.

i was having neck spasms horrible to point neck was drawing down towards

shoulder. I was so embarassed at PT clinic. by the time he got me in the

neck was better and not spasming. so here i was no pain, no problems and in

PT. then looked around and saw ppl who in so much pain, PT after surgery or

stroke etc..... I looked and was for most part a healthy overweight adult

there for PT. felt stupid and like i was wasting the therapist time. nothing

was wrong and definitely didn't look like anything was wrong. so little

hesititant going again.

oops long winded again.

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

> Well Marsha, just do what feels the easiest, when I got my walker there

> was

> no instruction booklet!! LOL.............I wasn't shown how to use I

> was

> just given a script to go get one. The PT might be able to help you of

> course.

> Least try and go once a week to get a feel of it. They had me on this

> machine that measures the amount you lean in degrees. Like I had to lean

> inward

> as far as I could and with control as long as I could. Forward was not

> bad

> but leaning backwards forget it. Failed every time. It was a challenge

> but

> well worth the effort. So take the plunge girl..........Flora

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

yeah don't ya love it. they give you a script for a device. you get it but

no manual or instructions on using it correctly or at least way that doesn't

cause more problems

oh i would fail the backward leaning for sure. side leaning most likely

would too. not sure about forward.

i fall over even sitting in a chair without arms or something to lean on.. i

need support on at least one side and back to sit without leaning/falling

over.

i have to find a PT place close to where moving. my PCP office didn't know

any in that area. they suggested one PT group but i know they do more with

sports PT stuff. i believe i need to someone with exp in neuro issues like

MS, SP, ataxia etc.... I do plan on finding somewhere just can't do it

right now. told PCP office i would call them with a PT place when I am

ready to go.

i find it embarassing though going to PT. I had to go several years ago for

neck pain. ortho sent me said i needed to strengthen my neck muscles. maybe

i did but he didn't bother checking to see if pinch nerve, well really he

didn't check much of anything. saw me 15 min brief exam if can call it that.

i was having neck spasms horrible to point neck was drawing down towards

shoulder. I was so embarassed at PT clinic. by the time he got me in the

neck was better and not spasming. so here i was no pain, no problems and in

PT. then looked around and saw ppl who in so much pain, PT after surgery or

stroke etc..... I looked and was for most part a healthy overweight adult

there for PT. felt stupid and like i was wasting the therapist time. nothing

was wrong and definitely didn't look like anything was wrong. so little

hesititant going again.

oops long winded again.

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

> Well Marsha, just do what feels the easiest, when I got my walker there

> was

> no instruction booklet!! LOL.............I wasn't shown how to use I

> was

> just given a script to go get one. The PT might be able to help you of

> course.

> Least try and go once a week to get a feel of it. They had me on this

> machine that measures the amount you lean in degrees. Like I had to lean

> inward

> as far as I could and with control as long as I could. Forward was not

> bad

> but leaning backwards forget it. Failed every time. It was a challenge

> but

> well worth the effort. So take the plunge girl..........Flora

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

thanks linda for sharing your experience. when i was giving scripts for

crutches i hadn't been referred to PT (that was in 2004). Only recently did

i get a referral to PT/OT. I can't use a cane either but more due to that I

tend to tremor/shake in arms/hands that made things even more unstable with

a cane. The forearm crutch/s though seem to give me more stability having

the forearm cuff on upper arms. For me that cuff is like sending an extra

signal that more support is there. dunno really just what i think that's

doing.

For the rollator, I don't use it except if having to walk a couple hours. I

have kicked it before in the beginning but don't seem to do that now. I

believe one reason I was kicking it was I tend to walk with a wide base so

my feet were close to same distance apart the rollator wheels are. It does

give more confidence having my hands on something and love having the seat

so I can sit if need to. For all day excursions I use a scooter.

Once I finally get into PT though I plan to take in the rollator but esp the

crutches in hopes they can show me if doing something incorrectly or doing

something that may be causing more issues such as strain, pain etc...

again thanks

gentle hugs

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: walker/rollator users?

>

> In a message dated 6/24/2006 9:25:42 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,

> marfla04@... writes:

>

> they give you a script for a device. you get it but

> no manual or instructions on using it correctly or at least way that

> doesn't

> cause more problems

>

>

> --------

> When I first got a cane and a walker, the PT told to bring them in and

> she'd

> show me how to use them and we'd practice. Well, I never got the hang of

> using a cane perhaps because of my balance. I kept kicking the walker

> and she

> said I walked too fast and maybe I didn't need it yet -- that was a

> couple of

> years ago. I don't know if I've gotten used to it but I rarely kick it

> now

> and I feel much more confident having both hands on something.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marfla,

I have a three wheel walker and I got blown over in a parking lot

a few days ago. I have also felt like I was going over if I run into

an uneven spot in the ground.

Ruth

Re: newly diagnosed question

> , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> father

> had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor neuron

> disorders.

>

> Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> feel

> that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share our

> thoughts

>

> Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have hardly

> any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> have

> spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> myself

> doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

>

> Flora/St sburg,FL

> Dx - 1995

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

oh my, i hope you didn't get totally blown over, did you fall?

that uneven ground is difficult to manveur with or without a mobility

device. even rollators still is, oh then hit a bump, a rock or something.

but thankfully no matter the mobility device it helps and is better than

nothing.

hope you are ok. take care of YOU

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: newly diagnosed question

>

> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> > father

> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor

> neuron

> > disorders.

> >

> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> > feel

> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share

> our

> > thoughts

> >

> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have

> hardly

> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> > have

> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> > myself

> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

> >

> > Flora/St sburg,FL

> > Dx - 1995

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

3 wheeled walkers, I was told by my PT are not stable and should be

banned. For balane you require the 4 wheels. I have a 4 wheeled

walker and have the brakes that you grip rather than push down on. My

PT also told me the push down walkers can be dangerous also. Do you

have one of these marsha? Perhaps this is your problem. I have no

problems with balance or the feeling that I am falling with my 4

wheeled walker.

Aussie Maureen

>

> Hi Marfla,

>

> I have a three wheel walker and I got blown over in a parking lot

> a few days ago. I have also felt like I was going over if I run into

> an uneven spot in the ground.

>

> Ruth

>

> Re: newly diagnosed question

>

> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> > father

> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any

motor neuron

> > disorders.

> >

> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to

both. I

> > feel

> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not

share our

> > thoughts

> >

> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint

have hardly

> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind.

I'd do

> > have

> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over

exhausting

> > myself

> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

> >

> > Flora/St sburg,FL

> > Dx - 1995

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

yes my rollator is a 4 wheeled with hand brakes grip. i only use it when

needing to walk for a couple hours and its cool outside (if going to be

walking outside). Using it indoors even in AC i overheat quickly. I did

check today online proper fitting for rollators and mine is fitted

correctly. Thanks to the place I bought who made the adjustments before i

left the store.

i believe Flora had a good point that I tend to lean to the left when

walking as i normally use a crutch on the left side so probably have become

dependent on leaning onto the crutch. i only feel like tipping over when

very hot and tired, or just tired. doesn't happen much though.

when i fall i usually fall to the left or backwards. if walking without any

device i tend to lose balance more to left side or backwards esp if standing

without support. i know my right leg/side though is worse with neuropathy

type symptoms at least i feel more sx's in right leg than left. so this is

why use crutch on left side. but maybe should change it to right some so

not so dependent on the left.

or then again maybe i should be using two and not the one. so not to habit

leaning to one side versus the other. but using two crutches makes things

so much more difficult at work, carrying laptop case, briefcase etc... or

anything for that matter. when using two though i realize i have better

overall balance. using one crutch i can do ok but have been tripping more

lately (that toe hitting ground thing).

ok i got off topic thanks for sharing. i will be using the walker

tomorrow at the airport/s, and at hotel. thought would be easier to take

rollator so i can put carry-on and laptop case on seat and roll where need

to go at airport and into hotel. (I know i could use skycaps-wheelchairs at

airport, but i just don't want to depend on that just yet. fingers crossed

this goes ok.)

gentle hugs maureen

marfla

Be Blessed

Re: newly diagnosed question

>>

>> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

>> > father

>> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any

> motor neuron

>> > disorders.

>> >

>> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to

> both. I

>> > feel

>> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not

> share our

>> > thoughts

>> >

>> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint

> have hardly

>> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind.

> I'd do

>> > have

>> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over

> exhausting

>> > myself

>> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

>> >

>> > Flora/St sburg,FL

>> > Dx - 1995

>> >

>> >

>> >

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/2006 9:47:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

marfla04@... writes:

fingers crossed

this goes ok.)

Crossed.....Good Luck!

darn now i can't type.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/2006 9:47:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

marfla04@... writes:

fingers crossed

this goes ok.)

Crossed.....Good Luck!

darn now i can't type.

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 6/25/2006 9:47:14 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

marfla04@... writes:

fingers crossed

this goes ok.)

Crossed.....Good Luck!

darn now i can't type.

[Guest guest]

Yes I fell pretty hard, my right hip was the ugliest color you would

ever want to see and hurt for weeks, but nothing broke. I'm pretty

much bad to walking like the tin man. We all have to hang in there.

Ruth

Re: newly diagnosed question

>

> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> > father

> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor

> neuron

> > disorders.

> >

> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> > feel

> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share

> our

> > thoughts

> >

> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have

> hardly

> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> > have

> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> > myself

> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

> >

> > Flora/St sburg,FL

> > Dx - 1995

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Yes I fell pretty hard, my right hip was the ugliest color you would

ever want to see and hurt for weeks, but nothing broke. I'm pretty

much bad to walking like the tin man. We all have to hang in there.

Ruth

Re: newly diagnosed question

>

> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> > father

> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor

> neuron

> > disorders.

> >

> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> > feel

> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share

> our

> > thoughts

> >

> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have

> hardly

> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> > have

> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> > myself

> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

> >

> > Flora/St sburg,FL

> > Dx - 1995

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Yes I fell pretty hard, my right hip was the ugliest color you would

ever want to see and hurt for weeks, but nothing broke. I'm pretty

much bad to walking like the tin man. We all have to hang in there.

Ruth

Re: newly diagnosed question

>

> > , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> > father

> > had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor

> neuron

> > disorders.

> >

> > Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> > feel

> > that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share

> our

> > thoughts

> >

> > Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have

> hardly

> > any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> > have

> > spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> > myself

> > doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

> >

> > Flora/St sburg,FL

> > Dx - 1995

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I have had that happen. When you fall or lean to far to the side the Rollator

will tip over. You need to keep your weight centered as much as possible. I was

surprised at how easy it was to get 2 wheels off the ground when falling to the

side. Danny

Marfla marfla04@...> wrote: Hi all.

hope each of you are having a peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

question to those that use walkers/rollators: do you ever find yourself

about to tip over to one side when walking with both hands on the

walker/rollator? even to point feels like the walker/rollator may tip to

side? (on level ground)

wondering if this is misusing but it feels more like about to loose balance

and with hand on grip my weight goes down more, therefore body tips over,

and walker/rollator feels like going to tip with me. sometimes scary as i

feel going to fall over although i have the rollator to hold on to for

balance.

thanks

gentle hugs

marfla

orlando FL

Be Blessed

Re: newly diagnosed question

> , Like said we PLS'ers don't have the gene testing. My

> father

> had Parkinson's but no one else on either side have had any motor neuron

> disorders.

>

> Its perfectly alright to post on either side, I subscribe to both. I

> feel

> that we all have the same concerns about our diseases so why not share our

> thoughts

>

> Is your balance effected at all? That's my biggest complaint have hardly

> any. Without my walker I'd fall over with a big puff of wind. I'd do

> have

> spasms occasionally in my calves but I feel its due to over exhausting

> myself

> doing things. Feel free to ask us anything, we're here to help.

>

> Flora/St sburg,FL

> Dx - 1995

>

>

>