Guest guest Posted May 24, 2000 Report Share Posted May 24, 2000 --- You get a surgery date after Dr. R's office has recieved your packet. I sent my packet overnight mail then waited one more day and then called for a date. Don't put your packet in a binder. So many of us thought we were doing a good thing with binders and tab seperators and it turns out they don't want it sent that way. There is a check list in the patient manual and I found it very helpful in getting me organized so nothing is left out. Putting the packet together is a big job but by the end you will be so prepared and ready to go! Good luck, Toni Lieb 5/31/00 > > Looking forward to hearing from anyone. > > Memory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 24, 2000 Report Share Posted May 24, 2000 --- wrote: > My question is....will I hear from > Barbara letting me know she got my PI? Also, what is next? What do I need > to do? At this point I 'm not sure Barbara will let you know about receiving your PI. She will however let you know if your ins. co.has been approved. At this point,Finish up the packet asap including all the support letters you need., pcp family, history , all the stuff he requests. . Then you mail it in fed ex. Good Luck Lori > > Looking forward to hearing from anyone. > > Memory Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2000 Report Share Posted May 26, 2000 Hi Guys! I have only written one other time, but I read all of your emails, and they are very informative. I get answers to a lot of questions that I didn't even think to ask. You are a very wonderful group of people. I have a couple of questions that I was hoping someone out there could help me with. First of all, I have an appointment with my PCP on Tuesday to run this by him and hopefully get his approval. If he doesn't support me, I was wondering if anyone from Illinois has a PCP that supported their decision to have this life saving surgery. If they would give the doctor's name, I would like to have a backup if my appointment is a disappointment. Hopefully, it won't come to that, but it's always better to have a back up plan. My second question, or maybe I should say this is a concern, is I was wondering if there is anyone on this list who has had this surgery in 1997 or 1998? It seems like all of the post ops I have talked to have had their surgery in the last year or so. It would be reassuring to see the same results in someone 2 or 3 years down the road. Thank you for being so supportive, and thanks for your help. Good luck and prayers to all of you! Debbie in IL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2000 Report Share Posted May 26, 2000 Debbie their is a list of support PCP being done by I believe Terri. Maybe she can tell you. If you go to the MGB web site and look up patients e-mails maybe you can e-mail some of them. I am not really sure about how long ago each one was done, but DR R has been performing for 3 years so they are bound to be out there Hope this helps, Lara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 26, 2000 Report Share Posted May 26, 2000 I'm the one keeping the support PCP list, who needs info? a LaraAkin033100@... wrote: > > Debbie their is a list of support PCP being done by I believe Terri. Maybe > she can tell you. If you go to the MGB web site and look up patients e-mails > maybe you can e-mail some of them. I am not really sure about how long ago > each one was done, but DR R has been performing for 3 years so they are bound > to be out there > Hope this helps, > Lara > > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > Old school buds here: > http://click.egroups.com/1/4057/2/_/453517/_/959356509/ > ------------------------------------------------------------------------ > > This message is from the Mini-Gastric Bypass Mailing List at Onelist.com > Please visit our web site at http://clos.net > Get the Patient Manual at http://clos.net/get_patient_manual.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 2, 2001 Report Share Posted September 2, 2001 I am a Canadian, however I do come to Australia a few times a year. The procedure here is covered by our medical system, however there is a long ,long wait. Can you tell me how long the wit is there and what costs are involved? The trip itself would be no problem. thank you! eve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 16, 2002 Report Share Posted April 16, 2002 I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. Thanks again, Liz (in El Centro) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, If you are falling much, you should use the wheelchair. The walker is okay for exercise if you have someone around to spot (steady) you if you start to fall, but not for walking if you are falling. If you are not falling (balance problems), then the walkers are fine. Here is a site where you can see pictures of 13 walkers: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1549&sort=p&pagenum=1 and another for accessories: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1529&sort=p&pagenum=1 If you are not sure about a walker, ask your doctor to prescribe a consultation with a physical therapist to evaluate you for a walker. They can help you chose the correct one and show you how to fit it to yourself. Take care, Bill Werre ------------------------------- Yanni wrote: > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, If you are falling much, you should use the wheelchair. The walker is okay for exercise if you have someone around to spot (steady) you if you start to fall, but not for walking if you are falling. If you are not falling (balance problems), then the walkers are fine. Here is a site where you can see pictures of 13 walkers: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1549&sort=p&pagenum=1 and another for accessories: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1529&sort=p&pagenum=1 If you are not sure about a walker, ask your doctor to prescribe a consultation with a physical therapist to evaluate you for a walker. They can help you chose the correct one and show you how to fit it to yourself. Take care, Bill Werre ------------------------------- Yanni wrote: > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, If you are falling much, you should use the wheelchair. The walker is okay for exercise if you have someone around to spot (steady) you if you start to fall, but not for walking if you are falling. If you are not falling (balance problems), then the walkers are fine. Here is a site where you can see pictures of 13 walkers: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1549&sort=p&pagenum=1 and another for accessories: http://spinlife.com/critpath/match.cfm?type=13&aatype=1529&sort=p&pagenum=1 If you are not sure about a walker, ask your doctor to prescribe a consultation with a physical therapist to evaluate you for a walker. They can help you chose the correct one and show you how to fit it to yourself. Take care, Bill Werre ------------------------------- Yanni wrote: > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > >Thanks again, >Liz (in El Centro) > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > >shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > >Thanks again, >Liz (in El Centro) > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > >shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > >Thanks again, >Liz (in El Centro) > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > >shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, IF you are going to get a walker two things to conisder. First, get one with large wheels. Four to six wheels are great. The ones that fold flat and are made of aluminum are good temporary ones for those who need them, however, if you need a walker longterm, invest in the ones with the four to six wheels with a seat. I've used both types and you will enjoy the difference. Baskets and other things may be options depending on the manufacuturer. Second, Brakes are extremely important. you can regulate the speed when going down grades and also lock the brakes when you just want to sit and relax. That way you won't worry about all of a sudden moving in a direction you don't want to be going. The main thing comes down to cost. HOWEVER, don't overlook stores like Goodwill, Deseret Industries, or Salvation Army. You may need to go get some minor repairs, but verses the cost of a new one, these work just fine. A good medical equipment place can helpwith repairs. For example, I got mine at a garage sale for $5.00, and needed to put $5.00 more dollars into getting one of the brakes fixed. Hope this helps. Dr.Ray -- Re: Fwd: info please I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help morethan a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I justwondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I hadone of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them withbrakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seenhave baskets to, (a place to put my dogs):)Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hardjust thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought thisstep but I guess it is better than falling on your face.Thanks again,Liz (in El Centro) If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, IF you are going to get a walker two things to conisder. First, get one with large wheels. Four to six wheels are great. The ones that fold flat and are made of aluminum are good temporary ones for those who need them, however, if you need a walker longterm, invest in the ones with the four to six wheels with a seat. I've used both types and you will enjoy the difference. Baskets and other things may be options depending on the manufacuturer. Second, Brakes are extremely important. you can regulate the speed when going down grades and also lock the brakes when you just want to sit and relax. That way you won't worry about all of a sudden moving in a direction you don't want to be going. The main thing comes down to cost. HOWEVER, don't overlook stores like Goodwill, Deseret Industries, or Salvation Army. You may need to go get some minor repairs, but verses the cost of a new one, these work just fine. A good medical equipment place can helpwith repairs. For example, I got mine at a garage sale for $5.00, and needed to put $5.00 more dollars into getting one of the brakes fixed. Hope this helps. Dr.Ray -- Re: Fwd: info please I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help morethan a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I justwondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I hadone of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them withbrakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seenhave baskets to, (a place to put my dogs):)Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hardjust thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought thisstep but I guess it is better than falling on your face.Thanks again,Liz (in El Centro) If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Liz, IF you are going to get a walker two things to conisder. First, get one with large wheels. Four to six wheels are great. The ones that fold flat and are made of aluminum are good temporary ones for those who need them, however, if you need a walker longterm, invest in the ones with the four to six wheels with a seat. I've used both types and you will enjoy the difference. Baskets and other things may be options depending on the manufacuturer. Second, Brakes are extremely important. you can regulate the speed when going down grades and also lock the brakes when you just want to sit and relax. That way you won't worry about all of a sudden moving in a direction you don't want to be going. The main thing comes down to cost. HOWEVER, don't overlook stores like Goodwill, Deseret Industries, or Salvation Army. You may need to go get some minor repairs, but verses the cost of a new one, these work just fine. A good medical equipment place can helpwith repairs. For example, I got mine at a garage sale for $5.00, and needed to put $5.00 more dollars into getting one of the brakes fixed. Hope this helps. Dr.Ray -- Re: Fwd: info please I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help morethan a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I justwondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I hadone of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them withbrakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seenhave baskets to, (a place to put my dogs):)Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hardjust thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought thisstep but I guess it is better than falling on your face.Thanks again,Liz (in El Centro) If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may unsubscribe by sending a blank email to shydrager-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > >Thanks again, >Liz (in El Centro) > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > >shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > >Thanks again, >Liz (in El Centro) > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > >shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 I have used one with 4 wheels brake and basket. It has been great. BC-BS paid for it. Chuck Sarley Re: Fwd: info please > > > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 I have used one with 4 wheels brake and basket. It has been great. BC-BS paid for it. Chuck Sarley Re: Fwd: info please > > > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 I have used one with 4 wheels brake and basket. It has been great. BC-BS paid for it. Chuck Sarley Re: Fwd: info please > > > I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > > Thanks again, > Liz (in El Centro) > > > If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > shydrager-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Liz, My husband, Gordon, has been using a walker with a seat for about two years. It also has brakes. He started using it after having some falls while using a cane. We were told (after the fact of course) that a cane is not good to use for babance problems. If you fall you go right over it because it's so low. He was advised to either get a staff or a walker. The walker has been great. First of all, it gave him a lot more confidence. He had become so concerned about falling that he had started to move even more slowly and cautiously than necessary. The brakes are, for him, an essential tool. He feels that they give him more control over his movements. The brakes are very easy to use. You just squeeze them to slow down, release to continue to move and push all the way down to lock the walker into place. That is very helpful if you want to sit down on the seat. The seat has been handy when he gets tired. These days we use a wheelchair if we are at the mall or anyplace there is much walking, but at the beginning the seat was a good place to sit and wait for me to finish shopping or if we ran into a friend it was a good place to sit if the conversation went on too long. Gordon's walker was manufactured by a company called Nova, but I know there are lots of other brands. It comes with a basket and even has a tray that snaps onto the seat and is good for taking food from the counter to the table or if you go to a buffet, etc. He has four wheels on his walker. We had a choice of a thinner wheel and a thicker one. We were told that the fatter wheel would be better for traveling over rougher ground, stones, etc., but it also made the walker heavier. Since we are mostly in the city and since I was concerned about the weight of the walker we opted for the thinner wheels. We have not run into any problems and I don't think I could have lifted the other one. Good luck. Making these decisions is always hard. Let me know if you need any other info. Janet O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Liz, My husband, Gordon, has been using a walker with a seat for about two years. It also has brakes. He started using it after having some falls while using a cane. We were told (after the fact of course) that a cane is not good to use for babance problems. If you fall you go right over it because it's so low. He was advised to either get a staff or a walker. The walker has been great. First of all, it gave him a lot more confidence. He had become so concerned about falling that he had started to move even more slowly and cautiously than necessary. The brakes are, for him, an essential tool. He feels that they give him more control over his movements. The brakes are very easy to use. You just squeeze them to slow down, release to continue to move and push all the way down to lock the walker into place. That is very helpful if you want to sit down on the seat. The seat has been handy when he gets tired. These days we use a wheelchair if we are at the mall or anyplace there is much walking, but at the beginning the seat was a good place to sit and wait for me to finish shopping or if we ran into a friend it was a good place to sit if the conversation went on too long. Gordon's walker was manufactured by a company called Nova, but I know there are lots of other brands. It comes with a basket and even has a tray that snaps onto the seat and is good for taking food from the counter to the table or if you go to a buffet, etc. He has four wheels on his walker. We had a choice of a thinner wheel and a thicker one. We were told that the fatter wheel would be better for traveling over rougher ground, stones, etc., but it also made the walker heavier. Since we are mostly in the city and since I was concerned about the weight of the walker we opted for the thinner wheels. We have not run into any problems and I don't think I could have lifted the other one. Good luck. Making these decisions is always hard. Let me know if you need any other info. Janet O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 17, 2002 Report Share Posted April 17, 2002 Hi Liz, My husband, Gordon, has been using a walker with a seat for about two years. It also has brakes. He started using it after having some falls while using a cane. We were told (after the fact of course) that a cane is not good to use for babance problems. If you fall you go right over it because it's so low. He was advised to either get a staff or a walker. The walker has been great. First of all, it gave him a lot more confidence. He had become so concerned about falling that he had started to move even more slowly and cautiously than necessary. The brakes are, for him, an essential tool. He feels that they give him more control over his movements. The brakes are very easy to use. You just squeeze them to slow down, release to continue to move and push all the way down to lock the walker into place. That is very helpful if you want to sit down on the seat. The seat has been handy when he gets tired. These days we use a wheelchair if we are at the mall or anyplace there is much walking, but at the beginning the seat was a good place to sit and wait for me to finish shopping or if we ran into a friend it was a good place to sit if the conversation went on too long. Gordon's walker was manufactured by a company called Nova, but I know there are lots of other brands. It comes with a basket and even has a tray that snaps onto the seat and is good for taking food from the counter to the table or if you go to a buffet, etc. He has four wheels on his walker. We had a choice of a thinner wheel and a thicker one. We were told that the fatter wheel would be better for traveling over rougher ground, stones, etc., but it also made the walker heavier. Since we are mostly in the city and since I was concerned about the weight of the walker we opted for the thinner wheels. We have not run into any problems and I don't think I could have lifted the other one. Good luck. Making these decisions is always hard. Let me know if you need any other info. Janet O Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 18, 2002 Report Share Posted April 18, 2002 lou -- I agree with Bill and others that a wheelchair offers the most protection against falling, but for someone who doesn't feel ready to commit to a WC all of the time, the right kind of walker can be a major asset. Mine is much like several described by others here, and here's another candidate. I have been using for several months a walker called a U-Step, also the name of the manufacturer ( which , of course, innevitably gets called a U-Haul) for those times when I don't really need a wheelchair. ( *In malls, museums, etc., and when I'm really tired, I do use a WC.). This U-Step has seven wheels set in a u-shaped bar (you stand/walk in the middle of the U), and has bike-style handbrakes, which come in the reverse manner of what one might expect; you walk with one or two of the handles kept held, and stop/slow the thing by releasing the hold so that if you suddenly let go of it it will brake to a stop. You can also have them shipped the more customary way. It has a basket and seat. Two of the side wheels are large-ish, and five are smaller -- the front ones are spring-loaded to go over cracks or even shallow curbs as well as carpets. It's relatively pricey, although Medicare covers most of it. It's made in Illinois, and though I don't have an address here, I'm sure they're somwhere on the web. It folds up, but *is probably heavier than most of the others; I do have some difficulty lifting it in and out of my car, and that's something to, uh, weigh in as well. It has expanded my world greatly, and I have had no falls when using it; it's pretty hard to tip over because of the way it's made and balanced. I'm 6'3 " /200 lbs, and I feel secure with it. Hope this adds usefully to your store of info. Tony in Boston - In shydrager@y..., lou Reynolds wrote: > Sam has a cart with 4 large wheels, and a basket and a comfortable seat on > it. He uses it a great deal--bumping into everything in the house, as his > vision is so bad, but that's okay. We took it on the plane with us a year > ago, and that was fine. It has been extremely helpful. It is a nova, and > I ordered it on line. He should use a wheelchair, but so far does not. It > is very lightweight, collapses easily, and quite sturdy. It has brakes--a > necessity when leaning on it to get started etc. The cart is far more > stable than a cane, I think. Good luck. Lou ReynoldsAt 10:39 PM > 4/16/2002 -0700, you wrote: > > > >I am going to get a walker sometime soon. I don't know if it will help more > >than a cane or not. I have a wheelchair for the long distance. I just > >wondered if anyone had a walker with the seat. I was thinking that if I had > >one of those I got set down when I needed to. Than they have them with > >brakes or no brakes. 6 wheels or 4 big wheels. the ones that I have seen > >have baskets to, (a place to put my dogs) > > > >Thanks for any input. I want to see what has helped any of you. It is hard > >just thinking of taking another step the other way. I've have fought this > >step but I guess it is better than falling on your face. > > > > > >Thanks again, > >Liz (in El Centro) > > > > > >If you do not wish to belong to shydrager, you may > >unsubscribe by sending a blank email to > > > >shydrager-unsubscribe@y... > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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