(Part 2) Best canes, crutches & accessories according to redditors

Now this is portable.

Perhaps first start with modding the pic to a warmer tint:

https://i.imgur.com/dM54Hxd.png

https://www.amazon.com/Eagle-Eyes-U2-3C-Lumens-Flashlight/dp/B010EZVV3K/

MS-er here. This one is pretty great. I’ve used it for 6 months with no issues. Travels well, and fits into a purse! Vive Folding Cane - $16

I have visited Iceland twice with disabilities. I can tell you that most places would take a long time to get to due to the terrain and distances between populated areas. You should not count on immediate assistance at any cost.

I’ll tell you how I prepared and what I did while I was there to be as prepared as possible. Keep in mind that I’m not a doctor and don’t have the same medical conditions.

The first thing I did was get cleared by my doctors. I’ve had 2 big knee surgeries for patella dislocations so I check with my ortho. I got a knee brace (wrapped hinged neoprene) to help walking. Downhill is where I have problems. I asked for a list of restrictions so I’d know how far to push it. . Also went to PT and got a home strengthening program for the time leading up to the trip. Because the flight is a bit long and cramped he gave me a blood thinner to prevent DVT because of previous history of them.

Most important though, I didn’t physically exert myself and push myself to hike long distances if I wasn’t feeling well. We rented a camper van (Happy Campers, love em) the first time and traveled the ring road. When I needed a break and my partner wanted to explore more, I went to the van and was comfortable while he did his thing.

I also have POTS (a kind of tachycardia) so went to my cardio and got the ok. I had to rest often but didn’t have any bad episodes. Keep in mind that you won’t have any benches to rest on for the most part. I’ve seen lightweight collapsible chairs that might be an option for you. I had an app to check my pulse when I felt it was high. Compression hose and tights/leggings were a must, especially on planes.


Best Health Cane Stool Golf Walking Seats Retractable Lightweight Walking Stick with LED Light for Elderly Outdoor Travel Rest Stool Folding Chair Replacement Large Weight Capacity (Brown Cane seat) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D17S7ZV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Q4x3Db8777XAY

I brought nutrition bars and drinks and electrolyte powder for water. If you aren’t close to an area with food you’ll need a snack. Stay hydrated!!! It’s easy to forget and makes a huge difference in how you feel. Pack all the meds you need and ones you might like Imodium, eye drops, whatever. I’d rather bring too many meds than be without it if I need it.

I know I sound over the top but being prepared is the best way to prevent accidents. I had a lot of anxiety before I went because my health stuff is unpredictable and this assured me that I’d have what I need just in case. Prepare a little kit for excursions with what you might need. Rest when you need to. Don’t hike in remote places. Get nonslip waterproof boots, the wet rocks are slippery. Hire a guide to explore glaciers. There are so many places to go that don’t involve intense physical activity.

The second time we went, we took into account any difficulties I’d had in the first trip and planned accordingly. No camper van that time, we stayed in a hotel in Reykjavik and did day trips for the first few days. After that rented a comfy 4WD and found AirBNB’s close to where we were. Don’t forget to get a data card for your phone so you’ll have internet access on the road.

The Secret Lagoon in Fludir was my favorite but any of them are great after a day of activity! Well, this was a novel lol. If you have any ?’s feel free to DM me. I hope this helped; I couldn’t really find any info on being there with disabilities before we went.

Have fun! You’ll love it.

You can also get one of these things do it doesn't fall over. I have one on mine and it works great.

This is the perfect peripheral for this game! Even has Vive written!

https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Silver-Handle-Victorian-Walking/dp/B00YSS83M2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=ball+top+cane&qid=1571684762&sr=8-3

- kinesio tape

-biofreeze balm

- my NOVA brand cane. They come in a ton of fun colors. I have the proud peacock one, but there are many styles to choose from. My favorite cane. https://smile.amazon.com/NOVA-Designer-Offset-Handle-Flowers/dp/B00SWX4BHU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1537596395&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=nova%2Bcane&th=1

I am a big believer in having equipment that is cute or cool or pretty looking so it matches your personality and you enjoy using it.

- Crazy Compression makes compression socks in fun prints. Also, they are the most comfortable compression socks I own.

- a memory foam mattress topper for my bed makes it at least a little more comfortable to sleep, though I still have a lot of trouble finding a way to sleep that doesn't hurt.

- a kitty litter scoop with an extendable handle so I can scoop the litter box without having to crouch! Total game changer.

- one of those grabber tools so I can pick up things like laundry without bending. should have bought one ages ago. It is making it a lot easier to pick up my room.

https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Eye-Tactical-Walking-Storage/dp/B0742L5F6Y?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_2 found this on Amazon

i recommend a cane with elbow support-that being said here is a link to a few cute ones!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0SN5EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ytCUCbTTEMYWB

Best Crutches Ever:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9OAW75/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UF-QCbSEMY7VV

>1. At least three times, someone kicked my cane. All of those three times resulted in me nearly falling.

This is shitty. This is assholes being assholes, it isn't right but it's to be expected when such large groups of people gather.  The best and worst of humanity.
 
>2. People stared. I mean, I had dramatic bi flag colored eyeshadow and a huge bi flag cape, so I’d love to imagine they were staring at THAT and not my cane, but, no.

People stare at me all the time and have for the last 3 decades. Yesterday there was a boy with a disability and he couldn't stop staring. Maybe because it's probably not every day he sees a grown up with a disability? He was rendered speechless when he saw me the first time and his head was on swivel. I am pretty sure he did a triple-take stopping and turning around absolutely bewildered. I kept smiling at him every time we passed because he would stare with this absolute look of awe and I hope I made his day.

Sometimes people stare at things they're not accustomed to seeing, myself included. Is it rude? Sometimes. You're at this HUGE event. A higher number of people are going to stare. Maybe it's not all rude. Maybe some are wishing they brought their disabled sister or they're lost in a memory of their disabled friend that died.

I once had a woman chew me out for staring at her disabled child. Sorry, but she only thought I was staring. The reality of it was they happened to be between me and where I was looking. I didn't even see them. They had no idea I was looking past them.

You can't assume you know anything about the intent of another person in a crowd, it makes you look super foolish when your wrong.

>3. Cane.People LOUDLY pointing it out. Stop.

As for your cane, is it awesome? Are you awesome? Take pride in yourself. You're out celebrating PRIDE. Don't let this stupid shit bother you.

>4. There’s almost no where to sit. Not great when you need to sit every 5 seconds.

This is where you need to be proactive and depend on yourself to take care of your needs. Bring a wheelchair. Bring a cane with a seat. Bring a rollator with a seat. Expect reasonable accommodations, you said yourself you need to sit every 5 seconds.

>5. The parade organizers didn’t announce at all when we’d all be moving. It “started” at 10:30 but we didn’t move until almost 1.

This is typical of these kind of events. Things happen. Have you googled to see if something beyond the parade organizer's control happened?

>6. The parade route is hilly and is full of shittily paved roads, bumps, cracks, loose rocks, etc. I struggled with my cane, i can’t imagine how someone in a chair would manage.

This is San Fransisco, California, USA. You should expect hills and shitty roads. I know I would probably not be able to do the whole parade. I would consider finding out if it were possible to do part.  Maybe this is why you didn't see more disabled people? Maybe they know something you don't and only do part of the parade. Reach out to the disabled community in SF, ask what you should know prior to participating!

>7. For a decent stretch of the route, every other block or so is filled in with these grate things (to let air in I guess?) the holes in the grates are big enough to fit my cane through it. These grates cover most of the area for that stretch besides a small patch. I’m short and the crowd was thick, so I couldn’t see when a grate area was coming up. So when I got to one, i had to frantically hobble across the swarm to get my strip of freedom.

Well, now you know and you can prepare better for the future. Bring a larger cane tip next time. Something like this?

>8. NAKED ASS MEN. Literally naked men walking around, penis out, in front ofKIDS. Children. I get dressing skimpy for a thing, that’s cool, but your gentitals shouldn’t be out in public in the first place and DEFINITELY shouldn’t be out in front of kids. It can and WAS a trigger for sex repulsed people and rape victims.

The parade provides a family friendly area...but this is San Fransisco isn't public nudity a thing there?

I've actually paused a moment and done some googling because I was super curious about this and turns out it is perfectly legal for this to happen. Know your local laws.


I don't know what to say but your entire post is seriously showing your inexperience. You are a kid and have a lot of living and learning to do. (The same as I did and a lot of other young people.)

Yes, it's super fucking shitty that people kicked your cane but like everything else? Let it go. Some things you are just plain ignorant about.

Also, be the change. Educate yourself in the real issues where you truly see short comings. Organize. Partner with the parade create where they lack, these parade organizers have some amazing accessibility options that I have never seen anywhere. Speak up and be heard. I would bet anything these people will listen if you appropriately share with them.

I had the same surgery 7 weeks ago as of tomorrow JackC88. My surgeon and nurses also estimated I'd be off crutches by about week 6. At week 3 though they allowed me weight bearing as tolerated (while using crutches) to start getting the motion and movement back while working with my PT. I was able to lose the crutches completely by week 5 with my PTs guidance. Listen to your doctors and also your body. I know it seems like forever but you'll be glad you did. Appreciate your body as it goes through the healing process. It's pretty amazing.

I'd also recommend investing into some cushion comfort for your crutches and this sweet bag to put your phone and other small items in so you can at least carry some stuff with you. https://www.amazon.com/Crutch-Bag-Vive-Accessory-Lightweight/dp/B01IBUD24G/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1498787782&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=crutches+accessories&psc=1

Good luck!! One day at a time.

Oh shit! Foldable cane! Foldable cane!

https://www.amazon.com/Folding-Adjustable-Retractable-Aluminum-Walking/dp/B01FHIZ8UQ

Other useful items :
Container to attach to crutches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006J7HJDE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Grips that stop your hands hurting on crutches https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G72P97S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I tore all four ligaments in my knee along with the meniscus. So I had to go to a specialist and is much, much worse than most.

With that in mind, I was off my knee for six weeks after surgery and only in the last two weeks have I started putting weight on it. I am wearing a brace all the time at home and work. When I'm around the house I don't use crutches and only use one when outside the house. I've started to sleep without a brace.

The doctor/physical therapist say that in another 4 weeks I should be able to walk without crutches and start using the brace less. Once they give me the go ahead I am going to start going to the gym and cycling/swimming to strength my leg.

Each morning and night I stretch my leg. I bend and straighten my knee 50 times. Next I bend the knee as far as I can and hold it for 30 seconds. I repeat that five times. Finally, I lay on my stomach and bend my behind me and hold it for 30 seconds. I use a strap to help pull the leg but you can use a towel or a belt. I repeat that 5 times.

I am not taking any medicine for pain normally. I will take two aleve or Tylenol if I over-work my knee. I ice my knee whenever it starts to hurt.

I know surgery isn't an option for you right now, but in the case that changes I have nothing but good to say about Texas Orthopedics. I'm doing physical therapy with them also.

I'm wearing this brace
https://www.amazon.com/DonJoy-Motion-Advance-Support-Standard/dp/B019KNV1VO/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1467838088&sr=8-14&keywords=don+joy+knee+brace

I'm using these crutches
https://www.amazon.com/DonJoy-Rebound-Ergonomic-Crutches-Height/dp/B017PAN7T8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467838158&sr=8-1&keywords=don+joy+crutches

https://www.amazon.com/Medline-Wheelchair-Desk-Length-Swing-Away-Antimicrobial/dp/B07G8PNH76/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=wheelchairs&qid=1563313437&s=gateway&sprefix=wheelch&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1


Here’s the chair I’m looking at,

And here’s the crutches!

https://www.amazon.com/Millennial-Medical-Motion-Forearm-Crutches/dp/B011NZH1QQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=forearm%2Bcrutches&qid=1563313586&s=gateway&sprefix=forearm%2B&sr=8-9&th=1&psc=1

If you do, please DM me, I’d love to help you in some way as return, or at least offer free drinks at my work!

That's my next purchase. I was looking at this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079G9VVS7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iZaNDbQJMMGTH

This is what I have.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BFGHGR1/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_hO3lDbQ0QQRDM

I had to cut the bottom tube off a bit to fit to my height. It was really easy to saw off with handheld hack saw. The rubber sole piece comes off and the bottom edge can be cut if your legs are on the short side and this cane is too long even at the shortest setting, hahah.

Fits in my 10 x 10 ish purse when folded.

​

Beyond standing, the stop/go and sudden movements on bus/subway isn't good... especially when crowded. What if someone falls and ends up using you to brace their fall?

You might be able to get one on Amazon, otherwise if you have a CVS nearby they have them! My CVS has cool designs on theirs but they aren't as sturdy.

This is the one I have. The four pronged base is what's gonna give you a lot of stability, especially in a crowd.