ok,, had foot surgery,,, am on crutches for 6 weeks,, foot cant even touch the ground for that time. Getting around isnt too bad,, but getting things done is a real pain,, like carrying eggs the other day,, had a big fluffy jackets on,, deep pockets,, pulled 3 eggs,, by the time I got inside,, had 1 and 2 scrambled. And hauling firewood is impossible,, can throw a couple sticks at a time, but thats such a pain to get a nights wood inside,, Im using a backpack for the mail,, going to try it for eggs soon,, does anyone have any tips or tricks that I could try. I bought an office desk chair to get around the house with,,,, cheaper than a wheelchair, and easier also. :D

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 05, 2001

Answers

Can you rent a wheelchair? I have seen where they have fabric pockets that attach to the sides of the chair.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), November 05, 2001.

Oy vey,Stan! I've been handicapped all my life, but it isn't until the last 10 years that it is catching up with me. The frustration level is very high sometimes. Are there steps you have to get up to get the wood inside? If so, can you get the wood to the base of the steps and sit on the steps and use your hands to put them on a sled or small wagon to somehow push/pull the wood inside? The eggs will have to be put in something solid and cushioned. Now, don't laugh...can you somehow carry that with your teeth? The backpack will work, but the eggs have to be protected. The desk chair is a great idea! I use mine when I vacuum sometimes. A high stool is invaluable in the kitchen and bathroom. If I think of any more I'll post again!

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), November 05, 2001.

Hi Stan,Sound like you need a walker with a basket on the front. The hard part is doing everything slow. You can rent them,some places have to borrow for free. I got mine at St. Vincent's. Hope the foot heals Quickly.

-- Jo (farmerjo@kvalley.com), November 05, 2001.

Sorry to hear about your foot problems stan. My neighbor had a couple of canvas bags with long straps and pockets that he attached to each crutch. How about making yourself a little harness and pulling a wagon for your firewood? Send photos..... ;>)

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), November 05, 2001.

Stan, sorry to hear about your surgery. I know how frustrating it can me. I have RA and my daughter has had 4 different surgeries that comfined her to a wheelchair for weeks. Crutches for months. She found that she walked better with Fore-arm crutches. They did not require the balance that crutches need. She could also use her hands a little more with them as she did not have to put them down to use her hands. They actually hang from your forearms when you need your hands.

The walker is a good idea if you can still keep your foot off the ground. As for the eggs, could you use a small basket lined with a towel. Then you could bury the eggs in the towel so they would not bump each other or fall out. The basket would protect them from being squished. It would have to be small in order to carry it with the crutches though. Perhaps a cloth bag padded with towels would work.

The desk chair for indoor use is a good idea. Be sure though, to check with your insurance company. They may pay for a wheelchair rental.

I wish I had greater ideas for you. I have been coming up with inventive ideas for our house for years.

-- Chris in PA (CLMngs@aol.com), November 05, 2001.

For the eggs: why not tie a bucket onto one of your crutches and place a small towel in it for cushioning?

For firewood: you can buy a 'thingy' for carrying logs. It's a long piece of hard but flexible plastic with a carrying handle on the end. You wrap it around the wood like you would a rope, attach the two ends which are adjustable, and it locks the load together. Then you could tie the handle to your crutch. Buy two and you'll be better balanced. In Canada Home Hardware and Canadian Tire carries them.

-- Russ (rwhitworth@sprint.ca), November 05, 2001.

You could try a small backpack worn back-to-front. A lot of backpackers took to doing this when thieves started slashing their backpacks and robbing where they were always out of sight. Alternatively just a small sack or basket hung by a cord around your neck.

The wagon is not a bad idea, but instead of having it always nipping at your heels and unbalacing you how about putting it on say a twenty- yard lead-rope? Go until the rope's tight, then pull it up to you, then go until the rope's tight ....

-- Don Armstrong (darmst@yahoo.com.au), November 05, 2001.

wheelchair isnt an option,, and the walker wont work,,I need to keep the foot off the ground at all times,, thinking about the sled idea,, but the eggs,,, cant carry anything with my hands without it getting in the way,,,,,,, just may have to apply some yankee ingenuity

-- stan (sopal@net-port.com), November 05, 2001.

Remember Stan, where there is a will, there is a way! It's been my motto for 55 years!

-- Ardie (ardie54965@hotmail.com), November 05, 2001.

Stan, I hope you're feeling better very soon - I was confined to a wheelchair once for 3 weeks and it about drove me batty!

-- Cheryl in Ks (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), November 05, 2001.

Why not put the eggs in an egg carton, then in the back pack?

-- grant (organicgrange@yahoo.com), November 05, 2001.

Hi Stan if you have a VFW or American Legion in your area you can borrow rent free eny thing to help you. could probley get some help with stuff you cant do. like carring wood and other chores. best regards. Bob se,ks.

-- Bobco (bobco@kans.com), November 05, 2001.

So sorry for your worries. I'm disabled, too. I know it can be a challange at times--most times. I'd say, use your neck and a bag if your neck is in good shape--only if, and that is for the light stuff. If you need a bag, email me and I'll mail you a sturdy cloth one. You could, if they are your crutches, put hooks on them and bungy bags around them. Or bungy the wood and drag it. That's if you have bungys. I can't mail you those because my car is going in the shop and I'll be home bound. Any flat cloth like an old sheet or cardboard box would work too, if you tie it around your waist and pull your wood that way.

Good luck! I'll say some prayers for you.

-- Diane from MO (walte@getgoin.net), November 05, 2001.

ok this is far out but......got a dog? how about a sled or backpacks for it? when we hike the dogs wear backpacks and it works well. Also how about a neighbor kid who could help once a day for and hour,have them collect the eggs and haul firewood for you,maybe trade something. I sure hope you feel better soon. Ok after thought how far is your house from the hens? could you rig up a over head line {cloths line} and attach a basket to it and pull the basket on it? or pullys?

-- renee oneill{md.} (oneillsr@home.com), November 06, 2001.

I have been on crutches for up to 6 months at a time. You have to be careful attaching anything to crutches, it will cause you to get overbalanced.

-- ruby (mcfays451@aol.com), November 08, 2001.

Hey Stan. Trust me I know it's difficult! Im 14 and last june i was in a car accident that paralyzed my legs. Although I have my bad days just like everyone, my friend jenna (legless chick....great girl tho) always reminds me about the folks who are using the same kind of crutches and wheelchairs as I am, and it makes me realize I have been able to accomplish soooo much over these months, as to some of you, that are still trying to change your ways of living. Well, good luck! Its not always easy, but theres away for everything. (Found this out after getting tired of people dressing me every morning! :( lol)

-- Melanie (gummybear4ever@yahoo.com), November 29, 2001.