I'm thinking of getting this (renting it, actually - it's SO expensive!) for my next foot, since my current bad foot might not be able to step up and be the good foot in time - at least not full-time (with hopping). I know some of you have used this - what are your thoughts? Is it awkward at all? Can you adjust it so your knees are at the same height?

I was also thinking of getting the "oneCrutch". Has anyone else seen this? You just use this one crutch that has a knee rest on it, and you basically "walk" with your knee on the rest, taking the weight. Search for it to see what I'm talking about.

I'll be able to use my normal crutches for my NWB period, but I might not have the full strength I need my good foot to have, and I want to get out of the house more than I did with my other foot.

Let me know what you all think - thanks!

My doctor suggested the "roll-about" before I had my surgery and I didn't think I needed it. However, two days after my surgery and a husband that wasn't willing to help out, I realized quickly that I DID need it. What it provides is this:

I am able to roll into the kitchen and actually cook and do dishes. I'm able to roll into the laundry room and put clothes in the washer and dryer. And I'm able to use it to rest on when blow drying my hair and putting on make-up. In that sense it is a God-send.

The downside: It is expensive - $150/month rental fee. And the wheels don't turn, do you have to manually shift it around to turn. It can be awkward and exhausting as well. But....it is serving a needed purpose for me! I only use it around the house--I use my crutches outside of the home.

I have seen and read about the "one crutch" but not tried it. I do believe it takes a while to learn to use it and a good sense of balance. I don't know that I would trust not having something to catch me if I was falling! But it must work, if it's being sold!

That is my two cents worth! Now - after 4 weeks of being NWB and totally exhausted from getting around on crutches, I go in on Monday for an x-ray to see if I can be partially weight bearing. Oh I hope, I hope, I hope....

thanks for the info - good luck on Monday!

Joll43--I've used the roll-a-bout for both of my surgeries this year and I love it. It allows me one free hand so I can carry food, drinks, laundry, etc. Since the surgery leg is resting I can stand at the sink and do dishes just as Nwill says. To turn you have to lift the handle on the front and pivot off the back wheels. It takes no time at all to get proficient. I bought mine on ebay for about 25% less than they sell for on the company's web site. Since I was going to be using it a lot, it was cheaper to buy. When's you next surgery?

Linda

I still think we could come up with a roll-about that has turning wheels!! Perhaps the inventors felt it would be too dangerous!! :p

hmmmmm...my next surgery is May 20...

Joll43--Until I'm x-rayed on May 3, I don't know how long I'll need the roll-a-bout . They may need to recast me for two more weeks after 5/3 depending on the bone growth and then I will probably need to wean off it for a while. Maybe we can work something out for loaning it to you at least some of the time. I don't know where you live--I'm in N. CA.

They do sell used ones on ebay too.

Your question:
"I was also thinking of getting the "oneCrutch". Has anyone else seen this? You just use this one crutch that has a knee rest on it, and you basically "walk" with your knee on the rest, taking the weight. Search for it to see what I'm talking about."

After my bunion surgery, which required that I not put weight on my foot for 8-10 weeks, I used several devices. I was very pleased with this combination.

I used:
1) a rolling walker with seat (to rest knee on), which I kept upstairs. (It was lent to me.)
2) a secretarial chair, which I kept downstairs (I already had this.)
3) a four-pronged cane for when I hopped (It was lent to me.)
4) the IWALKFREE, a hands-free crutch for standing or walking for an extended time, e.g., grocery store, mall, cooking, etc. (I used the cane with it at first until I became proficient or when I was going to walk over rough terrain.)

The IWALKFREE device is like a peg leg. I found it on the internet and purchased it myself. Insurance did not cover it, but since I needed it for 8-10 weeks per leg, I considered it worth it. Cost: $340. I recommend this device to those who are athletic, physically fit, and have a good sense of balance. Many people have approached me while I was wearing the device to ask questions about it. It’s fun! (Well, at least for me.)

The IWALKFREE device is a more extreme version of the "oneCrutch" that you mention, but the concept is similar. It straps on my leg in 3 places, and I place my knee on a knee rest. It leaves both of my hands free.

It proved to be so useful that I took a walk each morning using it, and I wore it recently to the Tour de Georgia cycling race. With the device, I was able to walk through the Atlanta airport unassisted pushing a luggage cart. I attended three stages of the race, standing for 1.5 - 2 hours at a time. I also walked about 1.5 miles to our car. My knee was a bit sore after all that, but I got to see Lance Armstrong several times up close, so it was worth it!

Thanks - I know about the IWALKFree - it's the Mack-Daddy of them all, but unfortunately I can't afford it.

I used a combo of my crutches and an office chair around the house, and definitely want to be upright more of the time (as long as my foot can handle the throb of non-elevation), but this time around, my good foot will be the one that's still recovering; makes it completely different. Though I know that once the right one gets done, the left one will instinctively step up to the plate, I can't hop on it yet.

The OneCrutch and IWALKFree are most likely best if your good foot is 100%, I would think, but who knows?

Thanks!

There is an improved Rollabout type product. It is called a Rolleraid and the front wheels turn.

The Rolleraid is the winner, hands down! Thanks so much!

Hey Lisa,

I;ve been away from my computer for a few days, How's it going??? Nothing much new here to report. Foot is about the same. Im amazed how stiff my big toe is though but not too concerned about it. My scar looks awful though, its purple and raised. I keep a bandaid on it most the time. I am terrible at remembering to put my scar cream on.

Im not having any trouble finding shoes. I mainly wear Teva flip flops which are super comfy or my merrils. I love the crocs too. I need some new tennis shoes for when I exercise so I plan on going to this tennis shoe store that really spend alot of time with you and get you just the right shoe for your foot. They are a bit pricier but worth it. SO what is new with you???
Sharon

Oh - the Crocs! I wanted them so badly - can't believe they're under $30 - but I'm BETWEEN sizes! They make a 6-7 and an 8-9. If only they made a
7-8, I'd be in them right now. Of course now, my left foot is smaller than my right, so after I get my right foot done they'll probably fit, but that strap kinda pushes your foot forward into the shoe anyway. I really wanted them....

So I went to the doc yesterday, and my right foot is just as bad as my left was, so we're in for the base wedge osteotomy like before - I'm so not looking forward to this! He's also unhappy with the amount of swelling I still have (a lot) and the range of motion in my toe (not a lot), so hw wants my PT to call him today - should be interesting. That of course got me pretty down yesterday - my toe hurts at the end of the day and is swollen pretty much all day. I thought by now things would be much better.

Okay - gotta run!

Hi everyone!

I am almost 5 weeks post op now, and moving (hobbling) about much more! My foot is not in any pain, although - like Joll43, it is still very swollen (red & purple)! I would say it is tender, and I still can't think about trying to slip it into a shoe! :eek: I go again for my 6 week post-op appoint on Tuesday, and then.. the following week... foot #2! :eek:

I am wiggling my big toe, and it wiggles okay. The doctor gave me instructions to wiggle only - not bend, so that's what I do. I had my 2nd toe done as well, but told not to touch that one. It is sticking up a bit in the air, which has me concerned, but he says it looks good.

How long do we all go for follow-up exams? I was thinking it was like a 6 week thing (like having a baby!) but it sounds like post op visits go for an extended amount of time!?

Well.. just popping in to say hello, reading the board everyday, but haven't posted much.

follow up exams for me were 3 wks, 6 wks, 12 wks, then one last one about 16weeks. Glad you are doing well. Good for you!!!! What did you have done to second toe?? Yeah, the swelling will be around a while.
Sharon

Hi Sharon, I had a 2nd toe metarasal ostectomy with 1 pin. The removed a small section of bone to shorten the 2nd toe metarasal in order to relieve the pain in the ball of my foot under the second meterasal head. This long bone was too long and taking most of my weight instead of the first toe doing the job, causing a hard painful stone like callus on the ball of my foot. Exact same procedure will be done on my left foot next! :eek:

Good Lord!!!!!!!!! I just am so amazed on these boards with now many foot ailments there are. Our feet, I am beginning to beleive, are our greatest assests and we really should be very good to them huh?!

Thanks for clarifying. Good luck!

Lisa,
I know what you mean. Mine don't feet super perfect because I am a bit in between their sizes as well. I have a big foot. I wear a 9 1/2 and before surgery a 10 but the 8-9 are snug so i got 10-11 which kind of swim on me but still cozy and oh so cute.

I am sorry to hear you will not get a break with the other foor. I so hoped your right foot wouldn't be as bad for you. Hey, you know what to expect and will have new gadgets this go around, so that should help a bit. Plus, I think it will make a difference that the weather is pleasant.

Scott and I leave for Miami next Wednesday for a much needed getaway. The weather is to be perfect teh whole time we are there. I cannot wait to sit poolside with fruity drinks, rag mags, and trashy novels LOL!!!