Crutch

[jennyjoan]

My neighbour lent me her crutch but as usual have not been using it much.

However just out of my acupuncturist and she said if I could walk a little bit more with the aid of a crutch I could find some improvement.

My neighbour won't be in any hurry to get this back but you never know - she is 83.

I am looking to buy my own and just wondered are there any "good" ones out there.

Thanks for any help.

[Redhelen72]

Is this still the knee problem that has not yet been properly diagnosed?
If it is before using something that could damage your body if used incorrectly I would insist on a 1-1 drs appointment.
Otherwise try a walking stick

[MargoTester]

If you have a Disability Resource Centre near you they could help. As stated you should really see you doctor first. Mean while try walking with neighbour's crutch to see if it helps, she will ask for it back if she needs it

[jennyjoan]

I am waiting on a face to face - next week perhaps I may be lucky after 3 attempts.

First attempt - receptionist didn't tell me a certain doctor with whom I had the talk -talk to was on holiday.

Of course another "kind" receptionist told me on Wednesday - he was on holiday - then I said could I get any doctor please.

No they're all on holiday that would be 4 of them. I said - who do you have then - said "2 locums and you need to talk to them". I said I had already the talk.

I gave up. I'll try on Monday again - like you do have ring for 50 minutes.

[jennyjoan]

oh Margo - there's no problem with the neighbour's crutch but I am too independent and want to be able to give it back to asap.

[MargoTester]

https://www.healthcarepro.co.uk/mobility-aids/walking-aids/walking-sticks-crutches/walking-stick-adjustable-height?sku=H87115&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI28XN5tTB-QIVQertCh0rxgG8EAQYECABEgJuKPD_BwE
This is the stick I use, it's fully adjustable which is important as the should be the correct height for posture. I have arthritis in both knees and hip

[barry1010]

Wouldn't a walking stick be better than one crutch?

[MissTerious]

You need professional advice before getting any walking aid. Individual needs differ. See a physio or occupational therapist through you doctor to make sure you get the right assistance. And even walking sticks need to be the right ones for you.

Crutches can make things worse or even dangerous if you don't use them correctly or get the right type.

[Buenchico]

I'm certainly no expert here but, having looked at various sites and reviews, my own instinct (if I was in your position) would be to give one of these a try. Most people seem to like them, they're reasonably priced and they come in four different colours too!
Amazon.com User Recommendation?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

[sadielady]

You said you have private insurance with Benenden, have you rung them yet to enquire if you need to see GP first, maybe under your insurance you will be able to see a private GP then a surgeon if deemed necessary. You have paid for it a long time so anything is worth a shot

[naomi24]

The Red Cross loan disability aids out. If you only want it temporarily it might be worth contacting them.

[barry1010]

I agree with Sadie, JJ. I can’t understand your reluctance to contact your private health insurer. What’s the point of you paying if you don’t claim when you have very good reason to?

[Redhelen72]

Bennedon relies on the patient seeing the GP first, whilst private it’s not full private if that makes sense.
They don’t do the full range of procedures and will only see you once diagnosed by your GP or specialist.
For example when I had my hernia I had to approach my GP to get a referral to see a consultant ,the company firstly approached my GP to confirm that he had diagnosed a hernia before referring me to the Consultant.

[Redhelen72]

Sorry pressed to soon.
My understanding is that JJ hasn’t even seen a dr yet but has only been told by a receptionist that she needs a double knee operation, the locum GP gave her pain meds without a face to face

[elliemay1]

Hopefully you'll get to see a doctor on Monday, jenny. Let us know how you get on

[elliemay1]

Did you manage to see a doctor today, Jenny?

[jennyjoan]

hi Ellie - thanks for asking - I have managed to get one for Wednesday.

[elliemay1]

That's great news, Jenny

[jennyjoan]

not much to say but I know some people are waiting to hear with much bated anticipation.

got to face to face and I am going for an x-ray when hospital send for me

[jennyjoan]

I thought a certain body with initials RH would have been interested in what happened today. But hey ho.

[anneasquith]

X ray soon hopefully jj .