Tips for managing foot in plaster?

celticmoneysaver

Hi
Anyone who uses crutches regularly or had a leg in plaster do you have any advice or tips please however basic..
I'm a stroke head injury survivor so managing crutches is going to be tough for me.. is already tough :rolleyes: as I'm not that strong and still have marked left sided weakness..and it is left foot being plastered..so probably better that than my stronger side;)

Any basic tips on managing getting drinks ..or straight forward every day tasks would be greatly appreciated ..the only info I have received so far is a leaflet for special 'bag' toput over leg to use in shower/bath

Thanks :beer:

Careful_with_that_Axe

When I had an injury that forced me to use crutches which were difficult to manage at the time due to other health problems, I got in touch with the local Red Cross branch.
They hire out/lend things like wheelchairs and trolleys on wheels so you can put a meal/drink etc on the trolley and move it into another room.
They were absolutely brilliant help and had all manner of aids available.

Have you considered asking for elbow crutches that would give you a little more stability and not require you to take your weight on your hands?

I hope you heal quickly and good luck!

cathij0269

Hia, I'm not sure if my tips will be any help, and they are a bit obvious but just in case here goes.
My friend has a muscle disorder and often has her leg in plaster so she has to think up ways of doing basic things.
Have a thermos flask handy by your kettle that way you can make tea/coffee and screw the lid on tight to transport your drink to your chair via....

a long handled bag which you hang around your neck or diagonally across your front - this can be used instead of hands to transport things around the house and keep things like the phone in (so you don't have to rush to answer it when it rings)

Also consider putting your kettle and drinks making things on a small table next to the sofa so you don't have to carry hot drinks around.

Try and have a stool in the kitchen so you can sit to cook/wash up etc.

If you are going out try to take a rucksack (2 handled one) to put your purse and any light shopping in to carry home (trying to negotiate shopping bags with crutches is difficult, they swing on the handles and can affect balance).

Check your house for rugs etc - very dangerous with crutches.

A cheap walkie talkie is also useful if you want to communicate with others in the house (without making youself hoarse).

I know it can be a bit more expensive but make the most of home delivery for shopping where possible.

When my son broke his leg they told him to avoid baths and showers altogether and body wash instead - if you have a bath or a shower over the bath I would recommend not trying to get in/out of one unaided, particularly with any muscle weakness - put a plastic stool (not metal or anything which would damage the bath) in the bath on top of a well secured rubber bath mat so that you can sit with your plaster hanging out of the bath comfortably (who needs dignity anyway! LOL) A walk in shower is easier but put plenty of towels down as you will need to keep your leg out of the shower even with one of the special bags things on - we asked a doctor about these in the hospital and he suggested using an ordinary black bag (without airholes) with an elastic band at the top of the plaster to protect it, however dry the top of the bag before you remove it to make sure you don't allow water to go down into the plaster

Most importantly of all take advantage of all offers of help, and take it slowly. you sound like such a positive person, I love the fact you are a "survivor" not a "victim" - stay positive and good luck
:beer:

celticmoneysaver

Thank you for that Careful with that Axe I had them at back of my mind they were great when I came out of hospital a couple of years ago but I didn't know about equipment;) I will follow that up :beer:
I'm not expecting any miracles from local SS even though in Sheltered Housing:rolleyes:

celticmoneysaver

Thanks cathij0269 the basics are just what I needed
I get the picture with the shower situation:rolleyes: water water everywhere..
I had a breast op last year so I still have a jug from that..
I also have a shower curtain but it is not up yet

I promise not to post a photo:rotfl:
I have plans to treat myself to a curry delivery tomorrow I think ..something not done before but feel I might deserve it tomorrow:-)
Very very luckily I finally got awarded some DLA just before Xmas, first since 1990 I think it will be very useful in next weeks..and means I can shop online for food ..

I will now search for some flasks online Woolies where are you when I need you

Any hints for getting stuff on washing line..or will my balance improve..

I will just have to remember this will have a fixed duration not like fight back from stroke which is still ongoing....
Having the internet will be a boon I think
Thanks also folks for your good wishes.xx

Careful_with_that_Axe

Please be very careful if you are trying to hang up washing - apart from the risk of losing your balance and falling, it would be too easy to put weight on the foot in plaster. Is there someone who could hang it for you?
I have one of those grabbers with long handles, although not for hanging washing, you could maybe try one of those and resign yourself to just plonking washing rather than hanging neatly.
Do get in touch with SS even if you don't hold out much hope. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.