Zimmer Frame Alternative

mrcol1000

I have extreme fatigue in my legs and really bad balance problems. I can walk a few feet with the use of a stick but then I need something or someone to hold on to due to my lack of balance. I have tried two sticks but this does not provide me enough support. The council-NHS type person who has provided some aids to help me in the house has suggested using a zimmer frame. If I had something to put my full weight on then I could walk further (although to be honest not much further due to the fatigue in my legs).

I do not particularly want to use the zimmer frame they are offering as I am 35 not 95. They have told me this is the only one they provide and not really suggested an alternative. There is a lot of me as I am 18stone and 6ft 2" tall. Just wondered if anyone knew of an alternative. I am happy to pay for it myself but my budget is limited. I just want something that will allow me to lean my full weight on for walking but won't make me look 90. Its mostly for walking in and out of places like restaurants etc... Anywhere that I need to go round like the supermarket, I have to use a wheelchair for. I have had a look on Better Life and Care Co but they all seem aimed at the much older generation

Thanks in advance for anyone's ideas.

KxMx

The only thing I can think of is this

Aids are generally aimed at the older generation but many other ages use them quite respectably.

You may have to compromise your desire for something that doesn't make you look like you're 90 i'm afraid.

You can always paint/ use stickers to make it a bit more jazzy.

I'm 28 and have a rather nice purple floral walking stick lol.

owlet

I use crutches for fatigue, leg pain & poor balance. I got some lovely jazzy ones from switch sticks. They are expensive but worth every penny. Solidly built & people always ask about the crutches rather than my disability (which I like!!).

I tried sticks but they were no good at all. The crutches give good stability (for me).

kpwll

Maybe a pair of crutches? I find these acceptable when I need to stop and rest (a lot). There are ones that you can rest the whole forearm on whilst walking or resting. These could be jazzed up too. Good luck with your search.


Posted at the same time as owlet.

Cyclamen

I am a similar age and use two sticks with ergonomic handles, or wheelchairs.

I have a trolley in the house..one of those beige monstrosities with the beige shelves..my cousin sprayed it blue for me.

I am currently investigating a wheeled walker.. the 4 wheel are meant to be more stable but i thnk a 3 wheel would be easier to steer.. some of them have seats and bags..you could always change the fabric to make it suit your style... my wheelchair is currently a blue fabric with coloured polka dots.

I hope you find something soon.. i'd think the wheeled walkers look nicer then silver nhs zimmers..but most important to be safe and able to get out than what it looks like..althougha compromise is always good.

If you have a centre for independent living near you they often have OT's who will talk through options at no charge and help you choose..the CIL here have been brilliant at sending me catalogues that the OT has stuck post it notes in and highlighted or crossed out products. So might be worth a try.

mum2one

I use crutches for mobility, support etc - I have had my daughter jazz mine up x

BlueEyedGirl

I would suggest this as well:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lightweight-Aluminium-Folding-Rollator-Basket/dp/B003UEDQJK

I met someone via a friend who was in her late 20's and she used one. This enables her to get about but rest when she needs to.

LittleBeastie89

Elbow crutches are designed more for weight bearing than walking sticks. Also crutches are more suitable for use whilst out and about whereas a zimmer frame tends to be more for indoors. The alternative might be an outdoor walking aid, either a 3 or a 4 wheeled walker - which you may have to purchase privately depending on where you live. It'd be worth doing a bit of research and trialling one before you buy and see if either would be suitable for you needs. You should really speak to a physiotherapist regarding mobility and walking aids though, as they would likely give the best advice for you.

lemontart

I got given one the rollater baskets 2 /12 years ago . I hated using it as felt it was an admission of weakness at then 51 , but it is a godsend as means I always have a seat when needed and support as well as some where to carry stuff. I know it is not easy accepting that we need aids, I now use stick, chair lift and rollater in house on bad days, and wheelchair.scooter when out and involves more than a few minutes walking. But have days when the only mobilty I manage is to roll over in bed, such as today. Yes it is stressful, depressing and more but these aids do allow more participation in life and ease some of the pressures on the body.

Saying that I am still having issues with having to need let alone use a stair lift

Prinzessilein

I use a stick for balance and a 3-wheel-walker/trolley when going a longer distance or shopping.


I was about 50 when I started using them - and it hit hard. I really felt it was an admission of frailty......In all honesty, 5 years or so later, I wouldn't be without them!


I would recommend going to a disability aid shop for them....first they will help you decide whether you can have a VAT deduction, but more importantly they will help you ensure you have the right height/size. ...walking with a stick which is even an inch too high or too low can cause real pain! (I know, I once 'borrowed' Mum's stick...not something I will do again in a hurry!)

mrcol1000

Sorry I should have said I use a crutch now. Thats what I meant when I said stick. It is bright blue. It obviously came in a pair but I feel very unstable when using two.

I like the idea of using a walker. Does anyone know if they are okay for tall people? I am just over 6ft tall. Just googled a few and they do some that look a bit better and modern than a zimmer frame. I use grab bars inside the house to get round, so it would only be for outside. Well mostly going and out of places like cafes etc... so I do not have to use my wheelchair all the time.

Thanks for everyones opinions