Suggestions and advice ref a rollator

[Lvteks]

I am now dealing with ongoing back/pain problems. I can walk for about 15-20 minutes. If I sit down the pain eases and I can go for a while longer. I found out that holding something like a shopping cart flexes the spine and increases mobility. I don't know what works best for cruising (and my local grocer might miss one of theirs) :) so a rollator seems to be a posibility or ??? I imagine there are features that work better on some than others. Any information greatly appreciated. We sail Dec. 4th.

 

Blessings and thanks,

 

Gail

[Peery5]

Lvteks:

 

I used to have the same problem. Found out it was spinal stenosis. Three surgeries later (laminenctomy, X-Stop implant, Lumbar spinal fusion) it is some better. A rollator might be just what you need. They have a seat where you can rest when you need to. However, the ships are quite large from end to end which, even with a rollator, can be very tiring.

 

I also have muscular dystrophy and a failed knee replacement and always rent a mobility scooter for cruises so I don't have to bring mine from home. Using a scooter requires booking a handicap accessible stateroom but it is well worth it. You might consider this even though your cruise is a little over a month away.

[xxoocruiser]

I am now dealing with ongoing back/pain problems. I can walk for about 15-20 minutes. If I sit down the pain eases and I can go for a while longer. I found out that holding something like a shopping cart flexes the spine and increases mobility. I don't know what works best for cruising (and my local grocer might miss one of theirs) :) so a rollator seems to be a posibility or ??? I imagine there are features that work better on some than others. Any information greatly appreciated. We sail Dec. 4th.

 

Blessings and thanks,

 

Gail

 

There are several styles of Rollators, each designed for specific reasons. Also it needs to be properly fitted to ones weight and height. Unfortunately too many people just go out and purchase something that they saw in a local store or a friend suggested. A rollator is still considered a medical device. It is recommended that you contact your doctor and get a RX to have a gait accessment done by a licensed Physical Therapist so that the correct rollator can be determines to meet your physical needs. Purchasing the wrong type and not fitting it properly can actually do more harm than good.

 

With that said I do use a rollator. At home I'm able to use a 3 wheel rollator. However traveling I use a 4 wheel rollator with a seat so that I can carry my suit case on the seat ( travel alone ) and also have a seat available when on excursions. It's not the one most commonly seen and sold in major chains that the seat does not fold up. It's one that's been recommended by a Physical Therapist to work better with my walker needs. The seat folds up providing better leg clearance when walking , seat folds down when need, locking brakers and minimizes "Hunched Over Walking" . Mine also has 8" wheels rather than 5" that can handle change in terrain better . http://www.invacare.com/product_files/65100_400_A.jpg

[katisdale]

I agree that an assessment by a physical therapist is the best money you can spend if you need mobility assistance. I also have a three wheel (no seat) and a four wheel (has a seat) walker. I am quite tall and I would have definitely chosen the wrong walker if I had not had the assessment. Also when I needed to "graduate" to a wheelchair I would have purchased an electric wheelchair when what I needed was a scooter with an hydraulic seat so I could stand and sit easier. Every piece of equipment is not for every person. The therapist saved me the cost of equipment that would not have worked for me.

[Cruisebylandorsea]

Thank you xxoocruiser for your information on the rollator. My neighbor got one without being fitted and I see how that could be an issue.

[jackretired]

If you want to gp everywhere & first class, look at the Trionic Sport Walkers Rollators.

[Lvteks]

You have no idea how touched I am by all of you replying so soon with such comprehensive information. I finally have a name for all the pain and such, Intermittent Claudication. It’s due to Spinal Stenosis and Scoliosis which I knew I had. Just stumbled on the whole picture recently. Have to start with MRI and probably Neuro exam to get a medical idea of the next step. Meanwhile I’m going cruising! After I check out the sites and find a “fit.” I do have a good P.T. (who actually suggested a neuro problem.) Now an MRI and go from there.

 

I just happened upon this board and decided to post. I should not have been surprised by your willingness to help me. When I had chemo, angels came out of “the woodwork.” Do you hear those wings? I do. Will post follow up.

 

It is good world : )

 

Blessings,

Gail

[Peery5]

I finally have a name for all the pain and such, Intermittent Claudication.

Have to start with MRI and probably Neuro exam to get a medical idea of the next step.

 

 

Gail:

 

I am glad that you have found out your problem. I suffered with mine until I found a physician, who wasn't cut happy, and actually tried alternative measures before surgery was the last option. Don't know what part of the Old Dominion you live but I can recommend a great orthopedic surgeon who only specializes in spinal care/surgery if you need one.

 

Good Luck and Great Cruising

[Cruisebylandorsea]

Trionic Sport Walkers Rollators. ? checked your link. Can one use it as a seat?

 

 

Gail--Good Luck please update us. Your symptoms sound like some a friend has.

[jackretired]

Trionic Sport Walkers Rollators. ? checked your link. Can one use it as a seat?

 

 

Gail--Good Luck please update us. Your symptoms sound like some a friend has.

 

Specifications:

• Length: 102 cm / 40"
  
• Width: 76 cm / 30"
  
• Height: 76 – 94 cm / 30 - 37"
  
• Weight: 11,8 kg / 26 lbs
  
• Seat height: 62 cm / 24.4"
  
• Wheel size: 31 cm / 12.2"
  
• Max user weight: 150 kg / 330 LBS
  

.

[Lvteks]

Hi All,

 

Just had a MRI to check out severity of back problem. (NC). My Rheumatologist ordered it. Options may be steroids, some specialized P.T. and/or a consult with Neuro/Orthopedic specialist. When I face South, my knee veers toward the West. Possibility is that a knee replacement may adjust the torsion enough to improve the general condition. So many other appts plus the cruise ( yippee! ) all in a row, I may not get to the consult until late Dec or Jan.

Hopefully I can schedule early and not have to wait even longer.

 

I am still checking out Rollators. Just found out Medicare helps if it is prescribed.

 

NOTE TO PEERY: I'm in Winchester VA which is about 75 mi West of D.C. in the NW corner of VA. Please send your recommendation to gfslmsatyahoodotcom.

 

Thanks again for helping.

 

Blessings,

Gail

[xxoocruiser]

Hi All,

 

Just had a MRI to check out severity of back problem. (NC). My Rheumatologist ordered it. Options may be steroids, some specialized P.T. and/or a consult with Neuro/Orthopedic specialist. When I face South, my knee veers toward the West. Possibility is that a knee replacement may adjust the torsion enough to improve the general condition. So many other appts plus the cruise ( yippee! ) all in a row, I may not get to the consult until late Dec or Jan.

Hopefully I can schedule early and not have to wait even longer.

 

I am still checking out Rollators. Just found out Medicare helps if it is prescribed.

 

NOTE TO PEERY: I'm in Winchester VA which is about 75 mi West of D.C. in the NW corner of VA. Please send your recommendation to gfslmsatyahoodotcom.

 

Thanks again for helping.

 

Blessings,

Gail

 

Though Medicare will assist with the cost of the rollator if RX'd, you need to be aware of the fact that Medicare also has a 5 year rule regarding durable medical equipment. Which means that it you process the rollator through to Medicare and your condition progresses needing a wheelchair, medicare usually won't cover the expense of a wheelchair if 5 years has not lapsed since they paid for the rollator. Not telling you what to do but it might be more prudent to pay for it yourself and save your claim for when/if you need a wheelchair which is definitely the more costly. Since you will have a RX for the rollator, you than can apply the cost of the Rollator ( if paid out of pocket ) to qualifying for the medical deduction on you federal income taxes.

[Lvteks]

XXOOCRUISER

 

Thanks so much for the valuable information. Its not found in the books spelled out so clearly. I hadn't thought about future needs. I'm just so happy we are past the shotgun stage into the rifle scope. Naming it seems to reduce it to a manageable problem.

 

Blessings,

Gail

 

Less than two weeks before Mariner sails!!!

[Going Coastal]

While you may well need to buy a particular rollator as directed by your doctor, in the meantime you can see a huge variety on line and explore their differences at alltimemedical.com.

Best wishes and enjoy cruising,

GC

[Lvteks]

Well, I just reread my comments about options etc. My Doctor called last night. She said "forget about shots etc, you need a neeuro/ortho consult. Tell me who you want by tomorrow night" She is an incredible practitioner; after nearly 18 years, she is also a friend.

We have always cooperated on treatment.

 

I picked up a copy of the MRI and spent the day "translating" it. My spine is shot and the nerves are impinged in many areas. The cement injected in my vertebrae leaked out through a fissure. Well I am set to make appt calls tomorrow. One here, another in Reston, VA.

 

One thing for sure unless it is a necessity, I am taking the Dec. cruise. I want to rent a rollator for the trip, then see what I will need for long term use. I doubt I'll even get an appt. until mid or late Dec.

 

Peery, if you see this, please tell me about your recommendation. gfslmsatyahoodotcom.

 

If anyone can add to my education, I will be grateful.

 

Blessings,

 

Gail

[jackretired]

How tall are you? etc. Size does make a difference.

[Lvteks]

Well, Jack retired,

I used to be 5' 6 1/2" Now I have to srretch to 5' 4" Not fun at all.

Blessings,

Gail

[Lvteks]

My initial spinal consult is Monday. I don't know what that outcome will be. I will definitely sail on Dec. 4th. so priced renting a Rollator, it was over $125.00. Today Walgreens has the Medline Ultra Light on sale for $80.00. There is one in stock at a nearby store. I could even pick it up now.

 

So would you consider this a convenient, if temporaty, solution that may well work until I know what I may really need?

 

I'm grateful for all your input.

 

Blessings.

Gail

[xxoocruiser]

My initial spinal consult is Monday. I don't know what that outcome will be. I will definitely sail on Dec. 4th. so priced renting a Rollator, it was over $125.00. Today Walgreens has the Medline Ultra Light on sale for $80.00. There is one in stock at a nearby store. I could even pick it up now.

 

So would you consider this a convenient, if temporaty, solution that may well work until I know what I may really need?

 

I'm grateful for all your input.

 

Blessings.

Gail

 

For the time being you made a good decision. Remember to carefully follow the instructions as how to adjust the height for your body. This is very important. In fact suggust you being it to your Doctor's appointment on Monday and one of the nurses in the office could probably assist you in properly adjusting it.

 

Do not check it as baggage at the airport. Even if you are getting wheelchair assistance bring it to the gate. Have the gate agent check and tag it for gate check-in. You can walk to the plane with it. Leave it on the jetway and the baggage handlers will load it from that point. Than when you arrive at your destination it will be load off at the gate and brought up to the jet way for you.

[Lvteks]

XXOOOCRUISER,

 

Great! I wondered how to get it on the plane since there isn't a cover. The consult suggestion will take carre of fitting. I'm good to go!

 

Many Thanks,

 

Blessings, Gail

[Lvteks]

Update: MD confirmed damage to entire Lumbar spine. Esp L 3-4. He is in no rush to "fix" it all since there is an issue of instability in my L knee. BTW I don't really look as bad as all this sounds. Not that I've been carded lately : ) .....So I get an injection into the 3-4 space on Friday and we just observe if this grreatly reduces pain. If so, a partial repair might be possible.

 

A rollator question? If the airline takes it as I board.....what about the brake cords that just hang around the legs of the rollator. How could I protect them w/o a cover? Has anyone found a super big baggie or such.....or bungee cords?

 

Thanks to all.

 

Blessings,

Gail

[xxoocruiser]

Update: MD confirmed damage to entire Lumbar spine. Esp L 3-4. He is in no rush to "fix" it all since there is an issue of instability in my L knee. BTW I don't really look as bad as all this sounds. Not that I've been carded lately : ) .....So I get an injection into the 3-4 space on Friday and we just observe if this grreatly reduces pain. If so, a partial repair might be possible.

 

A rollator question? If the airline takes it as I board.....what about the brake cords that just hang around the legs of the rollator. How could I protect them w/o a cover? Has anyone found a super big baggie or such.....or bungee cords?

 

Thanks to all.

 

Blessings,

Gail

 

Re: covering rollator : Because it's gate checked and I want to be assujred it's returned to the jetway so I have it getting of the plane I do not cover it. I fear by covering it , it will be mistaken for regular baggage and sent through to the baggage claim . Which does me no good. The cables are secured by plastic ties that can be obtained at any hardware store. I have attached several extra on both cables just in case one snaps. Have never has an issue with the cables.

[Lvteks]

Once AGAIN, Thank You.

 

It's real time answers like this that make CC indispensible. I tend to chill between cruises. Now I see that I need to be more attentive and useful.

 

I have started packing. Just got a call from Kansas City that we have lost a dear brother-in-law. His wife ( Leo's sister) died about ten years ago. She was one of those on a cancer drug that the pharmacist watered down out of greed. They did get him.....but we lost Florence.

 

Time to count blessings and share them.

 

Gail

[xxoocruiser]

Once AGAIN, Thank You.

 

It's real time answers like this that make CC indispensible. I tend to chill between cruises. Now I see that I need to be more attentive and useful.

 

I have started packing. Just got a call from Kansas City that we have lost a dear brother-in-law. His wife ( Leo's sister) died about ten years ago. She was one of those on a cancer drug that the pharmacist watered down out of greed. They did get him.....but we lost Florence.

 

Time to count blessings and share them.

 

Gail

 

Gail

So sorry to hear of the loss of your Brother-in-law. Celebrate his life !

Pat

[EileenN]

You may want to check out Craig's List in your area for "health & beauty" section for a rollator or walker. I found my scooter on eBay for $351. The used walkers are much more reasonable and you can check it out for less than a new one.