Arthritis with Lupus and crutches?

Hi Jelly

Arthritis is very common with Lupus. Of course there are different types of arthritis but whatever the type - the pain, discomfort and lack of mobility can pretty much be the same.

I think you should definitely consider mobility aids if you are finding you can only manage about 15 minutes and you want to be able to be mobile for longer. I have a cane which I have to use sometimes and it does help get me that extra bit of journey. The cane helps with two things.

Firstly my hip gives out now and again and when its playing up I can use the cane for security which means I wont fall flat on my face if my hip decides to 'go'. Secondly I use it when my knees and ankles are bad because I can transfer some of my weight onto the cane. I wouldnt be able to do an olympic sprint with it, mind you, but it helps :hehe:

There are all sorts of mobility aids out there and having a chat with an occupational therapist can be very worthwhile. You might be able to get a referral to one through your physio?

I found it very awkward at first using the cane. I was a bit embarrassed about it but I learned to get over it. They are a bit of a nuisance because everytime I went into a shop and wanted to look at something I would put the cane down and it inevitably clattered onto the floor! After one funny scene where the cane was slipping and I was frantically (and fruitlessly) grabbing and grabbing at it to try stop it from falling, it eventually clattered to the floor and the shop assistant smiled and said - well at least it cant fall any further :lol:

The great thing is I dont need to use it all the time but when I do I know I can whip it out and I dont feel awkward about it anymore

Luv n stuff
Joan:rose:

Hello!

I have had problems with my knees, hips and ankles for a long time, and frequently need help walking. Sometimes I do need support to keep the weight off the painful joints, at others times just in case the joints suddenly give out on me.

I went to an occupational therapist very shortly after my diagnosis, and she was a real blessing. I went with a list of all the things I had difficulty doing, and she talked me through each one, defined the problem excatly and made some really helpful suggestions. I was in a really bad way, so have supplemented my life since with an electric toothbrush, wide handled cutlery, a kneeling chair, wrist supports and crutches.

The cruthes were difficult to use, and so I got the idea of using a walking cane instead. It has a strap and a comfortable grip at the top so that I can hold it gently and hang it from things when I am sitting down. It also has shock protection which makes using it hurt less. It also looks a bit better than a crutch...and I get less questions and more smiles...and the occasional House MD quote...

I really hope you can find something that suits you...good luck!

R

Hello I'd certainly ask the physio if I were you and don't feel bad about needing whatever aids help you.

I'm only 43 so at first I felt a bit "funny" about using a stick as I can actually walk, stand, move around etc, and I didn't like to think of myself as "disabled".
However the more I've accepted that Lupus is actually a disability and learnt to use what aid I need the better I've been. (I now use a walking stick, shopping trolleys, wrist supports, ask for help more etc) and I've had less flare ups, less fatigue and overall my arthritic symptoms have been better

I don't always use mobility aids as it can be a "hassle" carrying a stick around with you when your shopping etc (a wrist strap can help with the problem of falling sticks, but you still end up with one less hand for bags etc). However there are times I would not be without my walking stick as it can make a big difference.
for example I can walk for further without having to stop when I use my walking stick (some days I'd be too arthritic to get around without it)
using a stick helps me ache less when I'm standing,
it seems to help me not get as much hip & knee pain in the first place/ suffer on the days after a trip to the shops etc,
it serves as an extra aid in getting in & out of chairs etc - particularly useful for my morning stiffness,
and there are times I think it has helped other people accept that actually I do really need that seat on the bus etc and I'm not just a "lazy young woman" (as one OAP actually called me for sitting in a disabled priority seat one day)
Also I now have a Lupus UK sticker on my walking stick so I'm helping spread the word.
Don't be afraid to accept your Lupus and any help you can get that makes your symptoms more bearable

I mostly use a walker, but I use crutches in environments that make using the walker impossible/difficult (walkers are only much good inside or on concrete paths). I prefer the walker due to my specific problem (no proprioception) but the crutches are very necessary if I want to do something like go for a swim or walk in the bush etc.

Crutches are great provided you don't have significant hand/arm involvement. My father who had severe arthritis was unable to use crutches as he couldn't manipulate them with his arms, so it is very individual.

The best thing to do is go to a shop that stocks a range of disability aids and have a play and see what works better for you.

By the way, someone said that canes absorb shock better than crutches - generally that is about the type of rubber stopper that is on the bottom on the crutch/cane. I always get the stoppers on my crutches changed to the sort that absorb shock better. I find canes are much too wobbly for my balance, but they may work for you.



raglet