Crutches
- by EF
- 2012-06-19 01:06:03
- Interferences
- 2854 views
- 9 comments
I lost my right leg when I was 18 due to cancer. I just turned 51 and had a pace maker put in me. I use crutches most of the time and am concerned about if I will be able to continue crutching once healed. I can't get any straight answers from doctors. Please help.
9 Comments
crutches
by EF - 2012-06-19 05:06:17
I'm real new to this and am freaking out about all of my restrictions. I have 1000 questions and don't even know where to begin. How do you know that I will be able to crutch? Right now it feels like I won't be able to.
broke my foot
by Tracey_E - 2012-06-19 05:06:38
I used crutches just fine when I broke my foot ;)
Unless your pm is in an odd place, your crutches won't be close to your pm or anything sore once you heal. The soreness is temporary. As you heal a pocket of scar tissue will form around the device and things will toughen up.
Crutching along - together...
by donr - 2012-06-20 08:06:09
...to butcher an old song.
First of all, Eric - congrats on beating cancer WOW - 18 to 51! That kinda beats the 5 yr criteria!
On to the question du jour - will you be able to crutch.
My question back to you - WHAT kind of crutches? the old standard that everyone gets when they bung up a lower extremity - the kind that fit up into the arm pit? OR - the aluminum type that have a "Cuff" that goes around the forearm?
This is why you cannot get straight answers from sawbones. They just don't know how to predict how YOU will react to the crutches, based on where your PM is located.
Given the "Cuff" type, there should be zero problems as soon as you can get out of the bed to walk to the john. a0 they come nowhere near the PM site & b) none of the movements you have to make violate the limitations on movement or weight lifted because of the surgery.
Given the old standby type - gets a bit "Iffy"! Maybe the armpit piece will irritate something. They do not know. Hence, the hesitation to answer.
One solution is to get the cardio to witness you using them. You can both observe the action & determine if there are any problems. A second solution is to just use them. Maybe not so smart, since you have apparently already discussed the issue.
Oh, BTW: I've used crutches many times since having my PM planted - zero problems.
Don
Don't freak out:)
by Pookie - 2012-06-20 12:06:09
Easier said than done - right?
Whatever questions you have, please feel free to post them as there is no limit as to how many you post:)
Like Tracey said, as long as you are healed the crutches shouldn't interfere with your pacemaker at all unless your pacemaker is really close to your armit...I'm assuming that is where the top of the crutch is in contact with your body. It may feel a bit uncomfortable or even a bit weird when you use your crutches as the pacemaker will feel like it is moving a little bit, but I can't see any reason why you would have a problem. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm wrong, but time will tell.
Please keep us posted and again, please don't ever hesitate to post as many questions as you want to.
Take care,
Pookie
Me Again
by EF - 2013-12-28 08:12:52
On November 30, I had to have my pacemaker pocket made deeper, as the pacemaker was threatening to pop out of my chest. This time they put it underneath the muscle. 4 weeks later and I am still having issues. The incision became infected and I am now on antibiotics to treat it. As I expressed in my first posting a year and a half ago, I swear that my using crutches on a regular basis (I'm an amputee) is aggravating the area. The crutches are basic wooden crutches that go under the arm pits. They don't interfere with the pacemaker, but I feel that the constant movement of my pecs is causing all my problems and discomfort. The doctors say it has nothing to do with it, but I can't help but wonder. Looking for any new advice from anyone in a similar situation as myself.
Also On Crutches
by RedRocksGirl - 2019-01-08 02:38:57
I lost my right leg to cancer as well (when I was 10). I'm 55 now, in good shape - aside from having been diagnosed with heart failure 2 1/2 years ago, partially thanks to heart damage from the chemo drugs back then. I'll be getting a pm or ICD soon, use forearm crutches and my main concern is using crutches during the initial recovery. Although forearm crutches dotn come up anywhere near where the pm is impanted, several chest muscles are used when walking with them in the are where the implant is. How are you doing now Eric, 5 year later?
Also on Crutches
by EF - 2019-01-29 18:49:05
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Yes you definitely want to crutch as little as possible during your recovery until you heal. Over time, it does get easier and is not as uncomfortable. Just take it slow. Your body will let you know what you can and can’t do. I just shoveled my entire driveway after a wicked snow storm wearing my prosthetic leg. I am sore but nothing I can’t handle. Hope all goes well with you.
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by Tracey_E - 2012-06-19 01:06:45
If you feel up to it, you should be able to use them before you're fully healed. The only restrictions are not lifting heavy weight and not raising your arm above shoulder level for a few weeks. As long as you're not sore and feel up to it, you won't hurt the pm.