Comments on: The Roll-A-Bout – A Questionable Alternative To Crutches Or A Wheelchair http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/ Deliciously Geeky... Fri, 19 Mar 2010 03:49:35 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: cathy_1960 http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-399173 cathy_1960 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:22:14 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-399173 Apparently none of you have ever spent a long time on crutches. I used a chair on wheels while still in the ER with a broken ankle and the Dr and Nurses wondered why they hadnt thought of that. Crutches are akward, painful and downright dangerous in bad weather. These are designed only for LOWER leg injuries and do not put pressure on the injured part of the leg. Having ANOTHER leg surgery coming up and knowing several people, including kids who have used these products I will be getting one for me for the 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing recovery time. Apparently none of you have ever spent a long time on crutches. I used a chair on wheels while still in the ER with a broken ankle and the Dr and Nurses wondered why they hadnt thought of that. Crutches are akward, painful and downright dangerous in bad weather. These are designed only for LOWER leg injuries and do not put pressure on the injured part of the leg. Having ANOTHER leg surgery coming up and knowing several people, including kids who have used these products I will be getting one for me for the 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing recovery time.

]]> By: susanbdot http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-397147 susanbdot Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:35:54 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-397147 Addendum to my previous comment: After using the Roll-A-Bout for a month, I can still say this kind of device is absolutely fabulous for people with applicable types of lower leg injuries. The non-steering model had a very minor awkwardness to it, but perhaps was overall more stable (at least for me). One tends to move very fast on this thing after a day or so, and I can see tipping if it were steerable (and one weren't pretty adept); without that feature one is forced to slow down. <br><br>I think overall I stayed in far better shape than if I'd stuck with crutches (where I couldn't leave my apartment, much less work) or a wheelchair. The opposite leg gets plenty of exercise (more, of course, the farther one travels -- going through hallways at work in a medical school/hospital complex kept me moving without being outside), but the injured leg ALSO gets some muscle work, at least the thigh, and my PTs told me that helped reduce atrophy from my cast. Yay for that. Plus I felt MUCH better getting some "exercise" this way, instead of just sitting on a couch all those weeks. <br><br>A potential hazard I hadn't expected: sidewalks and crossing streets. I learned to watch for cracks in sidewalks, so I didn't fly over the front and land on my skull. Uneven spots in streets made crossing more dangerous than I had anticipated. Too all bad drivers aren't more considerate of pedestrians, even those with a handicap (many were great, though). <br><br>I still fail to understand how anyone could think that crutches would be better, safer, more stable. <br><br>And it cost me $75 to RENT for the month (shop was not on my insurance co's provider list; didn't want to wait to have shipped). Considering what that saved me in sanity, missed days from work, inability to shop, etc., WELL WORTH IT. Addendum to my previous comment: After using the Roll-A-Bout for a month, I can still say this kind of device is absolutely fabulous for people with applicable types of lower leg injuries. The non-steering model had a very minor awkwardness to it, but perhaps was overall more stable (at least for me). One tends to move very fast on this thing after a day or so, and I can see tipping if it were steerable (and one weren't pretty adept); without that feature one is forced to slow down.

I think overall I stayed in far better shape than if I'd stuck with crutches (where I couldn't leave my apartment, much less work) or a wheelchair. The opposite leg gets plenty of exercise (more, of course, the farther one travels — going through hallways at work in a medical school/hospital complex kept me moving without being outside), but the injured leg ALSO gets some muscle work, at least the thigh, and my PTs told me that helped reduce atrophy from my cast. Yay for that. Plus I felt MUCH better getting some “exercise” this way, instead of just sitting on a couch all those weeks.

A potential hazard I hadn't expected: sidewalks and crossing streets. I learned to watch for cracks in sidewalks, so I didn't fly over the front and land on my skull. Uneven spots in streets made crossing more dangerous than I had anticipated. Too all bad drivers aren't more considerate of pedestrians, even those with a handicap (many were great, though).

I still fail to understand how anyone could think that crutches would be better, safer, more stable.

And it cost me $75 to RENT for the month (shop was not on my insurance co's provider list; didn't want to wait to have shipped). Considering what that saved me in sanity, missed days from work, inability to shop, etc., WELL WORTH IT.

]]> By: NormanF http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-396558 NormanF Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:20:23 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-396558 The roll-a-bout is great for a knee injury. Its much better than crutches and even a walker I picked up from the thrift store. Its not difficult to learn how to use and if you've got good upper body strength and a good unaffected leg, getting up to speed is as natural as using a cane. I can recommend it to keep a leg or knee non weight bearing for the time it takes to recover from an injury. The roll-a-bout is great for a knee injury. Its much better than crutches and even a walker I picked up from the thrift store. Its not difficult to learn how to use and if you've got good upper body strength and a good unaffected leg, getting up to speed is as natural as using a cane. I can recommend it to keep a leg or knee non weight bearing for the time it takes to recover from an injury.

]]> By: Dogwood http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-394584 Dogwood Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:13:23 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-394584 The roll-a-bout saved my sanity (not to mention my arms, shoulders, etc.) when I had foot surgery a few years ago. It was recommended by my surgeon & my insurance covered the rental costs (I paid for the shipping.) I was over 60 and had no trouble maneuvering the non-steerable version or balancing. It was great to be able to "stand" at a sink and have my hands free. Also great to be able to roll around and carry a cup or a book in the other hand (no fancy model.) This is for people with lower leg and foot injuries, and it is a blessing. The roll-a-bout saved my sanity (not to mention my arms, shoulders, etc.) when I had foot surgery a few years ago. It was recommended by my surgeon & my insurance covered the rental costs (I paid for the shipping.) I was over 60 and had no trouble maneuvering the non-steerable version or balancing. It was great to be able to “stand” at a sink and have my hands free. Also great to be able to roll around and carry a cup or a book in the other hand (no fancy model.) This is for people with lower leg and foot injuries, and it is a blessing.

]]> By: Susan Robbins http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-394572 Susan Robbins Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:02:55 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-394572 Some of the comments here just amaze me. What if someone takes a swing at your face when you're on this contraption? Well, how about when you're on crutches? No one's ever taken a swing at my face in my life, so that's the least of my worries. <br><br>As as far as the drink cup meaning you can be inebriated is concerned: does "drink" automatically mean alcohol? To mean it usually means water. Maybe coffee or tea. To some people it may mean a carbonated beverage. It's really helpful to be able to carry around a beverage so you don't get dehydrated. (Try carrying ANYTHING on crutches sometime.)<br><br>I broke my ankle week before last and am in a non-weight-bearing cast. I have not tolerated crutches well at all (my weight plus an old shoulder injury) and have not been able to get around my apartment easily much less return to work, which I very much want to do. Asked my orthopedist on my second visit about one of these things and he said sure. Picked it up Saturday, with the help of a friend, and will be returning to work today. Have been zipping around the apartment all weekend. So many people, young and old, fit or not, have broken lower limbs here in Cincinnati during snow/ice storms recently that the medical supply places can't keep this kind of device in stock.<br><br>It has given me my life back, more or less. This non-steerable model is not only collapsable-to-flat (I thought the steerable one was too, actually, but someone else said it is not), but is only 14 lb so I can drag it (folded) up the 7 steps to my apartment, which I can manage by going up and down on my rear. Frankly, it is my new best friend, unlovely though it is. Make fun of it if you wish, but it's relieved a great deal of stress on all the OTHER parts of my body, relieved the depression that was setting in, and allowed me to go back to work. Some of the comments here just amaze me. What if someone takes a swing at your face when you're on this contraption? Well, how about when you're on crutches? No one's ever taken a swing at my face in my life, so that's the least of my worries.

As as far as the drink cup meaning you can be inebriated is concerned: does “drink” automatically mean alcohol? To mean it usually means water. Maybe coffee or tea. To some people it may mean a carbonated beverage. It's really helpful to be able to carry around a beverage so you don't get dehydrated. (Try carrying ANYTHING on crutches sometime.)

I broke my ankle week before last and am in a non-weight-bearing cast. I have not tolerated crutches well at all (my weight plus an old shoulder injury) and have not been able to get around my apartment easily much less return to work, which I very much want to do. Asked my orthopedist on my second visit about one of these things and he said sure. Picked it up Saturday, with the help of a friend, and will be returning to work today. Have been zipping around the apartment all weekend. So many people, young and old, fit or not, have broken lower limbs here in Cincinnati during snow/ice storms recently that the medical supply places can't keep this kind of device in stock.

It has given me my life back, more or less. This non-steerable model is not only collapsable-to-flat (I thought the steerable one was too, actually, but someone else said it is not), but is only 14 lb so I can drag it (folded) up the 7 steps to my apartment, which I can manage by going up and down on my rear. Frankly, it is my new best friend, unlovely though it is. Make fun of it if you wish, but it's relieved a great deal of stress on all the OTHER parts of my body, relieved the depression that was setting in, and allowed me to go back to work.

]]> By: Gary King http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-392194 Gary King Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:13:06 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-392194 The roll-a-bout is VASTLY superior to crutches for foot or ankle injuries. First of all, it is much safer. Crutches are difficult to balance. Second, you are bearing weight on your leg, instead of your arms. This is much easier and more natural. Third, you can carry things. There is no way to carry anything when both hands are on crutches, but with the rollabout, you have one hand free. I used the original model 3 years ago. It is steared by simply lifting up on the handle to raise the front wheels a little to turn It's really pretty easy, but a model you can steer is better. Finally, you don't have to buy it, you can rent it, although for me, it would have been worth the price since it made working so much easier and more productive. I would have lost a lot of money being less productive with crutches. Finally, it is much faster. You can get through malls or office buildings (or hospital corridors) VERY fast with it. Overall, I don't know one way that crutches are superior. I am a physician and recommend these to all my patients who will be non weight bearing with foot or ankle injuries or surgeries. G. King, M.D. The roll-a-bout is VASTLY superior to crutches for foot or ankle injuries. First of all, it is much safer. Crutches are difficult to balance. Second, you are bearing weight on your leg, instead of your arms. This is much easier and more natural. Third, you can carry things. There is no way to carry anything when both hands are on crutches, but with the rollabout, you have one hand free. I used the original model 3 years ago. It is steared by simply lifting up on the handle to raise the front wheels a little to turn It's really pretty easy, but a model you can steer is better. Finally, you don't have to buy it, you can rent it, although for me, it would have been worth the price since it made working so much easier and more productive. I would have lost a lot of money being less productive with crutches. Finally, it is much faster. You can get through malls or office buildings (or hospital corridors) VERY fast with it. Overall, I don't know one way that crutches are superior. I am a physician and recommend these to all my patients who will be non weight bearing with foot or ankle injuries or surgeries. G. King, M.D.

]]> By: Gary King http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-391257 Gary King Fri, 19 Dec 2008 15:13:06 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-391257 The roll-a-bout is VASTLY superior to crutches for foot or ankle injuries. First of all, it is much safer. Crutches are difficult to balance. Second, you are bearing weight on your leg, instead of your arms. This is much easier and more natural. Third, you can carry things. There is no way to carry anything when both hands are on crutches, but with the rollabout, you have one hand free. I used the original model 3 years ago. It is steared by simply lifting up on the handle to raise the front wheels a little to turn It's really pretty easy, but a model you can steer is better. Finally, you don't have to buy it, you can rent it, although for me, it would have been worth the price since it made working so much easier and more productive. I would have lost a lot of money being less productive with crutches. Finally, it is much faster. You can get through malls or office buildings (or hospital corridors) VERY fast with it. Overall, I don't know one way that crutches are superior. I am a physician and recommend these to all my patients who will be non weight bearing with foot or ankle injuries or surgeries. G. King, M.D. The roll-a-bout is VASTLY superior to crutches for foot or ankle injuries. First of all, it is much safer. Crutches are difficult to balance. Second, you are bearing weight on your leg, instead of your arms. This is much easier and more natural. Third, you can carry things. There is no way to carry anything when both hands are on crutches, but with the rollabout, you have one hand free. I used the original model 3 years ago. It is steared by simply lifting up on the handle to raise the front wheels a little to turn It's really pretty easy, but a model you can steer is better. Finally, you don't have to buy it, you can rent it, although for me, it would have been worth the price since it made working so much easier and more productive. I would have lost a lot of money being less productive with crutches. Finally, it is much faster. You can get through malls or office buildings (or hospital corridors) VERY fast with it. Overall, I don't know one way that crutches are superior. I am a physician and recommend these to all my patients who will be non weight bearing with foot or ankle injuries or surgeries. G. King, M.D.

]]> By: Tom Schwab http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-391173 Tom Schwab Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:36:36 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-391173 There are much better knee scooters that turn. the Turning Leg Caddy provides the mobility and stability at a fraction of the bulk and price of the Roll-a-bout. See <a href="http://www.GoodbyeCrutches.com" rel="nofollow">www.GoodbyeCrutches.com</a> or <a href="http://www.RammTLC.com" rel="nofollow">www.RammTLC.com</a> There are much better knee scooters that turn. the Turning Leg Caddy provides the mobility and stability at a fraction of the bulk and price of the Roll-a-bout. See http://www.GoodbyeCrutches.com or http://www.RammTLC.com

]]> By: Heather http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-388486 Heather Mon, 08 Sep 2008 16:33:49 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-388486 I used a different brand of the same sort of roll-about with the steering capability after I had surgery on my foot, and all I can say is, it was a million times more stable than crutches. It was a real life-saver for me, because I had to stay off my foot for over a month, but due to another medical condition, I wasn't able to use crutches. Sure, it can be a little cumbersome and you can't use it up and down stairs, but if you live in a one-level house, then you'll have no problem. <br><br>Just like any other bit of medical equipment, it's not going to apply to every condition, every situation, or every person. But for some people, it will work wonders, just as it did for me. I used a different brand of the same sort of roll-about with the steering capability after I had surgery on my foot, and all I can say is, it was a million times more stable than crutches. It was a real life-saver for me, because I had to stay off my foot for over a month, but due to another medical condition, I wasn't able to use crutches. Sure, it can be a little cumbersome and you can't use it up and down stairs, but if you live in a one-level house, then you'll have no problem.

Just like any other bit of medical equipment, it's not going to apply to every condition, every situation, or every person. But for some people, it will work wonders, just as it did for me.

]]> By: Teresa http://www.ohgizmo.com/2008/06/30/roll-a-bout-replaces-crutches-or-a-wheelchair/comment-page-1/#comment-388321 Teresa Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:50:09 +0000 http://www.ohgizmo.com/?p=11807#comment-388321 My husband used this device in 2006 after having a transmetatarsal amputation of his left foot. He's currently been using an electric scooter since January because of a diabetic ulcer on his right heel. He's got multiple health problems including congestive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, severe peripheral neuropathy, tardive dyskenisia, a pacemaker, no feeling (except pain) in his hands and feet. Crutches and walkers are totally not an option for him. The knee walkers with turning front wheels are dangerous for him since he's only got 1/2 of a left foot and no balance. He's had two surgeries on his right foot and is having #3 next Wednesday. He's been in the hospital five times since February 18 of this year. I've been trying to find something used that's within our budget (less than $200) but every auction I find ends up going over $200. I'm not entirely sure he has the balance or strength to use one so I'm hesitant to spend too much on it. We just spent $600 on a new prosthesis and shoe for his left foot. I checked out the orthopedic kneecrutch but the price is prohibitive. The iwalk-free site doesn't list any prices so that sounds totally out of our budget. If anyone has any ideas for where to find a used anything (but without turning front wheels) I'd love to know about it. My husband has several more months of healing before he'll be able to walk again. My husband used this device in 2006 after having a transmetatarsal amputation of his left foot. He’s currently been using an electric scooter since January because of a diabetic ulcer on his right heel. He’s got multiple health problems including congestive heart disease, chronic kidney disease, severe peripheral neuropathy, tardive dyskenisia, a pacemaker, no feeling (except pain) in his hands and feet. Crutches and walkers are totally not an option for him. The knee walkers with turning front wheels are dangerous for him since he’s only got 1/2 of a left foot and no balance. He’s had two surgeries on his right foot and is having #3 next Wednesday. He’s been in the hospital five times since February 18 of this year.

I’ve been trying to find something used that’s within our budget (less than $200) but every auction I find ends up going over $200. I’m not entirely sure he has the balance or strength to use one so I’m hesitant to spend too much on it. We just spent $600 on a new prosthesis and shoe for his left foot.

I checked out the orthopedic kneecrutch but the price is prohibitive. The iwalk-free site doesn’t list any prices so that sounds totally out of our budget. If anyone has any ideas for where to find a used anything (but without turning front wheels) I’d love to know about it. My husband has several more months of healing before he’ll be able to walk again.

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