Hey Molly,

I've been using Canadian crutches for four years now, and also use a manual
chair.  I'm not really sure what kinds of comments you're looking for, so
I'll just throw out what my personal experience has been.  I don't have CP
but am on the list because my friends are here.  I'm not sure if I can say
anything helpful except that I have had great success with the crutches as
opposed to a walker which never worked well for me.

I use Walkeasy brand crutches <http://walkeasy.com> because they are very
light in weight.  They also come in a variety of colors if color happens to
be a factor.  I consider my crutches to be an important accessory in terms of
appearance, since they are so highly visible.

The only complaint I have about the walkeasy brand is that the handles are
not ergonomically designed.  I don't know which brand might have a better
handle design but I do think it is an important consideration.

If you really want to look snazzy, and can drop about 400 clams, go with
Fetterman crutches <http://www.fetterman-crutches.com>.  They are wood, and
hand made according to your specifications.

Personally, I wish I could justify the cost of Fetterman crutches because I
think they look great.  My Walkeasys have taken a beating though and still
look good.  Because of their composition, they don't tend to show wear the
way metal does.  Mine have been in service for three years now, and look
great compared to the metal crutches I used for less than a year in the first
year of my disability that I needed crutches.

Best of luck with your "crutch quest" Molly, and welcome to the list.

Betty Alfred

In a message dated 01/26/2001 9:23:20 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

> I just joined the list and find it fabulous. A question: I'm twenty-two. I
>  use a manual chair and sometimes a walker. Many years ago, in a fit of PT
>  rebellion, I refused to transition to Canadian crutches--which have cuffs
at
>  the elbow. Now that I'm having back problems from sitting so much, I'd be
>  very interested in anyone who began using crutches as an adult. I may not
be
>  able to move on them, but I'm getting ready to try again. The issue is not
>  just needing more mobility, but changing the way I feel about my body.
>
>  Just looking for advice. Thanks.
>