Most of us with Charcot Foot panicked the first time we were told we had to be non-weight bearing. It’s overwhelming to try and comprehend how to complete daily tasks when non-weight bearing. The idea of showering, cooking, driving, working, taking care of our children, or even going to the bathroom when we aren’t able to walk normally is almost to much to fathom in those early days.
There is that old saying, “Where there is a will, there is a way.” Individuals with Charcot Foot show time and again how true the statement is. We figure it out, we are resourceful and we get ideas from others. Here are some of the ways we have managed to complete daily tasks even when we are non-weight bearing.
Knee Scooters
Knee scooters quickly become the best friend of individuals with Charcot Foot. At first it may be a dreaded friend but it quickly becomes a life saver. Not only can it help you stay somewhat mobile must knee scooters come with a handy dandy basket! That basket has been a lifesaver to many with Charcot Foot.
We recommend buying a knee scooter rather than renting one. In the beginning, it is easy to think you will just need the scooter for a few weeks following diagnosis or surgery and then you can return it. The truth is the knee scooter will be helpful even after your doctor releases you to begin walking again.
There is always a chance you will need to be non-weight bearing again and if you own the scooter you already have it on hand. But even once you get walking again there are always those bad days where your feet may hurt more than others. Those are the days the scooter is just good to have. You can hide it away somewhere but when a rough day hits it is still readily available.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices also know as daily living aids are so incredibly helpful! Daily living aids include items like grabbers, shoe horns, adjustable trays to place beside your bed or chair and elastic shoe laces. They may seem like small items but they can help you accomplish tasks while you are non-weight bearing and save you a lot of energy and frustration.
Bath and Shower Safety Aids
One of the big concerns for most of us when we have to go non-weight bearing is how in the world we will shower. The good news is there are tons of Bath and shower safety aids out there designed to help us. Even though tools like shower chairs and adjustable shower heads can help us tremendously we still recommend showering when someone else is in the home just in case you fall and need assistance.
Delivery, delivery, delivery
When you are non-weight bearing it is nearly impossible to do your own shopping. Not only is this an inconvenience but the isolation and loss of independence can be a huge blow to your emotional health. While delivery services don’t alleviate the isolation they do provide an answer to the question of how in the world you are going to get groceries.
If you weren’t an Amazon Prime member before Charcot Foot you most definitely need to be one now! With Amazon Prime you can get just about everything you need delivered to your door in two days. It’s a little bit of heaven. Amazon Prime also gives you access to a number of movies and shows to help keep you occupied while non-weight bearing.
There are many grocery stores that have delivery services. Delivery services do vary based on your location so you will have to check with individual stores. We have had success with Aldi and Dillon’s for grocery delivery. Wal-Mart offers curbside pick up which is another great option. You can place your order online and have a friend pick it up for you. Amazon Fresh is also being rolled out in some locations. Courtney is using it and says it’s a great program as well. It is likely to expand quickly to include more locations throughout the country.
Being non-weight bearing is tough. We will never claim it is an easy experience. But there are tools and resources out there to help. And remember, we are always here! If you need to vent, have questions or need some extra support, contact us!