Bariatric Giant Needs Help Finding Crutches

Vidarsbane

Hi Everyone,

I'm having a bit of a nightmare in that I can't find the right crutches, and I've already broken several. The problem is, that all of the Bariatric crutches that my Consultant, Physio's and Occupational Therapists can find are way way to short for me. I'm 6ft 8. The other half of the problem is that even the standard tall crutches aren't quite tall enough, being about 3 inches too short in the grip. They're also not strong enough to take my weight. I'm currently about 32 stone. 

To be honest I'd be better with a frame but my doorways aren't wide enough to use one safely in the house and I can't use my wheelchair either. I'm desperate for a set of crutches I can rely on, but nothing standard seems to exist. Can anyone please point me in the right direction, even if I have to pay for custom ones? I just can't seem to find anything myself.

Thanks in advance.

chiarieds

Hi @Vidarsbane - & welcome to the community. I've had a look online & it looks like there are some possibilities for you. For the first pair of crutches, you'd need to check the specifications to see if they could be adjusted to go to the correct height for you. Perhaps check a current pair you have, & see if these would give you those extra inches you need. Please see: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/mobility-aids/crutches/elbow-crutches/heavy-duty-elbow-crutches?sku=Q04622

Then there's this bariatric crutch, sold as a single crutch: https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/mobility-aids/crutches/elbow-crutches/bariatric-elbow-crutch?sku=Q17367

This looks like the 2nd crutch here, but at a lower price: https://www.relimobility.co.uk/bariatric-crutches/bariatric-crutch

Slightly cheaper again here: https://www.manageathome.co.uk/pd/bariatric-crutch_13087

Please let us know if these would be suitable for you.

Vidarsbane

Thank you so much for taking the time to look for these, I really do appreciate it. The problem is none of these are suitable and I believe at one point or another I've tried all of them. The problem is my current hand grip height is I believe 40" which is maybe 2" - 3" short of where it needs to be. These all appear to be well under that. 

To make matters more confusing, virtually all of my excess weight is around my stomach, my arms are pretty average for my size and build so require a narrow cuff as well.

leeCal

Have you tried searching using the following phrase ‘bespoke crutches uk’ ?

having done so I find a few responses ?

Vidarsbane

Thank you, yes I have and I can't seem to find anything that sits where I need it to be.

leeCal

It might sound odd but have you tried a blacksmith? They are skilled metal workers and may be able to help make a reinforced crutch to your specifications.

Sandy_123

Hi @Vidarsbane hope you find what your looking for I have put a link below that you may find useful.
https://www.essentialaids.com/bariatric-steel-crutches.html

Vidarsbane

Thanks for the further responses, sadly the hand grip height is just way too short again but I thank you for looking. 

A blacksmith might be an option I guess, funds depending. Thanks for the suggestion. 

abbyk41

Hi I am bigger I weight than you I have a walker with wheels and a seat specially for bauatric people I know you said you can't get it through door but have you tried doing it sideways for a bit 

Vidarsbane

Thanks, sadly that just doesn't work here my doorways are extremely narrow , particularly through to the bathroom. It's such an issue for us that the council are actively looking to rehome us to a more suitable property for me.