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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:12:55 GMT
I saw a new fangled appartus a year or so ago. A gal in my building at work was using it. Instead of crutches, it was kind of like a scooter. Her "bad" leg that was in a cast (below the kneee - you have to be able to bend your knee) anyway, her bad leg was bent at the knee and rested on a Scooter, and her good leg did the pushing. Looked way easier than cruthces. Not sure if insurance covers it or not. She "scooted" faster than I walk! I know there has to be a better way than these things! :-)
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Post by Fidget on Jul 25, 2014 17:14:06 GMT
Trying to post a link to the knee scooter - link Well, my link didn't work, but if you search on knee scooter in amazon, there are several different ones.
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Post by elaine on Jul 25, 2014 17:14:18 GMT
I saw a new fangled appartus a year or so ago. A gal in my building at work was using it. Instead of crutches, it was kind of like a scooter. Her "bad" leg that was in a cast (below the kneee - you have to be able to bend your knee) anyway, her bad leg was bent at the knee and rested on a Scooter, and her good leg did the pushing. Looked way easier than cruthces. Not sure if insurance covers it or not. She "scooted" faster than I walk! I see those around here all the time.
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Post by melanell on Jul 25, 2014 17:15:56 GMT
Aw, I understand the temptation, but I wouldn't do it. Crutches take awhile to get used to. But once you do you should be okay. I totally agree with getting someone to do your shopping or at least to help you if need be. I tell you hat, though, I found it impossible to drive with my cast on, so the very fact that you got yourself to the store is pretty impressive. I think younger people are less fearful of falling with them, which may be why you see kids flying around on them. I was in my early twenties and was more cautious at first. Stairs particularly worried me at first. Best of luck!
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:18:04 GMT
Thanks for responding. But you seriously would trip someone in a leg cast on crutches?? Would you really steal a parking spot from a legitimately disabled person? It works both ways.
And, no, I would not actually trip you but I would take you to task in public and call the police. I take that very seriously. My grandmother was in a wheelchair prior to ADA laws and parking permits. As a small girl, I watched my grandfather carry her places because there wasn't a provision for her.
Do you not think broken bones are a legitimate disability (albeit temporary)? The fact that I am eligible for a tag indicates to me that it is....whether I have one or not doesn't change my physical status. (I do appreciate your reply....it's not my intention to be argumentative with you, I'm just asking as part of the whole discussion....and agree with the consensus that I need to find another way.)
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momthatsy
Shy Member
Posts: 12
Jul 21, 2014 23:53:54 GMT
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Post by momthatsy on Jul 25, 2014 17:19:01 GMT
It's not that big of a deal to get your hang tag. You don't even need to be the one to do it. Have someone get the form or print it off on line, your doctor may already have some also. Drop it by the doctors office for you, have them drop by the doctors again the next day and pick it up, they take it to DMV and pick up the hang tag for you.
You don't have to worry about the lines and driving that way, hope that will work for you, you should have your tag in like 24 hours that way.
As far as the leg scooter you can rent them from medical supply companies, just like you would a wheelchair or hospital bed. They are really cheap to rent.
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:22:16 GMT
Aw, I understand the temptation, but I wouldn't do it. Crutches take awhile to get used to. But once you do you should be okay. I totally agree with getting someone to do your shopping or at least to help you if need be. I tell you hat, though, I found it impossible to drive with my cast on, so the very fact that you got yourself to the store is pretty impressive. I think younger people are less fearful of falling with them, which may be why you see kids flying around on them. I was in my early twenties and was more cautious at first. Stairs particularly worried me at first. Best of luck! It's on my left leg, so driving doesn't seem to be an issue...at least not once I can get from the house to the car. :-) You're probably right about the kids. I'm 57, and I have already demonstrated my capacity to fall down...LOL! I scoot up and down the stairs at home on my butt...so far I haven't had to go anywhere else with steps!
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:23:24 GMT
I saw a new fangled appartus a year or so ago. A gal in my building at work was using it. Instead of crutches, it was kind of like a scooter. Her "bad" leg that was in a cast (below the kneee - you have to be able to bend your knee) anyway, her bad leg was bent at the knee and rested on a Scooter, and her good leg did the pushing. Looked way easier than cruthces. Not sure if insurance covers it or not. She "scooted" faster than I walk! I see those around here all the time. I've never seen that before, but it would be great!
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Post by melanell on Jul 25, 2014 17:24:52 GMT
I understand why people are upset with others using spots they do not have the right to use, I really, really do. My father has a placard due to injuries from his time in the war. But I keep seeing posts about her taking a spot that someone else could use, and I can't help but think that technically, she has the need now, she just does not have her placard yet. Now, I definitely think she should get the placard. But I think that her need will be no different once she has it than it is now. She'll just be legally able to use the spot. So as soon as she has the placard, she can go right ahead and use that spot that someone else may need, and no one should be upset with her. I don't know if I'm explaining myself well. I think some of the responses here are more what I would expect to see given to someone who takes a spot because it's raining, or they're tired, or they have 3 kids with them, or they just need one thing, etc. I guess that basically I think that she has already been told that she is "deserving" of those spots, but the red tape involved is preventing her from using them, which stinks. It seems there should be a way to make it quicker for people to get temporary tags. I'm all for reading someone the riot act if they use those spots willy nilly, but I feel for the OP. It sucks to have the need for the spot but no legal way to use it yet.
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Post by scrapmaven on Jul 25, 2014 17:25:54 GMT
It's illegal and you'll be subject a lot of well-earned glares. Call your doctor's office and ask if they'll issue you a temporary parking permit form. Then the DMV will issue you a red permit on the spot, that is a temporary permit that will make your life much easier and you'll be accepted at disabled spaces everywhere. I wish you quick healing. It sucks to be so immobile.
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Post by doxielady on Jul 25, 2014 17:26:07 GMT
Ohhh, I LOVE those knee scooters! I had major foot surgery in 2012 and when I was finally able to be up and around, I got one of those. I could scoot very fast down the store aisles and I had a blast with it. I felt like a little kid on a trike. My DH even made me a little "license plate" for it that said "Happy Feet". I always got comments on it.
I was actually a little sad when I didn't need it any longer.
If that's a viable option for you - get it. Not being able to get around isn't fun. But scooting around on those can make it more bearable (and fun!)
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jul 25, 2014 17:26:50 GMT
PTA here. If you are UNSAFE on the crutches, you should NOT be using them. Look in to the scooter walker or a 2 wheeled walker. Those would be safer. Getting a temp hang tag is NOT that difficult like someone else said. Do you have the signed form from the dr yet? if not call them. Lots of ortho drs even have temp tags at their office. If really should be all much easier for you. I am super shocked, and sort of mad they didn't have you seen by PT. It would have prevented alot of your problems you are having. Call your dr office. Hopefully it's an ortho and talk to them!!!
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NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
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Post by NoWomanNoCry on Jul 25, 2014 17:27:04 GMT
I think you have a legit reason to park in the handicap spot IF you go through the proper channels to get a temp sticker. I understand by the time you get a temp pass you may be off them but without it you shouldn't park plus you will get a ticket if your caught.
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Post by melanell on Jul 25, 2014 17:30:52 GMT
It seems that others think getting the placard is easier than the OP thought it would be. Maybe you can call your Dr's office or your DOT and inquire more about it. Good luck!
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:32:28 GMT
I looked up the scooters on Amazon. Those look great!! And did not seem as expensive as I thought they would be...li think it would be worth it to be able to get around without fear of falling or tripping people around me!
I'm wondering if those would be an eligible expense under a flex spending plan?
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Post by elaine on Jul 25, 2014 17:34:08 GMT
Here is a video of several knee scooters:
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Jul 25, 2014 17:35:05 GMT
I looked up the scooters on Amazon. Those look great!! And did not seem as expensive as I thought they would be...li think it would be worth it to be able to get around without fear of falling or tripping people around me! I'm wondering if those would be an eligible expense under a flex spending plan? Not sure how your flex plan works but even if it's not normally covered, it probably would be if you have the doctor fill out the medical necessity form. But I just checked my company and it lists "Crutches, canes, walkers or like equipment (purchase or rental)" as a covered expense....
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Post by elaine on Jul 25, 2014 17:38:12 GMT
I looked up the scooters on Amazon. Those look great!! And did not seem as expensive as I thought they would be...li think it would be worth it to be able to get around without fear of falling or tripping people around me! I'm wondering if those would be an eligible expense under a flex spending plan? In the video I posted, the salesman said the magic words "covered by insurance."
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:40:30 GMT
I looked up the scooters on Amazon. Those look great!! And did not seem as expensive as I thought they would be...li think it would be worth it to be able to get around without fear of falling or tripping people around me! I'm wondering if those would be an eligible expense under a flex spending plan? Not sure how your flex plan works but even if it's not normally covered, it probably would be if you have the doctor fill out the medical necessity form. But I just checked my company and it lists "Crutches, canes, walkers or like equipment (purchase or rental)" as a covered expense.... I'm going to check if it will be covered by mine, but even if not, I think I'm going to order one. I think it will be well worth it!
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:41:09 GMT
I looked up the scooters on Amazon. Those look great!! And did not seem as expensive as I thought they would be...li think it would be worth it to be able to get around without fear of falling or tripping people around me! I'm wondering if those would be an eligible expense under a flex spending plan? In the video I posted, the salesman said the magic words "covered by insurance." That's good to hear! :-)
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Post by elaine on Jul 25, 2014 17:42:17 GMT
Also, FWIW, here in VA it isn't that easy to get hanging handicapped tags. I have the paperwork to get one for my ds, and I have to mail it to the state's DMV in Richmond (a couple of hours away) and they will process it there and mail it back to me. No fax number, no email, no in-person drop off. There is no way to just go someplace with the paperwork and pick it up immediately. It is a several week process in VA.
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Post by sisterbdsq on Jul 25, 2014 17:42:18 GMT
Would you really steal a parking spot from a legitimately disabled person? It works both ways.
And, no, I would not actually trip you but I would take you to task in public and call the police. I take that very seriously. My grandmother was in a wheelchair prior to ADA laws and parking permits. As a small girl, I watched my grandfather carry her places because there wasn't a provision for her.
Do you not think broken bones are a legitimate disability (albeit temporary)? The fact that I am eligible for a tag indicates to me that it is....whether I have one or not doesn't change my physical status. (I do appreciate your reply....it's not my intention to be argumentative with you, I'm just asking as part of the whole discussion....and agree with the consensus that I need to find another way.) Maybe I should have said disabled person (whether temporary or permanent) with a valid, legal tag. Get your tag, I will hold a door open for you or ask if I can help put your purchases/crutches/chair in your car. I've done that.
Although you say whether or not you have one doesn't change your status - that's irrelevant. You do not have a tag, you are not entitled (ah, that word!) to park in a spot reserved specifically for those who do. What's the dumb joke about having a vagina but not being a prostitute just because you have the equipment?
I stand by calling someone out and calling the police. I'm not trying to argue with you either, but I'm adamant about this issue and will defend the rights of the disabled.
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Post by pierkiss on Jul 25, 2014 17:43:06 GMT
No you can't just decide to park in the handicapped spots without having the placard. You will get a massive ticket if you are caught, and the cops won't care if you have crutches or not. If you want to park there, get your dr to fill out the form.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Jul 25, 2014 17:44:40 GMT
I hate to say it, but I'm going to go with illegal and you shouldn't do it.
I'm sorry you are having a hard time with the crutches.
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Post by cindyupnorth on Jul 25, 2014 17:47:27 GMT
"In the video I posted, the salesman said the magic words "covered by insurance"
Not necassarily, you need a script. Also MOST insurances won't pay for several assisted devices, they will only pay for one. ie, she already had crutches they may have paid for. PLEASE!!! call your dr and ask them first if this is a good option for you. The scooter walker. Where is your break? or what is your dx? You want to make sure you arn't putting too much pressure on the area when kneeling on a scooter walker.
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:50:12 GMT
I appreciate all the responses and am going with the consensus.....I felt funny about it, or I wouldn't have asked, but as usual the Peas have offered a better solution! I found several Prime-eligible scooter things and I can have one of those by Monday. Then I don't have to worry about parking or falling or these devil crutches!
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Post by traceys on Jul 25, 2014 17:53:25 GMT
"In the video I posted, the salesman said the magic words "covered by insurance" Not necassarily, you need a script. Also MOST insurances won't pay for several assisted devices, they will only pay for one. ie, she already had crutches they may have paid for. PLEASE!!! call your dr and ask them first if this is a good option for you. The scooter walker. Where is your break? or what is your dx? You want to make sure you arn't putting too much pressure on the area when kneeling on a scooter walker. I will call and check before I place the order...the break is on my lower leg, a couple of inches above my ankle, so I don't think the kneeling area will be a problem, but i will check on it first. Even if the insurance doesn't pay, I think I would rather pay OOP and be able to get around.
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Post by BuckeyeSandy on Jul 25, 2014 18:00:44 GMT
Thanks for replies! I am eligible for a temporary hang tag, it's just almost more of a time consuming process to get it than the amount of time I'm going to be in the cast. Go and get the temporary tag. I received paperwork IN THE ER for one signed by the attending physician, (there was lots of stuff to be filled out by me as well), after I fractured my foot and broke my ankle. All my DH had to do was go to the local DMV and turn in and walk out with one. That would have been good for one month. I actually waited until I saw the specialist, the office gave me the same form that was nearly complete, except for my vehicle(s) information and my DL number. That was good for 6 months. I had DH drive me to DMV to get it. 5 minutes later I was out with the hang tag, and the card for my wallet. Mine could be used in ANY vehicle I was in and in other States as well.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 25, 2014 18:02:09 GMT
I understand why people are upset with others using spots they do not have the right to use, I really, really do. My father has a placard due to injuries from his time in the war. But I keep seeing posts about her taking a spot that someone else could use, and I can't help but think that technically, she has the need now, she just does not have her placard yet. Now, I definitely think she should get the placard. But I think that her need will be no different once she has it than it is now. She'll just be legally able to use the spot. So as soon as she has the placard, she can go right ahead and use that spot that someone else may need, and no one should be upset with her. I don't know if I'm explaining myself well. I think some of the responses here are more what I would expect to see given to someone who takes a spot because it's raining, or they're tired, or they have 3 kids with them, or they just need one thing, etc. I guess that basically I think that she has already been told that she is "deserving" of those spots, but the red tape involved is preventing her from using them, which stinks. It seems there should be a way to make it quicker for people to get temporary tags. I'm all for reading someone the riot act if they use those spots willy nilly, but I feel for the OP. It sucks to have the need for the spot but no legal way to use it yet. I agree. Yes, the OP definitely needs a placard. But the existence of a piece of paper doesn't determine her need. It's only legal permission to use the parking spot. I'm sure there are people in wheelchairs who don't have placards, due to pride or the paperwork. But it doesn't make their need less real. Just as there are people with placards who don't appear to need them. You can't always determine a need by looking at a person.
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Post by BeckyTech on Jul 25, 2014 18:08:48 GMT
When I broke my leg, the hospital put me in a regular walker instead of crutches. Very easy to get around on, no fear of falling. I had already amply demonstrated my lack of coordination. You can also get an optional basket, which really helps when you are at home and need/want to carry water or food or whatever from room-to-room. I put colored streamers on mine to make it look a bit less like an old person item and a bit more cheerful. Just to let you know, you should check with your state about the tag. Here in CO, you can mail it in, but you can also take the doctor form to the DMV in person, walk in and up to the Info desk and they will issue it on the spot. Virtually no waiting in line. Hope you heal quickly!
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