The Ability Superstore – Helping me Move
I can’t remember the last time I moved freely and without pain, even going back into my younger years I suffered a lot of back pain, while for many years it was something I could bear to live with. These days it has gone way past that point and some days just making it from the bed to the sofa in the next room feels like I have won a gold medal.
I had been lucky that I have been able to bring in aids and adaptations which while it doesn’t fix things does make some parts of life easier. In the past, I always used to use wooden sticks, for when I needed to stretch my legs to help keep me balanced and stable.
The Ability Superstore – Helping me Move
In fact, I have used sticks for many years now and I remember quite clearly when I got them saying “wouldn’t crutches be better?”However, I was told oh no sticks should be fine and while I won’t dispute, for many, sticks would be great, for me I found them more of a hindrance in some ways.
Since my early teens, I’ve had a tremor, it started off only slight and only really became more of a problem when I hit around my mid-twenties, prior to then I had even been able to even make beaded jewellery when it wasn’t too bad.
Sadly as the years have passed it has gotten worse and of course, if I’m having a bad fibromyalgia or fatigue day when it comes to pain, the shakes kick up a gear as well. Now you might be wondering what that has to do with crutches, well I found that shaking hands, on a stick meant to steady you, didn’t really work. So I always wondered if that fact you also used your arm to steady yourself with a pair of crutches would help, and kindly The Ability Superstore allowed me to find out.
Soft Grip Comfort Handle Crutches
They kindly gifted a pair of Soft Grip Comfort Handle Crutches in blue (they come in a choice of 4 colours). These crutches are adjustable both in the length of the stick and between the cuff and the handle.
The first thing I noticed about this pair of crutches was the handle, made of a soft material it has been made to fit into the hand comfortable, thus offering a better grip than I even had on my sticks. They are also really quite lightweight coming in at just 1.4lbs, which I am pretty sure is a lot lighter than my sticks ever used to be.
With everything going on around at the moment I haven’t been able to give these crutches a good try in different conditions (I just haven’t had the energy). However, they do seem to be well made, are comfortable on the hands and arms, as far as I have managed to test them and seem like they will be a great alternative to my sticks.
The only niggle I’ve had so far is they came without instructions on how to change the sizing and while it didn’t take us too long to work it out, a guide with how best to size them in both areas I think would have made a great addition.
If you are looking to get yourself some accessories to help you around the home, or when out and about, I would definitely suggest giving The Ability Superstore a look. For those who chronically sick or disabled, they do also offer VAT exemption on many of the items.
What do you think of my crutches, have you or do you use walking aids?
I received the items in this post free of charge to help with this post.
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Great article; I’ve found that ability aids prices can vary hugely for very similar products and it’s always helpful to have positive opinions of suppliers from others.
I have just started using crutches this year, so I’m still in the learning stage – look forward to reading more! Lowen @ livingpositivelywithdisability
I’m okay for now but what knows what the future holds
I am glad you found a device to help you. Oddly, I have the same type tremors, they really for a better word suck. They cause typos (in case you see it happen) I am on meds but there are times of the day nothing is working. I used to be a quilter and even in school was into art so much so I had a scholarhip. Those days are gone :/
Oh no it’s such a shame isn’t it – I used to love writing real letters, couldn’t even write a postcard now!
I love that you can get them in different colours. Glad you’ve found crutches that work for you!
They sound a lot better to help you get around, they should come with a sizing manual, I will have to check their website out as my fiance is struggling at the moment, especially the stairs who is a pain as we only have a bathroom upstairs, although he’s quite stubborn so may resist aides xXx
It’s difficult to find sticks or crutches that don’t kill your hands after a few minutes
I think the cushioned handles make a big difference. I use a cane due to having four herniated disks and I know how important it is to have that extra support.
They definitely make it much more comfortable when it comes to your hands.
I am so sorry to read that you are struggling so much and are unable to do things that most of us take for granted, like walking without pain. The crutches look nice and it’s nice to hear that they are soft and comfortable. It’s also admirable that the store gives VAT exemptions as well.
It is great isn’t it – I think when you need something to get by it is nice to know that you can get them at least a little cheaper.
Its great that you’ve found a design with comfortable handles, hopefully they’ll help you to be moving around soon xxx
Thank you so much! Here’s hoping hey!
Thank you for sharing your story and also for the recommendation. You are absolutely amazing and such a strong woman. I admire you for that. I will definitely recommend this for hubby to pass along his veteran friends cos I know a lot of them can find great use for this.
Thank you so much 🙂 I hope it helps then and thank you to them and of course your hubby for all they have done.
thank you for sharing your experience – I hope your energy levels get better soon and you get to try these out x
Thank you so much – here’s hoping hey!
It is always nice to find things that help. These are the most stylish crutches I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing.
They are definitely a step up for the normal grey that goes around aren’t they.