Transitioning from Wheelchair to Walking with a Walker

Posted by grrranny @grrranny, Oct 4 10:24pm

How long did it take before you felt safe walking by yourself with a walker after being mostly in a wheelchair for weeks or months?
My physical therapist has given me the go-ahead to start walking (as long as I'm wearing my knee brace) unaccompanied by one of my home healthcare aides by my side, but I don't feel 100% confident, yet, to go walking-around inside the house completely by myself. Still doing exercises and trying to get my strength back after stroke 4 1/2 months ago. Doing better, but what do I have to do in order to feel more confident? Should I just "go for it" or take it a little more slowly until I feel safer?

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gravity3 | @gravity3 | Oct 5 12:39am

Do you have a friend or family member who can be with you when you try this next step? I wonder if that would help you feel more comfortable.

Scott R L | @scottrl | Oct 5 2:49am

When I was discharged after my stroke, I was given three rules:
1. Don't fall.
2. Don't fall.
3. Don't fall.

That was 6-1/2 years ago.

I have fallen three times since. All I have to say is, better safe than sorry.
Stroke recovery has no schedule. Every person is unique.
I still use a cane when I'm away from home. I don't like it, but it keeps me safer.

Good luck, and be patient.

slowrunner1 | @slowrunner1 | Oct 6 3:29pm

Be aware, concious of your surroundings at all times. Start out by practicing getting up from a stable chair to a standing position with your walker-sit back down repeat repeat repeat. Then Baby steps on stable shoes, no shuffling, and one step at a time look at your shoes-pay attention, look at where you want to go and then look down to move your feet. The next step is really hard learn how and practice practice, getting up from a prone position. You may never fall but practice-it 's insurance. Knock on wood, it has been three years since my brain bleed. Six months rehab from bed to wheelchair to walker to cane to tearing up my handicapped parking permit. It is hard, sometimes painful work.
When I was in rehab in a wheelchair, I figured out a route in the corridors that if repeated 34 times it was a mile. I did it everyday-not easy with only one functioning arm. Asked why I was doing it I told them it was a mile to the nearest bar and if I ever broke out of there I wanted to be sure to make it. Work hard, the prize is yours to win.

coffeeplease | @coffeeplease | Oct 7 11:02am

Hello I understand your fear and doubt. You are just now getting a little bit of normal back in your life. The idea of fall , maybe an injury from it, is too much to think about.

Baby steps.
1. Work your exercise/ strength program . If you do not have a program / routine working your hip flexor, knees, ankles, - then get one. Strength in your legs = walking.
2. Balance : this is the really HARD work. Get a few exercises that you can do a few times a day. The brain and body have to re-learn balance and this can only be done by doing work.
3. Short easy route in house using your walker. Establish ONE route and start to use your walker. Build-up your confidence.

Wishing you happy travels