I just messed my ankle up and am going to a conference in a couple days where I normally walk 15-25 miles/day for the next week.

I’ve been advised to use a wheelchair instead of crutches. And will rent one when I get there.

I get the feeling that I’m throwing myself into the fire here, having never used a wheelchair before, and likely spending a crazy amount of time in one moving around over the next week.

I usually can’t deal with sitting down for more than an hour or so before my back hurts, so I’m worried about that.

What advice do you all have for me? What do I need to know? What pro-tips should I take for the next week?

  • sin_free_for_00_days
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    5 months ago

    If you can, get one of these:

    I’ve never used one, but I know 2 people who have and most of what they have said is positive.

    • TheHarpyEagle@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      Definitely this, and maybe a motorized scooter for days that really require you to move around. Also check the conference site or call them to see if they offer any accommodations. But, OP, you’re probably not gonna be making it 15-25 miles a day no matter what you do. Be honest with yourself and others about your limitations and don’t push yourself too hard. Have a backup plan to get around if you need to.

    • CosmicTurtle0@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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      5 months ago

      From what I’ve been told, these things are terrible on your knees if you put your weight on them. So think of it as a crutch, not a skateboard.

      YMMV.

      • tyler@programming.dev
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        5 months ago

        You can pretty much sit down completely on them. I had ankle surgery and rode down the street all the time on it lol.

    • lechatron@lemmy.today
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      5 months ago

      Exactly what I was going to suggest. My mom had ankle surgery earlier this year and used one for a few weeks while recovering.