Jennifer Peacock-Smith has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). She has a rich story to tell of misdiagnosis, advocacy, strength and perseverance …and is now writing a series of books about it all which span four decades, nearly a dozen cities across over six different countries, but ultimately about not only surviving but thriving. Her blogs and books tell this story as well as the on going struggles to raise awareness and to help her children who have all inherited the condition, giving them a much better life than she has had (so far). She writes about all of this as well as all that she is learning about Chronic illness in general, and all that goes with the losses, grief, abuse and other life challenges that accompany these kinds of journeys.
Jennifer has been using smartCRUTCH for nearly 2 years and believes that are a game-changing product for the chronic illness community, so she is going to help us spread the news of smartCRUTCH to the world.
Here's what she says:
"I ditched conventional crutches for good reason, and use a SmartCrutch wherever I go, and it has been life changing for me! I am not paid by the inventors or producers or any of the companies who sell these crutches, to use, talk about, or advertise them in any way, shape or form. I talk about them a lot because I believe in them, and they are in most of my photos because they go everywhere with me. They have become somewhat of an extra limb for me. They protect me, and they give me the ability to walk a little most days.
I am also a little biased, and proud, that they are locally invented and produced, right here in South Africa!
I decorate them, I travel with them, I walk with elephants with them, and they have become a part of me!
So it is my honor and great pleasure to announce that I am now partnering with them to help get word out there, to show them off, to recommend them, and to help anyone with questions on how to get them, how to use them, how to decorate them and how to make the most of them."
You can read Jennifer's full blog here:
My Smart Crutch Crush
You can find out more about Jennifer's posts, blogs and books here:
Pinterest
Twitter
Facebook
The Mighty
Amazon Books
Goodreads
Life Blog
EDS Blog
These work alright for me. I think these could use more molded hand pieces, and they have a bit of wobble to them where they join. I'm going to add some foam tape to try to improve the former. Overall I still recommend them, though.
I ordered these to assist me with my RA pain and a knee injury. I was going on a trip overseas and was looking for something that, first and foremost, was comfortable and also easy to travel with (foldable/compact). They worked so well and was able to adjust the length and the cuff where it fit in the airplane overhead bin and also under the seat (if sitting at a window seat). I had 4 connecting flights and it was easy to travel with and no issues at airport security. I'm also 5' 1.5" an no problems adjusting them to my height and there was still room to make it shorter and taller, of course.
They are also very comfortable. They eliminate the pain in my wrists (compared to normal crutches). Due to my RA, I can't depend on my wrists so it's nice to be able to lean on the cuffs instead, with the smartCRUTCH, and not have to use my wrists. After a few practice runs, it was very easy to use and easy to adjust.
I highly recommend them! I got lots of compliments and inquiries, during my cruise. I made sure to let them know where I purchased them and gave them the link.
I was concerned originally with the size of the cuff but the pads filled in the space for my small arms (or you can use it without the pads, if not needed). One of the pads did fall out but it was easy enough to clean off the glue and will re-glue it later but I didn't really need the pads so I might just keep it as it is.
Also, I highly recommend the crutch bag! This was a wonderful add-on to the order. Thank you Lauren!!!! I was able to fit my phone and room key along with my reading glasses and lip balm. It carried quite a few things and love the little mesh side pocket too. I didn't have to carry a purse with me so it made it super convenient. I Love it!!! I also found out that if I want to change out the design, I can order the (Interchangeable) Static Skins - to sass up my Cuffs, and not have to order a separate smartCrutch.
Overall, I am super happy I purchased them. I have been looking for an option where I could have an assistive device without causing me any additional pain in my joints and this is exactly what I was looking for. Lauren/owner was so nice too so it made the purchasing experience all that much better. Thank you!!!!
EXCELLENT!!!!! I teach Nordic Walking and have had several students who are in their late 80’s or early 90’s and who have balance instabilities… These Motivator poles are perfect for them…. Not only does it help with their balance, but it also gives them confidence in a variety of walking situations… Some of my more elderly students have even graduated to using their Motivator poles to use their upper body muscles to accomplish the “push” of Nordic Walking…
I highly recommend these Motivator poles.
Sam DG—
Wonderful service and Nordic Walking supplies. It was easy to chose and purchase The correct poles. Lauren is totally helpful!
These are definitely an improvement over standard forearm crutches. It took me a few days to get used to them after using closed cuff Walkeasy crutches for years but it was worth it! My balance is a lot better and I feel less fatigue in my legs. It definitely works my upper body more, but I need it. They're also super comfortable and the padding around the arms is great. I love that the grips are rubber too and they're much, much easier to clean.
However, I have basically no use of my hands while using these crutches. I wish they had hinged cuffs so I could bend my elbows and open doors etc. They're also horrible for getting up stairs. I can't propose a fix for that but I basically have to just hold them off the ground and get no support when going up stairs. I also wish there were more plain colors. I don't want stripes or a pattern, I just want white crutches.
Finally, I have a big issue with how these make me a walking advertisement. The giant Smartcrutch logos are annoying and I'm going to be covering them ASAP. If able bodied people don't have to have permanent advertisements on their legs, neither should disabled people. Even if I like the brand I should at bare minimum be given a choice as to whether I advertise for them.