Obtaining the byACRE Carbon Ultralight rollator has given me a major improvement to my mobility.
I have Secondary Metastatic Breast Cancer (spread to my bones, including my spine). I also have spinal stenosis, which affects my balance and gives me pain and weakness in my legs when walking. I was using two sticks to begin with, then moved on — following a chat and some advice from a neighbour — to crutches, which I found far more supportive.
Love at First Sight
I then saw an article for the byACRE rollators. They looked so stylish and not so "fuddy-duddy" or boring as most rollators or walkers I had seen when out and about. I loved the choice of colours and the compactness of the range. I began to wonder if one would help me, as I was becoming quite exhausted using crutches. Also, because the cancer has damaged one of my lungs, I was breathless too.
Trying Before Buying
I wanted to see one of these rollators in person before I decided, so I used the Assist Mobility's Meet Up program to find someone local to me — an ambassador — who was willing to demonstrate their rollator. By sheer coincidence, I discovered that the lady's daughter worked with my niece! I contacted her, and by the following weekend we met up and had a wonderful natter. I inspected the rollator and took it for a spin round the block. We compared health issues and found similarities in our struggles. The owner was very happy with her Carbon Ultralight rollator — she walked her dogs very confidently and looked very comfortable and at ease with it. I was even allowed to see if it fitted in the boot of my car, which it did, with room to spare for the weekly shop. We parted as friends and wished each other well.
Convincing the Sceptic
I went home to convince my husband it was a good idea. He was not particularly enthusiastic — he had worked in the daily living aids profession and was familiar with the heavier, more cumbersome variety of walker. He was not keen at all.
I was convinced it was right for me and that it would help, so I boldly went ahead with my purchase.
When it arrived, my husband inspected it and agreed it was light and very neat. There was no assembly required — I simply adjusted the handle height to suit me. I am 5ft 7in, so quite tall.
The First Walk
The next day we went for a seafront walk to see how it — and I — performed together. For the first time in quite a while, I walked upright and comfortably alongside my husband, chatting away. I was not so breathless, and much less effort was being expended on my part. We even stopped to enjoy our surroundings whilst I sat on the rollator's seat.
Once home, my husband confessed that he was surprised by how much it had helped me walk better. He was impressed and pleased with my choice.
Travelling to Malta
My rollator has since travelled with us to Malta. It was easily accepted at the airport — assistance staff helped me and booked it in. I used the travel bag, and it was returned to me unharmed on both the outward and return journeys. It managed — as did I — all the activities whilst sightseeing, including a day cruise round the island. It was easily lifted on and off the boat and was even admired by some fellow tourists, who photographed it so they could suggest a similar purchase for their mother when they returned home.
It was invaluable in helping me get back to the hotel after happy hour at the local bar, when — for some reason I cannot quite explain — my balance seemed even more out of kilter!
Customising for the Trip
For the trip, I had purchased and added the mesh bag to the rollator so that any souvenirs, jackets, and jumpers could be easily carried. I also added a small holder for my folding walking stick by using a soft lens case from my photography days, secured with some Velcro straps. With this attached, I could add the folded stick and it was always ready if I needed a short trip to the ladies' facilities, which on occasion were a little too compact to take the rollator into.
A Request for byACRE
I am currently trying to devise a similar attachment so that I could carry a folding crutch, as this does offer a more stable aid. Perhaps byACRE or Assist Mobility could help me out with that? I am not keen on things sticking up like flags, hence my preference for a container to hold the folding option. The crutch I have is about 24 inches when folded.
Suggestions for Future Improvements
One thing I have noticed is that the rollator tends to move — or slide — when the brakes are locked on and you are reversing to sit on the seat. There isn't always a convenient wall to lean against.
I also find it hard to keep the handles clean. It is lovely to have the soft grip, but the material is difficult to keep clean.
A Happy Ending
Otherwise, I am so happy I chose the Carbon Ultralight, and I hope to save up for an Overland model, as the spring-like weather is calling me to woodland walks.
Thank you so much to byACRE for the design, and to Assist Mobility for the support.
Learn More About Vanessa's Rollator
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