OK, as you all know, clutz here broke her ankle.  :-/  So I am finally dealing with the reality I WILL be on crutches a long time.  I thought I'd put my trials and tribulations on caring for my hair during this time in a separate post.  Who knows, someone else might benefit someday.  Or, maybe I'll get lucky and someone will suggest something to make my life easier!

1.  Classic length hair left loose when trying to get around on crutches is a bad idea.  The hair gets caught under your arms on the crutches and catches in the wing nuts holding the handles in place.  

2.  You cannot carry your comb, brush or hairsticks in your hands when walking with crutches.  I usually carry a small purse - I can carry these essentials in this little bag if I wear it across my chest.  

3.  Trying to stand and balance on one leg (with a bad hip and bad back) is tiring.  Trying to comb out your hair in this position is next to impossible.  I moved my comb/brush and a few hairsticks to the bedroom where I can sit on the end of the bed and look into a mirror.  Less chance of falling.

4.  Washing - oh what fun!!  I was lucky enough that a co-worker had a shower chair she could lend me.  Our basement shower is a walk-in shower, so the chair works well in that one.  (Climbing in and out of the bathtub is not an option - I can't do it with two "good" feet).  However, the shower head is so high, it becomes useless.  Handy hubby to the rescue!  I now have the handheld shower I've always wanted but couldn't justify! I know I'm gonna love using this even after I'm off the crutches!

5.  Once the hair is washed, I found, again, I could not leave it loose or it got tangled in everything.  So I wrapped it up in my microfiber towel until I was settled in my "nest" where I could let it air dry.  (My "nest" is my spot on the recliner where we have all my basic needs - the computer, a drink, my knitting, the phone, TV remote, and my blankey).

6.  Just combing out my hair is a new challenge.  I usually do it standing since my hair is longer than my torso.  I'm having to adjust my combing technique for the sitting position.  I had never realized I had made this change due to the length!

Things to try - will I be able to wear a single braid?  Twin braids are out unless I wrap them around my head.

Anyone else have suggestions or comments?  

This post is really good for when any of us are immobile for what ever reason.  I think we should all keep this in mind just in case!  Wow your hubby is the greatest! ;D  Perhaps you could have someone help you with braiding and combing? Maybe hubby or a friend? I taught my hubby how to braid for when my arthritis is acting up. ::)

Hubby had agreed to learn to braid my hair at one time, but he has always shyed away from it when I have asked.  He has helped me with tangles, but he is always afraid of "hurting" me.

It is strange that he "fears" my hair.  He has helped me with sooooo many other things that I know other husbands would cringe at.  He thinks nothing of assisting me in putting on shoes and socks, and regularly ties my shoes for me.  He has had to dress and bathe me when my back problems were at their worst.  When I showered last night, he was there to make sure I did not fall or need help.  He is such a sweetie!  ;D

Awwww, that's wonderful.
My fiance loves my hair, but doesn't want to comb it. He would do fine, but it's the idea of possibly hurting me or damaging my hair. He has sisters so he knows how to braid.
This may be hard, but I think if you got a little stool with no back, you might be able to comb sitting down even with your length. Staying upright would be the only problem.  :P
Good luck
Meg

Sounds like you've got most of the problems solved already, BB.  wishing4longhair might have a good idea for combing your classic length.  Even a bar stool might work well, and it's easier to get on and off a higher seat.  
I had a handheld shower for dog washing, and sure did love it for me too!  Sadly both the shower head and the dog are now gone. :'(

Well, I wish I had some super suggestions for you.
I am all for blankeys.  I'm glad you've got your bench (my shower has one built in) and the hand held must be a big help.

Maybe hubby could help you with a bubba tail?

For whatever reason, if you are trying to stand and balance on one leg, be sure to bend the knee so your leg takes the weight instead of your hip/back.  And use your abs, of course!

Best of luck!

Sakina; thanks for the reminder about bending the knee - I have a tendancy to lock the leg and you are right, it makes for more pain in the hip and back.  Especially when I am hopping on the one leg!

Yesterday was a bad day.  Changing the position of my foot from the splint to the boot resulted in lots of pain and more swelling.  I spent most of the day just sitting the in the recliner with it propped up.  As a result I never did comb out my hair.  :P  I left if in the rolled up braid all day and thru the night again.

This morning I unrolled and unbraided my hair.  Lovely curls!  Too bad I have no one to share them with!  Hubby did comment on them ("cool curls!") as he was heading out to run errands.  It will take me about 30 minutes to get my hair combed out completely, then I will braid and roll it back up again.  This is the best way for me to protect it when I am sitting in the recliner a lot.

I'm getting around better today - but probably still won't leave the house.  I'll just do laundry - that will be enough of an ordeal - up and down a flight of stairs a couple of times will certainly wear me out!

Bikerbraid, how do you roll up your braid?  Is it like a sock curl only with a braid?  I know you said somewhere you put your hair in a sock.

Looking for new bedtime methods for hair...

:)

Hope you are feeling better!!!

I roll my braid like a sock curl many times.  I also have these foam snap rollers.  They are a quick way to roll up a braid (assuming I haven't misplaced the silly thing or it hasn't fallen under the dresser!)

Today has been a better day.  Pain is minimal, I'm getting around on the crutches fairly well.  I'm keeping my hair in a bun to keep it out of the way.

I'm trying to decide what to do with my hair for the surgery.  One braid, a banded tail, or two braids?

Ughh, surgery--poor Bikerbraid. I would vote for two braids.

What's a banded tail?
Meg

When I was getting ready for the birth of my son there was a chance of a c section being needed and my midwife to me that its eaiser for long haired ladies to put their hair up in 1 ( unlesss its really thick then 2 is better) braid so as to get the hair cap(s) on.  (She told me they would probably use two for all my hair). I had my hair in 2 braids....but I was labor all day!  I thnk a single braid should work thou....as you will not be in labor. ;D
hope that helps!!!!

ps i broke my ankle in high school and i remember that recover was very sore....but my doctor told me swimming was good for rehabilitating it as there was no stress on it.  

wrote on Feb 28^th, 2006 at 7:20pm:

When I was getting ready for the birth of my son there was a chance of a c section being needed and my midwife to me that its eaiser for long haired ladies to put their hair up in 1 ( unlesss its really thick then 2 is better) braid so as to get the hair cap(s) on.  (She told me they would probably use two for all my hair). I had my hair in 2 braids....but I was labor all day!  I thnk a single braid should work thou....as you will not be in labor. ;D hope that helps!!!! ps i broke my ankle in high school and i remember that recover was very sore....but my doctor told me swimming was good for rehabilitating it as there was no stress on it.

Thank goodness I will not be in labor!  :o  

I know recovery will not be quick <sigh>, but I'm hoping for the best.

Meg; A banded tail, some people here call it a bubba tail, but I was wearing it long before PurpleBubba described it at LHC.  Basically is a a ponytail with hairties put around the tail about every 3 or 4 inches.  It is a great way to leave the long tail, but not suffer all the damage of it being completely loose.

Thanks. That's what I thought is was, but I wasn't sure.


wrote on Feb 28^th, 2006 at 7:20pm:

When I was getting ready for the birth of my son there was a chance of a c section being needed and my midwife to me that its eaiser for long haired ladies to put their hair up in 1 ( unlesss its really thick then 2 is better) braid so as to get the hair cap(s) on.  (She told me they would probably use two for all my hair). I had my hair in 2 braids....but I was labor all day!

That's a good idea. *mental note  :D
Meg

I think I will go with a single braid - french braid.  I had considered washing it the night before, but now I think I will leave it to wash on my usual wash day of Sunday.  My hair stays in a braid better when it has more natural oil on it.

Had my pre-op physical today.  I am healthy enough for the surgery!  (I hadn't expected any other result, but you have follow their rules).  You have to wonder about the medical profession sometimes.  When I go in for the physical, they take me to the farthest exam room in the building - equal to about a city block.  Keep in mind, I am over fifty and manuvering on crutches is an aerobic activity for me.  I get into the room and immediately the nurse takes my pulse and blood pressure!!  :o golly gee - they are elevated!!  I wonder why??  How stupid can you be?  I was impressed that my blood pressure and pulse weren't any higher!  The doctor commented on them when he came in and I explained when the nurse had taken them and that I knew they would be high.  He laughed, retook them and they were back in the normal ranges (actually my blood pressure was a bid low).

Washed my hair for the second time since the break.  It is still hard to detangle when damp, but I working out the routine for sitting on the edge of a chair to work out the tangles.  

I'm tossing and turning a lot more at night, which is taking a toll on my fragile hair.  I have it braided or roped and rolled, but the hair at the nape of my neck is showing significant damage.  :-/  Short of a sleep cap, I'm not sure what to do to prevent more damage.  (Note:  I can only sleep on my back and right side due to issues with my back as well as sleeping with the "cast" on my foot.)

Surgery is Friday - still don't know what type of anethesia will be used - a spinal block (I'd be awake with no feelings from the waist down) or general (completely out).  With the spinal fusion I have the doctor was not sure they could do the block - I'll have to wait until the surgery to find out.  I'm really hoping they can do the block - I hate the nausea I get with the general.  :P

Bikerbraid, I can sleep only on my back (sinus probs) and I too used to notice damage to the hair at the nape of the neck--before I used a little homeade sleep cap...

Mine is just a smooth, slippery material (don't know what), a rectangle thing sewed along one side so that is slips on like a little hood.  

I'd like to get a store bought one, though.  I saw one in the ethnic section.  For those of us who have to sleep on our backs, I don't know of a better solution.



Get well soon!!! :)

I sleep on a satin pillowcase, which I thought would be good enough, but obviously, I toss and turn even too much for it!

Today I wore my hair in a banded ponytail.  Complications occured when I got the end of the tail caught on the handgrip of my crutches!  :o  Now I must remember to have my hair down my back.  At least with the Bunjii's that I used to band my hair, there is enough weight all the way down, that my hair will stay to my back and not swing around to the front to get caught.

I'm thinking a braid would be just enough shorter to not reach the grips.  I guess I will find out tomorrow.  I decided to do a single french braid for the surgery.!  Wish me luck!

Praying for successful surgery and a speedy recovery, and no more hair damage!! :-*

Oh Bikerbraid, I hope you get better. Surgery frightens me and especially anesthesia. I'll be sending warm thoughts :).

Quick update:
Wore my hair in a single french braid.  The nurse helping me prepare for the surgery could not figure how to get my braid to stay in the hair bonnet.  (I had a pulse monitor on one hand and an IV in the other, making it difficult to do this myself).  I finally suggested she tie it in a knot at my neck.

The surgery went well - thank you all for the well wishes.  I'll fill you in on more details tomorrow when I'm not quite so tired.

Hi,
I'm new to the site and thought I might offer a friedly suggestion..... since I have MS and I have had to be on crutches for 9 months when I was younger due to leg sugery I've had some interesting things happen with long hair,crutches and disability:)  You might want to try a fanny pack to hold hairsticks,combs,etc.  I'd rather get hit in the stomach when I swing forward with the crutches than get hit in the chin or face by the bag around my neck.  Maybe this hasn't happened to you,I hope not......
Sitting on the bed to do your hair is a major help,too.  I hope you heal and feel better quick:)  just some thoughts....

Thanks for the suggestion Curlgirl64!  I'm waiting for a little quilted backpack to be delivered so I can get around easier.  My sister is a buyer for eBags.com and 6pm.com - so she has access to a lot of wonderful bags.  

I'm sorry to hear of your MS - I guess I shouldn't complain about my temporary time on crutches.

Thanks.  My feeling is that these are the cards I was dealt (there are a few jokers in there) and I'm making the best and dealing the best way I know how:)  Gotta always fight and do the right thing when it comes to this disease.  Glad the surgery went well and I know you'll be up in no time!:)

I'm so glad to hear your surgery went well, I really hope you're not too miserable with pain.  I can remember all the trials & tribulations of broken ankles, casts and crutches...without the added trivials of long hair!  Bathing was the hardest part for me, I would try to sit in the tub with my foot propped up on the edge of the tub.  Well, it slipped in once from the weight of the cast and the whole thing...all the inner cotton and gauze became saturated and irritated the heck out of my skin.  This is when they still did the fiberglass casts.

Anywho, I send good wishes for your continued recovery Bikerbraid!  :-*

A bit late, but hope you get well and recover speedily!

Hi, bikerbraid!  Sorry to hear about your broken ankle, but definitely glad the surgery went well.  I've been there, done that (minus the surgery), and like maggie, it was back when they were still using fiberglass casts.  My hair was shorter back then, but I was in the process of growing it out.  I have experienced (more recently) the crutches/long hair problems, though.  I don't remember much about how I dealt with it.  My main concern was getting from the parking lot to school in under 45 minutes.  ;D

Anyways, I hope you're feeling better! :)

Glad to hear your surgery went well and pray for your continued recovery
Meg

You pooor thing! I was wondering why you were on crutches and I found this post. I tore my ligament a couple of months back and that was so debilitating. I can't imagine how frustrating crutches must be. And the pain..!

This was an interesting post to read. I've never had my hair beyond mid-back, so I never really knew how much work super-long hair takes!

Here's sending you heal-soon hugs online xx

I've had a little setback in my recovery.   :'(  I don't know how much of a setback until they do new Xrays, I'm hoping it is nothing serious.  

Last night hubby and I took our son out for his birthday dinner.  He chose the Cheesecake Factory (yumm).  We received about a foot of snow yesterday - the wet, heavy kind that turns to ice when it is compacted.  I was not too excited about moving around too much on the crutches in this weather, but figured the sidewalk in front of the restaurant would be shoveled and de-iced, so off we went.  I got in the restaurant OK, but did immediately notice the very slippery tile floor.  You know the kind - high gloss, and slippery when wet.  Well of course when people come in from the snow outside, the floors get wet.  They had carpets by the entryway to minimize the problem, but I was still concerned.  I very slowly worked my way to the table - watching the floor for any sign of wetness, and not doing full swings on the crutches, but little hops - just in case.  Whew!  Made it to the table - no problem.

We had a wonderful dinner (and I'll have a wonderful lunch today of the leftovers!).  We got up to leave, and again, I am being ever so careful, watching the floor for wet spots.  A couple of servers came towards us to service a table and they were not watching where they were going and one almost knocks me over.  As I'm trying to avoid that, ...... yes, you know what is coming.... I didn't look at where I was putting my crutches, and the right crutch slips on the wet floor.  As this happens, my right foot, which is in the air cast, slams into the floor, which sends shooting pains through the foot, ankle, leg, hip and back.  I regain my balance, but stop to catch my breath.  Hubby was behind me and saw what happened and sort of grabs me, to make sure I don't fall, then sets me down in the emtpy booth to make sure I am OK.  At that point I was not sure, and the tears start flowing.  Keep in mind, I have an extremely high tolerance for pain, and seldom cry due to pain.  It took a few minutes for me to get myself back together again and we left the restaurant.  

When we got home, I iced my foot/ankle and took my ibruprofin to try to keep the swelling down, but I can tell it is more swollen today than it was yesterday.  I've called my surgeon's office this morning and I'm to go in for Xrays later today to see if I've done any damage to the bone.

I may never leave the house again!

On the hair side - I had planned on washing it last night, but decided that icing and elevating my foot was more important.  So I am on day 7 - not the most glamorous, so I am wearing some of my prettiest hairsticks to compensate.  ;D

Oh, BB!  I'm so sorry!  I hope everything's OK.  Ouch!  Your tale brought tears to my eyes just reading it.  Feel better!!

OMG. That was so careless of the waiter! I mean, it's not as if you were invisible on crutches!

You poor poor dear!

Good Lord!  Did your hubby pummel those waiters?  --Cause mine would have!  I'm so sorry this happened.  Boy, when you have a bad day it seems to extend to a couple of months!  Hope all is well with the ankle.   :-*

Oh BB I am so sorry to hear about your set back..I hope all will turn out ok.  I know the high tolerance pain thing my self,so when the tears come it is because the pain is unbearable.  Hang in and just know nothing but speedy healing thoughts are coming your way!! :)

Ow...

I hope the setback didn't end up being bad, painful as it sounds. I'll light a candle for you- hoping that there will be no more setbacks, just speedy recovery.  :-*

Wow!!
I hope this isn't too much of a set back. Times like that must be frustrating. Hope you can aviod making your adventure much longer without having to become a hermit. Although, a long-haired hermit might be the talk of the city.  :D
Anyway, on a serious note: wishing speedy healing and little pain for you.
Meg

Xrays came back OK - no additional damage.  Thank you all for your positive thoughts - I'm sure it helped.  :D

:) 8)

Whew!!!  So glad you got through that newest set-back without any further damage.  Hang in there BB, frustration seems to be part of the healing process with all the ups and downs, but healing does eventually take place!  Hope the increased pain has not lingered.  :-*

YEAH!! I'm glad it turned out that way!!
::)
Meg

It's been 8 weeks since I broke my ankle.  :P  Here's my latest summary of my trials and tribulations:

Not being able to stand in the shower, I have been using a handheld shower.  I've found that the handheld does not rinse my hair as well as my regular showerhead.  I've had gunky hair a few times.  Yech!

Long braids and loose hair get in the way when you are on crutches!  :o  The ends get caught on the wing nuts - just one more way to cause you to fall down.

I'm not a good sleeper to begin with, but for the first 4 - 5 weeks, I was very restless causing more tangles and breakage.  Bummer.

The velcro straps on my boot attract hair. Don't bend over to attach the straps when your hair is loose - it will attach itself to the velcro and hold you captive until someone comes to help you pull your hair gently out of the straps.

Not being able to stand on the broken ankle for 8 weeks, I've learned that it is difficult to put your hair back up into a bun while trying to keep your crutches from falling.  Lesson learned, sit down to re-do your bun.

I've also learned a lot about just being mobility impaired.  It takes a lot of strength in your arms and shoulders to be on crutches.  Abdominal muscles are also used to hold the leg/foot off the floot.  My arms are still sore, but I'm MUCH stronger than 8 weeks ago.  

If you ever break your ankle, make sure you have a recliner to sit in - or else you will have backaches to go with your ankle pain.  8)

Congratulations on making it through these trials and tribulations -- stronger and wiser ;D

Wow. You've learned a lot in 8 weeks.
I hope you continue to heal and your hair doesn't suffer too much more.
Meg

Bikerbraid,

  I know exactly how you feel.  My hair is past my waist, and I just had shoulder surgery on my right arm.  it is almost impossible for me to comb out 36" of hair with my left arm only.  My right arm is in a sling for the next six weeks!  Any suggestions?

Jim

Hmmmmm, the first thing that comes to mind is to bring your hair over one shoulder and comb it in front.  Washing can be the same way - keep the hair on one side so you don't have to use both arms and you don't have to lift your arms as much.

Hope your shoulder feels better soon.  And be sure to share your experiences on caring for your during your recovery.