They keep giving people aides, they did me. It's no good keep doing that, because it is not addressing the issue. I had a walking stick and a wheeled walker, I found them so hard to use, I eventually used my wheelchair, only when I knew that I eventually would be getting out of it, my upper half is nearly back to normal. It's not a case of IF I walk. it's WHEN
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
My first walking aid ! Not sure how I feel .....
25 Aug 2011 at 6:18PM
Just got my first walking aid - not sure how I feel .....
Bit embarrassed to be out and about using it - I know I will feel safer .
Bit embarrassed to be out and about using it - I know I will feel safer .
25 Aug 2011 at 6:42PM
The advice i have been given time and time again is "use it or lose it".
If you need an aid to feel safer that doesn't matter.
The worst thing would be to stop walking!
If you need an aid to feel safer that doesn't matter.
The worst thing would be to stop walking!
25 Aug 2011 at 6:46PM
I felt just the same way back in April this year, but I
wouldnt be without it now. I feel I have a bit more energy as I'm not
draging my leg around.
Hope you get on ok
x
Hope you get on ok
x
26 Aug 2011 at 7:59AM
I felt the same when I got my stick, but I must say that without as it means I can get about safely, go for, good luck, Jean x
26 Aug 2011 at 8:07AM
I know how you feel, I usually have my stick in the car but
don't take it with me anywhere until my husband tells me off and makes
me bring 'the stick'! It does come in handy though when I start to lose
balance, then he says, told you you'd need it. It also lets people know
to get out of my way in busy shopping areas, I like that bit :D
26 Aug 2011 at 8:14AM
started off with a stick and now have a frame as it is more
sturdy and my balance is worse. couldn't be without it - at least i am
mobile and upright for longer
26 Aug 2011 at 8:55AM
I felt exactly the same a few years back. I got a nice light
hill walking stick ( not a pole) at the time, which is much easier to
use and far better for balance as you can move it quickly in any
direction when you lose balance. They are quite expensive, but you can
get them in any out door activity shop. They also don't make that
horrible clumping sound as you walk along, like most other sticks. Good
luck.
26 Aug 2011 at 9:09AM
I know how you feel. I have just started using a stick about a
month ago as my condition deteriorated. At first i felt very self
concious, but as others have said, use it or lose it. I decided to
tackle my embarrassment head on and got myself the most glitzy stick I
could find ! :D
26 Aug 2011 at 9:54AM
If you need a walking aid with a little more support than a
stick or crutch, then a rollator is great. It gives better stability
and enables a better walking action. The walking action is important
as the MS brain "forgets" so easily. I have a four wheeled one with a
seat so that I know I can always sit when I have reached my limit. It
folds to go across the back seat of a car.
26 Aug 2011 at 12:00PM
hi this is my first post so hope it works im having the same
problem really dont want to use the stick but i know i need to ,im a
sparkle ,glitter and heels girl and im being made to wear flats and have
a stick but im trying but feel very uncomfortble and self consious with
it , i bought a stick from ebay with silver sparkly stripes on but not
blingy enough where did you find a real glitzy one xh
26 Aug 2011 at 12:15PM
heatheroy wrote:
I got mine from EBay, but perhaps our definition for glitzy differs
lol mine was a rather splendid shiny metallic blue one :) I refused to
use one of those awful grey things my
occupational therapist tried to give me :) I have also seen some
sticks on there covered in flowers etc, but as unmanly as I am, I did
not feel i could pull them off :Dhi this is my first post so hope it works im having the same problem really dont want to use the stick but i know i need to ,im a sparkle ,glitter and heels girl and im being made to wear flats and have a stick but im trying but feel very uncomfortble and self consious with it , i bought a stick from ebay with silver sparkly stripes on but not blingy enough where did you find a real glitzy one xh
26 Aug 2011 at 3:42PM
I was 20 when I first started using a stick/ crutches. I have
embraced it!!! I have some funky sticks. I get a few odd looks from
kids but it's better to be able to walk than suffer. I'm all for making
my life easier, but not too easy :)
27 Aug 2011 at 6:16PM
Hi, any walking aid has got to be good. i`ve gone from
tripping up to using a stick to trip again, so used walker, then wheeled
walker, on to manual wheelchair, electric wheelchair for last 7 years
full time.
I know exactly how it feels, when we first begin to use an aid which we never needed before.
But I do believe you will get used to it. I look on my wheels as my legs now...they have helped me get out of bed, out of the house and joining in life!
ood luck.
luv Pollx
I know exactly how it feels, when we first begin to use an aid which we never needed before.
But I do believe you will get used to it. I look on my wheels as my legs now...they have helped me get out of bed, out of the house and joining in life!
ood luck.
luv Pollx
19 Nov 2011 at 6:35PM
Hey
I got sciatica earlier this yeah, n was usin a crutch, but wasnt workin, so bought a pink sparkly stick, which is great to look at. I used it for a while n hated it, thought everyone was lookin at me, its now in the boot, n hubbi says bring the stick, im like il b fine. Im goin out tomo by myself, so i think i might bring it !!!!
V
xx
I got sciatica earlier this yeah, n was usin a crutch, but wasnt workin, so bought a pink sparkly stick, which is great to look at. I used it for a while n hated it, thought everyone was lookin at me, its now in the boot, n hubbi says bring the stick, im like il b fine. Im goin out tomo by myself, so i think i might bring it !!!!
V
xx
Hiya,
I also use a stick and I absolutely detest that I need it, so I decorate it with fake flowers and battery powered fairy lights (I am also a glitz and glitter girl) - this cheers me up a little. I see the stick as a weapon in my fight against this stupid disease - MS has meant that I can no longer wear my pretty heeled shoes, and I am terrified of falling, but I'm still walking with flat shoes and a stick, it's not going to beat me that easily!
Luisa x
I also use a stick and I absolutely detest that I need it, so I decorate it with fake flowers and battery powered fairy lights (I am also a glitz and glitter girl) - this cheers me up a little. I see the stick as a weapon in my fight against this stupid disease - MS has meant that I can no longer wear my pretty heeled shoes, and I am terrified of falling, but I'm still walking with flat shoes and a stick, it's not going to beat me that easily!
Luisa x
19 Nov 2011 at 9:06PM
Hello all, I too use a stick. I have a black and silver
glitzy metal, fold-up one which fits in my handbag and I take it with me
when I know I have a lot of walking to do. I take it out and use it
when I start to get tired and wobbly. It keeps me going that bit longer.
I also use an older and now rather bent stick when out walking the dog. Luckily I meet few people as I go out early in the morning. I am still rather self-conscious about using them, especially amongst people I know. It must have been a year or two since the physio 'taught' me how to use it before I could actually bring myself to do so.
Good luck.
Gill
I also use an older and now rather bent stick when out walking the dog. Luckily I meet few people as I go out early in the morning. I am still rather self-conscious about using them, especially amongst people I know. It must have been a year or two since the physio 'taught' me how to use it before I could actually bring myself to do so.
Good luck.
Gill
19 Nov 2011 at 11:30PM
Isn't it embarassing to start off with? I felt really nevous
about going in to work (for a chat with occupational Health!) and I got
really cross when my kids joked about me having a walking stick in front
of the in-laws, who didnt know, and hadnt seen me enough to realise
what was happening to me. Then I couldn't go down the street without
being amazed at how many people were using them. The only problem was
they all seemed a lot older than me. I also find embarassing the fact
that most of the time the stick aint doin anything but being a 'just in
case' appendage which makes me feel people are thinking "What the hell
does he need that for?", but then at least they realise you are not
drunk when you start to lurch and reel across the pavement.
20 Nov 2011 at 2:01AM
You are not alone my friend,
I use an arm crutch and it stops me from falling when my balance goes haywire. There are lots of trendy arm crutches and sticks out there on the internet. You can get spoty ones and wonderfull bright coloured ones too. As mrbobowen has just said there are lots of people out there using sticks. Just feel sorry for idiots who make snide comments at you! They don,t know any better!! All my friends and family are used to seing me with my arm crutch. If it was,nt for my arm crutch i would have not been able to go to spain last month, and have a lovely holiday with my best friend (Brian, also my hubby). Learn to embrace you stick as it will serve you well!!
Good luck,
Jane x
I use an arm crutch and it stops me from falling when my balance goes haywire. There are lots of trendy arm crutches and sticks out there on the internet. You can get spoty ones and wonderfull bright coloured ones too. As mrbobowen has just said there are lots of people out there using sticks. Just feel sorry for idiots who make snide comments at you! They don,t know any better!! All my friends and family are used to seing me with my arm crutch. If it was,nt for my arm crutch i would have not been able to go to spain last month, and have a lovely holiday with my best friend (Brian, also my hubby). Learn to embrace you stick as it will serve you well!!
Good luck,
Jane x
20 Nov 2011 at 8:49AM
Hi
I think i shud defo start usin mines agains, mines is a "just incase" stick as well, which always makes me think, wel i might not need it, so leave it in car. I went to car boot alone the other wk, n was like no i wont need it. After like 10 mins of slow walkin, my back was killin me, so i struggled on, n wen i finally got in the car was in so much pain. U wud think that wud of taught me, but no iv not used it since. Im jus bein silly really.
V
xx
I think i shud defo start usin mines agains, mines is a "just incase" stick as well, which always makes me think, wel i might not need it, so leave it in car. I went to car boot alone the other wk, n was like no i wont need it. After like 10 mins of slow walkin, my back was killin me, so i struggled on, n wen i finally got in the car was in so much pain. U wud think that wud of taught me, but no iv not used it since. Im jus bein silly really.
V
xx
Please be using your aid and use it without shame!
I have a walking stick that I've used for a while and given that I walk like I've had a few the stick does make a statement of 'possibly not a drunk, maybe just a mobility issue!'
I also use a foot up, but it is so discrete that hardly anyone notices.
When I have a ways to go I have my three wheeler. I wish I'd taken it into town last week; if I had I wouldn't have ended up in A&E with a big bump above my right eye as I wanted to go forwards but my body went sideways and 'Smack', right onto the pavement did I go!
They say pride goes before a fall!!
I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen.
Clare xxx
I have a walking stick that I've used for a while and given that I walk like I've had a few the stick does make a statement of 'possibly not a drunk, maybe just a mobility issue!'
I also use a foot up, but it is so discrete that hardly anyone notices.
When I have a ways to go I have my three wheeler. I wish I'd taken it into town last week; if I had I wouldn't have ended up in A&E with a big bump above my right eye as I wanted to go forwards but my body went sideways and 'Smack', right onto the pavement did I go!
They say pride goes before a fall!!
I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen.Clare xxx
Hi, saw this old post has re-appeared, so thought I`d add my two pennyworth!
I`ve been a full time wheelie now for around 7 years.
Yes, it keeps me safer from all the horrendous falls I use to have. But there are still the odd ones and near misses when transferring.
Another brill good bit is that it stops me from getting so totally knackering just trying to get from A to B.
Then there`s the benefit of being able to go shopping and seeing other able bodied folk having to go home, `cos they are knackered. I don`t go home until I can`t steer for bags and stuff!!!
Are there any not so great benefits in using a wheelie 24/7?
Well, yeh, course there are.
I don`t want to be a wet blanket here, but to name one or two of `em ;
muscles get very weak, feet and ankles get fat, that`ll do, unless anyone really wants to know more..........
luv Pollxx
ps whoever you are anon, how are you doing now?
I`ve been a full time wheelie now for around 7 years.
Yes, it keeps me safer from all the horrendous falls I use to have. But there are still the odd ones and near misses when transferring.
Another brill good bit is that it stops me from getting so totally knackering just trying to get from A to B.
Then there`s the benefit of being able to go shopping and seeing other able bodied folk having to go home, `cos they are knackered. I don`t go home until I can`t steer for bags and stuff!!!
Are there any not so great benefits in using a wheelie 24/7?
Well, yeh, course there are.
I don`t want to be a wet blanket here, but to name one or two of `em ;
muscles get very weak, feet and ankles get fat, that`ll do, unless anyone really wants to know more..........
luv Pollxx
ps whoever you are anon, how are you doing now?
Please be using your aid and use it without shame!
I have a walking stick that I've used for a while and given that I walk like I've had a few the stick does make a statement of 'possibly not a drunk, maybe just a mobility issue!'
I also use a foot up, but it is so discrete that hardly anyone notices.
When I have a ways to go I have my three wheeler. I wish I'd taken it into town last week; if I had I wouldn't have ended up in A&E with a big bump above my right eye as I wanted to go forwards but my body went sideways and 'Smack', right onto the pavement did I go!
They say pride goes before a fall!!I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen.
Clare xxx
I have a walking stick that I've used for a while and given that I walk like I've had a few the stick does make a statement of 'possibly not a drunk, maybe just a mobility issue!'
I also use a foot up, but it is so discrete that hardly anyone notices.
When I have a ways to go I have my three wheeler. I wish I'd taken it into town last week; if I had I wouldn't have ended up in A&E with a big bump above my right eye as I wanted to go forwards but my body went sideways and 'Smack', right onto the pavement did I go!
They say pride goes before a fall!!
I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen.Clare xxx
Ah Clare! Hope you`re okay after your fall. Shucks!
luv Pollx
"They say pride goes before a fall!!I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen."
I definitely prefer the stares because of the stick to the scars and bruises from falling!
L x
I was far more embarrased to be helped off the ground than if I'd had the correct support and never fallen."I definitely prefer the stares because of the stick to the scars and bruises from falling!
L x
I went out with my walking pole for the first time last week,
admittedly I snuck around the countryside for a while before I dared to
go on the paths but was very glad that it's height adjustable and I
could make it into a walking stick that drew a few less stares! lol
People can go hang, I'm having a bad time with my legs and will use whatever I have too to walk my dog! If they really want to know...all they have to do is ask, I'm not ashamed of my condition (anymore) and will quite happily bore people to tears about why i'm using the aids that I have :P
Mel xx
People can go hang, I'm having a bad time with my legs and will use whatever I have too to walk my dog! If they really want to know...all they have to do is ask, I'm not ashamed of my condition (anymore) and will quite happily bore people to tears about why i'm using the aids that I have :P
Mel xx
20 Nov 2011 at 1:31PM
Well after my post this morn, i decided yes im goin to use
it. So again went to car boot. Was drivin through the gate to the
diabled parkin, n the guy stopped me n was like, do u have a badge in a
sarky way, n i was like yes i have a blue badge, n he went oh ok then u
better go in. So yeh not a gd start. I guess a 30 yr old girl, in a
sporty, blacked out windows car, dont look like she shud b disabled lol.
Well got my stick out, no one looked, i actually noticed lots of other
people with them. N after 10 mins got dizzy n was in pain, so hobbled
back to the car n my mission was complete lol.will carry on usin it now.
V
V
Well done!! the first time is the hardest I've found with the blue badge.
Also if you see a parking attendant or similar have it out and show it to them even have it in the windscreen before they ask! I know driving into Leeds to get to the disabled spaces you have to drive through bus and taxi only areas! so i put it in my wind shield and hope that if a camera/traffic warden/police see it that they will just leave me to it lol
Mel xx
Also if you see a parking attendant or similar have it out and show it to them even have it in the windscreen before they ask! I know driving into Leeds to get to the disabled spaces you have to drive through bus and taxi only areas! so i put it in my wind shield and hope that if a camera/traffic warden/police see it that they will just leave me to it lol
Mel xx
I was really embarrassed about my stick at first and didn't
use it as often as I should. The result was a lot of pain and tiredness.
I got given crutches (easier on my hands) and just hated them with a
passion. I went online and bought funky purple ones. Some days I use 1
others 2. On wheelchair days I have a funky paisley floral fold up
stick.
I am a 43 year old "Rock Chick" lol. I am determined to customise my custom wheelchair (please god let it ne soon I can't stand the heavy NHS chair) to make it as individual as me.
People can stare all they like. They are only jealous of my fab taste
I am a 43 year old "Rock Chick" lol. I am determined to customise my custom wheelchair (please god let it ne soon I can't stand the heavy NHS chair) to make it as individual as me.
People can stare all they like. They are only jealous of my fab taste
20 Dec 2011 at 7:01AM
morning, when I was first adviced by my physio to get a stick
I was filled with dread, I knew she was right but that didn't make me
feel any better, but I thought ok if you're having a stick, you're
having a right one, mines black with silver running all the way through
it, the compliments I get about it, yes at first I felt really
embarrassed but you get used to it, then when I started to struggle to
walk for a period of time without tiring myself and having to stop all
the time it was suggested again to get help, then came the wheelchair,
again didn't like it, but it was either that or stopping in all the
time, now I couldn't give a monkeys now, so go on get it, use it with
pride, hold you're head high, good luck and take good care, Jean x
20 Dec 2011 at 11:48AM
I use a stick, but hate the damn thing, OT is coming out with
various walking frames etc, and a wheelchair for longer journeys, my
family have been very supportive but me I feel physically sick about
using it, stupid I know
Might as well add my words too.....I started on a frame and
at 40 that isnt funny!!! But have had a few giggles.....getting it stuck
in the mud on the football pitch...wheeling it through dog
poop......use it as an airer to dry my clothes more recently...the list
is endless!!!
But I feel safe to at least be out and about so if I can keep smiling then I WILL keep walking.
Never know...perhaps a sponsored walk for MS would be in order!!! (frame and all!!)
But I feel safe to at least be out and about so if I can keep smiling then I WILL keep walking.
Never know...perhaps a sponsored walk for MS would be in order!!! (frame and all!!)
Kimbell, I am 43 and I am seriously thinking (after my rough
day) that I would benefit from a rollator/frame for those days when I am
too awkward for crutches but not awkward enough for a wheelchair. I am
finding it difficult to adjust to the idea. Sticks/crutched were one
thing, the wheelchair another but a rollator just seems so old.
BUT from what you have said I think I am cutting off my nose to spite my face so to speak. You make it sound like a positive thing. Thank you
BUT from what you have said I think I am cutting off my nose to spite my face so to speak. You make it sound like a positive thing. Thank you
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