If this dependance "on something to lean on" has only been going on for a few months now, how can you know already that you can't adjust to a cane, walker or scooter?

Have you been tested for strength, and are you losing any . . . or is this percieved necessity mostly about the numbness?

Although my whole body is numb much of the time, I still have only resorted to aids on a few occasions. Dragging an electric wheelchair around is a huge undertaking and expense . . .

At least you have the vehicle for it though.

To be honest, Julie, I would even attempt to look after 7 kids for a day, let alone take them out anywhere. I just simply couldn't.

Either way, you said that you walk very well most of the time, so what you need to do is isolate when you are experiencing this problem. Can you manage with another type of aid for those few occasions? Is this a short-term problem that you don't need to throw $5,000 - $10,000 at to fix? Is there another alternative?

Frankly, I wouldn't agree to that kind of expense for myself, YET, and I have struggled with walking for 5 yrs already. The problem is that more you count on these vices, the more often you will depend on them.

Cherie