i can't speak to the steroids. i've thankfully never needed them.
plus i'm a diabetic and they send my blood sugar soaring. even a small amt of roids from back injections will affect me.

i can't be without my cane anymore. i don't need it inside my house but outside need it. it also "tells" people that i'm not steady and to be careful.
when you buy the cane the person will tell you how to use it.

let's say it's your left leg that is off balance. when you put your left foot out you put the cane out and so on.

i also have become fond of an ergonomic cane. it's handle is wider and conforms to your hand. since i can put a lot of weight on my right hand it helps disperse the weight and my hand/wrist doesn't hurt so much. i got mine on-line at Fashionable Canes. it cost more but to me it's worth it.

have fun on your trip.