Yes, what Cindy said.

Aw little Lambchop!!!

I have a cane and keep it in the closet. I haven't needed it for a few years now (knock on wood.) But it's there if the need arises.

There have been times when I needed a chair too and I seriously thought of getting one to keep in the trunk (but haven't done that yet.)

Just think of it as a tool in your closet that you rarely need but it comes in handy on the rare occasion. If it happens that you need it more often, get a really snazzy looking one. How about one with little lambs in race cars?

I second the thought of you getting some rest after your infusion.

I found out a long time ago that people who don't know us believe we are dumb when we are walking like Frankenstein. Then we go into double dumb when we go into the chair.

I prefer the power chair because it seems to make me a little less dumb since it is patient operated which means I must have partial brain functioning in order to self propel myself.

gmi

I am so sorry you had that fall...
I did buy 2 canes...a cool blue one for the house that hangs near the door in the garage, and a fold up cane I keep in the car.
I have a great deal of stiffness when I first get out of the car after driving, so I do occasionally use it to get to the store, then fold it up and stick it in my purse or pocket when I feel I am stable enough to walk without it.

When I was getting prepped to go home after surgery last month, I had a really great nurse. She asked me if I use a cane. I told her my DH doesn't like me using one...he doesn't think I need it (he is the type of guy that never likes to give in to a challenge).
She berated him...told him her DH uses a cane, and that there's some really cool-looking ones out there. She asked him, "Would you rather she fall and end up in the hospital?" Been there, done that...

So I don't consider it giving in to MS...I am grateful that there are aids out there to help me function! Yahoo...no really, I feel blessed that these aids are seen more in public and that we have accomodations that make it easier for us to get around and be like everyone else, which we are...everyone has challenges...it's just that ours are a bit more noticeable.

Take care, and drink lots of fluids now that the magic juice is flowing in your veins...

Say, Deb, not for nothin' but, any chance he uses Viagra or some sort?

Char I hope you're feeling better now. I totally agree with everyone here who says that getting some sort of aid isn't giving in to this disease.....it's laughing in it's face!

I bought a pretty red cane with flowers all over it. I've had so many kind comments about it (mostly from women). It's a real conversation starter. And I don't use it all the time. But I know when I need it and I'm not afraid to use it.

My question for you, my dearest Yabbit is would you feel better falling or walking?

There is no shame in getting help when it's necessary. It's better than being a bruised leetle pile of yabbit meat!

Would you feel better if it were trekking poles? They have some on sale at OSJL. I just checked them out last week and was thinking that for the price, they might come in handy for those days when things aren't going well in the ol' balance department. They unscrew and collapse to around a foot long so they can be carried instead of used, easily fitting under the car seat. They're selling them singly so you can get only one if needed.

(I'm just offering suggestions here to get you thinking about alternatives that you might live with better!)

I think AMN is right! (imagine! )
It's a tool and will help to keep you safe and sound when it's needed!

Okay,

I have had to use a cane ever since I had my first flare due to the spasticity in my left leg. I do not always use it at home, but I do use it when I am out, at work, etc. I would much rather use a cane than fall down. I have bought three so far.

Nope...not needed

DH& I talked about this tonight.
He feels that if you use a walking aid before you need it, then the muscles will become over dependent on the aid. Good point, but he has never had the sensations that would make me want to use an aid.

In any case, you need to do what is right for you...