I have a cane.

I've had it for a couple of years. My dad bought it for me when I went with my parents to a local pharmacy for a shingles vaccine for my mom. That pharmacy has all the cool mobility aides and the fancy canes.

Mine is blue with a nice mahogany (I think) handle.

I think I got it in mid 2007. My dad bought it for me when I told him that I sometimes steal his canes (he collects canes, but not because he needs one...he just likes them)

I use my cane when I get bad vertigo. Or when I've had a vision problem, because people dont believe me that I have a vision problem when I bump into them in the store because I couldnt see them coming at me on the blind side unless I'm carrying a cane of some sort. Plus, if they give me any crap, I can use the cane to defend myself. (some lady wanted to start a fight with me once when I walked into her back in 2006 when I had my first attack of optic neuritis...scared the crap out of me...and we were in a crowded walmart at the time. Why are people like that?)

I should also add, that I've occasionally hauled out the cane (I keep it in the car) when I'm going shopping with my parents, not because of an MS thing, but because I've got arthritis in my left big toe and possibly some arthritis developing in my index toe on the same foot that's extremely painful at times.

It sometimes just feels better to have the cane when my foot is killing me...I may also have some arthritis developing in my right big toe too, so I'm willing to bet that arthritis will hamper my walking long before the MS does.

Reason I keep the cane in my car, is because it wont do me any good if I want to use it shopping if it's hanging in my closet at home. (I can borrow one of my dad's "walking sticks" anytime I want to...he's got a cool one with a brass cobra head. He used to have one that was an 8-ball)

I'm looking for a cane with a patriotic theme to it. Just havent found one that was affordable and with a design I liked. I may have to commision a friend who's artistic to paint me one.

Is the IVSM helping?

Inquiring minds wish to know!

Yes, I think it is, thanks for asking!

I am picking up a cane today to use. After another 20 minute lecture from the nurses at the Infusion Center I decided they and everyone else is right. I am thinking positive that I won't have to use it very long just need to get over this hurdle.

Get a red cane or a white one, and get red or white tape and make it look like a candy cane!!

The cane will make you safer, sweetie...and you only have to use it when you feel funky...