I ended up in the ER last night getting a Solumedrol IV after a bad day which actually started last week. Don't need to go into it all for you all know how I feel.

I fell getting out of the chair at the table yesterday morning flat on my face. Right leg just went right out from under me. Now, RW & AMN can vouch for me that I am usually pretty good and don't need any aids of any kind. But yesterday even in spots around the house I probably could of used a little support.

Going from my car to the hospital last night I KNOW I should of had something to hold me up!

The ER PA asked me where my cane was, I informed her I didn't have one. They felt the need when I went to the restroom they had to walk with me for they saw I was pretty unsteady.

So my "When" question is When do you break down and get something?". After 3 nurses I finally get one who knows something plus has a heart, was the one who walked me out to my car, the PA (who was a student) offered to find me a cane in their "loan" closet but I refused. Plus gave me quite a lecture of driving in myself in the condition I was in.

I hate the fact that it is taking my right side. I had a talk on my way in to the ER with my dearest friend about right vs left. I guess I would prefer my left for it is not only my dominant side by my driving side. That scares the crap out of me. I need to drive for so many reason. But, AMN gave me some good ideas (she is full of knowledge you know) which I suppose I should follow through on.

Ok, enough for me. Just curios to "when" you gave in?

This miserable disease is a thief. I don't think its about "giving in" so much as making necessary adjustments. ED visit are to be avoided at all costs and if a walk aid can do that I think it would be worth it. I'm sorry this happened.

awww pumkin. Hang in there.

Hey, Lambchop, I used to think of these things as "giving in" or little "defeats" until I gave it some serous thought. If I wanted to build something specific, I had no issues with getting the necessary router bit or tool; when I want to try a new recipe, I think nothing of buying the necessary ingredients; when I did a lot of hiking, I automatically knew I needed the necessary boots; when I travel, I always get the necessary maps;...

See a theme here? Find a cool cane that fits your hand well, fits your body, and fits your style. Use it when you need it and ignore it when you don't. It's just a tool to keep you safe and going, not a sign of anything but determination.

Now get some rest after your infusion, missy.

Ok, now you put it into that kind of text I understand. Thanks!

Don't think of it giving in, I think of it as being smart and planning ahead, otherwise it can look like stubbornness and not being smart. I had crutches ready, a walker ready and a manual wheelchair ready before needed. I had what I needed before I needed it, saved and spread cost out that insurance disn't cover. . Of course I hoped I'd never need, but I did. Would gladly eat cost not to need, but glad I had. Waited too long for power chair, regret that, think permanent damage done to sciatic nerve which could have been avoided, lost time and effort using walker to use bathroom, etc. I'm not crazy about being in a chair, but no longer fall or not make it on time as I awkwardly and S..l..O..W..L..Y walked to bathroom. Now I don't fall, zoom to bathroom, go places in house and property I hadn't been to in years! These are tools, who are you hurting besides yourself by not using? I can only decorate Christmas tree on bottom 2/3rds from Chair, but could not reach out with breakable/ delicate ornaments at all last year!!!!!

When I first got out of the Doctors office DH and I went to the medical supply store and bought a really pretty pink cane, a metallic blue rollator and later I got a prescription for a transport chair.

I wanted to get them right away for some reason.

I have used each of them at times and the rest of the time they are in the garage (out of my sight) in case anyone in the family or a friend needs to use one.

I don't use any aids now but you never know; I may tomorrow and they are there if I need them.

When? Well after after a few spills and DD18 begging me to use it so others didn't think they had a drunk mom.

I don't use it all the time now but it helps to have it for those times when I am not steady on my feet.

I hope you feel better soon, Char!

******

My MIL told my SIL she thought I had a drinking problem. SIL know better but knew MIL didn't know yet then. The chair doesn't make people think that now. They sometimes do talk louder like they think I'm deaf instead of just not being able to walk. I set them straight right away.

hey sweetie .. I know what you mean ... and there are times that I can take off and do my thing without a cane ... BUT, I found out the hard way that I can't do ALL the running anymore ... after 2 stores (maybe an hour or so) .. I'm pooped - and need to rest ...

I keep a cane in my car - walking around the apartment (it's small) is okay - and I can sit and rest (okay, chat with you and my online friends) .. then, I have to work on something else ...

don't think of it as a 'when' ... like Kicker said .. I'm working on painting mine purple with some glitz and lace ...

thinking of you!! ((HUGS))