[Kitty]

How many of you ladies still carry a purse?

When I was working - pre MS - I used to spend waaaaay too much money on purses. It was just my "accessory of choice" so to speak.

I've given most of them away and now just have three.

But, it's very hard to carry one and use a cane at the same time. I bought a small Vera Bradley cross-body off ebay and really like it......but it's so cumbersome to me. Feels like it's always in the way and I'm always adjusting it.

I've taken to just putting my driver's license and my debit card into my pocket (if I even have one). If I don't then I'll take a purse but it's getting to the point of being too much trouble and uncomfortable.

Anybody here give up carrying a purse because it's just too much trouble?

[ANNagain]

Kitty,

I still use a purse if I am going any distance. I have a friend w MS who uses a cane and uses small (not mini) leather backpacks made by purse companies. She gets them at TJMaxx. This way both hands are free.

Another tip from my friend, is to keep your keys in your jacket pocket. If you forget your purse at a restaurant (she has) or it gets stolen, you can still drive you car and get into your house.

ANN

[SallyC]

I just have a small purse, big enough for essentials, with a long string handle. If I go somewhere, I sling it around my neck, so it's in my lap.

[Blessings2You]

I gave up wearing a BIG purse. I hadn't "carried" one for years, always had one with a long strap, but I always had one big enough to carry a small notebook, or a paperback, and other stuff that I've had to get used to not having with me. Now I'm used to it, and have an even smaller one when all I want is my keys and my cell phone.

[Erin524]

I never used to carry a purse. If I couldnt carry what I needed in my pocket, I didnt need it.

Now I carry a purse. It's a denim crossbody that I bought at WalMart on clearance. Think I paid $3 for it. I cant stand spending a zillion dollars on a purse.

It's just the right size to carry one of my e-readers in, along with my handicap placard, car keys and ipod. My cellphone stays in my pocket like it always has.

[Kitt]

I just have a small zippered coin purse that has my license, money, etc. in it. I carry it in my pocket. I also carry my cell in another pocket. Pockets are good.

I do occasionally use a cross body little purse. I have never ever carried a large purse like my cousin has. Hers weighs 20 lbs.

At any rate, this works for me as I use a cane and an arm most of the time. It would be nice to use my little wristlet type purse/wallet. I guess I could anyway even using a cane and an arm. We shall see.

It would have been nice to actually carry a small purse when I got my AFO's but that didn't work out. So it goes.

[Kitty]

I've learned that there really isn't anything I need to take along with me most of the time. When I used one of my larger purses I'd carry my brush, my makeup (well, some of it), and hand cream & numerous other things that I never used. As long as I have my DL and my debit card I'm good. Oh, and my Medicare card. I usually know where I'm going before I go so there's no need to take everything each time. I can do much more damage just sitting at my computer with my credit or debit card.

[barb02]

I just bought a new Vera Bradley purse today. I do get ones with long straps so they can go over my neck and arm. They do not bother me as long as they are long enough.

[Erin524]

If I could find a decent purse that I could carry my iPad or Kindle fire in that didnt feel like I was trying to schlep a 50pound pack on my shoulder over the Himalayas, I'd carry my iPad with me everywhere. (or at least my Kindle Fire, once my dad gives it back to me...he's trying out my Fire to see if he wants one)

At least I've finally got a way to carry one of my lighter e-readers with me fairly comfortably when I want to. I'd use the reader on my cellphone more often if my battery would last longer, then I'd have less to carry, but my phone is a battery vampire...an extended battery for the phone will make the phone heavier and bigger...and costs another $20 to buy.

I'm still on the lookout for the perfect purse that's the right shape and size and has a decent and adjustable strap for crossbody wearing.

[barb02]

Crossbody -- that is what I meant