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12-08-2014, 09:36 AM | #1 | ||
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Member
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This is what the first person I saw yesterday asked me. I use my cane whenever I'm outside of the house now because falling isn't my favourite pastime. I can't believe how many people ask me why I have it though.
I realize I look young (I am 30, but I look younger) and it's not usual to see a younger person walking with a cane, but I was hoping that the general population would be considerate enough not to comment on it right off the bat. I've been asked if I was in a car accident, if I slipped and fell, or just a demand for an answer on why I have it. I also have caught a few people staring which is not cool (thanks cashier at Walmart!). I have realized this is all just something I'm going to have to become okay with and not let it bother me. I tell everyone who asks that I have MS, why lie? I just don't like it when it turns into a conversation on how their second cousin twice removed has MS and how they're running marathons, or how (fill in the blank) cures MS (but of course Big Pharma doesn't want that information leaked!). Makes me wonder if I should come up with another story. I wish I could just go on without having to talk about it, but as soon as the cane was added to the mix, it appears I can't. How do you deal?!?! |
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12-08-2014, 10:26 AM | #2 | |||
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Grand Magnate
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I am in my fifties, but I have had several people ask me too. Do you have knee problems? ... I also tell them I have MS and it makes walking difficult. The usual response I have gotten is that people seem embarrassed they asked and then I feel the need to reassure them that I am doing ok.
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12-08-2014, 11:51 AM | #3 | |||
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Wisest Elder Ever
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I've felt the same way sometimes. Barb, I can totally relate with ending up feeling like I need to make the offending person feel better.
Finally, I just got tired of trying to make insensitive people feel better about the way they act and quit trying to answer them in a way that would excuse their inconsideration. It took some trying but I finally am at the point of feeling like I don't owe anyone an explanation of why I do anything. I'm not rude (my Mom would turn over in her grave if I were) but just truthful. I figure if they're brave enough to ask a total stranger why they feel the need to carry a cane they can handle the truthful answer I choose to give them!
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These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here. |
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"Thanks for this!" says: | barb02 (12-10-2014), jprinz99 (12-16-2014), LoveCats (12-08-2014), NurseNancy (12-08-2014), SallyC (12-08-2014) |
12-08-2014, 12:05 PM | #4 | |||
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Elder
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People are just curious...when our life insurance agent came over to update our policies, DH told him I was dxd with MS. He said, "I'm so sorry. Do you know that people with MS die sooner?"
Ignorance is hard to overcome...so it's just as well that we take it with a grain of salt, a shrug of the shoulders, and a chuckle...
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Instant Karma's gonna get you-gonna knock you right in the head...John Lennon |
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12-08-2014, 12:36 PM | #5 | |||
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In Remembrance
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Yes Belle, I started using a cane at 36, when going shopping, because I walked a little
like a drunk . I also looked young for my age (still got asked for proof, when I order -ed a drink). If peeps had the nerve to ask the matter, I just smiled and walked on. At the DLBureau, I'd say that I had a little Arthritis in my left knee..hahaha. One day, what made me feel ancient , was, a little boy said to me, "my grandma has a cane just like that one". I laughed and his mother was so embarrassed .
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~Love, Sally . "The best way out is always through". Robert Frost ~If The World Didn't Suck, We Would All Fall Off~ Last edited by SallyC; 12-08-2014 at 01:39 PM. |
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12-08-2014, 01:50 PM | #6 | |||
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Wisest Elder Ever
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I wish a cane helped me walk. I find it just makes it harder. Maybe I'm doing it wrong! I need a walker (rollator) or a shopping cart to keep my balance.
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These forums are for mutual support and information sharing only. The forums are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. Always consult your doctor before trying anything you read here. |
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