I don't get bothered about it much, because I remember I used to take second looks at younger people with walking aids...wondering what happened to them. It's just people relating canes and walkers with old people, it' just not the case anymore. I use a cane and I also see wounded solgiers around here with canes as well.

People shouldn't judge someone until they know the truth, otherwise it's none of their business, just keep walking and smile... dont get bothered by it.

I find about 95% of people I encounter are nice and helpful to me.... They know I look young and have some trouble.

I usually (when I could walk - people don't usually ask WC people) say MS but DH would say it was from the sky-diving accident which made me giggle. At a school thing elementary) I did walk funny and crashed into a wall. My 12 year old DD whispered, "Mommy, that man is laughing at you." Taught my kids on the ride home as someone taught me long before MS to think in your head "You're an @$$hole and I'm not." My neighbor does like to say I like to yank people's chains. Please remember it is not your job to educate everyone. As an ex-teacher I know you can't.

I deal on a need to know basis. I'm always nice (I only think some stuff) and am upfront with people who have a right to know.

Well you know me, I like to teach. so if anyone asks, they will get a brief lesson on what MS is and how it affects me. They don't even have to pay for the lesson, it's free. My gift to mankind, so that they may be kind to the next person who they wonder about. Also so that they might be more sensitive to some one that has some sort of a handicap

That's sweet of you, Doydie.

I used to spend time with another MSer and wherever we went she used to ask anyone with a cane, walker or wheelchair if they had MS. And here we were with MS, it was very embarrassing to say the least.

Why did she do that?

I have complimented people on their really cool looking canes though! They usually look surprised and then smile because I don't then ask them why they use it.

So great to hear how everyone deals with these questions and how unique everyone's responses are! Helps me decide how I want to choose to go about answering

doydie, I think I will become like you. Naturally I like to teach and I'm not uncomfortable talking about my MS. At the same time it must get exhausting.

MSbelle, it's kind of like telling a kid where babies come from when they ask. You tell them what they want to know. You can pretty well know when some one is not interested at all or when you see them losing interest.

karousel, whenever I see a younger person with a cane I do think to myself or maybe out loud to my husband, about whether they have MS or not. It's only natural.

When someone asks me, which is rare, I say I have multiple sclerosis. The whole words, not MS.

Karousel, apparently your friend is not shy and might be searching for (another) kindred spirit.

Kitty, sounds like you could use some guidance on cane-walking! Do you see your neurologist soon? You should ask. There are different ways to use a cane; depends on what you're wanting from it.

Well, my balance is so bad that it seems like the cane just makes it worse. Maybe I'm beyond help from a cane? I use a rollator if there is a lot of walking involved.....or a shopping cart. I've practiced using my cane here at home but it just isn't helpful to me. I'll be sure to discuss it with my Neuro next time I go.