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.

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!

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...

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 .

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.

kitty

what is "the truthful answer you chose to give them". i'm really curious now as i may want to adopt it.

i also usually just say i have MS. most folks let it lie at that. plus, i just keep walking. it's not like i'm staying around to have further conversation. mostly i find people helpful. they usually don't press me for any further details unless i'm in a dr's waiting room and i can't get away.

i don't let things bother me anymore either. everyone has something to deal with. mine is just more visible.

barb02- That's exactly how I feel too... like all of a sudden because I say I have MS and then they're embarrassed, I have to assure them that it's ok... But I think I'm going to stop consoling because it really isn't ok to ask unless we've at least exchanged our names!

kitty- I'm also wondering what truthful answer you give them? Just a simple "I have MS"?

Thanks everyone for sharing your stories Makes me feel less alone.