Thanks.

Unfortunately, it's only because I've spent far too much time on the forums, and I can personally relate all too well to some postings . . .

May-as-well put my unpleasant experiences to some useful purpose.

Cherie

The only reason I don't think this is it is because I wasn't the one pushing the stroller much at all until the end of last year (when I saw I needed something to lean on). DH always pushed it when I was pregnant (which was a lot, LOL) and than the big boys fight over who is going to push the stroller after that.

If this dependance "on something to lean on" has only been going on for a few months now, how can you know already that you can't adjust to a cane, walker or scooter?

Have you been tested for strength, and are you losing any . . . or is this percieved necessity mostly about the numbness?

Although my whole body is numb much of the time, I still have only resorted to aids on a few occasions. Dragging an electric wheelchair around is a huge undertaking and expense . . .

At least you have the vehicle for it though.

To be honest, Julie, I would even attempt to look after 7 kids for a day, let alone take them out anywhere. I just simply couldn't.

Either way, you said that you walk very well most of the time, so what you need to do is isolate when you are experiencing this problem. Can you manage with another type of aid for those few occasions? Is this a short-term problem that you don't need to throw $5,000 - $10,000 at to fix? Is there another alternative?

Frankly, I wouldn't agree to that kind of expense for myself, YET, and I have struggled with walking for 5 yrs already. The problem is that more you count on these vices, the more often you will depend on them.

Cherie

I got a cane years ago when I broke my big toe, I didn't need crushes but did need to keep most of my weight off of my right foot when I was wearing the "big ugly boot". So even than it was hard on my arm and hand to use the cane than, the fibro leaves my muscles weak.

I used a scooter when I went to the store when I had that "big ugly boot" on and my arms would hurt so bad by the time I left from holding them out to drive it.

As for the walker, I just don't want to do that at my age

No I have not been tested for strength.

I also don't want to throw $5-10K just for the once in a while thing I might, might not need a few things a month. I guess this is why I posted this thread, what else can I do?

Can your husband hold your hand when you have to do a lot of walking? Sometimes holding someone's hand will help you psychologically to feel like you're walking better. (it works for my mom some)

I know when I was dizzy last summer and going out on dates with my boyfriend I was holding his hand a lot. He thinks it's because I wanted to get closer, and that might have been part of it, but it was mostly because I was a little dizzy and wanted the support, and because he was walking too fast and I wanted him to slow down.