It's another REASON to carry my cane at all times!
- 's to all! - j

Oh is this where I leave some bite marks?

You & me both - especially this winter with all this ice. I went to a medical supply to get an ice tip. The salesperson must work on commission, cuz she asked me how many I wanted. How many I wanted? How many canes can I use at a time? (I know folks who use two, but for her to see me, it's obvious I'm not one of them!) If someone came in with a couple of quad-canes, she'd probably try to talk them into 8!

It just struck me funny, and I look for humor where I can find it these days....

Doc

I can say are two things:
First? WOWSERS!
Second? Denfinitely why I only carry ONE cane into such places! [Amen to Mail Order!- No hassle IF you get a good place! WHEW!]
But, don't forget commission sales folks are hurting too? So just say: Thanks No Thanks! Leave it at that? Unless they try and bowl you over? THAT IS another matter!
I simply vow to PLAN to tip over on those who bump me, push me or try to get ahead of me w/o manners. That way? I've got a soft fall-on them? And Less damage done over all. It's that or my Cane on their head? [ Which I imagine, but never actually DO!-just makes me feel better.].

Rap 'em on the shins, j.
That'll teach 'em to have some respect
for those who are less able, to do what they take for granted.

Almost. I thought about it... Nah... I probably spent more time researching & shopping for canes than some folks do for cars. I hated the idea of needeing one, but I figured if I had to, I was going to do it with some style, so I got just what I wanted - 2 in fact - one for knocking around, and a "dress" cane.

Doc

Me too! Got a custom cane w/a brass ferrule? Went into a courthouse and what happened? They grabbed it from me to put thru x-ray! Yep, a weapon of something...something! Had to get a guard to HOLD ONTO to get thru the screening process...It was almost funny, but it was pitiful at the same time!
THE perfect cane these days is like finding THE PERFECT SHOE or SOCK! The search continues!

As for losing it? I used to cry from the PN pain daily, when alone at home during the day. My DH thot at times I was faking it. But, Then he got PN from type 2 Diabetes and never said a WORD about it again. I'm sad he's got it, and can't do much for it? But at least he's gotten only the appetizer to my main course, and doesn't want THAT so takes care better. Honestly? It's one meal I wish I didn't have to try and digest!

It's scary, and more at times. But you can get thru it, and you WILL be better for the experiences. Now, go talk to your love and give her the hugs she needs! Help her to understand, and both of you to learn about all this stuff and get by or around then thru it all! Never be shy to ask questions here! Not a one is too silly seeming. We've all asked may great ones ourselves and at times? WE need to be reminded!
Hugs and HOPE truly! 's! - j

Yes it is. Mine are simple classic shafts with sterling collars; one w/ derby handle, the other w/Fritz. Turns out the shape of the derby is enough like the fritz so as not to matter too much.

Doc

I use hiking poles.... much easier to walk with! And easier on the hands (I have carpal tunnel too).

(SIGH) There's one in every crowd.

Hand comfort - arthritis particularly, but I would think CTS as well (we've both had flares) - is exactly what the fritz handle was designed for. Nowadays there is an even larger variety of ergonomic molded and padded handles. It's also prudent to have a cane properly sized for best comfort/support. The stresses between cane vs. staff vs. stick on the whole body are quite different, especially if needed to assist in weight bearing. I've used staves when camping, and they're probably better for that, but for truckin' around town, the cane works far better for most folks. (Don't see many hiking poles in the surgical supply stores either... Are they covered by insurance w/ prescription?)

Besides - No-one thinks much of a cane when brought into a public place. At least they don't start calling you "Gandalf"!

Doc (who has a fair share of staff/Renaissance Fair stories...)

The poles are light, and inexpensive...depending. There are some really expensive ones out there, but I have a cheapie and it has lasted 3 yrs. It allows me to walk more normally IMO. The rubber tips wear out and you have to buy replacements tho.
I started with mine for icy weather (it has a hard carbide type tip for ice).

Mine cost $15.00 each. I don't need to put alot of weight on a pole. The poles help me with stairs especially, where canes don't work well at all. (we have alot of stairs) I've walked on and off with canes for over 20 yrs. And I like my pole 1000% better. Walking with a hiking pole also uses more calories and works the upper body quite well.
Using left handed is easier too. I like the vertical hold rather than the other angles canes require. I find the poles even help take pressure off the discs in the back, which canes never did for me.

I don't get stared at as much either. Mine is green. I have a blue one upNorth, I left up there.

To each his own.