im long past caring what other people think of me

What I'm realizing is we live in a world with some uncaring and ignorant people. Its hard to not take it personally for me but I try to focus on what is best for me and less on what others think. I know the assistance can be hard but at least your pushing yourself so you can do more in a safe way. That is great.

Alright Bob B!!! You finally got yourself a cane - hooray for you! I don't think we ever get use to using a cane but after a while it does become second nature. And, your gonna be grateful for it when you realize how many times it will have kept you from falling....and it will do that for you. And, in a pinch, it makes a pretty good defensive weapon too.

Well, HeyJoe, that has to go down as the "ultimate" in weigh-ins... Hope the things you broke were not bones and that you are OK and mending well...

I think falling down must be catching on this board... That one is right on up there with falling off of my shoe...

Cathie

That was a terrible way to do it, but some of us thought you needed this cane before. I've used crutches (right now), canes, those wonderful walking sticks (I used two of them), and now I've got a bright blue walker with a basket. I'm not at all ashamed when I use any of them. I'm long past that. I really could care less what other people think of the way I look. I just wish they would get out of my way. I am slow now. The crutches really are more difficult and sometimes trip me up. But I am not able to weight bear at this time.

I think that whatever you need in order to be mobile and most of all SAFE is what you do. Don't worry about it, tell them to GET OVER IT if they don't like the way you look.

And if I ever get off these crutches, I'll buy myself a new bright shiney cane.

Hope you are feeling better.

Billye

I 'tried' crutches once! All at the hospital as well as I felt that I would be safer with either a walker or cane[s].
Luckily I figured out that canes come in different heights...and have adjusted mine for that. A too high cane, or too low, makes you more miserable than you need to be. Hurts our backs, hands, wrists, elbows, feet you name it if it's not right.
A silly question during my last PT set of sessions I was able to learn that I needed about 1-1/2" of one cane, and it made such a difference! Plus a 'lesson' on how to walk properly with one or even two.
Joe, I gotta admit, I have had some dramatic falls [tho no one ever saw them?] but that series of events of yours has got to be in the top 10 of all time?

What should the 'prize' be? Maybe a faux-gold-plated cane of the perfect height? [Simply could not resist!]. Of course, we will have to find a 'sponsor' to donate the cane[s]. Sigh.

May we all toodle or toddle tenderly - j

I did that ayear ago,no one and I mean no one asked me to weigh in
agin. But i do get wieghed on a scale in a wheelchair...You could always bop
croops on the head. Never mind you might fall trying.....Hugs Sue

Don't give a "hoot" about what people think. Do whatever it takes to get you around safely.

I have a bright blue cart on wheels, also with a basket and a seat. I didn't want people to know I even had it, that is, until I took it to a quilt show and my friends saw it. Every time I left it to walk into a booth, I would come back to find one of them sitting on it, wanting to borrow it...

Cathie

I also have walking sticks. I had never seen them until a year ago, when on vacation a bird-watching couple in my group was using them. I knew it was the way to go, and asked for them as a birthday gift from my kids. I've got the kind that collapse, so they can be packed or stuck in a bag, to be pulled out when needed. They're great for uneven ground.

Hi - I have one of those scooters (but not paid by Medicare - they have super strict regs like you cannot ambulate at all I think) but I got very small one that is supposed to come apart and will fit in a car (but one I suppose would have to read directions to do that!) but its very lightweight and I use to get just around the neighborhood - but they are SLOW! Max 5 MPH - which is better then nothing! But yes, do use whatever you need to help you stay safe! I have a cane with a "foot" - a rolling walker - and also a manual wheelchair - use whatever needed to keep me safe - taken too many headers and who cares what others think is right - you need to stay safe! Crutches, agree with others - used them several times when healthy for broken bones, torn cartiladge in knee, etc... I was always getting them tangled up in my legs and falling down - found very difficult to manuver around on.... (and if someone is really rude to use - oops -did I just I poke you in the foot with my cane - sorry!) ok, slightly evil.... but it is interesting to see peoples reactions sometimes to assistive devices - because we now have something that can be "seen" - most people are kind - some are not... (tough!)