The Myasthenia Strut
 

Since my trunk muscles are weak, the top half of my body loses its balance as I walk, and then I end up over-compensating, and I swing back and forth out of control like a metronome set on allegretto. But I discovered that if I swing my hips out when I walk, I can keep my balance. It looks ridiculously provocative. I look like a lady of ill repute.

So it occurred to me that maybe I can do this in a modified way that doesn't look so weird. I took my three little boys for a walk down the street and back to try it out. I'm explaining it to them as we go, and I guess they were practicing it too, because this guy in a pick-up truck passes us and he goes, "That's quite a strut you guys have going there!"

I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both. So much for not looking weird. It just occurred to me that what I need is an occupational therapist to teach me how to walk. That's right, isn't it?

Abby
doin' the Myasthenia Strut

Thanks for the chuckle Abby. You really do have to have a sense of humor with this damn disease. I think if I didn't laugh I would cry a lot more. I am 38 and I take 17 pills a day and that is after getting off of pred in January. My lovely healthy grandmother who is 78 takes her 1 multivitamin each day. Oh well. :) I think an occupational therapist would be a good person to talk to. Take care ~ Melanie

Some of us (myself included) at Peripheral Neuropathy, are now using hiking poles for walking and they really help. They are light in weight and easy to use. Many are not expensive. I use the cheepy ones and they hold up for me well. Under $20.

I use mine mostly for long distance, and stairs, and gardening, to stabilize me so I don't fall over.

Maybe it can work for you too?

People don't stare at you with them, like they do with canes or crutches.

Yep they are great I use them all the time, and find them very helpful, they keep me steady and if I trip, stop me going over.