Bram you are a dear lol. Thats what I've been thinking too. I use mine on the left even though thats my bad leg because I fall that way also. I miss hiking in the mountains, and I miss biking too. I think my sons would love biking too. If someone doesn't like my cane then they can get me a new one lol. I still am thinking about this pink one I found though, but black goes with everything. I Nannay is 94 yrs old and she only started using a cane or walker about 5 yrs ago because she broke her femur, then broke the other one. I was planning on being like her. I love that woman. She doesn't care what people think, she know who and what she is. She even told me recently after crying on her shoulder through the phone to buck up. If other people are jerks she would pray for them and if that didn't work she would pop them with HER cane lol. :eek: She's one of those people that when she gives an opinion we listen. I am a lot like her to an extent. Even though the weather is changing and we are hurting more we need to buck each other up mentally and spiritually. Using the assistance of a cane, crutches, walker or wheelchair we are still us. The device we use doesnt make us or break us. It is there to help us. Kind of like a service dog, or our husbands, wives, family and friends. :grouphug:

I started using a cane and my walker two years ago...and I am 29 now. They got me out of a wheelchair that I had been in for many months because I wasn't able to stand or walk at all.

I love the outdoors. I have a cane that I use sometimes and when I use it I use it on my right side. My CRPS is in my left leg and both arms/hands (and other places). The main reason for using it on that side though is that when I tend to fall...it is towards the right. If I had it on my left side it would still help with the pain a bit...but not with the balance which is the bigger issue for me.

I don't use the cane often because instead I use a rolling walker. There are occasions where the walker isn't as practical to use...and that's when I use the cane (like when I go upstairs I just take the cane because dragging the walker upstairs would be more trouble than it's worth). The rolling walker really is the best for helping with both the balance and the pain. Most of the time I don't even have to push that hard down on the handles to take weight off my ankle which helps with the pain. And balance wise...I have never fallen since I started using the rolling walker.

My walking/gait is also much better with the walker than without it. I tend to limp or walk funny with the cane or when I try and use nothing...which messes up the rest of my body. You can get these pretty cheap at local pharmacies. I ordered mine from amazon.com and got one meant for shorter people (good move for me) and also one that has bigger wheels because it rolls smoother on uneven grounds. It's got a fabric basket underneath and folds up very easily. I can use the walker to carry things and it's really the only reason I have been able to return to work and to some semblance of a normal life.

There's nothing wrong with using mobility aids especially if they help you take back your life and do the things you want to do and that make you happy.

I cannot use a cane because of having RSD in boths hands, shoulders and left arm. I use a rollator - walker with wheels and a seat. It is what my PM recommended. It has been a blessing having it. I get stares everytime I use it, but whatever, they are not the ones having difficulty walking or standing very long (I also have RSD in my feet and left leg). I am 46 (will be 47 on Sunday) and have used canes and crutches in the past with knee and leg surgeries. I even got stares then when my entire leg was in a brace, etc. People are rude and will stare no matter what. You have to get past that and do what is best for YOU! If the cane will help you get around and not suffer as much, then by all means use it!! The people that stare are not the ones that will suffer from the increased pain.

You know when people stare at me, this is what I think:

I think they are wondering what happened to you, and are worrying about themselves ... (what if it were me? or could it happen to me? ).

I like to think that by using a mobility aid, you are showing those people who stare, that you are dealing with a problem in a constructive way.

Little kids will even ask sometimes... "what happened to you?", etc.

I asked my hubby a while back why the pole seems to not attract the same attention and he said the hiking poles are "cool and in fashion" and don't look like a mobility aid to him. So maybe that is why people don't stare as much?

I really don't care what people think ... my feet started with the neuropathy when I was 30 or so. That's 30+yrs of pain and sometimes using a cane, and now the pole. If I can get out and do things, that is all that matters to me.

Nanc you said it right and happy early birthday!:D

Thank you Allanira!!

I have been using a cane about 6 years. I really haven't noticed anyone staring; possibly because I don't think about it.

I find the cane really helps my unsteadiness. I do walk straighter and with less pressure on the spine as well.

The one big advantage I have noticed is people will often move aside to allow more space, as well as not being anoyed because you are moving/walking too slow (I had noticed upset expressions because of walking too slow when someone is behind me.) The cane explains it all. Also cane allows access to the handicap toilets often come in handy because of the rail to hold on to.

I use the cane with a straighter handle which allows me to put both hands when sitting and I do not have an arm rest to take pressure off spine and back of the legs.



Gerry

I'm an old punk rocker, I don't care if people stare, it's just my DH that I think is weird about it. But then he got MRSA this past week and didn't want to let anybody know.

My first PT appt isn't until next week because I wanted one at the end of my workday so I didn't have to go back to work once they wore me out.

I took the cane out for a walk yesterday with my daughter, just around the block. I kept trying to switch hands to see which was better, my weakness is for sure on the right side. I found that I was moving it on every third step. If I tried to move it on every other step it slowed me down too much. I know I'm not using it so much for weight support, but for balance and a little go to my step. I'll look at some YouTube videos before I leave this weekend and ask my daughter to watch me walking so I can get it down better if I need it. Just last night I was on the back porch and almost fell down the stairs backwards because my balance is off. I do not want to fall!

I just turned 40 last month. I was hoping to get in a few more decades before all this happened.

When I take a step I move the cane with my leg. Makes me slow and goofy but it works for me. We each have our own stile of using it. We use what feels comfortable to us. After using it a bit you will figure out what is comfy for you and go with it.:D

With a walking/hiking pole...your stride can be longer, and your movement more flexible. You don't put much weight on it...only use for balance. I use it mostly on the right hand because my troubles are on my left leg and ankle. But sometimes I do use it on the left side. It is especially helpful for bending over, to garden or pick something up. It helps you get back up which is a problem for me now in my old age. It helps with curbs and stairs and unlevel surfaces.