I've decided its about time to get a walker. I don't need one for stability as I rarely have vertigo issues anymore, and fall risk is very low for me. But I so often get caught having to go to the pharmacy or somewhere and get caught standing in line for a few minutes. Standing kills me very quickly, so I need one I can sit on comfortably.
I have similar problems so I thought I'd share what I use.
I thought about a walker but decided against it for a few reasons. These may not apply to others but I'm listing them here just for folks to consider, to make sure they are not problems.
First, I'm pretty sure any walker would be too bulky for me to take with me in my car (maybe in the trunk? if it folded up?). And I can't walk from my house to any of the nearby stores -- too far, too many hills, rains too often, etc. Therefore, until the day when I need a motorized scooter (which would require a new car or van with a lift) any mobility device for me must be very lightweight and also easily stored in my car.
Second, I think I'd have trouble using a walker, pushing it in front of me. My grip strength is not so good and I think my hands would get tired trying to hold on to the handles. And don't you have to bend over the walker while pushing it? While the seat looks quite comfy having to push something in front of me while walking seems a bit awkward. ( for me - others may be less clumsy than I am
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Finally, I have very bad depth perception and have a horrible time judging distances. I can just see me running into everything and everyone if I used a walker.
What I needed was something to sit on for very short periods that was also portable and easy to carry. So I got this folding cane/seat:
This is NOT meant for sitting for a long time. It's not very comfortable and has no back support.
But for short periods of "standing" in line ( 5-10 minutes ) it is fine.
Note that you have to straddle it, with the handle in front of you, or else it is not stable and you can fall over. This is how you sit on it:
When my health was better this was "good enough" for the lines at the airport (although I would get exhausted after). I don't travel much now but when I do I always request a wheelchair. And I don't check my folding cane/seat, I take it with me on the plane. My husband (I never travel alone) puts it in the overhead compartment for me. So it's ready for me when we arrive and I am finished with the airport's wheelchair.
I hope this is helpful. It's just one option and does not cover all the issues.
For example, if you regularly find yourself needing a place to sit for longer than 5-10 minutes then I would not rely on this folding cane/seat. But in my case I'm not walking somewhere and then using this.
I keep this cane/seat in my car and only use it for standing in line at stores, pharmacies, etc. If I need to actually sit down then I go back to my car. My car has comfortable seats and I can even recline the seat and rest for 20-30 minutes if I suddenly feel sick or like I might faint.
Okay, I hope this is not too long. Just saw the time - have to go without more proofreading/editing. Hope there are not TOO many errors!
