A walking cane?

[taniaaust1]

LMAO @ snowathletes cartoon. That is a good one. I think I should print that and put it onto my toilet door.
.............

I miss my cane chair, I had it for 18mths before it needed replacing (I have quite a fancy wheelchair now.. one in which feet raise up as I get OI issues with my legs down). I didnt use my cane chair for walking thou but for sitting in queues. I found that when Im wobbling, a cane doesnt do much for me (when Im wobbly..Im extremely wobbley and my legs go everywhere).

I ended up having quite a fall on top of the cane chair one time when I was using it as a cane... my legs dont support me very well when Im wobbling around. (I actually need someone holding me on either side when Im wobbling).
........

I wish I had a mobility scooter. Ive used them at times when I could hire them at a place. I cant push myself more then several metres in a wheelchair (the effort makes me dizzy after a short time).

If I had a mobility scooter, I'd be checking out my local shopping centre's carpark and that at times, there is a local stray cat colony there I'd like to be keeping an eye on (and rescuing any kittens born into it).

 

[MeSci]

I've bought lovely ones for £10-12.

I got a pretty flowery one in a second-hand shop recently for about £4! That is now my 'best/party' stick.

 

[maryb]

@snowathlete

we get so few chances to show off - double reasons to enjoy the stick!!

 

[Nielk]

LMAO @ snowathletes cartoon. That is a good one. I think I should print that and put it onto my toilet door.
.............

I miss my cane chair, I had it for 18mths before it needed replacing (I have quite a fancy wheelchair now.. one in which feet raise up as I get OI issues with my legs down). I didnt use my cane chair for walking thou but for sitting in queues. I found that when Im wobbling, a cane doesnt do much for me (when Im wobbly..Im extremely wobbley and my legs go everywhere).

I ended up having quite a fall on top of the cane chair one time when I was using it as a cane... my legs dont support me very well when Im wobbling around. (I actually need someone holding me on either side when Im wobbling).
........

I wish I had a mobility scooter. Ive used them at times when I could hire them at a place. I cant push myself more then several metres in a wheelchair (the effort makes me dizzy after a short time).

If I had a mobility scooter, I'd be checking out my local shopping centre's carpark and that at times, there is a local stray cat colony there I'd like to be keeping an eye on (and rescuing any kittens born into it).

Will insurance not cover a scooter for you, Tania?

 

[Nielk]

I'm not sure why I can't get the picture straight. (sort of like my life!) I just wanted to thank all of you for your encouragement and because of you, I have become a proud member of the "walking cane club". As with many things in my life, I am left to wonder what took so long!

I was going to order online but decided instead to go to a store to try some out. The one I choose is very light, adjustable and felt comfortable. I already test walked it and what a difference!

I have wasted enough of my life worrying about what people are going to say or think. I need to do what is right for me.

Thank you!

 

[NK17]

@Nielk
Welcome to the "walking cane club"

 

[Calathea]

Congratulations! What does it look like?

 

[Calathea]

What do people think of the Sabi Sport cane? The question mark handle looks interesting, and turquoise just does something for me.

 

[NK17]

@Calathea the Sabi Sport cane looks really elegant in a modern way!
I'm afraid the question mark handle would be hard on my wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome).
The colors choice is nice too, looks like a candy cane .

 

[MeSci]

@Calathea the Sabi Sport cane looks really elegant in a modern way!
I'm afraid the question mark handle would be hard on my wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome).
The colors choice is nice too, looks like a candy cane .

I like the curved handles as you can hook the stick over your arm when you need a hand or two free. I don't get on with wrist straps.

But that one is expensive!!

You can find some unique second-hand ones on ebay if you want something unusual.

 

[Calathea]

@Calathea the Sabi Sport cane looks really elegant in a modern way!
I'm afraid the question mark handle would be hard on my wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome).
The colors choice is nice too, looks like a candy cane .

You reckon it'd be hard on your wrists? What sort of handles have you used, and how do you find them? Normally I use a derby handle, but I do have a wooden cane with a crook handle. I also have my sticks higher than most people do, as I find they give better support that way, which will affect wrist angles. I have RSI rather than carpal tunnel.

I'm not too bothered about the cost, as I just got a massive benefits backpayment and want to treat myself. Plus it's a huge thing symbolically, you know?

 

[Hell...Hath...No...Fury..]

I have two, three part folding sticks. One black and one metallic brown. I also have a gothic black cane with a dragons head but i find that if i'm in a position that means i need the stick, i'm also in a position that means i can't use it.
Occasionally i find it useful but most of the time its just something extra to carry, extra weight. It tires my arm after a while and if i have the stick i struggle to carry any shopping too so i often tend to not use them in favour of the rollator.
At least with the rollator i can lean on it, don't have to carry it, doesn't make me lop sided, has a section to carry shopping and a sturdy seat when needed. Downside is its more geriatric looking, but a godsend for shopping.

 

[Calathea]

Would better bags for carrying the shopping help with that? Fabric bags that fold up small, and have long straps for carrying on your shoulders? A rucksack?

 

[Hell...Hath...No...Fury..]

They are all the type of bags i use already, if i wasn't walking far it would be fine but i don't live near anything

 

[Calathea]

Ouch. Home delivery not an option, then?

 

[Hell...Hath...No...Fury..]

Only as a treat occasionally, usually my mam carries the shopping on the back of my wheelchair

 

[Calathea]

I think some of the supermarkets are down to £2 for delivery on some days and times.

 

[Hell...Hath...No...Fury..]

The cost isn't the only issue though

 

[Calathea]

Fair enough. I find it's a complete lifesaver, and on occasion that's been the case literally as well. I've not been capable of carrying shopping in years, nor indeed of going to the shops. Even if it were barely manageable, I'd hate to be wasting my energy on that instead of, say, socialising.

 

[MeSci]

The cost isn't the only issue though

What about a shopping trolley? I've been using one for many years, and wonder how I managed without it. I see very few non-senior people using them (unlike walking sticks) but I have had a few envious looks, and comments from people saying what a good idea it is. I guess it is just a 'geriatric' step too far for most people. I've been using it at least since being a young-looking 50-year old and probably before. (I have always looked much younger than I am.) I only had one taunt about the stick and the trolley and that was a joky remark from a friend which didn't bother me. I have also had strangers volunteer to help me carry it down steps, although I have mastered the art of doing it myself.

It took me some time to figure out how to push a supermarket trolley while also using my stick and my own trolley (I used to leave the latter behind a counter after asking permission, but this was a hassle) but find it easy now.