Early 20s with walking stick

Do we assume people don't need glasses if they get frames that are remotely decorative?

It's stupid though because it's very common for younger people who are disabled to want jazzy, stylish, cool etc mobility aids and it doesn't make them any less disabled. You can even make wheelchairs all jazzy and cool looking now.

Don't you think if it looks jazzy and nice walking stick that rude people may be even ruder thinking this is a stylish gimmick or prank? Than more medically-looking assistance sticks?

I'm in my 30's but similar, need a stick some days to be able to get about. I find that crutches get more questions from people whereas a stick just gets looks. I prefer not having to explain my pain to strangers, especially when I'm having a bad day so I will use a stick in public and a crutch (sometimes 2) at home.

People will make assumptions, judge and feel entitled to know why. Unfortunately you will just have to crack on and build up a tolerance for people's ignorance.

Like PP said though, make sure you are using the stick or crutches properly or you will cause more problems and pain for yourself.

See if you can find a nice stylish one. Don’t suffer because you’re worried about what people might think. If you google you will find companies that do modern styles.

My son who is nearly 10 is physically disabled and is in a wheelchair. Because he has no learning disability and otherwise acts like a typical 10 year old boy, he's been asked outright several times now why he's in a wheelchair like it's any of their business.

Or sometimes when a train is super busy, because his wheelchair is child sized and easily foldable, we'll fold it up for an adult wheelchair user or just so there's more space for people to stand and I've had a few people demand that he gives up his seat because it hasn't occurred to them that the folded wheelchair belongs to the healthy looking child.

It is so difficult having a disability when you are young but look/act 'normal', whatever that means. I really feel for you.

Use that stick if it makes it easier for you.

I had to use a stick in my mid-20s. For me it made my (mostly) invisible struggle more visible so I found it made things easier in that respect, as well as making my life easier. I bought one which was brightly coloured and patterned.

I absolutely agree with your partner.

If you need sticks, crutches or whatever to help your mobility issues then of course you should use them.

And yes you need professional advice from the physio for the most suitable aid and how to use it.

Where I live I see people of all ages using sticks and crutches and walking frames.
There's never been any hint of them being judged. And people generally are very considerate of them e.g when getting on buses etc.

Any one who judges someone just because they need a walking aid is contemptible imo.

Check Discord communities too (my dd is mid 20s with chronic illness and has found community online)

https://www.instagram.com/the_chroniccampaigner?igsh=MWlqdm5saHIzdGZ6cA==

Lauren P - Access Your Life https://share.google/23gDj4mq4z9ksnQh3

You should use them when you need them, there are unkind, hostile and ableist comments and glances even to disabled older people. So you should prioritise your health because the comments and reactions never stop. A lot of people are simply impatient and rude and you have to trust yourself and focus on your own health.

From my experience, if you need one then you use it and don't care what others think.

How About some jazzy Nordic walking poles. They would help but you may feel more comfortable using them.

Either way you do what helps you my lovely, don’t worry about judgy strangers.

This website does a good range https://www.coolcrutches.com/?tw_source=google&tw_adid=625883781345&tw_campaign=18503156107&tw_kwdid=kwd-316872960944&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=18503156107&gbraid=0AAAAAC-LWxEsa5zjO4c3J5dWEbqjsNqMF&gclid=CjwKCAjwu9fHBhAWEiwAzGRC_-JP6Z6Yej34kVi7Xf8GowSO1bEdo8FyY1yI01Qpekv5dLuApX-VgRoCIBEQAvD_BwE

Follow some young disabled online and embrace..you do not need to hide . Do what you need. Ger a nice bright colored stick(s).

Bbc ouch archives

BBC - Ouch! (disability) - Podcast share.google/cheDA5647LuI7TVtN

Eg Source: Instagram share.google/CyHKKHcXPoV7Lvu5W

Yes this, I had scowls from a bunch of people in the queue for flu jabs, because I asked to use a seat and they were ahead of the queue of standing people. I didn't jump the queue and made sure those in front of me went first. But it seemed to be beyond the comprehension of all the much older people in the queue that me being eligible for a flu jab and me not being able to stand and queue might be connected!

Oh, this makes me genuinely upset. God what society do we live in now where are you having to being worried about being judged.

Fuck em, do whatever you need to make your life better.

I hobbled into the local doctors surgery with the aid of two sticks, clearly in a lot of pain, as a young woman. While waiting in line at the reception desk an elderly lady asked if I was going hiking. My response - if only I could!

People don't think before opening their mouths. Do what you've got to do.

Definitely talk to your physio. But there are lots of different options for sticks out there and you shouldn't feel embarrassed. I use one when I need to.

I also use one if I am getting public transport, because my disability is "invisible" and it helps make the disability more visible so people don't get frustrated if I walk slowly or use a priority seat

Jesus lovely. Get specialist advice on what you need & how to use it properly. (Can you afford a private consult? )

you're very young & need to do .everything you can to support your body now. For now & the future. Honestly, yes twats will judge, but so the fuck what? Who cares what they think? They won't be there now or in the future for you. Their opinion on it is meaningless.

msybe a rollstor you can keep at work might help. But is your job suitable for you? Or is it placing too much strain on your body?

Look after yourself (& future self), do what you need to do & don't worry about what twats think. I know it's HARD but find your voice, get a seat on the bus, don't sit on the floor.

xx

I am much older than you now but had to start using walking aids in my twenties due to autoimmune arthritis.

It is hard at first to get your head around the fact you need them but it was honestly the best thing I did. It has kept me mobile and active. I use a pair of crutches from cool crutches (they are the best imo - not cheap but an excellent investment, I have had my current pair for 10 years and they are a life saver)

When I was younger I got the occasional funny look or question / comment (usually, you can’t possibly have arthritis you’re too young 🙄) but most people are kind and I found that having a visible aid made it more obvious I needed help / a seat / extra room etc

If anything, I think it would be a visual signifier to people that you are disabled. I am going through cancer treatment at the moment, which has left me with some mobility issues, and I’ve been amazed how much people take for granted that you are perfectly fine just because you look young and otherwise healthy. I’ve also been surprised myself meeting others with similar issues how well we all look. To look at any of us - and probably you too - people don’t automatically clock on that you are disabled because of your appearance. I think a walking stick would help people understand a bit more what your needs might be. And if it helps you more comfortably get around and do things you need and want to do, that’s great.