Mobility aids that don't look like mobility aids

[theotherfossilsister]

I know there should be no shame in carrying a mobility aid, but as I am young and look fairly healthy I hate it (although I am also just ordering a taxi for a mile long journey because I don't have my baby's pram which I've come to use as an aid for my rheumatoid arthritis and a bad freeze reflex.) I have a walking stick which I used previously but I hate it and have found the pram so liberating.

I am absolutely not knocking folk who use obvious mobility aids and know this is my own problem. Just wondering what would give the same freedom the pram did? Obviously can't take him everywhere with me and he'll need to walk too soon. I want to leave the pram behind at say, nursery and stuff too, like a normal mum.

Would hikers walking pole/s give you some support, but look more like you are out walking?

I know exactly what you mean. My elderly dog gets pushed around in a pram that I use for balance. Although have to deal with lots of ignore comments about her being in a pram instead of the why do you have a stick questions

I use a Sholley trolly a lot. You can add a braking system to it for added safety. (You can by the brakes separately. If you do what I did and buy the trolley second hand).
Otherwise I use a walking stick - either wooden staff or a bright purple footed one depending on where I am going.

Thank you all, going to look into sholley trolley. I tried walking poles but I bought a complicated brand that I couldn't actually fold up, might give them another try.

Another thought, would a decorative umbrella work in the colder weather. Looks like a umbrella but used as a stick? Like this Walking Stick Umbrella (mobilitysmart.co.uk)

You could try a colourful stick. I saw a company on Dragons Den but the page is very slow for it. Here is another one
https://www.walkingsticks.co.uk/colourful-walking-sticks.html

Rollz Motion rollator.
Colourful patterned walking sticks (Neo Walk or cheaper option would be walkingsticks.co.uk).
Mobility scooter with basket decorated.
Websites/ blogs: Not your Grandma's, Babe with a mobility aid, life of pippa etc.

Have a look for Switch Sticks - great colours & patterns!

I have bright teal coloured crutches, I'm not far from needing a wheelchair but I'm trying to avoid it for as long as possible.

I like that one @SM4713 , very clever being height adjustable. I've been using a golf brolly as a walking stick but it's buggered up the pointy bit. I hate looking like a target and feel very vulnerable when out and about.

You can buy rubber ferrules for umbrellas, which can mitigate the destruction of the point.

I have a violently pink walking stick, one covered in stickers, and a pair of crutches. I rarely use any at the moment, as my new meds regime is working, but after a while you do get used to not giving a flying bumhole about the looks you get.

I dont recommend neo walk for every day they are very heavy my first one also cracked (they did replace it free of charge)

I use walking poles, sometime just one. I fine them better for my wrists and shoulders plus I feel more upright so less disabled, if you see what I mean.

Thank you so much for all the suggestions

I stupidly tried a Wheely suitcase in front of me the other day and felt ridiculous and the handle kept folding down so that was great.

The walking stick umbrella looks good, or I might give poles another try. They're just really complicated with this plastic string inside which keeps coming out. I might take a photo

I use a backpack trolley, which gives me a bit of stability without making it too obvious. I can fit in everything I need for work and it’s not too difficult to get on and off buses (and its handle is really secure). It’s been a godsend - I’ve had far fewer falls since I started using it.

@Pushkinia that sounds really good, I think the problem with my suitcase was the insecure handle

Which one do you use please?

@theotherfossilsister Mine came from IKEA for £35 but I’ve had it a few years and I don’t know if it’s still stocked. Rockland do a similar one on Amazon for about £36 - £40.

@Pushkinia thank you x

I have CP and I really struggled with the thought of using something more " obvious" so I do get it
I used to rely on the pushchair too, but now living alone and older I use a rollator
BUT I have seen the Carlett shopper which looks just like a pushchair frame with a shopping bag on it so do have a look at those

This is one of the newer Carlett ones

This is the side view so you can see the frame

Just bite the bullet and go for a rollator OP. I get the embarrassment. I had mine for months before I'd use it, and then only in places where nobody would recognise me. It's quite a mental adjustment to make but it is worth it.

Hiking poles, a shooting stick, walking stick umbrella or shooting stick umbrella.

My mum hates using a stick or crutch too, whenever possible she prefers to take someone's arm but that's not always practical

Amazon have loads of these for less than half the price. I got one but don't get enough support, I need crutches. I'm not sure what a lightweight stick really does for anyone, but they obviously meet some peoples needs.

I have fibromyalgia and mobility issues and am fairly young. I gave up and got the brightest walking stick I could find.
I got it on cool Crutches, but NeoWalk sticks are also pretty awesome looking.
I do still tend to use the pram if I'm going out with my toddler though.