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.

@MrTiddlesTheCat
Exactly the same here! In the end I justified it to myself as I would enjoy my life more with one.. and it helps me so much

OP have a look at Brasher walking poles, the telescopic ones. There are no strings and you extend as you want and click into place. You can push them down so they can go in a shopping trolley or backpack.

I have had exactly the same, I broke my back in 2005 and when I had kids in 2017 and 2020 I relied on the pram which was a dream (as were shopping trolleys in supermarkets). I set up a business with my mum (www.coolcrutches.com) in 2006 selling crutches and walking sticks to help because I really wasn’t excited at the prospect of using walking aids (I was 19 when I had my accident) and sadly my level of injury meant I needed seriously robust ones but I didn’t want them to look or sound miserable with clicking and grey when I used them!! I won’t do a full sales pitch but ours honestly changed my life which is why we launched the business.

Sticks wise - I use a single crutch as it gives me a free arm to carry bags / kids but also relieves lower back pain and fatigue more than a stick (although our sticks are designed to be much more substantial ones than hospital issue ones). Anyway, I would say def worth trying a single crutch if you can - doesn’t need to be one of ours! A hospital one is a great starting point to see if the increased level of support might make things easier whilst still giving you one arm free. Also def keep using the pram, I still wheeled mine around when my sons were walking to carry all the stuff and give me the option in case pain/ fatigue was really bad.

If I can help at all re cool crutches or sticks please shout - know only too well the joys of juggling babies and a long term condition. Hope you’re ok - it really really eases as they grow and walk etc. mine are 5 and 3 now and I don’t have to physically lift or pick them up regularly at all! Amelia xx

Thanks @AmeliaPeckham

I do love using the pram but feel weird pushing an empty pram and a bit judged. Feel judged with walking stick too though just in a different way. I'm sorry, it's so complex x

I use lightweight walking poles, inexpensive ones bought on Amazon. They fold up easily once you get the knack (button to push). I find them better than walking sticks as I am more upright with them which I think is better for my posture and joints. I do use them mainly for balance though.

@theotherfossilsister I get where you are coming from emotionally. But sometimes it is better to use an aid (in whatever form) than it is to land up in a heap on the floor hoping someone will help you and not rob you.
I view a stick/trolly as a way of keeping my independence. They are also a good way to get a little more respect/room from cyclist on pavements and getting cars to wait at zebra crossings! A stick is also very handy at flicking things out of the way and a lot of other things!
It sucks, but sometimes just owning a disability, deciding it isn’t going to rob us of our passions/ ability to do things for ourselves in life, means accepting and finding suitable ‘dumb’ aids to use, if that is an empty pram - then so be it. Own it!