When did you start using a mobility aid?

[Worried1987]

If you use any kind of mobility aid when did you start and how did you know you were bad enough to need one?
I have hypermobility syndrome and I was born with dislocated hips and my eyesight is really bad too. I can walk but I fall over regularly and I really struggle with pain in my hip. When I was pregnant the physiotherapist tried to get me to use crutches but I couldn’t manage them at all because my shoulders wrists and arms are not strong at all.
Do you think there is anything that can help me?

You need to ask the occupational therapy department at your local hospital trust. Often there is a ‘general hub’ you can self refer to.

I use a walking stick for short distances but also have a rollator. The latter means I am always guaranteed to have a seat so can walk and sit, walk and sit etc.

I have a stick but prefer to use a chair. I push the chair myself for as long as I can and use it as a walking aid, but when it gets too much, I can jump into it for a while until I’m ready to go again.

It did take me such a long time to get one. Mostly because I felt like I should be able to walk long distances simply because I wanted to. And it’s still a struggle to accept that I simply can’t. But this means that DH and I can ‘walk’ for far longer than we’d be able to without it, and he hasn’t got to make the choice between being out and about for as long as he wants to be with his wife, or missing out. It’s a massive struggle to accept it though.

I bought myself a rollator with a seat about 2 years ago when I was 57. I have fibromyalgia and struggle to walk far, I also have a walking stick and booked wheelchair assistance last time we flew.

I use all these things to make life better for myself and DH, if you need a mobility aid then it doesn’t matter what age you are, I don’t use any of them all the time but I would if necessary. There is no benefit in struggling and being exhausted and in pain.

I am going to a concert and a music festival next week and will be taking my rollator to both. I have a bright red one, so if it makes you feel better about it look for aids in a fun colour, there is so much choice.

Thank you. I find it helpful when I push DD in her pram because so something like a rollator might actually be helpful for me.

I think my barriers are being young and not knowing how to get the help. I have had a look and you can’t self refer to occupational therapy in my area.

You just buy second hand off eBay and try stuff until it works.

That's what I did anyway.

I was in an accident ten years ago, I now have a whole selection of mobility aids. Crutches are a grade A pain to use and wreck your hands.

You can get elbow crutches which are much better. I also have a manual and an electric wheelchair.

I bought mine on Facebook marketplace, for a fraction of the price there are lots of guides on the internet to measure so that you adjust it to the correct height.

Mine was actually brand new as the elderly lady it was bought for never used it.

You could certainly enquire at your GP surgery though.

This is mine, but I paid £70 for it second hand, if you wanted new I would recommend shopping around as the prices vary a lot, you should be able to get a new one VAT free as you have a disability https://www.completecareshop.co.uk/mobility-aids/walking-aids/rollators-and-wheeled-walkers/four-wheel/nitro-rollator-red?sku=Q11456

I started using hiking poles when we went for walks and realised I managed much better when using them. Switched to a stick, then a crutch because I felt more secure with it. I gave in and got a mobility scooter last year because the 15 minute walk to and from work was taking me 45 minutes and I was fit for nothing by the time I got home. Changed my life for the better even if I do till feel a fraud using it sometimes.

I'm 53 with arthritis in lots of places

I had a couple of falls ( rheumatoid arthritis) and while I was in hospital the occupational health measured me up for a walking stick. I was in my early 30's and hated the idea but I do feel safer using it and wouldn't be without it now. As suggested above I would try to see an occupational therapist for advice on what may suit you

Im 43, been using a walking stick on and off for 6 years, full time for the past 12 months.

I have recently also invested in a wheelchair.

To me the point was when my leg would randomly give out on me, or the pain of weight bearing while walking became too much to handle.

Ultimately, you get one cheap, try it out, see if it makes things better. You will know when the right time is, but don't put it off out of fear or nerves.. they're there to make your life easier!

I have moderate Cerebral Palsy and started using a rollator at 50 and It has changed my life
I can walk a bit further without pain as I have the support and stability
However please don't struggle on because you think you're not old enough or " disabled enough" to use anything which helps you enjoy your life.
There are crutches called forearm or gutter crutches which might be better for you.
I suggest you ask for an OT assessment through adult services at your council but you probably have a good idea what you need

I meant to add, look for a rollator on FB marketplace to see if it helps.
You will be able to claim VAT exemption if you buy new

Thank you. I did think of buying something myself but I don’t know what to buy. An OT assessment sounds like a good idea.

You might find that forearm crutches aren't that easy to use, they can feel heavy and awkward if your arms are weak and the tips can catch and trip you up. If you do fall while you are wearing them, you can injure your arms.

Talk to your GP, explain you have mobility issues and ask for an OT assessment. That way you can try different equipment and they can show you how to use it, and you can practice things like ramps and going up and down stairs.

I've got MS and use crutches eheh I need too. I prefer them to a stick. As people notice a person my age with a stick, and comment on it. With crutches it goes unnoticed. I also feel better supported and can let go of them.

My crutches are purple with moulded handles Ava are very comfortable.

This is the newer version of mine
I feel very secure using it
It is just like pushing a buggy( which I found supportive at the time too