Early 20s with walking stick

[emilyinlondonx]

I’m in my early 20s and have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I do get PIP, and on my bad days the pain and fatigue can be really difficult to manage.
I’ve been thinking about getting a walking stick to help me on those tougher days, especially when standing or walking for long periods, but I feel quite anxious about it. I’ve seen some unkind posts online about young people using mobility aids, and I can’t help worrying that people might judge me or think I’m exaggerating.
My partner keeps reminding me that I should do whatever makes life easier and more manageable, and I know he’s right, I just wish I could switch off that little voice that worries about what others will think.
Has anyone else been in a similar situation- young and using a walking aid, or feeling self-conscious about it? How did you get past that worry? Any tips or experiences would really help me.
Thank you 💛

Young people can be disabled too. Other people need to check their anti-disabled prejudices. Maybe, to avoid the absence of any doubt, the OP could wear a sign around her neck stating ‘genuinely disabled’?

People do wear disability lanyards though, despite your sarcasm and unnecessary rudeness.

I was actually coming to post about this as I know the family who own the company. You should look up Amelia OP, she has been disabled and walked with an aid since an accident when she was 18 and is an incredible and inspiring person.

It’s not compulsory to wear a disability lanyard. Disabled people are entitled to privacy. What you call my rudeness is me challenging your silliness. As with everything, it’s simply a matter of opinion.

i wear a lanyard, it has my keys on it, usually easier to just wear them.. but my lanyard is a sarcastic one that refers to my pain levels.. not a fan of the sunflower one.

Her posts helped me get comfortable with needing a stick, she's made a really difference to me

I’m so happy to hear that, Amelia really is a lovely person and would be thrilled to know she has helped you.

Yes, know your place @ThePieceHall . Stick to standard NHS grey

People judge about everything in this modern world because social media has turned people into bullying monsters.

You do what you need to do for your needs and comfort.

@emilyinlondonx im not going to tell you you won’t face any issues as a young person using a mobility aid but I will tell you it’s not frequent and you’ll become more confident as you use it. You do get some looks and the occasional invasive question (no idea what would possess someone to ask why someone needs an aid but it does happen, thankfully not often) but in life most people are too absorbed with themselves to think twice about what anyone else is doing.

The best piece of advice I can give anyone, especially to anyone with a health issue, is be kind to yourself. You’re dealing with enough in life to not be supportive of yourself. Do what you need to do to make life more comfortable and reduce pain/stress/fatigue in whatever way you can.

Oh yeah, my son's wheelchair is decorated because that's what he wants. I couldn't care less if it makes someone think it is a toy because as you said, some people are stupid and they are going to make assumptions no matter what a mobility aid looks like.

I agree that if OP wants to get a jazzy walking stick, it should be because she wants and likes the look of it not to get less judgement from others.

What i meant is, if you need one ( all the time or periodically) then just use one

Unfortunately, when you’re a blind teen, it’s pretty much white, white or white!

It sounded like you meant that if I am asking then I don't need one.

Yes. I am much older than you - late 50s. I have an illness that involves a lot of fatigue and dizzines. I had a flare up of my illness and could only walk about 20m without feeling dizzy. I got scared of falling over due to the dizziness and was given crutches. When I had them with me, I found that the general public was far more considerate. I have a 'Priority' pass to use on trains which is supposed to tell people sitting in the disabled seats that they should let me have their seat but without the crutches most people refuse because I look exactly like a normal healthy person. (I normally don't use crutches and have to get a member of staff to help me get a seat on a busy train).

I was going to say the same. You may have degenerative disc disease but you need excersises to strengthen your back and reduce the pain so you don't end up immobile at a young age.
Obviously at the moment use what is needed and I hope you get some strength and mobility back.

I forgot to say I felt awkward and embarrassed when I first started going out with crutches but it was actually fine.

Are you really so thick? Disabled people don't need mobility aids all the time. Sometimes there are good days and bad days. Some people are worried about what other people might think.

Somebody once told me “what other people think of you is none of your business”.
Meaning, do what is right for you.
Why should you struggle because you are worried about what someone else might think?

To be perfectly blunt, Fuck'em.

No matter who you are, what you do, at some point some random in the street is going to look at you and think to themselves "Ugh"

I've got a massive scar down my face that doesn't exactly look great. And sometimes people see it and I can actually see them recoil.

It used to bother me, but these days it just doesn't. It can only affect me if I let it. And if it doesn't affect me, then the only person who's day is going to be measurably worse is them for having the negative thought in the first place. So now I see them recoil and just think "Yep, you've just made your own day marginally shitter, well done"

I know it’s easier said than done but try not to even wonder what other people think, if you need it then you need it, it really doesn’t matter what anybody else may or may not think.

I would also add that most people in day to day life are thinking far more about themselves and their own day than anybody else, the majority of people you see out & about probably would barely even notice nevermind judge.

Your Partner is right. If you need it you need it. If you look on Amazon they have some brilliant fold up ones. All the best OP.

I use crutches when my MS is bad. They find them much more comfortable and I feel better supported. Also, no one bats an eyelid at a younger person on crutches. But when u used a stick, I got loads of people commenting on it. And saying I was too young to need one etc. I have some purple ones with moulded handles and they are ready comfortable.

Thanks, sorry I misunderstood. (Communication disability too!)

No need to take these rude people into consideration at all, who are they anyway?