Walking stick or not?

[17leftfeet]

I'm only 35 but have altered sensation in my foot and chronic back pain (damn you MS!!!)

I'm pretty secure when I'm walking by my god it hurts

But walking sticks? They are for old people aren't they?

I don't think of myself as having a disability because I don't, so don't really want a visible cue to everyone

What to do?

[candycoatedwaterdrops]

I'm 25 and my physio had been pushing and pushing me to use a stick to balance me a little and prevent falls thanks to my severe and aggressive rheumatoid arthritis. I resisted until one day, I woke up and couldn't walk. I am a little better now and using either one crutch or two, usually the latter. My transition as a youngish person without a mobility aid to a youngish person with a mobility aid has been relatively smooth. I don't view myself as being dependent on it but rather more independent with it. I use bog standard NHS grey ones but I'm on the prowl for affordable coloured ones. I don't know if anyone has linked to this fab site www.facebook.com/Blingsticks but the lady who runs it has MS herself and is very talented and lovely too!

[Showtime]

I wouldn't be without the stick, particularly when just needing to lean on it, and my reservations about feeling elderly only lasted the first day.

[valiumredhead]

God that's awful Joy

[Matildathecat]

Yes, I asked my GP and she said the system had been changed because they gave too many out! It may be different in other areas.

I had an OT assessment and got the badge in the post a week later. Don't have any equipment other that my stick. Can't really think what would help.

[tolittletoolate]

I had an OT visit to get some equipment and while she was there she mentioned I needed to apply for a blue badge. Luckily she was transferred to the Blue Badge team and because she had seen me I didn't need any supporting evidence from my doctor.

[valiumredhead]

Matilda-blimey I only saw my doctor for mine,I had no idea you had to be assessed. Is that a new thing do you know?

[Matildathecat]

I can walk too, but painfully. I was told how difficult it was to get the BB but was totally honest at the assessment and got it immediately. On good days I don't use it.

These things are hard to get your head round but they do all help.

If you fancy some support with back pain do come and join us on The Back Story.

Best wishes.

[valiumredhead]

If it's a permanent injury/condition then you would be entitled to a bb.

[17leftfeet]

Blue badge???

I would feel like a massive fraud, I can walk, just painfully

[valiumredhead]

Yeah,I tend to use it on public transport, keeps people away

[Matildathecat]

I use a stick for similar problems though different cause. I also struggled with the concept. I'm 47.

I'm used to it now and use a walking pole. It's a good one with a spring which is comfortable.

Of course it stops me falling but also acts as a cue for others as to why I'm walking so slowly and I get jostled less in a crowd.

I still hate it, though...

Do you have a Blue Badge? Also useful.

[17leftfeet]

mayi

Either dicolfen or tramadol but I'm trying amatryptaline at the moment to see if it helps

I'm told to give it 4 weeks, I'm on week 2

excuse my rubbish spelling

[BlissfullyIgnorant]

I have SwitchSticks - plain and patterned, all colours, fold up, have wrist straps and matching coloured ferrules. They also do accessories like stick hangers (for table edges) and a special foot for snow/ice. They're brilliant.

[mayihaveaboxofchoculaits]

A stick is an aid ,not a definition.
I'm 51 and use a funky'ish folding one one, I like to think I make it look cool.
It doesn't define me.
I have a little foot drop and used a fes,but last week I visited the orthotic guy who fitted me with a "foot up" instead. Much better.
MS is a bugger because no one is ever the same, and you can easily let yourself be defined by more "knowledgable"bods, which leads you down the wrong path.
What are you using for back pain?

[Lottie4]

My friend who is 46 has been using one for the last couple of years and I don't even question it.

[hearthwitch]

my sis 36 has arthritis and a variety of canes. I say go for it.

[valiumredhead]

I have a lovely plain green one, that site I posted sells good quality ones, not slippy at all. Very important it's true.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

I think I would feel a bit conspicuous with a funky one too. I can get quite hobbly with my arthritis and so it's something I've contemplated.

[tolittletoolate]

beware when buying cheap walkung sticks that the ferrule on the bottom is actually rubber not plastic! It's a bit slippery otherwise!

[valiumredhead]

www.walkingsticksonline.co.uk/buy_walking_sticks.php


Good selection here

[valiumredhead]

I have a folding one I ordered on line, it's more like a hiking stick. I have it in my bag when I don't need it.

[tolittletoolate]

I have a sparkle stick from glam sticks its lovely and very good quality too