Guest guest Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Dear Kerri Sue, I really do know how you feel, it is a big thing to start using a cane, especially when you do get around okl at home. BUT as I explained to my grown daughter, it a is safety, an effort to help ease walking pain, and confidence issue. At home I know where everything is, it is set up for me! Other places are not, and the cane helps me walk, it keeps small ones from stepping on my painful feet (no I don't hit them, just shield my feet) and helps maneuver steps, stairs, elevators, etc. in the stores. The first place I used a cane was at church, I was comfortable there, and no one even blinked an eye at me using it. Even when my grandson sometimes hangs on the cane instead of my hand (he is very short). I purchase my first cane from QVC.com it is called a is a Sure Step and has a flat surface on the ground with springs on each side. It allows you to take more than one step with each movement of the cane and is more of a natural assisted stride movement. I call it my all terrain cane because I used it to go on the handicapped hike to see the Elephant Seals on the coast of Anu Neuvo. You are not supposed to use it on ice and I don't think insurances cover it. But people always ask about it, and it works, plus it stands by itself! I am forever dropping the cane my Dr. Rx'd. I know there are other things I can do about that, but I, too, am like you and don't want to do that yet. I am 57. I will try to get the direct phone number for you if you would like? I am sorry that you are feeling so bad at such a young age. I do a lot of lurking and am very impressed with your sensitivity. Thank you for being a member of this family. I will keep you in my prayers, Gentle Hugs & Prayers, Carol M. in CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Kerri, even with a cane, you can still fall on your can!! When you go from outside where it is wet with rain, snow, or ice and go into a place with linoleum floors, same problem. The rubber tips slip real good when they are wet!! But, I have found that a fore-arm crutch works so much better than a cane. I use one for balance. It grips around your fore-arm an also has a handle for your hand. You can let go of it and it will hang onto your fore-arm!! Now, the rubber bottom still slips on linoleum when wet, but it's nice to have for balance. I find that I feel more stable with that rather than a cane. Plus, I don't get the funny looks from people because I'm " too young " to be using a cane!! Go to a medical supply store just to try one out. They go for about $100 a pair. I keep one in the house and one in my car. Insurances, most of them anyway, will cover them. And one other thing, don't worry about what others think of it. Who gives a rats ass what they think, you need it, use it!! I know one thing, since I've been using it, when I park in the handicap spots at the store, people don't give me funny looks or chase me down to yell at me for parking there when I don't look sick. Boy, the stories I could tell you!! Ignorance may be bliss, but it sure can tick me off!! LOL.......Marina --- In , kerri paquette <ksp2242@y...> wrote: > > I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. > > First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most everywhere I go. > > Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! > > Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. > > kerri sue > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2005 Report Share Posted December 22, 2005 Kerri Sue, I've been using a cane for many years. I know how you feel. I was in my 30's when I had to start using one. Honestly it's better than falling. Have you checked online? They are much cheaper and you have a good selection. a On Dec 22, 2005, at 8:22 PM, kerri paquette wrote: > I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 > feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I > don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. > because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like > I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a > Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I > must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that > I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, > her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're > hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to > get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. > > First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, > but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most > everywhere I go. > > Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are > a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and > honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, > but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's > going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! > > Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting > one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked > outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor > the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I > don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the > vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. > > kerri sue > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Ever since I got RA, I've been in " Stubborn Stages " . Actually I still am. For quite a while, I had to wait for a good day to go out to a store for a specific item, sometimes month or more. I had to know where it was located on what shelf in what aisle, then decide if I could walk that far. Most of the time I could do it, but once in a while I couldn't finish my task and had to get help from someone. Even when we went to a motorcycle rally, I'd have to get somewhere within the activity area and sit down to watch the goings on. Finally, a friend that had some of the same type problems had a serious discussion with me, and convinced me that if I got a scooter, I could do a lot more, like he was doing. He was having fun going around and visiting on his scooter and nobody gave him anything but encouragement and friendship. A week later, I had my 4 wheeled scooter and soon made a trailer so I could carry it in behind the bike. The day I got it, I walked my wife to death in the local mall just looking. I could go almost anywhere I wanted at almost any time. We started going to more activities and even won a regional showcar trophy for showing our bike and winning more than any other show vehicle in the area, and I had lots of fun doing it! The lesson I learned was that I shouldn't do nothing and not be as stubborn, but rather grab any chance. I even have a cane and have no issues with using it. Kerri, go get at least a cane if not a chair or scooter. You're missing too much, just as I did. Dennis Re: [ ] why am I embarrassed? Kerri Sue, I've been using a cane for many years. I know how you feel. I was in my 30's when I had to start using one. Honestly it's better than falling. Have you checked online? They are much cheaper and you have a good selection. a On Dec 22, 2005, at 8:22 PM, kerri paquette wrote: > I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 > feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I > don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. > because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like > I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a > Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I > must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that > I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, > her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're > hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to > get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. > > First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, > but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most > everywhere I go. > > Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are > a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and > honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, > but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's > going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! > > Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting > one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked > outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor > the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I > don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the > vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. > > kerri sue > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Dennis, you are so right and I experienced the same thing the first time we went so a mall. I loved my new found freedom so drove from up and down the aisles, looked in lots of different stores and forgot that while I was sitting comfortably on my scooter, Don was being walked to death. I wondered after why had it taken me so long to convince myself I really needed a scooter. Hugs June Re: [ ] why am I embarrassed? Kerri Sue, I've been using a cane for many years. I know how you feel. I was in my 30's when I had to start using one. Honestly it's better than falling. Have you checked online? They are much cheaper and you have a good selection. a On Dec 22, 2005, at 8:22 PM, kerri paquette wrote: > I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 > feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I > don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. > because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like > I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a > Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I > must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that > I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, > her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're > hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to > get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. > > First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, > but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most > everywhere I go. > > Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are > a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and > honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, > but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's > going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! > > Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting > one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked > outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor > the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I > don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the > vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. > > kerri sue > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 I started to use a cane about the same time I turned 40, The first few years I really only used it in the winter, away from the house, It helped me feel more secure about walking outside in the bad weather. At the time I was still working.Who cares how it looks. as long as it helps you. in WI kerri paquette <ksp2242@...> wrote: I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most everywhere I go. Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. kerri sue --------------------------------- Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 Kerri Sue! Yesterday in some of my wonderings I came across an article about a young female soldier, double amputee, walking proudly, ( and I am sure very insecurely ) with 2 canes. Her story was horrific! I mave a freind whose son has MS and looks terrible and can no longer sit up by himself, but at one pint he was walking with canes, and I am sure he wishes he could still walk with a cane. If you can keep from falling anad breaking bones with a cane or a walker, get rid of the " issue " looks do not count, safety does! And how fortunate, you can still walk to the store. Clara PS. I was at Goodwill yesterday, and saw a 1/2 dozen canes, couple of dollars each. I was debating on getting one myself, as my hip is acting up, but I got sidetracked and will have to do it next time. True, I am not 28, But looks come and go ( mostly go) and safety is still priority! The heck with your docotor! He can say what he wants , go to another. susan smith <bizzare48@...> wrote: I started to use a cane about the same time I turned 40, The first few years I really only used it in the winter, away from the house, It helped me feel more secure about walking outside in the bad weather. At the time I was still working.Who cares how it looks. as long as it helps you. in WI kerri paquette <ksp2242@...> wrote: I live in upstate New York. Right now there is probably about 2-3 feet of snow on the ground. It will remain this way until April. I don't leave the house much at all, unless its to go to a dr's appt. because I'm tired all the time. But, during the winter, its like I'm completely homebound. Today, I went out to get a Christmas present and had to walk a total of maybe 100 yards and I must have almost fallen about 10 times. Upon entering a store that I hadn't been to in about a year, but know the clerk from ages ago, her response was " what the heck has happened to you? You're hobbling around like an old woman. " So, I think maybe its time to get a cane, but then I've got some issues with that. First, I'm only 28, people are going to look at me cross-eyed, but probably no more than they do now I guess, since I limp most everywhere I go. Second, We don't really have a " selection " around here, there are a few in the pharmacies and thats it and they are not cheap and honestly I can't really afford them. My insurance would pay for it, but then I'd have to ask my doctor for a prescription and then he's going to look at me like... what do you need that for?! Then I think to myself, well if I'm too embarrassed about getting one now, then maybe I don't need one that badly. But I just looked outside a few minutes ago, because I wanted to bring my neighbor the muffins I baked for her and I'm too scared to go, because I don't want to fall on the ice. I guess I'm babbling, thanx for the vent. I pray you all are having warm good nights. kerri sue --------------------------------- Find Great Deals on Holiday Gifts at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 23, 2005 Report Share Posted December 23, 2005 I even made a platform to put behind the scooter so the wife can ride instead of walking. She still has to stand, but we can cover lots more area since she has worn out knees that really need to be replaced. That'll be a while coming because she has no insurance and we don't qualify for any programs that I know of. Dennis Re: [ ] why am I embarrassed? Ever since I got RA, I've been in " Stubborn Stages " . Actually I still am. For quite a while, I had to wait for a good day to go out to a store for a specific item, sometimes month or more. I had to know where it was located on what shelf in what aisle, then decide if I could walk that far. Most of the time I could do it, but once in a while I couldn't finish my task and had to get help from someone. Even when we went to a motorcycle rally, I'd have to get somewhere within the activity area and sit down to watch the goings on. Finally, a friend that had some of the same type problems had a serious discussion with me, and convinced me that if I got a scooter, I could do a lot more, like he was doing. He was having fun going around and visiting on his scooter and nobody gave him anything but encouragement and friendship. A week later, I had my 4 wheeled scooter and soon made a trailer so I could carry it in behind the bike. The day I got it, I walked my wife to death in the local mall just looking. I could go almost anywhere I wanted at almost any time. We started going to more activities and even won a regional showcar trophy for showing our bike and winning more than any other show vehicle in the area, and I had lots of fun doing it! The lesson I learned was that I shouldn't do nothing and not be as stubborn, but rather grab any chance. I even have a cane and have no issues with using it. Kerri, go get at least a cane if not a chair or scooter. You're missing too much, just as I did. Dennis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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