worrried about loss of mobility

[Guest guest]

I guess some of you may think this is a silly problem but here goes.

I have dysplasia/osteoarthritis of the hip and am on the waiting list

for surgery. Up until now I have managed to walk without aid , but

frankly now I need a walking stick/cane. I was given one by my doc 3

yrs ago but vanity and my young age (almost 40) prevented me from

using it. Its just I feel so conspicuous when I am out walking with

it and inevitably someone stops to ask what is the matter. How do I

get over this because It is silly to struggle on without the stick

because it does help, yet i feel so..... on the occasions when I have

used it. It's things like taking the kids to school and knowing that

people will be looking, I don't mind so much if I am out of town and

nobody knows me. Please help, any advice would be appreciated.