Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi everyone,
I am currently thinking about using a walking stick on really bad days. im thinking of getting a fold away one so will only use it as and when.
Thing is i feel a little embarressed on what my family might say or think when i begin using it out with them.
Can anyone recommend any good fold away ones and what to stay away from please?
I hope you are all ok and staying healthy.
0 likes, 18 replies
We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.
lori93950 caroline_74621
Posted
i used one on very bad days when i have to go to drs or appt . its a walking frame or zimmer frame . do what you need to get by . its really sad thinking 2 months ago i was running 5 miles and now my legs barely move . this too shall pass ...soon please GOD !
caroline_74621 lori93950
Posted
hi Lori,
I was known among my friends and family for my running, it was my thing, then long beach walks (as in 10 miles one way) so know how you feel. my legs feel heavy and yesterday it felt like i'd done bicep curls on 30kg, they were so heavy.
Thank you for your message, It Will Pass.
terry97844 caroline_74621
Posted
Caroline. do you own just weakness in your leg or pain? with a more complete understanding suggestions can be made. Terry
caroline_74621 terry97844
Posted
Hi Terry,
They are heavy aches in my thighs like ive been doing leg presses, sharp shooting pains in my knees and cramp on my shins.
When ive been walking for a while its mostly my thighs, that feel weak and heavy. Then later my knees hurt
terry97844 caroline_74621
Posted
Caroline. have hospital do x rays or other to confirm degree of damage to your joints. the results may allow you to pursue a pain doctor for percuset. pain pills after trying lesser over counter meds. this process may take you a year to achieve as if your pain gets worse. I hope you recover. I have fibermyalgia in every joint progressive 25 years. only way to get out of bed is oxy. keep me updated if you want additional advise should your pain get worse. Terry
terry97844 caroline_74621
Posted
Caroline. by climbing the pain med ladder most pain pills we can legally attain is 4 10mg oxy/Tylenol per day. if your x rays show you have bone spurs in your knee you can go from pain clinic til one actually gives you that limit. because of addicts overdosing on pain pills, real pain people own, we are nationally controlled at 40mg day max. think about the fact that with pain pills you can walk in public appearing normal and not appear crippled with a cane. we have power in appearing normal.
Beverley_01 terry97844
Posted
Hi Terry,
My doc sent me for xrays on knee and nothing shows. they said bone spurs but nothing skeletal showed. The pain goes from 0-10 and so pain meds aren't any good as it's not constant. I find pain meds aren't generally any good for me apart from tooth/neuralgia pain.
I didn't use pain meds much before the cfs/me and had 4 children with no pain meds so maybe my tolerance is different, it doesn't mean I am pain free and some days I'm in alot of pain and go to bed with hotwater bottles and move as little as possible till it subsidies. I don't have fibromyalgia but was told I possibly did a couple of years ago.
we all have our own path with this I guess.
Beverley
terry97844 Beverley_01
Posted
Beverly. I'm please you attained x rays of you knee. at least you have knowledge. in my case after 25 years of fibermyalgia and now bone spurs in most of my joints, I sleep on memory foam of high quality, and without pain meds I can't get out of bed for nearly 12 hours. with climbing the pain med latter I'm cautiously look normal when in public. my rt knee gives out sometimes after pain attack. so gauge your body and do what is needed knowing God designed us to live for a season.
elaine62759 caroline_74621
Posted
Don't feel embarrassed about using one at all. I use one on really bad days but feel that's it's better to try and keep mobile even if using a stick is the only way to do it rather than not trying at all. I'd try different ones until you get one you feel comfortable with as you can get different heights and weights of sticks and make sure the handle feels comfortable to grip. I'm sure people won't care that you're using a stick - they will just be happy to see you moving about. Good luck!
caroline_74621 elaine62759
Posted
Hi Elaine,
Thats really good advice about trying different sticks, I'll definitely be trying that.
I hate being stuck indoors, especially on beautiful days like its been this weekend.
Beverley_01 caroline_74621
Posted
Hi Caroline,
you can get folding ones that are height adjusting and lightweight. Someone also with cfs/me I know has one. you can look online maybe?
I have a wheel chair for really bad days and also felt embarrassed about it so asked my son to take me out at night to get used to it. I have used it minimally as I tend not to go out on really bad days , like Lori it is for if i have to attend appointments for me.
Beverley
caroline_74621 Beverley_01
Posted
Hi Beverley,
With Christmas coming up I might put it on my List for Santa!!
I think i just dont like drawing attention to myself and people looking at me, including my family, but I suppose its just one more change ive got to get used to for the moment.
Thank You
Beverley_01 caroline_74621
Posted
Hi Caroline,
me neither but, my walking is worse now and I have no chance of avoiding people seeing my impairment. My walking is intermittent too so I feel people think I'm putting it on when I walk normally into a store and walk out holding on to things and dragging my feet. I have got much better about not caring!
Beverley
lori93950 Beverley_01
Posted
yes I walk so slowly now and i was always a busy bee .
caroline_74621 Beverley_01
Posted
It was great today, my walking was so slow but had to go to a busy tescos, people kept walking in my way, it got to the stage where i just stood there until they moved! I know that sounds rude and im not usually like that (honest) But i just couldnt be bothered anymore!
lori93950 caroline_74621
Posted
its such a big deal to even go to a supermarket im so slow but have no patience for waiting in long lines as i feel so terrible . my legs are achy and will only move slowly ....gosh who would have thought wheelchairs and walking frames ...just to get put of the house.
Beverley_01 caroline_74621
Posted
I've done that too or I put my arm forward so they can see I'm heading a certain way. Cities are the worst!
Beverley_01 lori93950
Posted
I know, I can't carry things in bags, carry a basket or push a trolley either so have to take someone with me. It took time for me not to feel bad about this too as there I am no bags at all with kids with all the bags ! But, I have had to change how I feel about it. I continue to think of it as a temporary state and I hope to get back to walking better. the carrying, I may never get back but that's ok. I also have online orders as then there's no carrying involved. Another thing I have got used to !