walking stick nerves

Posted , 10 users are following.

Well its me again. A few people on here know that iv been very nervous anout getting a walking stick. I have finally gettin a nhs one that i have pinched from my auntie. The problem is im 19 and incredibly self concious due to bullying about my condition, legs and limp so going out with a walking stick is going to give people more of a reason to look at me and my limp and the way my legs stick out.

My fiance is taking me on a short walk around locally at the weekend to help break myself into using itm but im literally petrified even though i know im being silly i just cant help it.

Any words of advice?

1 like, 28 replies

28 Replies

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  • Posted

    Hi sarah, oh babes, hold your head up and show the bullies that you are the better person, then once you have your operation and your on crutches again hold your head up high, you can do this,  walk around your house until you feel confident then just do small walks. You can do this, you are a brave lady.

    sue xx

    • Posted

      See the silly thing is i feel more confident on crutches than i do with a walking stick. Odd isnt it haha.

      But thankyou for your lovely words xxx

  • Posted

    Hi Sarah

    Before my op, I was using a stick for abou 2 months. 

    I'll say, being in my 30s, it felt a little weird for the first few days.  I spent a good bit of time looking at peoples reactions, or worrying they'd think this or that... but then I realized after a few days I was thinking about that and not how much my hip didn't hurt after being up and moving for a half hour.

    So, I'd say give it a few days.  You won't like it very much at first, but once you get used to it, and realize, really, most people are actually quite nice and helpful around you.. it's really nice and makes trips out so much less stressful/painful

    Post surgery, I didn't even think about it really. As much as I can't wait to not need my stick, it's really become something I take for granted when it comes to going out.

    You're brave and wonderful. You can do it =)

    • Posted

      Thankyou for your words.

      Its nice to know im not the only one who has these feelings. And its wonderful that having a stick has worked so well for you

  • Posted

    Hi Sarah, 

    I still can't walk elegantly (is this a word?) with a cane - Always fiddling with the height and hitting people - the worst  or most emberassing thing is , that the cane always falls down - no matter where I put it - at hairdressers,in restaurants, doctor's waiting room, grocery store, when visiting friends ,you name it, the darn thing always falls down with so much noise -- And someone else needs to pick it up for me redface

    Just do what you are doing right now - you already sound so much more confident !!!

    big warm hug

    renee

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    • Posted

      Hahaha oh god i think id die if mine fell and made so much noise haha
    • Posted

      What you need is Stick Clips - on Amazon, so you can park it on any table or surface edge.
  • Posted

    Decorate the walking stick in a really cool way. If you have any artistic friends, get them to help... I'm decorating mine. I do graphic design and spend a lot of time with other designers, so I need a cool stick...
  • Posted

    I was 19 when my journey started. I am 47 today, so it has been a while. I went through Chemo for a year and started having hip issues within a year of completing Chemo. I could barely walk for the next ~6 years. Had one Ortho tell me it was in my head, there was no issue. 

    It does not matter what others think. If people are shallow enough to bully or harass you about your using a cane or limping, they are not worth your time. 

    My biggest hurdle was going from a single point cane to a four point cane, because I saw that as an old person's cane. In the end it doesn't matter. 

    My wife has seen me through 4 hip replacements, if your fiancé is in it for the long haul, which it sounds like he is, you got a good one.  

    If you can handle the pain that comes from hip issues, you can handle what others think. Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

    • Posted

      Wow im sorry to hear how much you have been through. You have been so brave its amazing.

      I think i find it hard because its all iv know through my school and college years since it was birth defect its just always been there.

      But its now left me in a very self concious and nervous state. One GP once told me i have always had "mental health" such as anxiety since a child due to the bullying. I dont think i was very happy about the way he put it.

      But yes, aslong as i have my Fiance i should be ok even though it is incredibly scary knowing im getting my first thr very soon and the fact that it could potentially make things work doesnt help 😂

    • Posted

      Hang in there. Hope and pray that it will make things better. There is no need to be scared that things could get worse. It is not going to change the outcome. Your mental health and attitude will impact your outcome more than you realize. Do what the docs tell you to do and take it one step at a time. 

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