Mobility Aids and MS: Canes

Vicki,

This is such a thorough introduction into canes.  Wow!!  I bought my first cane about a year ago in preparation for a trip I took to Orlando for a conference.  After landing in Orlando, I didn't get it out of my bag but certainly wished that I had later in the day and especially the next day.  I wrote about the first part of that travel in "Paging Gimp Lisa."

After having difficulty in the airport, I used it for the remainder of my trip.  The cane I have is a fold-up cane with a Fritz handle.  That one just seemed to feel comfortable for me.  On the return trip, I definitely used the cane through the airport.  When I got to the gate and tried to fold the cane back up, I discovered a problem....

Two of the pieces had become very strongly wedged together.  I couldn't take it apart.  Even asked for assistance from a guy sitting nearby.  He must have loosened it (he also couldn't get it apart) and I was finally able to do so.  Thankfully I was not having issues with my arthritis or weakness in my hands at the time.

Definitely a fold-up cane is not designed to support my weight.  But it certainly helps when it's needed especially since my balance continues to be wonky.

Thanks Vicki for encouraging all with MS to use a mobility aid.  My pride prevented me until I started falling.  That was over 10 years ago.  My husband bought me a scooter & I've swallowed my pride many times.  The worst was my husband pushing me into church in a wheelchair last week.  But this is not MS now, I'm scheduled for back surgery.  It is painful when I walk, but people that see me in church think my MS is getting worse.  I've been on Tysabri 3 years & hope to feel better after back surgery.  Thanks again for your comments.

I STARTED WITH A CANE.BUT HAD TOO MANY FALLS FROM STUMBLING TRYING TO MANUVER THE THING.SO I GOT A WALKER WITH 4 WHEELS A DROP DOWN SEAT AND COMPARTMENT UNDER THE SEAT TO STORE YOUR WATER BOTTLE OR YOUR MONEY CREDIT CARDS.ANYTHING THAT THROWS YOU OFF BALANCE.SO MY CANE SITS IN THE CORNER.I AM HAPPY IF IT HELPS OTHER.WHAT HELPS ONE MAY NOT HELP OTHERS.BUT WE KEEP TRYING RIGHT.

A beat-up old wooden crook-handled cane, probably belonging to the prior tenant, was just there in my apartment hall closet when I moved in nearly ten years ago.  Four years ago, I came down with MS but did not need the cane until maybe two years ago.  It looked gnarly, so I bought online a couple of good-looking crook-handled canes.  I thought the green one with flowers was a bit too feminine, but people around me thought it was attractive.  The new ones had rubber tips, which served well enough.

My MS progressed very quickly; I am mostly bedridden today.  All three are still in the house-somewhere.  I use a walker now to get around, with a basket tied to the front bar to carry anything I might need.  I have a folding manual wheelchair too, but have not left the house yet to try it out.  A workman installed a cast-iron railing so that I will be able to get from the deck to the sidewalk.  While I still have the canes, they are no longer practical walking aids.

My martial arts training taught me that canes did two things for you.  They could push things away, and they could pull things to you.  I might hang the two canes on the bedroom wall in remembrance, or leave on in reach to snag my companion when she doesn't move fast enough when I tell her to.  

Do canes make you able? You bet. For me it began as mostly a balance issue and the cane made a big difference. I "upgraded" to a walker a few years ago and have tried a few different ones. What works for one may not work for another, so experiment, have fun. But mostly walk as best as you can for as long as you can. A cane or a walker will help you do just that. Be grateful for every ability you do have, no matter how limited.

Another great article, Vicki. Thank you.

Michael