Dual Purpose Cane

I started to use a cane after fracturing a hip.  I used the folding canes because I could fold them up when I didn't want to use them.  My cane lasted a few years until I put it on the back of my a drove away without it one night.!

I only used a cane in the early days of my diagnosis when the feeling was beginning to come back in the right side of my body. A simple brush against someone would be painful, so using a cane kept people from touching that side of my body and shopping was a lot easier. Strangers give you a wider berth in the grocery store when you have a cane.

S.

Hi Mandy,

I have three folding canes that I got from fashionablecanes.com.  I decided that I would have fun and would make the canes reflect my personality.   That's why I have three canes!

Joan

shortinthecord.blogspot.com

Mandy, my first cane was very ornate. I loved it. then I had surgery and was prescribed a more orthopedic cane. It gave me the support I needed but I still like the ones that express my personality. Like the guy said; "If you are going to buy a cane-buy a cane".

I, too, like the security of having a cane when I am in public places. Just the slightest bump can send me crashing to the floor-how embarrassing. Even though I did it, I did not think about other people using their cane for safety reasons as well.

Thanks for the information on the cane store. I am going to see if I can find it on the web. Thanks readers for sharing.

i admire your ability to "make lemonade," and i think the hand-made hornbeam cane i use to be quite handsome (and it gets a lot of admirable comments) but i find nothing "delighful" in having to use a cane. sounds like, "i'm so lucky i get to use a handicap car tag," or "gosh, what a nifty wheelchair." what would be delightful would be not having any need at all for a cane of any kind. except maybe a fred asaire bamboo for when i go out dancng.

I use one only when totally necessary. Once a year. Airports in the summer, as an insurance policy against the effects of heat. Mostly, I train balance exercises to avoid he need and work my legs beyond my C-spinal damage. All that in play, a cane is still sometimes necessary.

Here's something to consider. As a martial arts/Tai Chi teacher, I teach cane forms to students. The cane is the only legal weapon in the world. Someone with MS, who is trying to live his/her life as actively as possible, but is a little rickety, could easily find themselves a victim of a mugging or worse. There are certain sociopaths who see people with disabilities as prey... the weak one in the herd.

So the OTHER, hidden purpose for a cane for an MS person who absolutely needs one and who lives in more urban areas is for pure self-defense. 

I've made a few people on canes quite functional at defending themselves by using the combination of the element of surprise and a few basic techniques. FYI. Canes are great for urban MS dwellers to guard their personal safety in subways, and the like.

You nailed it when you said the people that know you use it to judge your health status.  Sometimes I use it even when I might not really need it so I don't have to listen to the "oh, no cane today?"  "feeling better?"

Thank you for posting your cane experience.  It took me a long time to admit to myself that I needed to use a cane.  Because I am young, I was vain and didn't want to advertise that I have a disease/disability.  Then one day I realized that as I stumbled, staggered, and wobbled without one, I probably looked drunk.  With my cane, people realize that I am not drunk, I am disabled!  They hold the door for me, hold the elevator for me, and understand that I sometimes need help.  I love my folding cane!  Instead of making me look weird (as I thought) it helps strangers understand my needs - and also helps me get around and feel more comfortable and secure! 

I have been thinking about buying a cane for awhile now but cant' seem to get over my vanity.  When my neurologist tested my balance yesterday, she told me it was definitely time to use one in certain situations.  I was depressed.  I've already broken a foot and had a severe hamstring tear from two falls that happened before I knew I had MS.  So I know the need, but it's still hard because it seems like a big step.  Thank you all for your comments; it has really helped.  I too thought of getting something inconspicuous, and I had no idea of where to even buy one.  And I hadn't thought of the fold-up kind.  I like the idea of having a selection and making it more fun.  The comments on self-defense were very helpful.  Although I don't want to look or be disabled, I have to admit that it would be nice to have people be careful around me.  And so many people tell me, "but you look too good to be sick".  Maybe the cane will help that.  I think I'm ready now to make my big purchase.  Thanks so much. 

Generally, I do not need support to walk.  However, I must admit that I use the shopping cart for support in the store, especially when I'm extremely tired or overheated.  In addition, I notice that I'm not as quick when trying to maneuver in crowds (e.g., malls, stores, etc.).  Even more problematic is when I stand in one place too long, such as a long line or in a crowed elevator, and I need something to help me move.  I've actually called my daughter while standing in a long line too long (no shopping carts available in the store) so I could lean on her shoulder to move forward.  Now how ridiculous is that.  My MS is under control for the most part, but all it takes is too much heat, fatigue, or too many people --and the spasticity and balance issues interfere with my ability to walk without assistance (husband, daughter, shopping cart, wall walking, etc.).  It took me forever to finally give in and get the disabled parking placard --and I only use it when necessary, mainly in the summer (the Florida heat is no joke with MS).  Now, I after reading your story, I'm ready to buy a cane -- not just any cane, but one that is light, foldable, and stylish.  Thanks for the inspiration!