I first started using a cane...in the house only, then from the house to the car....and finally, I had to use it to work! I had been playing softball (or attempting to with great difficulty) and thought I really overdid it. The pain was bad and so I started with the cane. When I started taking it to work, I didn't stop. No doctor ever told me to use it or taught me to use it, but I needed it. After awhile it got to the point where it stopped me from falling and I couldn't go anywhere without it. It was a simple metal adjustable cane with a handle. I even borrowed my Mother's walker a time or two for work...and that was embarassing. I was finally referred to a Rheumatologist and diagnosed with RA. The OA I also had just recently earned me a Right Knee Replacement, meaning the use of a walker post-op. I hated it....really did because it meant "disability"....but just the other day I overdid it (again) and fell back to using the walker over the weekend. I am to the point of saying screw what others think regarding walking with the walker....at least until the overuse pain subsides. Great article...I would be interested in seeing when others started with the assisted walking devices.
hi Pat,
As someone who's used a wheelchair for 30+ years, I have a very relaxed and practical view of mobility aids. They are tools that help you conserve energy that you can use for other things. Not using a mobility aid (wheelchair, scooter, cane, walker) takes a lot more energy and makes you hurt more. Pain drains you of energy. End result? Zero energy and not a lot of quality of life. Having something to lean on gives you back that energy, which means you have more for living your life.
That said, there are options in mobility aids that look less hospital-like. You can get some very nice rollators (walkers with wheels) that have coloured frames (instead of just that institutional silvery steel) and also come with a seat. That way, you can sit when you're in line at the bank and conserve more energy. They also usually have a basket for your purse or groceries. Find a snazzy one - maybe red? - and rock it. 
you know… It is funny, but I've never thought of this. Well, I thought of it from the point of wheelchairs, because you don't see a lot of those in Europe. Perhaps because Europe, being old, doesn't tend to be excessively accessible. However, in retrospect I think perhaps you're right. Canes are to my recollection not viewed as something to be avoided at all cost, but merely as a walking aid. And even one that's used by people who might not exactly really need it, but more for a sort of fashion statement and occasional support, especially when hiking.
Interesting perspective. Thanks for posting this.
I have wondered about travel to Europe! Seems like on everything I see on tv or the internet, it shows many streets that are uneven, cobblestoned, or no ramps for instance. I didn't think it would be easy at all to get from point A to point B in Europe if you used a wheelchair. I would like to get more info. on accessibility in Europe...maybe something with statistics too? This is definitely something I would think more of us who travel would want to know. Maybe there are countries that are more easy to get around in than others too? *hint hint for more articles on this* ;)
Hi travelluver,
It would be great to know which cities in Europe are most disabled or wheelchair friendly. I have a couple of friends who have traveled extensively. I need to ask where they've been and how it was getting around. Some research is in order to figure out the best places to visit. :)
Lisa
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Interesting article, but what is a fritz handle?
I have given up canes because of sore hands and use elbow crutches a bit but mostly an electric wheelchair, would still like to know though
Here are pictures of canes with the "Fritz" handle - http://www.canemart.com/c/fritz/ It's more comfortable to me than the handle which looks like a crook. There are even handles which are made to be more ergonomic - http://www.fashionablecanes.com/Palm_Grip_Orhtopedic_Walking_Canes.html
So many choices. :)