Well, after a quite a few months of wobbling around, stumbling and tripping, I’m finally using my walking stick! I had it folded up in my handbag for about 2 weeks, then read a post on here about walking aids and how others have overcome the initial “not wanting to use it”. It was at this point I decided that it was the right time to start.
I had worried that people would think that I was attention seeking, and looking for sympathy - the exact opposite! I must say that most of the time I feel much more stable - still poor on legs due to spasms and foot drop, but the stick is a bit like a comfort blanket!
The first few days at work and in the local shop were quite difficult, as people were asking what I’d done to my leg. I wish there was an easy way to tell them that actually, I haven’t hurt my leg, I’ve got MS. Maybe someone might have a suggestion?
I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now, and now I’ve got the hang of it (always had poor co-ordination!) I’ll not be looking back. Apart from anything, if I try to do anything other than walk like looking backwards while walking, I fall over!!
Well done you, for doing something that helps you. It is so difficult to use such aids, when we think people are looking at us and asking questions.
I wish there was a way to get over this, as without the confidence to use the aids when we really need them, we could have more falls and other diffficulties.
I have been through the stage you are now at and am a full time wheelie.have been for 8 years.
Welcome to the stick brigade. I’ve been using one for around 4 years; since I fell into someone in a shop. I even use one indoors these days at it helps to stop me falling over and helps to prop me up.
i find that if I say Multiple Sclerosis and not MS, they’re less likely to mishear me, and it discourages most from further questions which I can’t really be bothered with - most of them are just letting their mouths flap, they’re not really interested. I’ll answer any questions if somebody actually seems interested.
If I get asked up to dance on a night out, I politely decline and gesture to my sticks - invariably “Do you have a sore leg?” is the next question, so to make life easier, I just say yes.
Well done Anna, It is hard at first to start using a stick but as time goes on it’s just another leg, well that’s how I look at it. If anyone asks I just say I’ve got Multiple Sclerosis and it helps me.
I am so glad I ‘gave in’ and started using a stick!
My main problem is that I hold it in my right hand because I have an old knee injury in my left leg. Which means that when I swing my right leg when it is being stiff due to my MS I can end up kicking my own stick from under me!
I usually say something like ‘I have Multiple Sclerosis and my legs don’t behave themselves sometimes!’
WELL DONE!!!You have done it so now you don’t have to worry about it. Did you get your stick from Switch Sticks?I got mine from there it is red dots all over and i found as soon as i got a stick that i liked - and was not boring it was fine. now i need to stop people looking at my blue badge in the car to see if i am genuine or not, although i have started taking my stick into the supermarket as i got fed up with the glares!!! usually i just hold on to the trolley. i bought some purple crutches recently as i get a bad back and thought they may hold me up straight but can not get the hang of them!!! any ideas anyone?
Thanks for all of the above - Lisa, I got a cheap and cheerful (but boring) folding stick from a local shop to start, but have just ordered a nice jazzy one from the stick and cane company. It’s very jolly, lots of bright colours. I think that if we’re going to be together all the time, I might as well have something nice to look at!
Congratulations,you have taken a giant step. If I may make a small suggestion, in that if you are explaining to a stranger why you have the stick, tell them you have Multiple Sclerosis the first time, then say MS. There are a few abbreviated ailments out there and I believe this approach sets the record straight from the get go.
May I also humbly suggest that if your stick doesnot have a wrist strap you acquire one.
Well done on getting and using the stick!! I’ve had to make a couple of big adaptions since last year. Firstly using a stick outside, then needing one indoors and outdoors and now using a wheelchair outdoors too. I never underestimate what a big deal it is for people. I’m 31 and was running four miles into work just over a year ago and now it’s taxis and wheelchairs. But as my wife and family point out they’re the aids that allow me get out and about and lead some kind of normal life! Tim