Hi, I’m thinking of getting a folding walking stick…taking a lot of thinking and also worrying. My recent relapse has meant my walking suffers after a 1000 yards or so although if I rest for a wee bit I can still walk. I don’t feel I need a stickas such but someone once suggested a fold up one kept in my bag might make me feel safer in terms of knowing i have something in case? What do you think? I am quite embarrassed that I may have to purchase one ESP as I’m only 32, m.s up now has behaved and I have a young child (3yrs) ? What will he think, his friends and their parents etc think? My hubbie did say too that he felt one might be of benefit even if I never use it ESP as holidays. He feels it would stop me worrying and thinking about walking too much! If that makes sense? Thanks x
Who cares what people think? If you need it, you need it. What do you think of them, and are they worried about what you think?
Hi Have a look at blingsticks…a fun way to use a stick !! Xx
I’m not even sure I need one as I’m not tripping just heavy legs and few sensations which do sort themselves out but I am worried about times when I want to walk further for example on holiday. Don’t want my little boy to think less of me and not ask me to play etc, and just think I feel young for a stick …I know I might not even use it but there is that chance isn’t there that I will? X
I went through all those emotions too, about taking my wee boy to school and mummy having a walking stick, but it was my MS nurse who convinced me, she said that you can’t beat MS, but if you can do something that makes it’s attacking less effective and less impacting on your ability to do what you want to do, then do it!
So she told me to go onto ebay, which I did and have a couple of nice jazzy ones now, if I need to have a stick, then I’ll have a fancy one!
I dont like using it, I dont want it, but sometimes I need it, so I use it
Jools
X
Don’t worry what others think, if they have a problem with it then that’s their problem, not yours. I know exactly what you mean about worrying about walking. Sometimes the worry is actually worse than actually doing th thing. If a stick in your handbag takes away this worry, then go for it! Cheryl:-)
I know your all right just wish I could get further than 32 to purchasing one…I expected or hoped another ten years. But I suppose its still fighting the disease and not giving in! X
I remember going through exactly these thoughts when it came to getting a stick.
A physio told me that a stick gives other people the visual cue that you might need a bit more room and I found this way of looking at it very helpful. I did appreciate a bit more space in crowds etc when I was wobbly.
A fold up one is a great idea as you can use it or put it away – just as you like. I used a fold up one for years.
As for your little boy – my daughter was 11 when I started using a stick. Just at the age when they don’t want to be seen on the same side of the street as you but she coped with my stick with great magnanimity. Your little boy will not judge you by your stick. At 3 they are the centre of their own universe and I doubt he would let a stick get in the way of playing with mummy.
Jools’ MS nurse makes a great point – you can’t beat MS but by not using the aids that you need because of pride then you are LETTING it win.
I agree with your OH. And if you are worried about what people think, what do you think they’ll think you’ve been on if you are tripping up and staggering all over the place? As far as curious onlookers are concerned, walking sticks answer far more awkward questions than they raise.
Hiking poles are great, by the way. Less ‘old lady’ than a walking stick, and I find them much more effective for helping me stay upright too.
Alison
x
I was your age also and it was my husband who saw the fold up walking sticks in a garden centre one day, like yourself I didn’t need one all the time but the folding one was a lot better than the awful wooden ones the physio had given me, my children were a little older and it never bothered them at all.
I use a folding and hated been seen with a stick but it is an excellent visual clue and does safeguards from embarrassing falls. My3 year old had to have a little stick of her own and use to mimic the way I walked when she was younger…v.funny…I never imagined that I would end up trying/fighting for ownership of walking stick with a two year old 
Hi, I struggled with the idea of a stick but recently found the company SwitchSticks on line - I bought a great purple patterned one with an ergonomic handle. It feels ‘girlie’ but does the job it’s supposed to ie keeping me upright! It wasn’t cheap but as I can no longer buy lovely high heeled shoes (Could buy them but definitely couldn’t wear them lol x) I thought it would make me feel a bit better - and it does! I did used to use a hiking pole as someone else suggested - but my wrist started to give way fairly regularly so I switched to the ergonomic handle as suggested by the physio - much comfier (and safer!) Hope you find something to suit you!
Hi, I know exactly how you feel about not wanting to use a stick but with me it was using a wheelchair (I was 42)… Right from diagnosis I have always had to use two crutches because of mobility. I can just about manage on crutches indoors now otherwise rely on wheelchair for getting out and about. If you use a stick nobody will take any notice and the most important thing is it will be helping you. If you are struggling to walk you will adopt a posture to compensate for your difficulty to walk that will lead to other problems like awful backache. My children were older so there was no problem there, but my grandchildren are 4 and 1 and my eldest grandson has never taken any notice of me using crutches or wheelchair. He just sees it as normal and children easily adapt. I say just go for it and good luck. Anne x.
Thanks everyone… I realise too by looking any other boards that actually there are people even younger like twenties using a stick, some a chair so that puts it into perspective too and makes me feel bit awful for moaning. Think I will get one. If it only stays in my bag rather than gets used then at least its there in case I need it. Like I said not tripping or anything likw that unless I try to run, not a good look that but after a while the leg does get heavy. Who knows it might improve but if it doesn’t that clearly doesn’t mean no more walking like I used to do just means I may need that stick to get me from a to b. Am I right in thinking I’ll be able to walk further if I have a stick? Thanks all x
Hi I don’t know about further but it will def support you which gives you more confidence and of course, safety !! I use an elbow crutch on a good day but most days, am now in George (my wheelie). But George is a snazzy red number !! It took some getting used to but I realised that it is necessary given my balance and weakness in the right side of my body. It also conserves energy which is invaluable !! Get yourself something snazzy and girlie and you’ll probably find that the only reason people look, is to admire it and wonder where you got it from !! Xx
I will definitely be looking into it…thanks all. Just need to get over myself and stop keep thinking about my age and the fact im 32 and have a young child! Bet there are loads in here who are a similar age with a stick. And I know others are worse and have children and when I say others I mean people with other disabilities etc. And they just get on with it…I should know, my job involves visiting and assessing such people. X
Hi, yes I do understand that at just 32, you should be looking at killer heel shoes and not walking sticks!
But, honey, the fact is you`re more likely to get help from the stick and not those gorgeous shoes. I know you never mentioned killer heels, but you get what I mean, eh?
Whenever i see a post like your`s, re needing or thinking about a mobility aid, i try my best to point out how much better and SAFER our lives will be with such paraphanalia!
i`ve gone through the stage you are at now and had so many bad falls, because I didnt want to look like an OAP with a stick.
And guess what, not only have i done the stick thing, but also the walker, the wheeled zimmer, the manual wheelie, the leccy wheelie and now i am also hoisted. My bungalow is looking more like a care home with all my bits of kit.
Do I wish I didnt need `em? Course I do! But fact is, i do need them and my life is so much better because of them.
Take care, yeh?
luv Pollx
Hi Anon
I have a couple of sticks feel most of the time that they are not much help , however as some folk have said it gives visability that you need extra room.
Hi,
I understand your feelings, I resisted for ages then
I got a fancy black and white one from Walking sticks online to help me when I went to the Olympics last summer. Didn’t really need one for balance but legs get tired and good to lean on. Make sure you get the right length - I’m only 5’3’’ so got a shorter one.
Folded up into my handbag when I didn’t need it. So pleased I bought it as it was a badge showing I might need help - offers of seats on tubes, wheelchairs, short cuts, special lifts made it worth having.
If you get one you can use it if you need to and hide it away if you don’t. Realised I needed one when I started getting stick envy when I was out shopping. When my legs are tired now I get wheelchair envy, keep thinking of asking if I can have a lift!!
My advice is get one, it may give you confidence too.
Jen x
Just looked at Walking sticks online website - they do standard folding walking sticks with four sections and
handbag folding walking sticks that have 5 sections and so smaller.
J x