Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Did something I swore I'd never do.

Walking got so difficult at times that I had to swallow my pride and buy a cane. I could never see myself in my thirty's using a "walking stick" but now that I've used it a few times I find that I can walk further than I did and with less pain. It's gonna take a little getting used to because I find it kinda wierd walking around with a fourth limb down there but I almost have the timing in sync. I had bought an adjustable aluminum type with a grey rubber handle but found that it clashed with some of my outfits so I went out and bought a black wooden one today with a flat "T" handle. Hey just because you're disabled does'nt mean you can't be fashionable. I also find that people pay more respect to the fact that I have a disability now. Just today I was at a variety store and dropped some change on the ground and right away I had someone bend down and pick it up for me. Also cars are stopping in parking lots to let me walk past them. I never wanted attention because of my disability, just a little respect since it is harder for me to do some things. Anyways, I was just wondering how many of you use some form of walking aid? My doc offered me a form to get a handicap license plate a while back but I opted not to get one unless I reach a point where I can't walk. Seems like most everyone is nice to disabled people but the Canadian Government. They won't offer me any financial support until I'm flat broke and living on the street.

Later,
Steve

My hubby doesn't have one yet, but I'd like to see him get one.

I miss our walks and wonder if he had a cane or some other form of walking aid would we be able to go on more walks?

On the flip side however, we spend a disgusting amount of money on a bicycle for him... every penny was worth it though, because he has some mobility back!!! YAY!!! Prior to buying the bike, he was stuck in our house.

Jane

Hi Steve,

I have two canes and three walking sticks (for hikes in the wild:), and I have a handicap license plate. I don't use the canes unless I plan on doing a lot of walking...shopping malls, Amusement parks, etc and I don't park in handicap parking places unless there are a bunch free. I keep a cane available and I have a placard for use in another car. I am not hadicapped for the short term but I rely on assistance if I have to walk long distances or stay upright for long periods. I don't particulary like having to rely on them but I'm not to proud to say I DO need them from time to time. My advise? Keep the cane and get a placard. Use them when you have to, stow them when you don't.

Hello..I have 2 canes,one kept in our van and one next to my bed...I only use them when i'm in a flare like NOW..duh...sometime i need it when i get out of the bed..

I also have a handicap plate card but only use it when i really need it on my bad days..take care/b-well...blessings Pat ...

One of the reasons I swore I would'nt get one is because when I was a kid my dad used one and when I was bad he would hit me with it. If I tried to run away he would hook me around the neck with it and pull me back for more. Wow.. I can't believe I finally told someone about it. Maybe now I can overcome my fear of canes and get on with my life.
Now if only I could get over my fear of belts my pants might stay up.

Thanks everyone,
Steve

I have used one when I have been in a flare.. it was a sobbering experience for me, but made a world of difference. I have been issued temporary Handicapped tags as well from my GP when I have been in serious flares (dashboard sort so I could use it when travelling with others) ...

Jennifer

Hi Steve,

What a great idea! I really think I should get one for myself, as I have so much difficulty walking some days......
Also, I'm terrified of being knocked over by kids running round the shops, or run into with a shopping trolley, it might make ppl "notice" me more, and give me a wider berth, if not some respect??!!

I totally agree with Pete about the handicapped sticker. I have one, but only use it if there's nowhere else close enough to where I want to get. (It's not so much the getting there as the coming back!! )
It's a very useful thing to have, and if used wisely, i.e. only when necessary, you shouldn't feel guilty about it
What really upsets me is when ppl accuse me of not needing one How the heck to THEY know??!! Just b/c I don't have a cast on my leg or a wheelchair......
Definitely need that cane!

Good luck,

Sue

Steve I have a same memory only it was my Grandpa. I can be using my cane and that memory pops in my head and I can hardly stand that cane. I never dreamed I was not the only one. A cane is one of my childhood nightmares.

I made my cane very colorful. I used 2 sided tape and then wrapped about 2 inches of a color of embroidery thread and then would change colors. I used primary colors. It is so pretty and I get so many compliments on it that sometimes I forget the bad memories.

I am having a time right now when I am not using it, Thank the Lord but I have it on hand to use. I use the handicapped placard on days I need to and don't when I don't. I have used it a lot during our heat wave because I move so slow I nearly die on the hot asphalt in the parking lots. So do a lot of other people evidently because there are hardly any available parking spots

I am glad you got it. I am glad you shared your memory. Made me share mine.

Blessings.
Possi

Hi Steve,

I bought one also about 5 or 6 weeks ago. So far, I've only used it here at my house, in the mornings when I get up and occasionally in the evenings. It was pretty unsettling deciding to go get one. Like you I couldn't see carrying one of the institutional looking ones and found a nice fashionable one at a local store. I also found a good website online but haven't ordered anything from it.

http://www.fashionablecanes.com/index.html This website not only has very nice looking canes and walking sticks, but they tell you how to purchase them and use them.

The good news is that since my last infusion about 10 days ago, I've not had to use it and I'm hoping that continues.

As far as the handicap parking permit, I have a temporary one good til November. I use it when I get groceries for sure because pushing the cart around the store really does me in. Other times depend on the occasion, distance and how I'm feeling.

Hey Steve,
You gotta do what you gotta do you know. My choice was this big brace or a cane. I opted for the brace. I need both hands for patient charts. Assesorize, make a fashion statement. I have patients that come in every day with a "new cane look" they decorate them for every holiday. It also keeps things lite to the fact that they carry a cane.
Good luck with it, I know you'll get around better now that you've made the decision to use it.
Cindy