Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Helpful Tips Canes KickAS!

Hey gang,

I was just out shopping with my wife and after the second store I was getting sore and wanted to go home. I always ask my wife "Ok, what exactly are we going out to do"? She'll tell me something and I'll say "and what else"? We go through this because she doesn't think twice about it...she goes to one place, thinks of something else to get and goes to another store, etc. For me, I need to know so I can prepare myself, take extra medication if it's a big event and whatnot...
Anyway, I was at the drugstore with my wife and feeling pretty sore and crabby when I noticed a rack of canes. They had colourful metal ones with foam-grips, nifty folding ones that pack up like tent-poles, and the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of getting one. I bought myself a solid, long, wooden one. Nice and simple but sturdy...like me...lol actually, I'm not all that sturdy anymore.
I am sooooo loving this cane and I couldn't wait to come in here and tell you folks about it. The difference it makes is astonishing and I really feel stupid for hobbling about without one now. Stairs are way easier, walking is more enjoyable, I was able to stay out shopping with my wife a lot longer than I could have done without it. Canes rock! No, canes KickAS!
I'm a little cane happy at the moment and loving it. I'm not worried about people thinking I'm old or anything, like I could care less about what people think? If they don't like it, I'll just hit them with my cane...Benny Hill-style.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Canes!! LOL! It took me a lot of suffering before I thought about a cane. Once I did I found even using it while shopping on 'not-so-bad-days' kept my tomorrows better. And I didnt' have to worry about losing all energy half way thru the day.

I want to get one and tape it with red & white stripes to look like a candy cane!! lol!!

This is SO GREAT! I am smiling ear-to-ear!!!

So simple, so effective...just perfect AND fun!

isn't it great when we find something that seems so small have such a big positive impact on our lives especially when it was so unexpected.

thanks for sharing with us,

and i love the "i'll hit them over the head with my cane" mentality......

so i guess the cane could serve two quite useful purposes!

sue

The last time I saw my Rhuemy he wrote me out a script for a cane. I wasn't so sure that I want to get one, but about two weeks latter I broke down and went to the medical store and they fitted me with a cane. I ended up with one of the 4 pt ones.

I'm glad I got it. It helps me so much at work getting in and out of my desk. I also use it for church on Sundays because it helps me get up and down the stairs of the alter (I sing w/the music dirrector in church). It also saved me from falling yesterday with the slippery sidewalks. It's nice to have for the extra support. My boss also jokes with me that I can use it as a wepon if anyone gets out of hand at work!

Kim

You guys are great, I just wish someone had mentioned how great canes were before! I've noticed people on base are now carrying old, black, leather briefcases a lot now...maybe they'll start bringing canes to work too?

I take my cane with me everywhere - even to the bathroom. I feel like punishing myself for being too stupid to get one sooner...nah, I'll just be glad I didn't wait a few more years instead.

I'd been thinking about getting a cane to see if it helped, but at 35 thought it might be a bit premature. After reading your post, you've convinced me this is the thing to do! It is often the simple things that make all the difference!

So glad you posted your sucess with it

I'm 39 and I wish I thought of this at 37! Everything is easier and I don't get nearly as tired from walking or standing. I even started riding on the bus - I wouldn't go on buses because they were basically bone-rattling machines but with the cane I can use it to help with stability which makes it a nice alternative to going broke on cab-fare.

Indeed, although if I were to wield it as a weapon I'd better make the first swing count because I can't exactly run away afterwards...lol

I'm wondering about the work thing now. There are going to be so many questions from people that I think I might wear a sign around my neck that says "Arthritis" or something.