When did you know you needed a cane?

[jenni209]

Hello!

When did you know you needed a cane? I am scheduled to start PT in a few weeks and will learn how to use a cane w/o tripping over myself then. The problem is that I change my mind nearly every couple of hours if I really need one or not, my brain and heart are at odds on this. I think I need to hear from others on the topic as my appointment isn't for a bit.

I'm currently on Tec and waiting a new neuro to try to get started on amprya again.

Thanks so much!
Jenni

[kim-mastro]

I have been very lucky in the course of my MS journey. I don't need to use a cane all the time but if I know I will be walking a lot or far, then I use a cane for balance. It just makes my life easier. Also, to save my poor husband from getting kicked" all night when we go to Disney World, I use a wheelchair in the parks. I think you'll probably know when you need to use the cane! Good luck!

[AriD]

If your legs are tired and unable to keep up with your plans for the day, a cane can help you get through it. Or your balance is off and you need a "third leg" to stay upright, a cane can help. That doesn't necessarily mean you'll need a cane all the time or even everyday. Needing one can be sporadic, a slow decline, or come on suddenly.

A few years ago a relapse hit me in the middle of the night. I went from working full time to being unable to walk for a few weeks, then walker then cane over next few months. Now I'm mostly independent again but so many days I know I should be using a cane.
Many days, my legs get so tired and sore that my balance gets affected and I start falling. That's when I pick the cane up for a little bit. I keep it in my car so I have it if needed when I'm out. I make use of shopping carts and strollers too. I find they help take some of the workload off my legs when I'm shopping.

[msgijo]

I agree with the previous posters - use as needed.

Like you I was adamant about not wanting to use a cane. But now I have one stationed at both the front and back doors of my home, and will normally use one when I go outside. Yes they can be a pain at times, but have saved me from enough falls that I see the need to use one when I am walking on uneven ground.

I have one in each vehicle (mine and DH's) but normally do not use them when I am out. Shopping carts work well for balance. And like kim-mastro I do have a manual wc for use on those all day outings. Actually I kinda like using it - when I am in it I can MOVE!

Going to PT to have them show you how to properly use a cane is a great idea. I wish I had done that before I started using mine.

[Marco]

The primary factor for using any type of ambulatory aid is your safety. A single fall can take years to fully recover from, so please do not take unnecessary risks. If you are unstable on your feet, a cane or walking stick, might be your best option to increase your stability.

I am so glad you are seeing a physical therapist. For many people, working with a therapist can greatly reduce the need for a cane, or other assistive device. For other patients in a similar situation; I would ask your general practitioner or neurologist to schedule an evaluation with a mobility specialist. This could be a physical therapist, occupational therapist, mobility therapist, or even an outpatient diagnostic center.

These therapists can:

• perform a complete gait assessment
• pinpoint areas of weakness
• develop a customized exercise program to strengthen shortcomings
• make recommendations for the best ambulatory aids for your needs
• for example an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) may be better suited to your needs than a cane.

I can assure you it's better to have an honest conversation about a cane/walking stick, than one about a wheelchair. Been there, done that.

Jenni - I am so proud of you that you are taking the right precautions to take care of yourself. You're brave and much stronger than you will ever know. Thank you for your post - you will undoubtedly help many others in a similar situation. I wish you well!

[jenni209]

Thank you so much!

Thank you for all the responses. It's good to know that I won't hurt progress in getting a little better if I only use the cane as needed.

Marco,

Thank you so much for your post. I'm having a difficult time accepting the fact that I have MS even though I was dx over 15 years ago. I will start with the PT and do what I can with the referral from my PCP and hope the new neuro (who my PCP said is a movement specialist) will help me get this figured out as well. Thank you again. I really needed that!!

[poohb3ar]

canes can be your friend!

dxd at 40, but it took several falls and one day when it stopped raining for me to start using a cane.
it quit raining and i found myself walking with the large umbrella and realized how much easier it was. then i wondered why i was so hesitant to use a cane!

i have at least 7 now! 2 were personally made for me, other wood ones, a pretty clear one and a pink metal adjustable one

my balance is very bad and in open spaces without a cane i'd fall a lot more often.
there are so many nice ones out there, it's not ugly at all to use one!

hope that helps. plus, sometimes you just might not need it. i rarely use one in the house. i've even been known to walk outside without one, but go back in because better safe than sorry!

take care & God bless ya!

[zilphia01]

head turned.....

I knew I needed a cane when I turned my head (someone called my name) and I went FLYING (without any wings)..... on the floor.

that was enough for me. I have too much to do to deal with a cast or hospital stay

[aisunnen]

Try walking stick?

Hi Jenni209, I get around inside without a cane, but there is furniture nearby for balance when I stumble. Marco is absolutely spot on about avoiding falls! Just moisture, not to mention ice, is enough to send you sprawling. I use a Leki walking stick, which is adjustable height-wise and has a little flex at the bottom. It also is less "medical-looking" than a three-pronged cane. Walking slowly is key, as is not trying to take too-large strides. As is keeping your eyes focussed on something maybe 10 or 15 feet ahead at ground level or slightly above. At this point I'm not fooling anyone, I'm disabled, and I'm very careful to use whatever handholds are available. Think movie theaters, dim light, shoppers, people texting or just not aware of their surroundings. I find that the stick helps to signal people that I need extra space, and most people are really nice about it.
dx 2003, age 70

[J-Bo]

I decided to use a cane when I got tired of falling. The last time was at work, and the embarrassment overcame my reluctance to be seen with one.

They are a nuisance. You lean them up against a table, wall, counter, etc. and they clatter to the floor, several times a day. They take up one of your hands that you could be using for carrying stuff. People make way too big a deal trying to help you when you'd really just rather that they leave you to you own ways of doing things yourself. And so on. But none of that is worse than falling.

If you're asking the question, Jenni, you probably would be better off using one.

Here's my personal take on choosing a cane: the adjustable kind are horrible. They make a clicking noise, and that's not how I want to call attention to myself. I'd prefer that people notice me because of inappropriate behavior or something. Not to mention that you can never sneak up on anyone with one of those. And besides, why would you need to readjust it anyway?

I get my canes from fashionablecanes.com. They have the largest collection of styles I've ever seen, and there's something for everyone from wild and crazy to elegant. Maybe your birthday's coming up soon?

[there]

When walking into a restaurant I stumbled and fell with a really fantastic bottle of red wine I brought for a celebration, the bottle smashed when I was "going down".

[capitolcarol]

When did know

I always thought we need to use a cane when we get tired of falling all the time. At one point, I had taken the gait stability, balance, and coordination physical therapy, which helped a lot.

[Echo2099]

The primary factor for using any type of ambulatory aid is your safety. A single fall can take years to fully recover from, so please do not take unnecessary risks. If you are unstable on your feet, a cane or walking stick, might be your best option to increase your stability.

Absolutely!!

I couldnt't bring myself to use a cane. After one 'minor' fall, my groin area, back and left thigh started to ache constantly. I figured it was just a new 'norm' for me, so I didn't think any more about it and was just extra careful not to aggravate it.

At my neuro appt, one month later, he ordered an xray. So on the way out of the clinic, I had the xray and then went on my merry way. I was about 15 miins from his office when doc called to tell me, "You have a broken hip!"

Now while on squad, I had responded to many people with broken hips. I have seen too many people in significant pain and even given strong meds onscene to help with the pain.

There was no way I had a broke hip! The pain would have told me!

So I asked doc, "You sure you have the right patient? The right Xray for me? Was there a hair on the Xray or something? Cuz I am not in THAT kind of pain."

He laughed and said " Yeah, right patient, and no problem with the Xray. But it is cracked, and trying to heal. So no weight bearing for 4 more weeks. And as far as the pain, you have been in pain for so many years, you have learned to ignore it. But this time, don't ignore it, rather listen to it and you will know when it is healed. And, I want another Xray in 2 weeks to make sure you have been letting it heal! So behave yourself! AND GET A CANE!"

The moral of this story? Any fall, no matter how 'minor' can cause serious damage. I just got lucky, THIS time!

So think seriuosly about getting a cane. It does help!

Echo

[dastardly]

Hi everyone I use a cane as I use any tool to help me, you just have to get your head around the fact you may need one and for me ist better than staggering around looking for something to grab I won't leave the house without my reading glasses just incase I need them same as my cane and I just feel more stable with some extra support, if I'm having a really great day and go for a ride on my motorcycle I have a cane that comes apart under the seat ready for me when I arrive, I don't feel like it is a fashion statement but I won't leave home without it Craig

[Lyndagail]

Using a cane

I don't usually use one around the house but when I get away from my familiar surroundings I often feel disoriented and shaky.

I bought a fold up cane that I can keep in my purse as some days I don't feel like I need one (denial) but like to have it handy.

Also I have decorated it for special occasions. I put a fancy bow around it at Christmas and quite a few people stopped me and commented.

I also have a wheelchair that we use for longer trips like a day at the zoo. I can walk but tire quickly and try to adjust my devices both to keep me mobile but to keep me safe.