I walked without my canes this morning!!!

[GardeningMSer]

YIPPEE!!!

After waking from a long very restful sleep this morning I used my canes to walk to the bathroom, then went in search of my bathrobe.

Not fully awake - I hadn't had my two quarts of coffee yet - I went in search of my robe, finding it I realized I hadn't used my canes!

My wife came into the room, we hugged tightly, and I walked back to the bathroom, got my canes, and walked to the kitchen.

I am delighted! I've hoped for years I'd be able to walk w/o canes, now to see if this continues.

[DorOMA]

What great, fantastic, exciting news!!!! So happy for you!

[Seasha]

Such good news! but please stay safe to prevent falls. What's different to enable you to do this?

[GardeningMSer]

possible differences

Such good news! but please stay safe to prevent falls. What's different to enable you to do this?

Seasha,

Thanks for reminding me to watch out for falls - I have foot drop in my weak left leg.

As to reasons - the past two years of about 2 hours a week of exercise using a recumbent bike loosened up my very tight right hip muscles, and walking around the B&B, a very hilly Italian town (Cortona), have done the same.

I think all this walking has in some small way improved my balance, but this is speculation.

Not quite last, my BFF of 4 years and wife since June has been encouraging me to stand up STRAIGHT when I'm using my canes. This postural change, reinforced by the past week's walking, has made a difference. I also need to thank my son Ben - his love, care, suggestions (although I won't go gluten free) have brought me many happy moments.

We fly home to California on Saturday and when I recover from jet lag, I'm going to start walking more with canes both inside and out, probably try to find a masseuse who can loosen my hip muscles even more, and someday try to walk down and then up our steep driveway that rises 50' from street to garage.

Even if I never feel capable of walking w/o canes while fully awake, I'm hopeful I'll walk with more ease and less pain.

[Seasha]

I read your other thread about your trip to Italy and hope it has been more than you ever imagined! Lucky you

And good for you for exercising. I believe it does help to keep our bodies moving - "use it or lose it" as far as muscle strength goes. I use a walker but when I'm outside taking my short walks on our long driveway, I use trekking poles. My balance is better when using them instead of a cane and I get the benefit of arm exercise too. Our driveway has a semi-steep incline and the poles help proper me upward. Have you ever thought of using them?

I also take a yoga class and that has helped me with balance and tight muscles too.

So glad you have that support from your wife and son.
Keep walking, stay loose and have a safe trip back home!

[Tia1]

Good news! I hope that you continue to enjoy your walking and exercise. It is beneficial in so many ways. I have been inspired to get off the couch today

[palmtree]

What a thrill!

I've experienced it myself. It's very liberating. Especially to have your hands free. Strange how sometimes I wake up feeling like a ton of brick and others that the sky opens up and my legs move effortlessly.