Using a cane or walking stick is a way to be safer esp when you are out. Your neighbour is right that you do use it on the opposite side. For instance if your left side is weak you use it on the right side. When you do first get one it is important to have it at the right height too.
A lot of people start with the fold up cane, easy to fold up when you sit down somewhere or get to your destination & just put in backpack/shopping bag etc & pull it out when you need it.
Dont feel afraid to use one, it gives you a lot more confidence & safety.
If possible get checked by a physiotherapist & see what suits you & get it set to the right height too.

Take care of yourself & avoid falls too

I know how you feel, when I was learning how to walk again my physio gave me a shiny over sized chrome titanium rubber griped hiking stick with a large leather loop on the end, when the sun shined bright it would temporarily blind others. I asked myself could she have picked a larger damn stick, the worst thing about it she strictly insisted I always use it when I go out, it certainly motivated me to walk on two feet again!

people are going to stair and I did get used to it, but usually they will stair out of empathy and concern. I think in hindsight I would have much rather a Dr. House cane, he has made it look rather cool, people might be staring with envy now?

good luck with the transition, and from my own experience over time it really became a non issue.

Hi Oleblue,
I use an elbow crutch I can walk, but balence can be so bad some days and my eyes are a constant thing so it helps stableize me,I prefer it personally to a cane for a few reasons ...people arnt sure if I am injured or ?? and I find its easier to go shopping ,can hold basket ect I just have found it easier,I do understand,it will take a little while but you will feel safer, and for that reason alone...you must get yourself one
hugs

Even though the decision to use a mobility aid is distressing for many people, using one is an effective way of letting the people around you know that you're doing everything that you can to get around safely and independently. It sends a clear message: "I have some difficulty with walking, balance, or fatigue, and I'm dealing with it." The important benefit here is that people will feel more relaxed and comfortable around you, instead of worrying all the time about what help you might need. Plus, it would send a clear message that your problems had nothing to do with alcohol consumption! hahaha

I think men in general have a harder time with this subject than women. I've seen a man with a really cool walking stick. It was black, with orange and red flames on the bottom of it, coming up the stick. It was a really cool one, and I can see you using something equally cool. You just have to do it, and get over your subconscienousness. I use one regularly, and have them color coordinated with my clothes. I think of it as a fasion accessory. Stay away from the plain, chrome looking ones - they blare "handicap". Get something that will match your personality! The internet has many cane sale sites.

I had to come to terms wit it when I realized how hard it was to walk my damn dog everyday..I don't need my cane the entire day but half the day when I get so drained I'm kinda wobbly.at first I didn't wanna use it cuz everyone round where I lived looked at me weird like y she need one? After a few times being stuck without one cuz I was stubborn I decided screw them all! These people could give a damn bout my life so F it ima rock one...recently I attempted to walk to a corner store that was 5-6 blocks away and I almost didn't think id make it back cuz I didn't have my cane..all I had was my dog for protection n I couldn't base all my weight on her..lesson learned!

I have several canes. I use them when I need them and try not to be dependent upon them.
I see no real shame in using a cane unless you are offended by other people and their thoughts.
I remember I was going into a K-MART one day and was using a cane that day and an old many with his wife saw me and pointed at me and said, "Oh look! A cripple!".
I could have busted that old f'er in the face but didn't. I just tried to ignore him but here it is some 10 years later and I still remember that "episode".
People are cruel by nature I often think.
I try to see the good in others but at times it is a real challenge I must admit.
So, having a cane ... big deal is what I say. Use it if you need it. If you fall because you aren't using it when you need it, well you end up suffering the consequences.
I have a bunch of canes, a blue one, a brown wooden one (from years ago when I fell and broke my grand toe *ouch!*) and another one that is a brownish copper color too. I also have a folding cane which is great if for traveling and also quite easy to hide as well. If you are shy about having a cane, you might get a folding one.
They also make canes that have flip out seats on them. I had one of these for awhile but quickly deemed it to be a lot more trouble that it was worth.

hi Dave I know exactly how you feel not wanting to use a stick,, I was the same when I was given an NHS one at 27 I refused point blank to use it, because of that people 'thought' I was drunk all the time,

so when I was diagnosed in 2006, I got a little black stick I use it all the time. I dont even go out without it.

your neighbour is correct about needing to use the stick in opposite side to where your difficulties are my ms is on my left my stick is in my right hand I put my stick down at same time as my left foot,

I think of the stick as my helper, without it I would not even get out the front door without it, everything I use I look at it as my helper, I even have a scooter to go shopping with, without it I would be in 24/7,

its not a good thing to keep everything bottled up, ms and stress of any kind is not a good match

have you got any health person to talk to about your problems, they are fantastic I was at a psychologist last year, I was feeling so bitter and unhappy about my diagnoses in 2006, she helped so much I would recommend it to anyone and everyone,

Alison

hope4cure:

I swear to god if I had been there when that guy said that...
I would have smiled and said well she has a disease where she needs a cane. It could be worse...she could CHOOSE to be a jerk like you. Then I would turned went on with you.

So sorry for some of the crap that falls out of people's mouths.
Best wishes to all of you,
EP

PS My hubby was outside today with me and the kids (5 & 6yrs old) trying to get the leaves in the yard picked up. He has a elbow (armrest) cane and was trying to use the leave blower between breaks. So the neighbor lady, husband and youngest son (18years old) came over for an hour and we got it all done. I told them next year we are getting a rider lawn mower with leaf attachment. So next year they don't have to do this. I have hubby's lunches in slow cooker now. I am going to make them some apple crisp right now (made them pumpkin pie last week). My point...some people are jerks but some people are really nice too.

I use a few different canes--and I've been using them since I was 22. So its definitely something people stare at...I LOOK "healthy" but there I am hobbling on a cane etc
But oh well and I agree you should get some that suit your personality so you can have fun with it at least. I mean, MS gives you lemons (or shit as it were) and you have to try to make the best of it :)
I have a camouflage patterned one and this cool wooden one that looks has a dragon head ..
I don't use them all the time now because my diet and supplements and slow walking regime have made my legs stronger/retaught my brain a lot of that lost mobility.
But I do use them still when exhausted or having a flare kind of day. I've fallen WAY too many times and its always so painful/seriously injures me

Who cares what people think anyway? I'm about half your age and I don't give a damn ;)

Dave,
It took me so long to get a cane. My husband wanted to go to an event that would be outside and would require a great deal of walking...I knew I was going to need something. I went and picked out a folding cane--one that I liked with lots of color and comfortable handle. I keep it in the car for those days when my legs are kinda wobbly. It would easily fit in a backpack. While it rained and we didn't go to the event, I have used the cane only once....and should have used it other times. It is just so hard to make that step...ugh. I hate that I get concerned about what people think! Not good.
I agree, though, that you should get something that says "ole blue" and be safe!

Well 12 yrs ago I was told by the PT I had to use a cane. I was so upset and reisistant but I did use it because I have had several falls resulting in 2 broken toes and two fingers. Today I am in a wheelchair full time. So obviously I would love to go back to the days of a cane. The whole thing is relative. Remember in the winter people are walking around with canes due to skiing accidents.

I never noticed any stares while using the cane. In fact I got waylaid by a college student asking me to take a survey on how vulnerable I felt using a cane! That kinda put things in perspective.

Now in the wheelchair I find I am invisible to others. I may feel self-concious but you would be amazed at the people who walk right in front of me or ignore me when I say something. I drop something and struggle to pick it up and do you think anyone offers to help? Once in a rare while.

Using a cane for the first time it would be wise to be fitted and shown how to use it by a PT. One thing I remember is that the cane handle should meet at your wrist to be the correct height. I always used one with the foam rubber type handle as it's easiest to hold on to. There are many choices from hiking staffs to canes with a seat. Safety and functionality are really the two most important things I'd recommend you consider. You do not want to fall, risk breaking something and get set back weeks to months recovering.

If you go with a traditional one remember Medicare will cover only one every 5 yrs so get the best choice you can.

Good luck. Be safe

Melanie

I just buy the cheap collapsible ones. They fit well in a walker or scooter basket. I have one sitting in front of the truck seat and on in the car. I also carry a spare under the back seat of each vehicle. I get about 4 years out of a cane.

ah, the ego... it is an adjustment. i felt exposed when i first used a walking aid, but now, i feel just fine with my cane, walker, or scooter. if people stare, it's their issue.

there are some videos on youtube and the ms website to help you with use of a cane.

good luck

I can empathisis with your delima as I went through this almost 15 years ago and enventually started with a cane purchased from a drug store. If you are having balance problems, and it sounds like you are with falling, you would get better support with canes that are called Canadian crutches in some areas, but they are sold in medical supply stores and they fit around your forearm, your arm can slip out through the opening in the cuff and should be adjusted by the technician for proper height. I have been spared numerous additional falls by using these, I use two as I am very week on one side and have weakness in both legs. After my last fall and emergency room visit I decided I would rather not risk further disability and gave in to the fear and found I had made it worse in my mind than it actually was. I also have attachments that flip down so I can walk safely even on ice as the metal prongs grip into the ice. I even walk my little dog with my crutch canes which without them I couldn't. More of the world opened back to me as my crutch canes help me and I have even hiked and climbed up and down hills, gone into caves, and without them I was just an observer and wished others fun, and now I am one of the crowd again. It isn't perfect but it beats my wheelchair and falling. I feel your pain and fear and I would encourage you to discuss this with your neurologist and or medical supply store to get what helps you be safe when getting about and if I could I would go with you to seek out your first cane. I Have much more confidence and less fear when walking and feel much, much safer. I am sending warm and encouraging thoughts to you.

My cane is my best friend......... It goes EVERYWHERE I go........My latest cane doubles as a bodyguard. It has hard, heavy handle. In case of an emergency all I have to do is flip it and swing it like a baseball bat. lol If I catch him on the temple it'll be... lights-out! lol I need my cane mostly for balance issues.