I can understand what you're say, can also see why the PT wants you to use the walker.

Just a thought . . . which would be more akward for you, using the walker or taking a tumble while you were out? Would using the walker conserve your strength enough to help you enjoy your time out more?

What about asking the PT if using two canes would make them happy? Two canes would be at your side and not out in front like a walker.

Sorry, as you can see I have no answers, just thoughts to ponder.

I'm uncertain if you feel like you have to use it all the time?

Perhaps make some guidelines for yourself when you will use your walk and when you will use your cane?

People in w/c often carry a cane on the w/c for when cane walking is more appropriate

What kind of guidelines can you think of.? During a period of relapses for me, balance mostly. I used my walker in side and outside all the time.

Then it became easier for me to use my cane inside but still my walker outside.

Then I could walk unassisted inside but I used my cane outside. EXCEPT when I was in the university going to a class i Was taking. When I used my cane to get to the class, I often fell asleep during the class...so then I used my walker :) to get to the class and I stayed awake for the class.

Then it got irritating to alway be carrying my cane around outsid, but still sometime I would curse myself for not having it when it would have been useful--so I started carring a folding cane in a pouch so I would have it for those ocassions that it would be helpful.

Now I mostly don't carry my folding cane, unless I am going a long distance, a business situation where don't to be embarrassed at not having it when I need it, when I will be crossing a lot of streets with cross walks and I will need to stand waiting for the light--standing is more difficult than walking----or with no traffic light and I will have to wait for a lull in the traffic to cross or iif I will be walking on an uneven ground, like a park or beach...

I don't think your PT was telling you you had to use the walker ALL the time. I think she was telling you you are in a transition where you will be needing top use you walker MORE.

What are some situation where you think you will use your walker over your cane? Maybe it will make your PT satisfied if you were transitioning into using you walker more.

I think you need to assess how you are feeling, and also how you are likely to end up feeling. Using a cane is all very well, but if you get fatigued you might end up stuck without the ability move at all. I haven't got bad enough to need a walker, but having a sea with you the whole time has a certain appeal!

You're the best person to judge, but you have to be honest with yourself.

that should have read 'seat' but the idea of having a sea with you is a lovely idea, lol!

I can't ignore my PT as I don't have one. I was only allowed to see one twice when I was first dx'ed. Years later my neuro was after me to use a cane, but that was out of the question. There was a 100% guarantee that I would forget it somewhere and lose it.

One thing I see on occasion and envy are the walkers on wheels that have a built in seat ! Many's the time I wish I could sit down ! At least, sit on something that wouldn't soil my pants, or hurt my butt !

I found that when I use the walker not only is my balance better but I walk straighter then with a stick. I can also go further (still not far) & have a seat for when I need it & somewhere to put things too.
I would prefer to use the walker & be safe than fall when out. Sometimes you may not need & other times you would,
I decorated mine with stickers!

I pressed send before meant to. I was very self consciuos to start with too, I look at it that if it means I can safely go out - be it shops or other outings & enjoy a more normal life I use it. Often people are not actually staring at you/me because of the walker but often trying to work out how much room to give you or not even looking at you at all. The more you use it the more used to it you get.
Having the seat is the biggest benefit as when fatigue or "the wobblies" hit I can stop & sit immediately. I always carry a drink bottle in the walker basket so can have some at any point.
Another thing our physio & ot have said is definately use a 4 wheel not 3 wheel walker for safety.

I have the same problem my pt told me to use a walker and i completly lost it cuz im only 40 and my friends and dont really think of me as being disabled becuz i dont come across like that so i didnt want to look like it with a walker, so i chose no to I worked my ass off in pt and got my muscles strong enuff for a cane so i was released on a cane so now i walk with a cane (only in the winter) and on bad days so im safe but thats ok better safe than sorry its a rule about taking care of u. hope this helps

Just got a walker this past Christmas, and I LOVE IT!!! It really helpos with my overall energy levels. Someone told me that you use 65% less energy when you sit versus when you stand. When I'm out, I can sit when I suddenly get the 'wearies' or 'wobblies'. I sit for maybe 30 seconds, get a second wind and then continue on my way. One thing I really try to do is stand straight up, rather than bending forward, like I see so many do. I've actually had people comment to me about how tall I walk... I feel so much safer when I'm out, and it really does save a lot of energy. Only use occasionally at home. Go for it, and don't worry about what others say - it's to help YOU, not them. Good luck!

I don't have a walker, but I had to use a cane for the first time this winter during my relapse. One of the hardest things I ever had to do was open up that cane and use it in public. People looked. I felt like crying. But then I started to realize that I was walking confidently into situations that I would have just avoided without the cane! The first time I walked all alone across a large parking lot and right to the back of the big-box store without any anxiety,I realized that I had subconsciously been limiting myself to what I could do with my poor balance and uncooperative leg . . . the cane that I feared and abhored before became my ticket to freedom. ANd I realize now that I could have handled the big crowds and long distances if I'd had a walker with a seat and I would have enjoyed a lot of experiences a lot more . . . who cares what others think! If it gives you safety and freedom to do more, I say give it a shot. You will probably get past the stygma when you experience the freedom! Good luck!

stubborness kept me from using my cane, but the summerr came and i was staggering around and afraid someone would call me in as a drunk, i now use 2 canes alot of the time, and when i go to a store i use their go-carts and it is amazing how much energy those save.....now i am going to hold off on the walker till i am afraid someone will call in a drunk with two canes. haha

I know exactly how you feel. I had to put the cane aside and use a walker full time a year ago. My PT made me realize it is so important to be safe and the walker keeps me safe and enables me to continue to work full time. I have fallen and been very lucky to not have broken any bones but of course a little more of my pride was hurt. I live in a small town and work in a small courthouse where pretty much everyone knows I have MS. Once I was struggling getting a outside door open at work and fell in front of 2 young nice looking accountants waiting to go to a meeting. They both ran to help me and I pulled myself up holding on to the walker, for some reason I had an extra spurt of eneregy that got me on my feet. Since then there is an automatic door opener on that door. I know where you are coming from but just remember to be safe.

I went through the same situations. I used to love to have a few beers. MS & and all these meds and come between me and Miller Lite! HA! Since I have become attached to my walker no one thinks I am drunk anymore. I figure if I wanted to look like a drunk I also wanted that care free feeling so this is why I depend on a walker so those rude people out there don't say those bad things. As I stated before, I want to be safe.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. I'm using my cane when I go out all the time now, and I use my walker when I'm in the mall expecting to do more walking than short spurts to a store where there are carts I can hang on to, or scooters I can use. At my age I should not be self-conscious, but I am. I just bit the bullet and had a ramp put in to the entrance to my home, so now I guess it is out and will just have to deal and learn to ignore any ignorant folks that stare. And they do, it's weird. I never looked or stared at anyone because there were using some kind of mobility equipment. Again, thanks for all the encouraging words.