walking aids

gemmapetken
gemmapetken Member Posts: 263
edited 8. May 2010, 07:00 in Living with Arthritis archive
hi
i have a deformed hip which causes me lots of pain. It has OA in it aswell. I also have RA in hands

I am 28 and have finally conceeded that i need help in walking. It has taken a lot for me to come to this desicion.
Today i have a visit from the district nurse with a view to getting a crutch or a walking stick. This is weighing heavy on my mind as i dont want to admit defeat!!!

any advice or info welcome
Gemma

Comments

  • wynnie
    wynnie Member Posts: 117
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi
    i have a deformed hip which causes me lots of pain. It has OA in it aswell. I also have RA in hands

    I am 28 and have finally conceeded that i need help in walking. It has taken a lot for me to come to this desicion.
    Today i have a visit from the district nurse with a view to getting a crutch or a walking stick. This is weighing heavy on my mind as i dont want to admit defeat!!!

    any advice or info welcome
    Gemma
    hi gemma,i feel it for you at your age ,im lucky enough if you can call it that,not to have had ra till i was in mid forties,im also getting to the stage im going to eventually need something to aid walking ,if it gets you out and about more i suppose its a good thing and the vanity just has to go,hopefully it will make things better for you keep your chin up and know there are others here like you and to support you :) wynniex
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma

    Thing is...it's better than giving up walking or falling and hurting yourself isnt it??

    Sorry though :(

    I know you can get really snazzy sticks online , which might help as the stick would become a talking point for a positive reason - might make things easier??

    Take care and let us know what you do.

    Love

    Toni xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh, I feel for you. Only 28 and it's come to this. Try not to see it as a defeat however: sticks/crutches aid balance, give support and they help you feel more secure on your feet. I've been on them since the age of 42 - I began after a major op on my left knee (not a replacement effort) and thought they'd be temporary. Nine years later and I'm still on them. Never mind. They do help.

    Crutches do give better support as they go a little way up the upper arm. I use them during the day then if we're out in the evening (rare, but does sometimes happen) I use NHS pine walking sticks. They look a little smarter - only a little tho!

    I hope you find them beneficial. I know it's tough but they do help. Moan to us at any time - that's why we're here. We know how it is and we will listen and encourage. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • robertls
    robertls Member Posts: 2,304
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma......................Its not admitting defeat..............
    Its admitting you need help..
    I started using a stick last July, and by September was advised to use 2.....

    For me its a matter of using sticks..........or not getting about any distance.....

    I've got RA in hands, and cannot use 'normal' handles on sticks...
    But the ones with 'funny' handles as grandson calls them, sort of contoured.....give me the ability to hold them, without closing my hands tightly...

    Rob x
    Roba045.gif
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes, I forgot to say that mine have the moulded grip (thanks for the prompt Robertis). To get that type I think you will have to buy them. Go to your local disability equipment shop and you can try different kinds. Prices vary but you will get something that suits you. The NHS gave me my first pair, with the straight handles. I keep those upstairs for moving around there. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • gemmapetken
    gemmapetken Member Posts: 263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thank you all

    she has been and come and was sooooooo helpful and nice

    i have two crutches with soft moulded handles. she said i could use one or two when i need them, normally the end of the day (i teach and am on feet all day)
    feel slightly better, and i have an ortho appointment on monday so hopefully will know more, i need a thr but not sure when. the pain is probably at its worse.
    but on a positive note i have started walking (actually have a proper hiking walking stick, so not sure why i was so upset!!!)

    thanks
    gemma
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It's a big change to your life, it takes getting used to. I'm glad it went well and that you have found something to suit you. Good luck with it all - keep us posted. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma if you are due a THR at some point then you probably will only need to use the sticks as a temporary measure. I'm currently using a crutch (sometimes 2) and I walk much better and faster with it than without - my limp is less pronounced and it does help with pain levels. The hardest part is the first time you use them in a different setting/with different people ... people quickly get used to it and then it is as easy as wearing glasses or a hearing aid!!

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma
    Yes I can understand it at such a young age that you are fighting against it...but as others have said if it gets you walking its better than not walking. You can
    get some snazzy sticks online.,.,,switchsticks.....or you can get sticks and personalise them. Its that first step {excuse the pun LOL} I felt like that when my daughter suggested a mobility scooter. It was before I had my first THR in fact a car had started up, reversed, knocked me down and reversed over my ankle and then drove over it {never mind the arthritis} I was discharged from hospital and told I had 6 weeks of not being allowed to put ANY weight on that foot. I had a zimmer fram and had to hop would you believe...anyway....I live in the North East and our Metro Center is very large and my daughter said get a mobility scooter from them. I did and found places there that I had forgotten existed because I couldnt walk all around it. After I was allowed to put weight on it I sdtill hired a scooter. Then I discovered I couldnt go round ccar boot sales with my husband {because of arthritis} I fought with myself about buying a 2nd hand scooter....pride wouldnt let me at first and I'm a lot older than you. Eventually I did get a 2nd hand one and only use it in the Metro Center, Car boot Sales or if we are on holiday I have it and dont use it a lot but its there if needed.....the best thing I ever did and blow the pride...My husband christened it "The Paddymobile" How can you tell I'm originally from Northern Ireland LOL...Well good luck
    Love
    Hileena
  • puffin
    puffin Member Posts: 67
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    For walking outdoors I use a stick. Would like to use two but cannot juggle them with any (light) shopping bag. My handbag has for a long time been the long- strap shoulder bag which I sometimes wear across my body
    if I take the risk of dislocating joints while contorting myself!

    Moving home I had a reassessment by the OT who recommended a V-shaped 'walker' because there was more floor space than average in one of the rooms. I soon got over the initial feelings of sadness that I had
    that I come to this state of mobility within my home---and quickly came to appreciate how it ensured my safety crossing a large wooden floor and the stone tiles in the bathroom.
    I chose one with a bag as opposed to one with a tray which I felt was not for me at present. I seldom use the bag and don't have to use the walker every day but on a run of bad days it is a godsend.
    The handles can be pushed inwards so I can negotiate a narrow doorway. Alternatively screws can be tightened so the handles remain at a fixed width apart.
    I can stand at the kitchen counter and feel safe, something I would not feel with a stick.
    I choose not to use mine outside as I do not want to be checking the wheels for dog pooh and other pavement waste matter every time I come in.
    My wheelchair has not been used for a while
    have no one to push it, but know a mobility scooter would be great in the future.

    So many people now have these walkers. They save countless people from the agony and trauma of a broken hip, etc. and enable countless people to return home after hospitalisation. It is worth asking about if you think you need one. You could always have one on trial.
    Puffin.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma,

    Sorry I very late and just wanted to say its not admitting defeat at all! If you have eye site problems you happily wear glasses eh? Glad she was nice and well you carry on enjoying your waking :D A ((( ))) and pimp them up a bit cus I will...... though in my case none will see cus they will get pimped by mud as well :wink: Cris x
  • gemmapetken
    gemmapetken Member Posts: 263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thanks for everyones comments.

    i will keep you posted, not taken them out today - need to have a chat at work

    thanks

    gxxx
  • madness1985
    madness1985 Member Posts: 293
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma,

    I can symplothise with you. Im 25 and have trouble walking im always stumbling and have fallen a few times im only 5 stone 6 and my body doesnt like being bashed as you can imagine! My problem is i have RA in my hands which unfortunatly are deformed and i can not use walking sticks or crutches ive tried and failed they cause me to much discomfort on my hands so when i have togo out or just have the need togo out my partner pushes me in a wheelchair it took me a while to get use to it (i wont purchase one but ill borrow them from stores because buying one seems defeat to me).

    I hope you get on well with your crutches.

    Take care -x-x-
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Madness
    Sorry to change the subject a bit but would you not hire a scooter instead of a wheelchair? They gave me a greater sense of independence. My husband pushed me in a wheel chair and I felt awful apart from anything else he needed his L plates up LOL....On A Sat he drops me at our large Shopping center and I have a second hand scooter and I thoroughly enjoy spending a few hours going round it on my own and not feeling as if I'm holding him back ...He goes where he wants to and then picks me up a few hours later. Just a thought
    Love
    Hileena
  • louiserichard
    louiserichard Member Posts: 52
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma

    I know what you mean as I went through this in my early 20s (i've since had my hips replaced). I even used to walk with the help of a big umbrella as a walking stick because I didnt want to actually use a stick!

    I did find thou that when I had a crutch people were a lot better and instead of constantly banging into me were a bit more careful etc.

    I don't know if it will help you but there is a site where you can get funky walking sticks with polka dots etc. You may fancy them a bit better than something your physio can give you.

    http://www.stickandcaneshop.co.uk/?gclid=CJr8yY3HvqECFVls4wodrjF-_w

    Louise x
  • louiserichard
    louiserichard Member Posts: 52
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hehe in my last post I said how I used to use my umbrella as a walking stick as i felt less like people would notice I was using an aid - WELL - i've just seen on that site I gave you the link to that you can actually buy walking stick umbrellas now! Well good :) This might be perfect for you as a compromise!

    http://www.brolliesgalore.co.uk/acatalog/WALKING_STICK_UMBRELLAS.html
  • gemmapetken
    gemmapetken Member Posts: 263
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    many thanks for all your comments

    at the moment i havent used them, want to talk to my friend who has been through all this!!!!

    thanks again

    gxxxxxx :P
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma
    Good that you have someone that has been gthrough the same thing.....thats ideal....you can get lots of ideas from us who have been through it but a friend that knows you is the best person to ask...In my opinion
    Love
    Hioleena
  • dolittle
    dolittle Member Posts: 240
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As an old bat I have sat here and nearly ... no not nearly 'cos it's happening now ... cried for you! Oh, girls - how do you cope with all this. I take my hat off to you.

    On the other hand, since using a wheelchair for disrupting other people's shopping habits .. which is all I seem to do (get in the way), I have managed to go from feeling personally offended that I'm sitting in it, to having a joke with strangers ...'sorry I take up a considerable amount of room nowadays and I used to be so dainty.' I've even had guys chatting me up when my husband has 'parked' me somewhere.

    It took me quite a while to come to terms with the fact that I can't get about, but I've come to the conclusion that it's better than not doing it at all - and you can't afford to fall.

    The sticks won't matter ... your smile will.
    Luv to all of you
    Doliittle (but do it soon before it's too late!)
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Gemma

    It's hard to admit defeat with regards to needing an aid but you appear to have come to terms with it. I started off with a walking stick (it made me feel ancient), progressed to elbow crutches and then a wheelchair. Hopefully, you won't be going down that road!
    I had OA in both knees and had a total knee replacement in February other knee needs a TKR too. I'm getting about without any aids at the moment but it won't last as my other knee is getting worse! But I'm enjoying it whilst it lasts.

    Will you have a THR in the future? Arthritis is painful and uncomfortable. Are you taking any medication for your RA/OA?

    I'm sure someone who suffers with hip problems will get back to you. Try not to let it get you down as it may only be a temporary thing until your hip is sorted.

    With regards
    Sharmaine


    hi
    i have a deformed hip which causes me lots of pain. It has OA in it aswell. I also have RA in hands

    I am 28 and have finally conceeded that i need help in walking. It has taken a lot for me to come to this desicion.
    Today i have a visit from the district nurse with a view to getting a crutch or a walking stick. This is weighing heavy on my mind as i dont want to admit defeat!!!

    any advice or info welcome
    Gemma
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Madness - we have walking aids at school for some of the children which they lean on with the whole of their forearm supporting their weight ie their elbows are at right angles and their forearm is horizontal. The ability to hold on with their hands is not required. Would this work for you as an alternative for short distances? Just a thought.


    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • madness1985
    madness1985 Member Posts: 293
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    Speedalong it may well help espically in the garden, What is it called? So i can have a nose

    x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,

    Speedalong it may well help espically in the garden, What is it called? So i can have a nose

    x

    It's a bit like a tall zimmer with those arm bits isn't it? bet you get it via the physios....

    I like your attitude Dolittle.....

    you haven't let your chair stop you have you? :D

    Love

    Toni xx
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Madness,

    been having trouble finding a picture of one as didn't know what they were called - I wanted to post a link with my last post ... I have seen children with them before - our current children have walking frames with them on. They are provided for our children by the physios.

    After googling some more I have found out what they are called - they are aptly called ARTHRITIS CRUTCHES!!

    http://www.theindependencestore.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=21_43&products_id=389&osCsid=010e11336ee7f825abf8671318a91172

    an eg of a walker is last walker on the page of http://www.fisherlane.com.au/mobility-frames.htm

    Quite pricey - I would try and get it through physio/OT services.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.