Walking stick for a man still in his prime

WoodyEngland
WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
edited 23. Jan 2013, 06:02 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello I've recently posted in the say hello section and have had some great msgs I'm 31 and sometimes have to use a walking stick when my feet hurt as i have ostio arthritis in both my feet left one worse well its not actually a walking stick its a trecking pole or when really bad both poles I've tried using one of my mums as she has a few but I get very imbarrased and feel like everyone's looking at me and I'd rather not go out than use one but when I use the trecking pole I feel Better about my self as it feels a bit sporty and modern I don't feel like an old man in a youngish mans body however my pole isn't really disigned for it as the handle is stubby and firm and the bottom has a medal spike not good on my wood floor. Is there anything out there on the market that looks abit like a trecking pole and not a wooden crook or 1970s NHS aluminium walking stick this may sound silly to some people but living with arthritis effects how I feel too and if I'm out and about with my mums hidious stick I feel terrible and abit like a freak hobbling along and I feel really low and down and imbarrased but with the pole it's different I feel I could climb a mountain ( I couldn't) haha but you can still dream any ideas from this wonderful site which I'm glad I found as I don't feel I'm on my own suffering now :0)

Comments

  • mellman01
    mellman01 Member Posts: 5,306
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well Woody I'vbe treid to paste a link for you but can't get the PC to play ball, anyway there's loads of different types of hiking walking poles out there I guess a T handle one with a rubber boot is what you need so go onto Amazon and put a search in for this!.

    GadgetpoolUK FOLDING ANTISHOCK TREKKING HIKING POLE STAFF WALKING CANE STICK Adjustable Stretch From 19.6" to 43.3"


    I think it might be of use.

    Mell
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello again and welcome to ‘the other side’. You are right that arthritis does affect how we fell about ourselves. You’ve only to read some of the threads on the ‘My Child Has Arthritis’ and the ‘Young People’s Forum’ to see how difficult it is for both them and their parents at an age when all they want is to be the same as their friends. How we feel about ourselves is important as it’s harder to fight anything with low self-esteem.

    You are, however, more than your walking stick and more than your arthritis and, in the long run, if you’re going to overcome as many of the limitations as you can, you will need all the help you can get from physio, pain relief and aids to living with it.

    You can look at disability aids shops – real and virtual – and see if you can find some sort of stick you’d like (There are lots of designs out there. Just google ‘walking stick’) but, ideally, you should be measured for one and then shown how to use it properly. I can’t see a trekking pole being any use in normal life and certainly not in the house. And, unless you and your mother are exactly the same height, one of hers won’t help either.

    We all feel embarrassed from time to time. I doubt any of us on here has first sat in a wheelchair without feeling a stupid fraud. But the fact is that almost everyone out there is so wrapped up in their own lives and problems that they simply don’t notice others. You feel conspicuous but they’re not even aware of you.

    “I’d rather not go out than use one” is a dangerous attitude. Things have to be faced. The more we face them the easier they become. The more we retreat the harder it becomes to move forward again.

    You are certainly not on your own. We’ve all been there.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • Catie
    Catie Member Posts: 362
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Woody,

    If you google 'trendy walking sticks' you'll find quite a few sites which sell some really fashionable ones. Have to agree with Sticky though - you should be measured up properly. Good luck and I hope you find something suitable :)

    Catie
  • chookgate
    chookgate Member Posts: 146
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've a kind of trekking pole - but it has a rubber foot over the spike, and a walking stick handle (instead of an upright handle), and it has an easy speed lock system for adjusting the height - seems infinitely variable! so they do exist. I can't say what brand it is, or where I got it because that would be breaking forum rules on advertising. Google walking pole speed lock and you should find it and similar!
  • Nicchick
    Nicchick Member Posts: 191
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have a sparkly one and being 41 (and always zipping around on me bike because my feet are so bad!) people comment with things like 'what have you done now?' and if I'm in the right frame of mind I'll answer with 'absolutely nothing' and smile or if I'm in a cheeky mood I'll just say 'shark attack!'

    OH hates using sticks but has a few - a dapper brass handled one and a long rustic pole for dog walking!

    I don't really need mine all the time but I find it helps to stop people barging into me (as I look so well!) and gives me a bit of space.

    Welcome to the forum! Has been a massive support to me through a difficult year, great bunch!

    Nx
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi and welcome to the forum
    I think most of us understand how you feel.

    I cant give you much help on the poles.....but as Sticky says its a dangerous attitude ....."I'd rather not go out than use one"

    Dont look on it as "giving in" think of it as a "coping mechanism" letting you do things you couldnt do without it.

    The way I look at things is if you have to have it ...{and we all wish we didnt}
    {walker/wheelchair/scooter/stick/whatever} buy the best one you can afford and the smartest one ...I know the girl opposite me had a hip replacement and they sent her home with the old type wooden stick with the crook handle. I know it was temporary but still!!!!
    They sent me home with hospital sticks which were better.
    I've now got switch sticks, 4 wheel walker, and a mobility scooter...depending where I'm going and what i'm doing. It gives me so much more independence than trying to struggle without anything.
    Sorry lecture over :lol:

    Good luck with finding the right thing

    Love
    Hileena
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've learned over the years that people don't take a blind bit of notice of me because they are, oddly enough, too wrapped up in their own lives. Do you stop and stare at everyone you see using a stick, or crutches, or a rollator or someone in a wheelchair? Do you make sarky comments to them? If you do either of those things then stop it now. :wink:

    There is a plethora of stuff out there but what truly matters is that you find something that will support you without causing other problems elsewhere. Any stick you use should be held on the opposite side to the trouble and, if you're like me and it's both sides, then two supports are required. Using them alternately (yup, I'm a quadruped) eases a huge amount of strain through the body and the affected joints so don't let something as foolish as vanity stand in the way of you helping yourself. Your hands should be positioned just above hip-height. The docs can only do do much to help - the rest is up to us. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Woody and welcome to Arthritis Care Forum!! 1st of all I'm 39 and about to hit the dreaded 40 in March!! :cry: I had walking problems from when I was a child, my legs kept giving way. It wasn't till I was mid 20's that tests where done, I was given this old person looking NHS walking stick the sort old age people use to get about with,I thought people where laughing at me and I didn't go out much. I was diagnosed with Osteo-porosis. Of course like you I thought I was to young to have this and people will think I'm weird having it so young! But I have come to terms with it and have got trendy walking crutches to get about with they are all black, you can get different colours. I (well my OH did it) have also pimped my wheelchair to look groovy! You have to make of life what you want from it because you only get one chance at it!! Do what you want, live how you want, be who you want to be!
  • WoodyEngland
    WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
    edited 14. Jan 2013, 14:09
    Dream daisy, it's not vanity that's the problem here I've tried using my mums walking sticks that are all expensive good quality and fully adjustable but as ive said in other posts having arthritis is a battle on two fronts phyical and mental and when ive used my mums stick before ive felt very negative and low about myself feeling very self conscious and you are right I wouldn't stand there staring and pointing at somebody but some people do and it has happened to me I've gone from been a corporal in the british army physically fit and able where people look up to me for guidance to a hobbling side show where I hobble down the road looking like I've defecated myself which I've had people say to me in there words (joking) a few years ago they would get my army issue boot in there backside but not now, how do you think that makes me feel all along while I'm holding onto a pensioners walking stick with butterflies on it. I'm wanting something that will aid me walking when I need it but won't make me feel self conscious and if it looks abit more sporty like and makes me feel better inside then I'm winning the battle. I think the other lady who has commented who has pimped up her wheel chair gets my point personalising her chair and the other lady buying her trecking pole style sticks is something that makes her feel good about the whole situation and its putting your own stamp on things. When hobbling down the road and having kids laugh at you because you have a granny stick ( there words) and what's wrong with you have you p**ed your self puts you in a deep dark hole at least when I use my normal pole I feel better about my self knowing I've climbed mountains in my past been places and done things in the forces and can use it as a shield and at the same time look like a an adventurer who could go to Everest we can all still dream and using a trecking pole does make me feel less self conscious and I will look up the ones that have been described thank you :0)
  • WoodyEngland
    WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for all the posts regarding this so far and I appreciate the time you have taken to read and respond its a good feeling to know people can take the time out of there busy life's and care these last two weeks have made me feel alot more positive when joining this site and having the confidence to post and get things and questions of my chest that some people may not get or fully understand :0)
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Woody
    Sorry Im late, must say I have seen some brilliant mens walking sticks around...depending on what you like that is...strangely enough they always seem to be in shops at the seaside...I do think they look very how can I put it gentlemanly...oh god I am showing my age again....good luck on finding one....
    Love
    Barbara
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You used a stick decorated with butterflies? No wonder people remarked upon it (that doesn't say much for their manners but that is the age in which we live). Despite being a female of a certain age I would never, ever do that. I've used NHS pine sticks and NHS silver crutches: they don't stand out.

    I appreciate that you are really struggling with this issue and I empathise; for many of us girlies it comes down to not being able to wear our high heels any more, we have to make do with functional footwear; Doc Martins are too heavy for me now but I wonder if you'll appreciate the significance of that. Use camouflage walking poles if that helps your self-image but be prepared for an extra strain on your wrists as they are not designed for our needs and please consider using two for extra support. Do your research, there are many options out there but I freely admit they cost - much as I would love a pair of bright pink crutches I won't shell out £120 for 'em. Get yourself what helps you, pimp if required (some do, I used but now I can't be bothered as my hands no longer work) and I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • WoodyEngland
    WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the message :0) pain is back lieing on my bed 10/10 pain factor or man had a bath to try take the pain of but the arthritis is wanting its money's worth out of the pain tin tonight Jesus :0(
  • Sparkys6887
    Sparkys6887 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Woody I feel for you mate. I was 30 when I was diagnosed with arthritis having been diagnosed and operated on with syringomyelia when I was 17 1/2. Before my surgery I was playing rugby for my town team and also for Kent Youth. I was a chief Scout and had climbed Mont Blanc. After my surgery I was left paralysed and in a wheelchair. I didn't want a crappy NHS wheelchair that was to heavy and uncomfortable to move, I wanted and if I'm totally honest at times still want my old life back and I think that's ok to acknowledge. Loosing that version of me was a huge loss!! And I did spend many years hiding from the world. Then when I was litterally finding my feet again and learning to walk to find I then had RA felt like a very bad joke. I was Bally angry about my diagnosis and when I can't get my arms high enough to close the sash windows after climbing the stairs a climb that makes Mont Blanc feel like a strol up a hill some of the tears are sadness, some fear and some are anger/fury.

    I hope you find a stick that will support you and anything else that makes your life just a little easier cos it sounds like you need it.

    And I hope you get some relief from the pain you are in both physical and emotional.
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sparky what you wrote touched me to the core, to get through what you did and then be diagnosed with RA is like a slap in the face! Saying you wanted your old life back is fine. We all feel like that sometimes! When you said walking the stairs was like climbing Mont Blanc! I know what you mean! I've never climbed a mountain in my life, but when I try and climb my stairs it is getting harder and harder all the time. I refuse to have a stairlift yet that feels like giving up to me!

    And dear woody! I forgot to tell you I got my trendy walking crutches from ebay! You can 'buy it now' as they are from online businesses. They average out the same prices. I hope you find something you like soon. And as for those nasty bullies I would smack them round the little b******s round the backside with the sticks! I have been known to wheel into the backs of ankles of people who annoy or upset me in my wheelchair! Don't let the b*****s get you down woody! You've got this mad lot to bring a smile to your face when you need one!
  • WoodyEngland
    WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the messages and I'm taking onboard what people are saying and looking into the trecking poles with better grips had another grim evening had to crawl out of the front room and upto bed again feet will recover enough while I sleep so I can hobble to work again tomorow and stand but they will be ruined again by tea time nasty circle that the weather just makes worse laying in bed now have been for 2 hours pain has gone off now but not tried walking lol my feet still look swollen taken some meds too
  • Sparkys6887
    Sparkys6887 Member Posts: 58
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thoughts are with you mate!!
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know you don't like taking the pain relief you have but doing so on a regular basis will help to bring the pain under some control. Our choice is this: not take them and make things worse for us and those around us or take them regularly to steadily ease the worst of it and make life more comfortable. I hope today goes better for you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Woody, how are things going for you now? I hope you are as well as you can be and that the cold weather is not having too adverse an effect. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • WoodyEngland
    WoodyEngland Member Posts: 40
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Not doing too bad feet are alittle better still suffering after work on a night found some sticks I'm going to buy thanks to help on here so when I'm really suffering ill have them and not feel a plonker bring on warmer weather
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You're sounding a little brighter and that is a good thing. I hope your new sticks help and don't be afraid to use them to stop things getting too bad. Spring will eventaully arrive, the sun and longer days will help us all. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Rewter
    Rewter Member Posts: 77
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I can understand where you are coming from. I was daignosed in my late 20's. Even now, mid 30's, I am full aware of what people might be thinking and I will postpone having a walking aid as long as I can. However, when the time comes to the point where I have physically no choice, I have already made my mind up..... I want one like Hugh Lauries on the TV series House...... the one with flames painted on the bottom licking upwards!!! :D

    Have a look round the web and you might find a good, fit for purpose stick that has a bit of 'character' about it :)

    Walking with the stick might actually draw less attention to you than walking with a much more pronounced limp?
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    So many different people of a huge spectrum of ages have different walking disabilities, and yes there is still discrimination out there as well as bullying. But we shouldn't just hide away from it. I find that when I see people whispering and looking at me I look them right in the eyes and wheel up to them and introduce myself. It knocks people right off guard! And when they ask why I'm in a wheelchair I tell them. Of course that wouldn't be wise to do with some people i.e a group of youths! It maybe woody what your using as a walking aids. I agree that you need to find something that's comfortable for you. You need to visit a disability aid shop where there is all different type's of walking aids, try them out and find what's comfortable and what you feel safe and confident using. And then you may find the youths woun't bother being nasty to you if your walking with aids confidently!