SELF CONSCIOUS USING A WALKING STICK?

SELF CONSCIOUS USING A WALKING STICK?

I remember when Mum was alive she was told by her doctor to use a walking stick to help with her hip problem.  Well, there was no chance she would agree.  My sisters and I all nagged at her but she wouldn’t and when she got worse she wouldn’t use a ride on scooter etc.

I used to get so mad and then the tables were turned and it was me that had to use one now and then.  (I should use it all the time)

In 2017, a couple of months after Mum passed away I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Following that, I developed Osteoporosis and the last thing recently, Emphysema.

Joy upon joy.  I hardly ever went to see a Doctor and then was hit by this.  

In time my knee got worse and I was advised to use a stick when walking.  Only then, did I understand how Mum felt back then.

Use a walking stick?  I wasn’t that old yet.  People would look at me like I was an old f…..t.  Wouldn’t they?

The first time I used it I was so self-conscious, embarrassed, “old”.  It might sound ridiculous but that’s exactly how I felt.

The thing is, when I did use it, it helped relieve the pressure on my knee.  Somehow, though, I still felt embarrassed, still do, to be honest.

Why??

• Fear of looking old and yet I know many younger people than me have to use a walking stick.  
• Looking disabled?  I still feel there is some kind of prejudice around.
• Embarrassed.
• Fed up because I have to use one in the first place
• Admitting I needed to, crazy I know

I could describe many emotions but then I read an article by a young woman who had Rheumatoid Arthritis like me.  She was only in her twenties and she had to come to terms with her condition AND use a walking stick.

She described how she collected different types of sticks/canes to suit what she was wearing.

I felt inspired reading her story and now I am on a mission to do look at different styles and be more positive about using my stick.

Once I started researching I found many sites where you could buy sticks in different colours and styles.  For the first time, I started to feel a bit more positive.

Last week I bought a black cane with a silver top.  I can’t believe I was excited about it arriving.  Now I am searching other sites to look at other styles and colours.

I may still feel a little self-conscious but I am beginning to feel a bit more positive.  If a walking stick helps me to keep my balance, relieve the pain etc, why should I worry about what others think of me anymore?

Anyone else experienced all of this?  Let me know, share your views, feelings etc.

Bye for now.

LYNDA