Cane Anyone??

[tonyad]

    Well, today was the First day I used a cane in public.
Am I shallow for saying that I felt quite embarrased?  Although I NEVER look at nor think anything ill of anyone I see using a cane.....Never give it a second thought!  why do I feel this way?

     It most certainly helped me w/ my balance (as I tend to tip to the right) Now I just look like a drunk swinging my cane around. Lol   It also seemed to help with being able to hit a couple more isles than usual in the store.
Perhaps it is a few different feelings.......let me say right first off, that I am NOT Vain.....But I do need to add that that darn cane will not look "Cute" w/ a new pair of jeans and a REALLY cute top to match..let's not forget those ever so stylish shoes that complete the outfit. (ha,ha)

    OK guys, all kidding aside, Please tell me how you feel or have felt when using a cane. I truly felt so embarrased and like everyone was (ok well not everyone) was looking at me thinking..."Whats her deal". she looks fine....."(That cane does NOT match her outfit")..
    
    I did cry in the car even though I keep trying to make lite of it. I know this post probably reads as though I am being a smart butt or whatever, but I guess me trying to laugh at it instead of cry as I am typing this helps in some weird way. :) Maybe another part of Reality is Hitting me?

Thanks for helping w/ your wonderful answers and advice that you will share with me.
~Tonya

[Mand125]

Hi Tonya
I had to start using a cane after my last relapse in September. Truth be told I should probably have been using one for a couple of years before that. My balance got so bad that it was the only way I could get around.

I will happily admit that vanity pays a part, I now think I look my age (using the cane) and I didn't before.

However, I can get around so much better now, better than I could before the relapse without a cane.

I have invested in a couple of funky looking canes and choose depending on my mood that day.

I never feel that people are staring at me though, they probably did before I used it because my walking was so bad.

Mand

[PastorDan]

The whole "Bat Masterson" image did come to mind when I began using the stick, but I don't think I'm quite in that league!
http://www.myviewsandreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/bat-masterson.jpg

[sllowe]

Hey there,

I've no experience, but when I read your post, I tried to put myself in your shoes and thought,  it would probably make me feel like I was finally letting the cat out of the bag now! Or, something like that. Not out of embarrassment, but in relation or similar to puttingon a good face when you feel bad or something.

I'm glad you did it. It's better than getting hurt, and hope it gets easier :)
((hugs))
-shell

[Quixotic1]

For a while I used a cane, but found it more bothersome than help.  I am, however, resisting the needed rollater/walker.  My balance and ability to catch myself is going downhill.  I just don't want to the at the walker stage yet.  But, now, if I use my cane for balance, when I lose it and start lurching, I tend to swing the cane up like I'm jousting with it.  Just picture Don Quixote jousting with a windmill.  All I need is the bedpan on my head to complete the effect.

My dad is having really severe knee pain form arthritis the last couple days.  My mom and I have been trying to get him to use her walker and he is soooo resistant.  He doesn't want to be THAT old person - and he is 85.

I commeriserate with your drop is self image and the grief it causes.

My newest landmark was a bad episode of urinary incontinence in public and I was wearing protection, just not enough for the great flood.  Granted I was at the yarn store and among friends, but it was horrible.  I will never again be out in public with a complete change of clothes - What a bother!

I see the Uro-Gyne this week.  I want meds!

q

[Growing2Boys]

Hi Tonya,
I don't use a cane (yet), but I can absolutely understand you. Like the others have suggested I don't think what you are feeling is all about vanity. It's also about loss.
My sadness also comes from potentially embarrassing my young children. I wonder if they will ever get picked on in school because of my disability. Kids are so mean these days.

I had to peak at your profile pic's becuase you are just beautiful! I am very sure cane or not other women (&men) will see you as beautiful too.
I think the suggestions of getting a snazy cane are a great idea. Something that shows your personality.

Sarah

[tonyad]

   Oh My Gosh!!!!   You guys are the BEST!!!!!!  Your words and your own personal stories have made me laugh my a** off as well as (of course) swell up and have some leaking from the eyes :)

    I am so Thankful for you sharing your very personal thoughts and feelings w/ me. There is much to say about this Forum.....I Love You All.  

     OK, so reading back perhaps I should recant (sp) what I said about being vain! Perhaps I am vain.  I always like to look good (as we all do)...but you know,  what really eerks me??  Is when I see others walking around (both young and Older), using those legs of theirs like crazy.  oh how I  LOOONNNNGGG for those legs!

     So how does this look.....REALLY cute new outfit w/ the most Awesome shoes ( I love shoes) and the cutest little top I just got from the mall...complete w/ all the accessories (sp), having a good hair day, make up on, smelling good (Dolce & Cabanna)
Annnnndddddd  the Cane!   And of course even w/ the cane I am still stumbling around because I THINK that I can still wear any of the 80 something pair of shoes I have w/ no reprecussion (I know I speeled that wrong) from them not being a flat ugly shoe.

     Truth be told NOW....Thanks to each one of you, I am going to " Embrace" my CANE...I am even giving her a name...She has butterflies all over her with a blck handle (ugly handle)...and her name shall be......
Diva - Grace.......
Diva for fashion (of course) and Grace = to confer dignity
And on my bad days......I shall call her....well I can not post that here as it would not be very lady- like of me (bwhaaaa  haaahaaa)   So, Pator Dan you have "Kasey" and I have "Diva Grace" (doesn't flow to well though).  CHeers to them both and all the other un - named canes that help you up when your down and keep you going when you can't manage it alone.....

    REN:       everytime I look up at your post I lugh so hard because I can just imagine you "traveling through the JFK airport in a red transport chair as the attendant knocked over people right and left and there I sat holding my cane looking ashamed".  I am rolling laughing so hard......

Have a wonderful rest of the weekend all of you.
~Tonya