cane?

[moose28]

Quick question? I am wondering how many of you use a cane for help with balance and walking?

I am considering getting one - do I need to or should I talk to my dr first? Is this something that should or would be covered by insurance usually?

Thanks for your help!
Marty

[Guitar_grrrl]

I keep a collapsible hiking staff in my car and use it especially on uneven terrain, sand, gopher holes, etc...anytime I feel uneasy.

[RedFlame]

Oh I forgot.  For those who wonder about the script.  The script is if you want your insurance to cover it

[RedFlame]

I use a Rollator Walker.  I had to have a prescription for it with certain specifications.  It's the Cadillac of walkers I think.  It has a shelf on the bottom for my purse. It has brakes for when I am going down hill.  It has a seat for when my knees buckle.  

Insurance paid for it with a small co-pay.  It cost about $350,00,  
I wish I didn't need it.  

Red

[Mand125]

Yes I use a cane to help with balance and walking

Mand

[JemmAus]

For me, there could be no joy in it other than not falling on my face

HA! That made me laugh aloud!

I found this web site if anyone is interested. Don't know if it's worthwhile buying from foreign lands,  guess that depends on the exchange rate on any given day. But crikey, the canes are funky!

http://www.swankywalkingsticks.com.au/page/18730708

[essdipity]

I too am unclear on these things.

I have to say, though, that if decorating or otherwise embellishing your walking assistance thingy floats your boat, go for it.

For me, there could be no joy in it other than not falling on my face. Fancying things up is not for me.

ess

[JemmAus]

I just HAVE to ask, and will do again on the similar thread I started - what on earth is the cost of one of these frames in the US , that "insurance" will help pay?? I am gobsmacked!  (Mind you, I am gobsmacked when I hear how much you pay for insurance in the first place anyway....)

And why on earth does one need a  prescription for it?

They start at 100 dollars here......(australia)

[willowwoman7]

Sorry, combined answers to you guys. Must be the solu medrol lol

[willowwoman7]

I use a cane. Insurance will usually pay for a plain metal/wooden cane. I opted because of my age to go snazzy and paid 40 for a pretty one, then another one that was more elegant when I was going to a wedding. I figure it this way - I'd rather use a cane then fall on my nose. Sounds like you need a cane with a "foot" on it. You know? MS is what it is and we can't be embarrassed about the steps we take to survive and live our lives. If you need a walker? Get the walker and decorate it - make it stunning with football emblems/baseball emblems of your favorite team or whatever. I've even seen one with a bicycle horn on it. May turn you into an advocate for MS!

[Csativa]

Marty,

I alternate between a cane and walker but mostly a walker.  The former is just a "walking stick" that I have used for years, way before my MS dx and no script needed.

Mostly, I need a walker.  This required a prescription as it was expensive (can't recall how much.)  There are several types of walkers – from what seems like a 30 year-old VW to a Ferrari.  I'm somewhere in the middle.  Insurance will pay.  Cost depends on how much you are willing to pay and how much you really need one.

The cost for me is well worth it in terms of how much pain and suffering I avoid (too bad it's all after the fact.)  I broke ribs 5 times (3 on one occasion) as well as a heel, wrist and elbow (I can sometimes be pretty damned stupid and a slow learner.)  Well actually, I had purchased one but failed to use it when I should have.  The “clincher” was when I began taking Coumadin.  If I fall and sustain an injury to my head, it can result in a debilitating or fatal hemmorage.

This is probably more than you wanted to know.  Good luck.

Frank

[Lulu54]

Hi marty.  I don't use a cane, but have one  tucked into a handy place if I need it.  I have used it in the past (pre-dx) when I didn't know I had MS but had unexplained leg weakness.

Having that third foot on the ground certainly won't hurt, if you are feeling unsteady these days.

Most insurance plans will cover or assist with the cost of a cane if it is ordered by your doctor.

be well, Lulu