Having a love affair.......

[Collie]

I must be having a love affair with the ground because everytime I go outside I end up hugging the sidewalk. I had some testing done about 15 years ago and the doc told me he did not understand how I could stand and walk because there was no strength in my leg muscles, I guess that truth is catching up with me. I guess it is time to see the doc about this before I actually hurt myself; I am quite sore after two falls in less than five days.

Collie

[eyeamdry]

Collie, I say..........this is serious!  I am having similar problems with weakness in my legs and about 3 weeks ago, I took a spill on the sidewalk and landed on my forehead and nose.  Have black eyes and broken nose, plus sprained ankle to show for it.  It's a wonder i didn't crack my skull.

That takes us to you and get some information before you do harm that is serious.  My doc told me to use a cane and i'm not doing it yet.   Please see your doc asap.  Lucy

[Pooh]

Collie, SEE THE DOC RIGHT AWAY!

Lucy, USE THE CANE FOR GOODNESS SAKE!

I love you guys in one piece and unbattered.  Both of you could have been hurt a lot worse.  Remember that old saying "Pride goeth before the fall".  I think you both have given it new meaning.  Please see about these problems. 

Lucy, canes are more useful than you think.  Being I'm only about 5' 1", things in the back on top shelves have always been something I have done without, unless I could find a tall person to get them for me at the store.  But with my cane, they are easily accessible now.  They also come in handy when something rolls under furniture.  And they also keep you from falling.

Get the cane and be safe, PLEASE!

Hugs, Pooh

[pudmott]

Lucy & Collie,

GET THE CANE OR BE GIVEN THE CANE.

One day you wont bounce. Humpty dumpty will fall off the wall and will splatter. Trust me inner parts of your body dont look good on the outside.

And your respective significant others may get a tad jealous that you are getting intimate with something else.

So Collie get checked out please & Lucy USE THE darn CANE!!!!!!!

Luvs yas

Pud

[Linda196]

Other handy "extra" uses for canes:

For a change you may actually look like there's a reason you don't feel 100%

Place to lean if you happen to sit on a chair with no armrests

Better for sticking in closing elevator doors than an arm or leg

Excellent "intimidator" or "point maker"!

Please, if using a cane will prevent a nasty fall...use it! they actually make them fancy enough now that you can almost think of them as fashion accessories, but that's not the point! Proper use of a cane will assist your balance, improve your posture, and prevent injury. Please just don't use it like House does on TV! If you aren't sure what is proper, ask an occupational or physio therapist, or even do a search for cane use on line.

[JannaLee]

It's very loud in here!  I could hear the yelling from the front board!

After reading what the hull-a-bu-lou is all about I'm afraid I have to yell-type also.

WE LOVE YOU GUYS AND CANNOT BEAR TO THINK OF YOU TWO FALLING DOWN!!!  USE THE BLOOMING CANES, MY DEARS!!

Janna

[Joe S.]

collie, this sounds like what happens to me when I take neurotin/lirica. For me it acts like I am experiencing a stroke.

[lynnmarie219]

I will only repeat what the others have already said.....sorry!

Collie, please see a doc asap before you really hurt yourself badly...we DO want you in one piece!! Let us know what they say when you can get in, ok?

And Lucy.....please use the cane!!

[Katybarstool]

Hi Gals

If using a cane is not attractive enough, I know people with arthritis who use ski poles - one has them in a very fetching pink 

Kathyx

[pudmott]

A cane is more attractive and less space consuming than a wheelchair.


Pud

[Scottietottie]

Hey - there are some really funky looking canes around these days! 

[Collie]

Thanks for the advice,

I knew I had to get a cane, I just did not want to admit I could not take a walk with out the use of a cane or someone going with me. Even having someone with me was no guarantee I would not fall, seeing I fell twice while someone was walking with me. It just sucks, I feel like my freedom is being stolen from me and there is nothing I can do to prevent it. I guess I should be thankful I can still walk, someone else probably would be glad to have my legs.

Collie

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I remember 'giving in' to using a cane and initially feeling really silly about it - which was silly of me. I needed one because of osteoarthritis in one knee. I went Christmas shopping one year and got into the centre of our local mall, which is quite big and I realised I wasn't going to get out again umnless I did something different. I was just in soooo much pain. I bought a cane and managed to get back out to the car.

Eventually I got a partial knee replacement. Just before I got it I was even needing to use the cane in the house. After it I used elbow crutches for a while. Now I'm cane and crutch free again.

If I get that sore again or balance becomes a real issue I won't feel so silly about a cane the next time around. Actually - I think I'd try and get hold of an elbow crutch. They are kinder to sore hands.

Actually - I remember feeling really silly the first time I was let loose with a pram..................................

Take care - Scottie 

[pudmott]

Collie

try to look at it as giving you you're independance not taking it away. Without a cane you may be confined to the house for risk of falling.

With the cane you have stablility and the reassurance that you have something to lean on in the event you need it.

And as Scottie said the elbow (or canadian) crutches are good for support. My good friend is 46 and uses hers wherever she goes as she has a 'Fred' issue and has had many falls.

Goodluck with it

Pud