Falls and giving in

Last night as I lay in bed I counted the numerous times I have fallen down in the past 13 years.  I have fallen 20 times or more.  Well, it is time for me to get my cane out.  What I need is a shopping cart from the grocery store.  When I walk around the market with it I feel more secure.  I am holding back on using that cane.  I feel like I am giving in.    I am really going to work on getting it out and using it but, how will a cane help me from falling?  Some of the falls that I had in the past have caused a considerable amount of pain. 

alright Sanddune....I will do a search and try to find one that will work....ty for the words of advice : ^ )

Hey Peg,

Not only do I think you should break out the cane, I think you may want to google "rollator walker".  These are really cool!!  You can have that grocery cart stability and it has a seat so when you are out and about you have a ready place to have a break.  They come in all different colors.  Falling is no fun and is very very dangerous.  A bad break and could land you in a wheelchair!!!!  This is a real scenario for MSers. 

Hi 20 years and counting...If you made it 20 years and you are finally considering using a cane, WOW how great.  I have several canes, and a rollator and it was hard at first, but as you use them, you'll notice how many people have them.  Oh and by the way, when I would fall, it never failed a little ol' lady or gentlemen would ask if they could help me up.  Well, a cane is a lot less embarassing.  I did find a rollator was much better than a cane.  Also, you may find that you won't need them all the time.  I keep a cane in my car..Good Luck and do get both and use as needed because you are worth it.  GranmomJB

Thank you Grandmom....I am going to do it....Everyone thinks I should and I think so, too.  Finally.... ....I have been doing some searches and found one...I don't know about the seat though...I weigh alot of lbs.....it may be too small?  I will have to stop at the health store and just check them out.  Welcome too you.  I have been coming here since June 23 of this year.  I have found alot of friends and excellent advice on do's and don't's.  I have found out SO MUCH in being able to chat with others with MS here.  (I didn't really have anyone to discuss it with except once in a while.). 

Saturday a.m.

 

Dear 20:

 

I am also a 20 year guy.

 

You know, I was just thinking about this the other day.  As I was looking at a picture of my brother's wedding reception....and it is a great picture of me and my 3 brothers.

 

And I have a cane in my hand.  That was @5 years ago.

 

I (sometimes) think about my MS life, and its progression.  For the first 15 years, I  needed no assisstance.  Then the cane...then the walker....then the wheeled  walker w/handbtakes. 

 

Now....I  have progressed to a power wheelchair.  And...no more fear of falling!!!

 

I remember in my mind, the mental jump to use each new aid....and when I would take that jump, I would then think...."....what took you so long!!!"...

 

I know....the mental jump which needed to be done..

 

I know that in some of the larger supermarkets in my area, they have carts available....

 

Do not try to be a hero...I would view all my aids as badges of courage!!

 

That is probably WAY,WAY more than you wanted to hear, but....

 

John

 

 

Wow John!  You have said so much here.  It is so true that the mental jump is the real challenge here.  I feel the same.  Once I finally started to use my cane, I was so happy with how I felt.  More stable and able to look up and enjoy my surroundings. 

Thanks for your thoughts on your experiences. 

Hey John and Gretchen,,,I went and got my can out.  It was in my Grandmothers line.  Husband and son say it is to long.  The bottom has some kind of rubber that needs replaced.  I have to now get it fixed.  They said a cane should be as long from the floor to my arm ( arm outstretched straight down) and it is definitely to long.  Do you two and everyone else who has given me a reply think that is correct?  I'm proud of myself but, as I was trying it out I was looking around to see if anyone was looking....I'm getting there folks!  Thanx so much.

 

Friday a.m.

 

Dear 20:

 

...you should be "fitted" and measured for a cane by a physical therapist.

 

 

It is kinda dangerous to use any cane.  They measure heighth, weight, walking abilities etc...

 

The "best" looking cane I had was a plexiglas one...

 

Again, probably more  than you wanted to hear..

 

John

Oh, and "NO" John I had no idea what Multiples Sclerosis was.  I learned about from MS literature and the computer.  I learned from experience as well.  I still have lots to learn I'm sure.  I guess it is like "fine wine."

Hi everyone.  My first time here.

I gone from the cane to rollator and now the power chair.  It seemed like everytime I fell no one was there to help.  So I used them for safety purposes.  If you use a rollator maybe you would be able to walk longer and also have a seat to sit and rest.

Good luck and stay safe.