Sorry for the dodgy spelling, I wrote this on my phone and my fingers don't do touch screens to well ha ha

have a look on tips and ideas the girls were talking about pacer poles,dorothy

It is very hard starting to use sticks, luckily I was well into my 50s before needing one and even then I was very reluctant to have one. My first one was one my hubby cut out of the hedge, put a rubber grip on the end, it worked well for country walking very rustic!
I never go out without one now though, too afraid of falling, not worth the risk.
I do fancy trying out the pacer poles, trouble is they need 2 hands but must keep you more even and balanced. The trouble is with one stick you can tend to lean over to one side, cannot be good for joints I wonder.
Good to look around first, people will soon get used to seeing you with it. Just do what you feel comfy with. Zena x

Hi Amy
I have a Leki hiking stick which looks quite sporty. It can be set to various lengths to suit the user and has a spring in the bottom so it doesn't shock the hand and wrist too much. It is good when my feet are bad but the wrists are quite strong. I don't need it now but have found it useful during and after flare ups. I'd say if something helps you then use it. Don't worry about 'shoulds' and 'oughts' but focus on what makes life easier for you. There is an article about pacer poles in the NRAS magazine that might help you and also your physio might offer some useful advice. Naomi, X

Thank you Slyvia, times are very hard at the moment, can barely walk, both knees have now gone and haven't even got the strength to push myself up from the sofa or a chair! Managed to get an emergency rheumy appointment yesterday after phoning the helpline at my hospital last week. Having 3 steroid injections on Tuesday, one in both knees and one in my left ankle! Ouch, but it's going to help (hopefully). Also starting methotrexate as the sulfasalazine doesn't seem to be doing its full affect! Hoping to be sorted ready for my wedding day in May!!
Take care
Natalie x

Hi Natalie - so sorry to hear that you're having such a tough time. I'm on MTX (and HDX) soon to start Sph, so good luck with starting MTX. And I'm sure the steroid jabs will really help you - they worked like magic when my RA was at its worst. It takes a long while to get the right mix of meds, especially when you're not able to rest as much as you need to. It's so difficult when you have little ones as they have no idea that mummy needs a break! I do hope that you can get a bit of help from friends or family - if someone can take the kids for a couple of hours then you can get much-needed rest (whatever you do - DON'T use the time to catch up with housework!!!!!!!!!)

And many congratulations for the wedding - please keep posting about how your plans are progressing. We all love a bit of cheerful goss!!

Best wishes - Sylvia xx

Hi there Amy, I was diagnosed last year and my RA still not controlled. My knees are really bad so I have had to give in and use a stick when walking. My friends and family send me things to trim it up, I have just decorated it for Halloween and wil put lights on it for Xmas. It makes me smile and everyone that sees it. Take care Julie Boox

We need some pics of these jazzed up sticks, pleazse. Let's run a mini-challenge and see who has the silliest!!!!

Hi Amy I use a walking stick when outdoors. I have had one since the age of 49 after a bad fall five years ago. My sister who is a nurse suggested it. It does help me with balance and confidence especially on uneven surfaces, but can be a nuisance in shops etc. It is often referred to as that b****y stick by my family when it keeps falling on the floor!

Good luck

Bevxx

Hi Amy - just wondered how you are? Are you still cycling?

Sylvia xx