So, I've just had my first Physiotherapy appointment which was moved back because of the snow a couple weeks ago. I spent well over an hour there, and I got given a load of stretching exercises to do. I also got given a walking stick. I am FREAKED OUT by it! I told her I felt odd about having a walking stick at my age (27), but that my head says I need it. I'm getting to the point where I am not confident going out alone without my other half to link arms with as I feel I don't have any extra support around me to help with my walking. It's not that I can't walk, it's just that it sometimes feels like I have to force my hips and knees to move and it sends me a bit off balance.

Anyway, I don't know whether to laugh or cry about the walking stick. Plus I keep having really evil visions of tripping people up with it (sorry, bit of a sick sense of humour). When I was walking out of the hospital with it I was sure people were staring at me. And walking up my street I was sure the neighbours were all hiding behind their curtains pointing and talking about me. Paranoid much!?

I keep looking at it and thinking I need to give it a funny name to make it bearable that I have to use it. Maybe some googly eyes and some tinsel on it might jazz it up?

I am absolutely dreading going to work tomorrow. I'll feel so conspicuous walking around with it. There are hundreds of people in the room where I work and I'll be convinced they're all looking at me, and I think I'll be convinced I'm not using it right and people will thinking I'm only using it to get sympathy and that I don't really need it and that I'm making everything up and....argh!

Hi Gempud
I think it is perfectly normal to feel as you do. I know I would feel the same way but if it does help with your walking and give you more confidence then that can only be a good thing. I agree that you should give it a name and jazz it up for Christmas!!!

It will take a while to get used to using it and try not to worry about returning to work tomorrow and what people will think. I'm sure everyone will realise that it's there to help you.
Take care Love Debs xxx

Have a look at these Gem, there's one to suit every outfit!

http://www.switchsticks....uDrKKLt6MCFdQB4wodEBw1Zg

Hi Gem,

You certainly don't look like a girl who would have a silver metal walking stick with holes in it and a grey plastic handle.

If it helps then use it, but put a new trendy one on your christmas list. I'm afraid Bert will have to go.

We got one in Boots but this was for my son a fold up black one. Only this was for his football teams secret santa, the guy he has to buy for is the oldest in the team and keeps getting injured. Mind you my son is ginger and the youngest in the team, last year he was given hair dye and condoms.

Hope Dave doesn't tease you too much.



Anne x

Anne you made me lol!

I went to work with the stick today and it was very odd. I know how to use it but I can't seem to get the hang of it. Maybe it's because I don't have a side of me that it weaker than the other...they're both just as bad! I had to park at the very top of the carpark as it was busy so it's a bit of a gradual incline down. When it came to walking into the room I decided to hold my head up and not make eye contact with anyone. I felt veerrry self conscious. A few people asked about it through the course of the morning, so I told them. A few people laughed about it with me too which was good. I did forget it a few times when walking about and found I had to kind of walk with my hands on my hips to centre myself which I suppose confirms I do kind of need the stick. I didn't know where to put it when I was sat down so kind of wedged it underneath the desk but it kept falling over. I also made sure I told some of the 'gossipers' about it so that hopefully they'll spread the word and less people will ask me about it in future.

I also asked about the possibility of using one of the disabled bays occasionally. They have some kind of metal contraption that goes up and down under the car - no idea how it works - so I think you have to have permission to use them. I made it clear that I'd only use the bays if I couldn't park in the car park close to the building, and they emailed me straight back and said they'd see if there was one free for me which was nice because I expected an outright 'No - you don't have a blue badge'.

Anyway, day 1 with Bert is done. Here's to a happy future together!

Well done Gem xx

Hello Gem,

Sorry that you have a stick but if it helps you to be confident use it with pride.

I have had a stick for about 2 yrs now as soon as feet wouldn't pick up properly
and like you I felf self-conscious. You will get used to it.

I have a bright red one with flowers and it folds to go in your handbag when you go to
Pub , Cafe or the like. Get a trendy one. Lots of people comment on it
saying it is funky. I got mine from the site Doreen mentioned.

Good luck

Rose x

Hi Gem

Really pleased that day one with Bert went well.

Great news that the company are also trying to arrange a parking bay for you as well.

Anne x

Hi Gemma, i know what you mean about getting your head(and everyone elses) around the walking stick. What a good idea giving it a name. I started using one three and a half years ago at the age of 49 after a bad fall, it was my sister's idea (she is a bossy nurse).

It took me a while to get used to it and it took the immediate family a while as well, for ages they kept saying that b**** stick every time it fell over.

It does give me alot more confidence though when out and about and i now have three a scruffy one for the side of the swimming pool, a nice blue one and a black and brown one.

There are some really nice ones about on line, and they feel better than the usual old lady ones.

Good luck with it.

Bevxx