Dear friends ...
I have to ask you something and would like you to be honest ...
I have been reading posts here about not wanting to be seen out with a cane or stick or crutches or walker - You rather be risking a fall, pain, wobble etc than the safety of holding on to a cane or whatever ...
My question:
how do you see a person who is walking with a cane, walker etc... girl, boy, young, older and old ??? do you pity them?
do you think they look ridiculous, pathetic ?
how do you judge them? and why?
Please don't do this to yourself -
go out and take the cane with you, or whatever you need to make it fun and enjoyable - and if not, don't go out -
this surgery is challenging and confrontational in so many ways -
This might be one to take on ...
warm big hug and lost of love
and oh, please share here -
renee
I know i was one of those people that said that but whrn i see people using a cane crutches i dont pity them or judge them i dont need to. But being 19 and bullied for a limp and the way i walk and so on has left me rather concious about making myself obvious. So the thought of going out withh a cane literally makes me panic. Also were i live a lot of people or just horrid human beings which doesnt really help. I know im being silly but its not sometjing iv ever gotten over haha x
I rather admire most of them.
Yes I used two crutches, then one, then a cane, then none. It was however a temporary phase and took some practical changes in my way of doing a few things. People who need such aids permanently to get about show the determination to be as active as possible and deserve our respect, and if we can help and consideration, whatever their age. I thought that went without a need to be mentioned
Sorry Sarah, I have not come across such ignorant and horrid humans as you have. They are the pits
I have seen a couple of youngsters round here who have coloured walking sticks and coordinate them to their clothes
Haha that sounds amazing. I might think about getting one but whether i could leave the house with it is a whole other thing haha
No, you are not silly, just frightened to get hurt ...
Very true. I was bullied and laughed at for many years. Affraid of getting that again. But uts awful because i cant wear dresses or shorts because they make my legs look obviously wrong which is a shame to. Hoping i can after my op
Hmmmm very good point. Food for thought. Certainly I noticed a difference in attitude from people when I was using a stick before my op. Generally people were more friendly and helpful.
For me it felt like admitting to myself that I am no longer a spring chicken. That I am changed. Tangible, visible proof. Like having to wear glasses.
Also indicates frailty and dependency perhaps.
However, better than risking more damage I think. So will embrace the crutches as a fashion accessory while I need them! I plan on adding some tinsel and baubles for the festive season!
My birthday in Jan. Whatever walking aids I am using by then will be appropriately decorated. My way of acceptance I guess.
Thanks for an interesting discussion starter 😊
Honesty! Well here goes...If I see a young person with crutches I assume they have had an accident or injury. If I see an older person with a cane I assume they need it for extra support. Either way I am always mindful to assist them with doors,a seat etc.
In terms of feeling embarrassed to go out - I don't feel that way , just plucking up the courage to brave it! But I would feel embarrassed turning up to a drinks party like this if I am being honest.
Most of us are lucky that this short term, we are likely to get our freedom back because if this operation with a little luck!
Honesty! Well here goes...If I see a young person with crutches I assume they have had an accident or injury. If I see an older person with a cane I assume they need it for extra support. Either way I am always mindful to assist them with doors,a seat etc.
In terms of feeling embarrassed to go out - I don't feel that way , just plucking up the courage to brave it! But I would feel embarrassed turning up to a drinks party like this if I am being honest.
Most of us are lucky that this short term, we are likely to get our freedom back because if this operation with a little luck!
Dear Renee
Being honest I sort of subconsciously judge people with canes as oldies, even tho I myself are 70 yo !
But nhs crutches are so obviously 'hey guys I'm only here for 6 weeks' that l feel fine about me using them, and indeed judge WARMLY people l see with nhs crutches. Human psyche is wierd!
Love
Mic
Xx
P'S. Hope the hover board arrived safely!
Quite honestly i am hanging on to my crutches forbas long ad i can, i am nearlly 5 weeks use only one in doors, but once my front door is open i cling on to them for dear life, i would rather use them than hobble like i used to.
What we have all been thru, we have to be proud of ourselves, its been a hard time for us all, be proud when someone asks.
Well said!! I don't care using crutches. It's a rare time that people are actually kind and considerate towards you! Get good service. Que jump etc
Always a silver lining lol.
With the greatest of respect, as I have for all fellow hip oppers, I think that these are questions that need not be answered. It is not important what other people think. In recovery from THR it is what is good for you and what will help with getting back to our normal lives.
I started to do without my stick after 5 weeks but on my 6 week consultation was advised to not try and be a hero but continue to use it for up to 12 weeks if I wanted to get rid of the penguin walk.
Absolutely! People look in horror when I tell them I have had a hip replacement and then are super nice. It is wonderful!
What an interesting thread. Thank you for posting Renee. Similar thoughts had occurred to me.
Sarah, I am sorry you have been bullied as you have been. School children and young people can be incredibly cruel to each other. I think most grow out of it but sadly not all. Several of my blind friends have told me stories of how they were bullied as children. Two of them have come out of it better people, fighting to protect other minorities and to help others, the third went the opposite way and has a permanent chip on his shoulder and throws his disability in people's faces whilst he bullies them.
if you can possibly bring yourself to do so, Sarah, get yourself 1 or 2 of the most outrageous walking sticks you can find, either an off the shelf in the brightest colours you can find or else order from one of the sites on the internet who will custom design a stick for you in whatever design you like. Make people take a second look at it and even to admire or laugh at it. They will be laughing with you not at you.
i hadn't thought of decorating my crutches but am now going to search for some decorations to do them up.
I kind of understand how Sarah feels. When I had to start using a cane at 26, I was kind of embarrassed, even though I am a physiotherapist. But I can honestly say, I got over it extremely quickly when I discovered that it's what I needed to actually be able to walk. Sarah, your walking impairment will probably be less noticeable when you are using a cane or crutches. Now I'm still using 1 crutch 11 weeks after my 2nd hip replacement. And guess what people ask me? They want to know if I hurt myself doing a sport or did I have a fracture. I know at 38 I'm older then her, but really not that much in the grand scheme of life. If you can walk better, easier and safer which is all the above for me, let people think you hurt your leg skydiving or downhill skiing, or whatever it is that they may think. You would actually be surprised how many conversations are created by my crutch/cane/walker and how many nice people out there know somebody, or themselves that will tell you a storey about a similar situation. I know the feeling being young and needing a walking aide. You may feel that people are judging you, but in my experience, I was actually judging them and what they thought of me. I've realized that if it can help you and make life easier to enjoy, then get whatever enjoyment you can get. Life is really to short to worry. I also have something less common than a walking aide, I have a PICC line that I've had for many years too. And yes, I was self-conscious about this too. But too bad, I need it and it let's me be able to live my life the best way that I can. Without it, I would have NO life. Same with walking aides. So I decided to live my life, rather than sitting at home all the time WISHING I could live my life.
On line - Amazing ( hopefully you can work out who I mean - otherwise mr moderator will block my post ) sell colourful crutches for £2O! I have a red pair with bows and tinsel! But any colour is a available take your pick. Always quite a talking point in the hospital and no one can miss them. I am just about to add battery powered fairy lights for night time disco moments!! I look like national lampoon family Christmas on crutches!