Well its me again. A few people on here know that iv been very nervous anout getting a walking stick. I have finally gettin a nhs one that i have pinched from my auntie. The problem is im 19 and incredibly self concious due to bullying about my condition, legs and limp so going out with a walking stick is going to give people more of a reason to look at me and my limp and the way my legs stick out.
My fiance is taking me on a short walk around locally at the weekend to help break myself into using itm but im literally petrified even though i know im being silly i just cant help it.
Any words of advice?
You are being very brave and sensible. Your fiancé is helping big time but I can empathise with how you feel. Hold your head up high and however you feel inside, pretend to the world that you are comfortable to be seen walking with a stick. Practice around the house till you feel comfortable..
you will cope and do well, we are all on your side! X
Thank you. We have come up with another idea since we are going shopping on friday (hoping to get some pretty dresses/pjs for after my op) that im going to dress up nice and take my stick maybe that way ill feel a little more comfortable but if i get to stressed or anxious the Mr is going to take it apart and put it in his bag.
Hes 23 and sometimes immature but when it comes to my health he always steps up.
Thankyou for your kind words Maggie. Means so much to me x
Good girl. I hope you get along with it ok. Just hold your head high and be brave. Good luck.
Thank you so much, i will be going out with it on friday
What a good guy you have, nice to know he is supporting you through this.
Taking a stick with me was a big step, and I'm in my 60's - I can hardly begin to imagine how you feel about it. However, we all know that you will feel safer and it will help you walk straight.
Walk upright, with pride that you are not letting it beat you.
Best wishes to the pair of you.
Graham - 🚀💃
Thankyou. If i manage the whole day in the whole time in the metro centre without cracking i think ill be fine.
Tbh i think everyone must feel the same as me about using a stick.
How did you find your first time outside with a stick?
Hi sarah, oh babes, hold your head up and show the bullies that you are the better person, then once you have your operation and your on crutches again hold your head up high, you can do this, walk around your house until you feel confident then just do small walks. You can do this, you are a brave lady.
sue xx
Oh it was very odd, I was going to work before my operation, and used it half to protect my leg, and 'just in case' the pain was too much.
I felt a bit guilty, as I didn't really seem to need it, but the main help was psychological.
After a couple of minutes, I forgot all about having it, and just got on with walking with it.
You'll be fine - enjoy the freedom it brings.
Graham - 🚀💃
Very conspicuous! When I got to the one crutch stage I was walking through the park to my tai chi class when I heard what we're obviously the noise of someone on two crutches, and cheering. When I turned round it was a lad of about 20, non weight bearing with his leg in plaster, being encouraged by his mates to go faster than me. We all had a laugh as he overtook me at a fair speed. I know the horrible people leave their mark, but most people are Ok.
See the silly thing is i feel more confident on crutches than i do with a walking stick. Odd isnt it haha.
But thankyou for your lovely words xxx
I undsrstand what you mean.
But ad you feel better about it now 😀
Hahaha i used to be pretty nifty on my crutches. I could move quicker on them then i can actually walk haha.
I bet that was such a funny/awkward situation haha.
But yes some people are cruel. I think id die if i bumped into one of the awful people i went to school with using my stick. But you never know, maybe if i beat them with it ill feel better xx
Hi Sarah
Before my op, I was using a stick for abou 2 months.
I'll say, being in my 30s, it felt a little weird for the first few days. I spent a good bit of time looking at peoples reactions, or worrying they'd think this or that... but then I realized after a few days I was thinking about that and not how much my hip didn't hurt after being up and moving for a half hour.
So, I'd say give it a few days. You won't like it very much at first, but once you get used to it, and realize, really, most people are actually quite nice and helpful around you.. it's really nice and makes trips out so much less stressful/painful
Post surgery, I didn't even think about it really. As much as I can't wait to not need my stick, it's really become something I take for granted when it comes to going out.
You're brave and wonderful. You can do it =)
Thankyou for your words.
Its nice to know im not the only one who has these feelings. And its wonderful that having a stick has worked so well for you
Sarah - darling girl you are now armed and dangerous.
Practice thumping you walking stick down quickly, it makes a nice thud sound.
Great pointer, boyfriend prodder and or beat him up, and or listen to me, (he doesn't sound as though he needs it) also excellent for reaching something down from a high shelf turned around and used as a hook
You are going to be fine and sooo much more stable with the stick.
Hahaha thats hilarious 😂 never thought of it being an excellent prodder for irritatating people haha
You definately have the advantage with the extra yard/metre to you arm.
Hi Sarah
I hope those awful people who bullied you would be the ones to die - with embarrassment and shame at what they did. Kids can be very very cruel, but many of them grow up and regret what they've done.
You on the other hand can hold your head high knowing you have tremendous courage.
Kikeena
Hi Sarah,
I still can't walk elegantly (is this a word?) with a cane - Always fiddling with the height and hitting people - the worst or most emberassing thing is , that the cane always falls down - no matter where I put it - at hairdressers,in restaurants, doctor's waiting room, grocery store, when visiting friends ,you name it, the darn thing always falls down with so much noise -- And someone else needs to pick it up for me 
Just do what you are doing right now - you already sound so much more confident !!!
big warm hug
renee
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