Hi everyone,. It's been a while since I've posted on here.
I just wondered what everyone else does regarding walking aides. At present I walk with two normal walking sticks in the house and garden. I used to walk with one, but I'm too wobbly now and my lower back and neck are really not good probably due to how I walk. I have a tendency to want to walk with one stick and I'm really trying to stop myself and walk with two. Recently I bought a rollater for in the house and garden for if I need to carry things. I also have an electric assisted wheelchair for when we go out. I'm wondering if the normal walking sticks need to change as my trapeze muscles in my neck are now often contracted and I'm sure it's due to walking with the sticks.
Please could you let me know how you all manage before I contact the occupational therapist for help. I'd like some ideas before I see her XX
Love Alison
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Currently..I’m using one walking stick outdoors..but I confess it’s not ideal. I tend to wobble a lot, so I’d likely be more stable using my rollator.
🤔You’re probably thinking ‘why doesn’t she use her rollator’
Well..purely for practical reasons. If I go out with my husband inevitably I’m using a trolley at the supermarket. If I go out with my daughter..she has so much baby stuff in her car, there’s no room for a rollator. And .. paths near my home are in very poor condition, off putting when you have Vestibular issues.
But, the fact is I probably need a heavier rollator now anyway, or at least attach ankle weights for extra stability.
🤔I’ve tried walking poles, but can’t get into a rhythm and tend to trip myself up. But, if you can manage 2 walking sticks and find they aren’t ‘tall enough’…maybe the extra height of poles would suit you better. You’d stand more upright..meaning less strain on your neck.
🙂Indoor rollators are definitely a practical idea, the trays look so useful.
🙂 I’m sure your Occupational Therapist will have practical advice.
I'm very long armed so my walking sticks are not set very high. They are adjustable. My problem with one is that I tend to lean to one side and wobble about. Quite a strange walk really 😂 . Thanks for your information xx
I had a fall eighteen months ago and lost all my confidence. I now have two walkers, one for indoors and one in the car. I prefer four wheeled walkers for stability and the one I have has an adjustable handle so that you aren’t bent over. If you have a look at the Prestige Engineering site you will find them. They are inexpensive and robust, I couldn’t manage without mine.
I tried to find the website for Prestige Engineering. There are a lot of companies with that name. Could you please give me the address or correct web site. I would appreciate it,
it seems that several people have back problems.I’ve . Been advised to by physio not to walk without my frame which of course I do because it’s so much easier to get around at home. using walls on furniture for Help. I now have a four wheeler walking frame with a . seat for when I’m out some which I find this so much better than anything else and it’s more stable and has a seat if I need to rest. I am on my own so I have no one to push a wheelchair. Several people suggest I get a motorised vehicle, but I want to keep walking for as long as possible.
Can you walk very far with your walker? I wouldn't be able to go on social outings without my wheelchair. I don't think I could walk very far with my walker, but I haven't tried as I got it for the house and garden. Not sure if it's sturdy enough for outside 🤷🏼♀️ xx
I can walk some way if I’m feeling well. I always like to be with someone. when I am walking as I have been taken ill, when on my own. so I now feel very nervous when on my own. I do manage to get out to social events as I have good friends who will pick me up in the car, I then take my three wheel walking frame as it is smaller for the car
I never got on with walking sticks or poles. I have a walker with 4 wheels which folds like an umbrella for when I walk on pavements.. I am a bit embarrassed to use it but without it I’d be stuck at home. To go for a walk in the countryside I have a much sturdier all-terrain Veloped which again gives me a certain amount of freedom but it’s heavier and a lot bigger. Overall I feel that my walkers have re-opened my life and allow me to go out again so I fight my embarrassment. I’ve also found that people are very ready to help. Good luck!
You'll need to get past the embarrassment and just think about your life! I hated using my wheelchair and going out in it at first, but as you said it really opens up your life. I love my wheelchair now, I can actually look around me and see things too x
You'll need to get past the embarrassment and just think about your life! I hated using my wheelchair and going out in it at first, but as you said it really opens up your life. I love my wheelchair now, I can actually look around me and see things too x
I have a powered wheelchair for when I go or I use crutches. The crutches help to stabilise me when walking, even though I am still wobbly especially when taking them off but they are better for me than trying to use walking sticks. Even though I use a powered wheelchair I still try to do as much walking as possible-the wheelchair is more for social outings or for strength to do things that require free hands.
Yes I only use my wheelchair for outings too. Have to keep walking for as long as possible. I'm wondering about crutches instead of sticks but do you find the quite a faff?
The arms on the NHS crutches are quite a faff and they're a huge nuisance when you need to use your hands. The NHS ones are free so it's good way to test and see how you get on with them, then you can purchase a better quality one. Your OT will be able to offer better advice and more accurate suggestions based on what they identify as your needs.
I use a four wheeled rollator/walker outdoors and also use a mobility scooter. My walker has a seat which helps as I often tend to get dizzy and need to stop. I use a light walking frame which has two wheels at the front when indoors. I can furniture walk but feel safer using walking frame. I used to use two crutches but I was finding them less and less safe mainly because my arms would tend not to move in a straight line causing me to lean off balance when walking forward. I believe safety should be paramount. I personally believe the more safer you feel the more confident you become.
Try them out first wibbly. If you feel secure then go for it. My crutches have a left and right arm/hand. Supposed to give better grip and ease on the wrist
I have progressed with walking aids.. first a walking stick to let people know I need space, then physio advised two for good posture. Then poles also for posture till I fell and broke my wrist. Rollator to help carrying things and sitting for rest. A power chair but couldn't control joy stick due to tremor. Now I use self-propelled wheelchair or serving trolley. Rollator in garden. Best to ask neurophysio then OT. Whatever you use stay safe and don't forget to smile x
We're all quite different aren't we. I couldn't control the self powered chair, but I'm okay with the joystick. I don't think I'd feel safe with walking poles - I have tried them as my husband has some. Thanks for the info xx
The most important is your safety then whatever makes you walk like you used to before you had ataxia as this will help with the aches and pains on the rest of the body such as back, knees, hips etc.
Hi AlisonI started off 7 years ago just using a walking pole for balance outside. Indoors manage using furniture / walls to steady self.
Last year having had an increasing amount of falls I invested in a Trionic veloped which opened up my life again as it enabled me to go walking again with confidence in the countryside , woodland and riverside paths.
I have also since, got a lighter four wheeled walker which is sturdy enough not to wobble with me ! It is easier to get in and out of car and more convenient in shops and cafes. I still have a pole in the car or attached to walker for occasional use .
I am resisting wheelchair for longer social outings though have occasionally used a mobility scooter loaned out at National Trust properties for example. I did find I got very cold with not moving.
My Trionic remains my favourite though it is heavy and bulky.
Hope you find something that suits you and you have confidence in . x
i use a walker. balances me perfect.since my hubby passed on, when here i used to use him and he helped me walking on steps.I had 2 hand bars and eventually stair lift FOR HIM.i didn't wanna use it.IF ONE DOESNT USE LEGS,ONE LOSE THE MOTION...had inndoor walker nhs and outdoor nhs.indoor pretty basic,outdoor with a seat area.grt for shop, the milk.AS I LIVE ALONE,i couldNOT DO WITHOUTN THEM BOTH.My bro has one crutch,but eventually the walker/rollator stabilise better.the advantage is maintenance, they do it,if breaks losen,not a problem.
I walk most of the time with two walking sticks with fisher handles that have helped with pain in hands and posture. If I’m out with my camera or in more rugged environments I walk with the two walking sticks I got from boots, I call them my sports sticks. I remember going from one stick to two and it was the best thing I could have done. I was more balanced, did not fall/trip as much and could go faster and further. There are days now where I need a wheelchair to go any distance, so don’t as I’m still waiting on a permanent one instead of borrowing one and days when I’m good on my sticks. I think and it’s my journey, I don’t want to say it’s the same for others, that if I had stayed with just one stick I would be much more reliant on a wheelchair now. Two sticks helped me continue walking. Only down side is that you can’t carry anything including an umbrella. Hope that all makes sense.
Hi, I could never manage with a walking stick. I always used to find it would make me more unstable and I used to get frustrated when I couldn't get the stick to balance would fall over. whenever I needed to use my hands. Until I tried the HurryCane. It has three feet and the base pivots which makes it much easier to balance. Also the three feet mean it can stand independently so I can shop 😂 This sound's like an advert but as I live in a maisonette on the top floor, if I want to go out by myself I can't take my Rollator and this stick really made a difference.
Might be a thought to have a word with a Physiotherapist first. Your sticks may be the wrong height for you,
I too use a rollator, and I found after a few years I needed to raise the handgrips as I was starting to lean over it. Bought a new one recently and it is so much better!
My wheelchair sulks in the garage, as I won't use it unless I absolutely must!
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walking and balance
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