To cane or not to cane ...

[MichaelOM]

I was walking on Michigan Avenue in Chicago a couple of years ago and having some trouble with my gait -- a new problem at the time. It was lunch hour and I could just feel the heat of the other pedestrians' impatience with me.

I would step-step-pause and somebody behind me would groan. Or I'd step-step-shuffle-step-shuffle-stop and someone would push past me, bumping my elbow (which stick out when I'm symptomatic), almost knocking me over.

It was rude treatment to be sure, but no different than how I might have behaved if I'd never gotten PD myself. I thought about stopping and waiting for the crowd to thin, but I had to pee and, well ... you know all about that, don't you.

Anyway, my friend Hector (didn't I mention I was with my friend, Hector?) said, "You should get a cane." I'd heard that a few times recently from him and others and hadn't seriously considered it. But this time I said, "Maybe I should."

So we stopped at the Walgreen's at Chicago and Michigan to use their bathroom.(just in time, too), and then proceeded another block north (step-pause-step-step-pause-shuffle-step-step-stopping all the way) to Water Tower Place, which is sort of a 10 story glitzy shopping mall. I was hoping for something with just a little bit of style, but none of the trendy stores, even the out-doors ones, had canes. But just as we was about to give up, I found and bought a cheap wooden cane at a nondescript pharmacy/medical supply store on the top floor.

Then an amazing thing happened.

I stepped out of the store and into the mall and someone coming the other way saw the cane, paused and stepped aside before passing. Then someone held an elevator door and waited about 30 seconds for me to shuffle in, smiling at me all the way. And then, when we got back on the sidewalk, the crowd parted like the Red Sea! No groans. No pushing. Nothing but patience and consideration for the rest of the day.

And it's been that way ever since. Unless I forget (which happens, but that's another blog), I always take my cane whenever I go out in public -- whether I need it or not. Because I know, no matter how good I feel, I might need it after all. I just might.

[Ronald]

Michael I have been usin the cane with a tri pod for the last three to four years and it commands a sense of well being and respect people open the door for you at malls restaturants and make way for you Ten they know that you need help other wise in a lighter vein they may think you are doing the samba or rumba it ismy personal experience

[soup]

My husband, with Parkinson's, finds crowds very tiring because he can't stride out and get a rhythm going. He uses a walking pole to with the stride on his 'slow' side rather than to lean on.

Whatever works for you..

[Norma55]

A cane was the last thing I ever wanted but now its the first thing I grab when I go anywhere!

[srarndt]

A very interesting perspective. Thank-you for sharing!

[MichaelOM]

thanks folks.

[Susie01]

Most of my falls on bad days happen when I try do get out of bed or when I have places that I cannot steady myself by holding onto a walls or doorways.. I have a good friend who hesitated to suggest it, but she thought a walker might help.

I am fine with anything that can save me a fall! Her mother had passed away and had a walker which she brought to me. I have not been in public with it, but usually do not go anywhere when I am have bad days.

It sounds like using a cane has been a positive solution for many. Thanks for sharing.

[Antonio_Montolio]

I have asked for a cane to my PCP,, but every time he look a me like i'm crazy.

[muttie]

I use a walking stick .They come in pairs ,but I

only use one/They look like ski poles, I call them Stanley and Livingston.IT doesn't help with my freezing......but I couldn't be without Stanley!

[PDdiagat40]

Canes are wonderful! They're a visible notice to the world that you occasionally need some support/help/additional balance control.

What I use the cane for is to justify my parking in a handicapped parking stall next to the front door of a store. People often gave me the "cheater look" before I had my cane because if I can quickly get to a grocery cart I can gain enough support and balance to get around almost "normal". But the cane tells the world this guy will be a little slower, and may stop or change directions with no notice.

People are truly caring and concerned about those of us with PD and will hold doors or insist we cut lines all because my cane tells them in the friendliest way the this guy needs just a bit of help and then he will take care of himself.

[jillannf6]

i agreee with alll that has been said

i use a 4 wheel walker ALWAyYS when outside as my ba,lance iss o poor and people r really great and help if iineed help such as when i freeze

jill

iihave psp ,a rare form of parkinsons