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I have fibromyalgia and I find it hard walking. It hurts me and I was had a thought of a walking stick, never used one, but it may help me. I'm in the UK, do doctors give them out or do I buy them, any special kind?

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TheAuthor profile image
TheAuthor

Hi Hidden

I am not 100% certain but I think that you only get NHS walking sticks when you either go to A&E and they supply a ''loan'' if the deem you need one or if you are referred to Rehabilitation by your GP / OC.

I have pasted a link below on the NHS Choices cache on this issue:

nhs.uk/conditions/social-ca...

I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck and please take care of yourself my friend.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

rosie-2015 profile image
rosie-2015

Hi i got mine from the physio but that was years ago i also bought a fold up one for myself, i hope this helps

Rosie x

janeyp47 profile image
janeyp47

Hi Linda, I actually have my mom's she bought one many years ago and find it helpful when the pain is in my legs but luckily don't have to use it all the time. At the moment pain is in my shoulders and back and has been for 3 days, just reached up to switch on the shower :-( . Take care xx

Good morning huny, I'm totally in the same boat, have been dithering about it for a while & whether a stick, crutch or even a walker (for more stability) would be best for me.

The process is to speak to your GP and ask for a referral to an Occupational Therapist, they will come out to you & assess your needs & what you think might help. They then organise it. When mine came out, I wasn't quite ready to admit defeat but now I don't think I have much choice, I'm starting to feel unsteady when there's nothing for me to lean on! Oh well, enough about me, I just feel very lucky to receive good care.

Hope I've answered your question. Take care xx

Loubest profile image
Loubest

They aren't expensive, you can buy them online easily. I use one to keep myself more stable but it does hurt my arm sockets xx

angiesmith50 profile image
angiesmith50

I've been using a stick for a couple of years now. I got it online only £6. Loads of choice and easy to adjust xx

Leonwp profile image
Leonwp

You can wait for physio or occupational health to issue one and if you get that recommendation keep a copy of it. But meanwhile i got 2 for a friend on ebay last week for £8, you can even get them in some quite jazzy colours and patterns now.

Blessings

Lee_Evenden profile image
Lee_Evenden

I bought mine on Amazon, it didn't cost too much either and the plus points are that it folds up and has a nicer grip that the NHS ones and its also a funky electric blue and black colour!

Mackembabe profile image
Mackembabe

Hi I bought my first one, but found that it caused me to have a lot of pain on the opposite side in my hip, so was suggested that I have 2 and to have elbow crutches which I got on line, then just lately have a lot of pain in my elbow went to the Dr and asked him about crutches and he said he would send me to Physio to get the correct height ones, so yes if you ask Dr you should be able to get some, or from Social O Health. hope this helps.

Keep smiling

Love & Hugs

ailsamary profile image
ailsamary

I have an elbow walker as I can't grip properly without too much pain. What I would say is go for it.

I think we don't want to start using anything as it must mean we are getting worse, when in reality it allows us to be more independent for longer.

lCllCl6 profile image
lCllCl6

I bought me my cane at Walmart, but you can find them at second hand stores and walkers too. I have both some days a can works fine but on my worse days I use my walker to help me stay active around the house. Always keep your self active as best as possible best thing for your body.

i find walking poles a bit better thn walking stick

i have somehow manage to fall over may walkng stick i few times lol

you can get one from socialservices in scotland they willcome out and asses what else youmay need its through your localcouncil not sure elsewhere

it's probably best to buy one yourself, if you have been diagnosed with fibro formally you can claim VAT relief in many places for walking aids etc to help make it cheaper. i will pm you with a place where i bought my walking sticks from- i was reluctant to start using them but it does help me to walk somewhat. x

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