My new friend

[Survivor37]

ive finally got one not used it outside yet tho that will come in time it's such a massive thing for me personally I've always denied this day would come...it was always guna come I just hoped not so soon in my lifetime👍❤️

[cat3]

I think the snazzy design of many sticks nowadays goes a long way towards de-stigmatizing them .......and yours is pretty snazzy S !

I have a friend with mobility issues and she flaunts her stylish multi-coloured stick like a fashion accessory..... 👩🏻‍🦰 Xx

[Skulls in reply to cat3]

Amongst the uninvited advice given by my brother was a suggestion that, last week, whilst up north for a funeral, close to the Peak District, I should invest in a hiking cane (which I have owned for years but have chosen not to use). His latest daft suggestion is for a Basque walking stick cum weapon! Such a thing would only be a pivot around which one would swivel merely randomising where one would fall…. Amongst the list of things not to say to a brain injury survivor should be “keep your mobility suggestions to yourself unless you are a qualified practitioner”. If one feels the need for a stick, go ahead and get one.

[Survivor37 in reply to cat3]

Thankyou Cat3 I'm happy I've now got one and it does help me on my left side and my balance..I've not been out with it yet but I will when I feel confident enough about using my stick when out..it will come in time 👍xx

[cat3 in reply to Survivor37]

I'm still thinking about it myself ; I have an additional injury (knee) at present. I've seen a really cool patterned one & just need to find shoes & bag to match !😄

Seriously though ; if needed you should just go for it S - and use it boldly... Xx

[ftt1960 in reply to cat3]

Long before my TBI I suffered from neuropathy. I was shopping when I lost my balance and nearly went headlong down a set if stairs. At the bottom of the stairs was the shoe department where they also sold snazzy walking sticks. When I arrived home my partner looked at me questioningly. I told him I wasn’t admitting defeat but was instead maintaining my independence. The stick lived in the car and was used when necessary. My daughter would always get me to push my grandson’s buggy or the shopping trolley a bit like using a rollator. I am now the proud owner of a pair of SmartCrutches though I’ve only used one after knee issues. I don’t care what people think, I will do whatever I need to do to improve my quality of life. You new friend is lovely and theee best colour, use it with pride.

[cat3 in reply to ftt1960]

Great attitude Ftt ! Quality of life when battling health issues is everything..... x

[AndrewT]

Dear Survivor37,

Please Don't 'Do' what a friend, from some time back, Did.... he was both given a Genuine Carved Stick and the Lost It..... within two Weeks! It was the most Lovely Carved Oak, I forget the patten- I only saw it twice!

I'm certain that 'someone', the person who -no doubt- Found this stick (probably on a bus, if I knew him) was overjoyed.

A friend, from Downstairs, is STILL waiting for his New Leg- despite many fittings/ trying on's etc. I believe that he is, begining to get a bit- how can I say politely- 'Disillusioned', the lack of progress.

Anyway Enjoy Your Stick, my friend. Very best wishes

AndrewT

[Leaf100]

It's a snazzy tool to help you keep your independence. I use a walker sometimes, and it had become like a trusted therapy dog - I 'very gotten very fond of my helpful and reliable pal..bonus points- no feeding or walkies.

Leaf

[Alibongo60]

Hi survivor, like you didn’t really want to give in and accept the need of a stick, thought I was walking fine, but family started saying I was walking off on a tangent I thought I was in a straight line, so my stick helps keep me straight, and like cat says there are lots of different ones, I have one full of bright flowers, so good luck with yours love Alice xx