Getting a cane

[ScrappinGran]

Hi everyone. I going to ask my Dr. about using a cane, to better steady myself and to give some relief to an arthritic right knee. I sooo don't want to do this, but I am really worried about all the walking I'll be doing next month. My knee feels actually pretty good when I am moving- it's when I stand in one place or try to get up when I've been sitting for awhile. I have actually strengthened it quite a bit, doing a lot of walking and minor hiking in the woods on flat terrain, but the knee does tire easily. Uneven ground hurts! I am a fairly active 55 yr. old woman, and I teach Pre-K, and work year round...so I am moving a lot @ work...but there I can sit down when I need to. I think I just need something to lean on. We leave for our first trip "home" to our new DVC home @ BLT in 39 days, and I am really worried about all the standing still in lines for rides. Any tips, ideas, etc, about this big step for me will be most welcome. Those of you who use a cane, can you give me some advice on how you handle the parks. I don't need a wheelchair or the motorized scooter, just a little help. Thanks!

 

[Debbie-TN]

Be sure you get tall enough so you don't lean over. This happened to my cousin. She used one too short and started having trouble with her back because she was leaning down too far. I gave her an adjustable one and her doctor adjusted it taller than the old wooden one and I've noticed that she walks more upright now. They also sell one that folds up, if you think you won't need it full time, you can carry it in your purse. My cousin doesn't have any trouble taking it on rides or anything like that. She rides on an ECV, but needs it to walk to the rides.

 

[bidnow5]

"I don't need a wheelchair or the motorized scooter, just a little help."

Boy I have heard that before in fact I used to say it all the time. I would have to sit down a lot and was slowing everyone else. I finally gave in and rented a scooter for a day I could never go back. I now own a scooter.

The scooter made the parks much more fun for everyone including myself

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Please ask the following questions. Here are the suggested answers to go with them.

1. Are you disabled (even temporarily)? Yes.

2. Do the people you are traveling with, such as your family, know you are disabled? Yes.

3. Do you expect to meet anyone you know during this trip who may not know you are disabled. Probably No!

4. Do you expect to meet a bunch of people who you will probably never meet again in your life? Probably yes!

5. Is there any reason at all that you should care what these people think about you? Absolutely No!!

6. Will using a wheelchair or ECV make for a better vacation for you and your family? Absolutely YES!

 

[RaySharpton]

When I first needed a cane, I didn't really want to have everyone see that I needed one. But when I needed one, I really needed it. I bought a folding cane that is also adjustable in height. I found that I could fold it up and put it in a bag when I didn't need to use it. Most of them are black with a wooden handle and have a bungee type cord in the center of the metal parts. I just pulled the four parts out and folded them, but they were held together by the elastic cord. When I was ready to use it, I just held onto the handle and let the other parts go and all four parts were pulled together automatically.

Try looking in the pharmacy section of Walmart or Costco or Walgreens to try them out for looks or color or height.

This isn't my choice of colors, but I thought that you might enjoy this picture below. If you look real close, you might be able to see the elastic cord that connects the end of each tube. Just do an internet search for folding canes for some other colors and maybe a sale and free shipping if you don't see what you like at the store.

 

[ScrappinGran]

Thank you all for your advice. I'll be checking out Wal-mart for the folding canes, and if I am not feeling up to continual standing, will rent an electric scooter. I appreciate all your help.

 

[GrammyJudy]

Absolutely get the folding cane they are great/ I bought mine 2 years ago for trip to WDW. I also rented a scooter and it fit in the basket. i KEEP MINE IN THE CAR SO IF i GO TO A FLEA MARKET OR SOMEWHERE WITH A LOT MORE WALKING i ALWAYS HAVE IT. i THINK IT WAS ABOUT $20 AT wALMART AND THE HANDLE IS VERY COMFORTABLE ON YOUR HAND.

 

[Janell]

If a cane doesn't work for you, I have really liked a walking stick I bought from REI. I use it all the time while at Disney and works great.
http://www.rei.com/product/745686

 

[cm8]

hi, I think that you may also want to look into getting a rollator, those things are handy for when you need to sit and support you when you need help! I know that it can be a pain to lug around, but I use one on my really bad days and it is a life saver.

 

[Nicole&Becker]

I am in a similar boat here. I already have a service dog to help me get up from sitting or kneeling and to help me steady, but my knee and hip have gotten worse in the last year despite a lot of weight loss and exercise. I am thinking about getting a cane for long walks and Disney because the joints start to come apart almost after long periods of walking or standing and I can't put my weight on my service dog all of the time. That would just not be fair.

My question is if you need special training to learn how to use a cane the right way with physical therapy or something like that, or if you just do what ever feels natural? Or should I ask my dr this question. Just would be nice to know what I can expect. Thank you!

 

[Mary Pops In]

I'm not sure why, but my kids think that Nana's cane is about the coolest thing going. They love to borrow it and walk around the house pretending to be Nana. Thank God they don't know she has false teeth. If it will help you then go for it.

On our last trip, my Mom traveled with us just 3 weeks before her scheduled knee replacement surgery. On day 3, when I was renting a stroller for my daughter, I rented a scooter for Mom. She kept saying she should have done this on day 1.

Enjoy your trip.

Mary

Whadya mean you have nothing to wear?

 

[peemagg]

Do Not buy the Carex brand folding cane with the cushioned handle (not the one that has foam on it, but the one that is kind of like a gel pad molded and inserted into the handle). I bought one and had it a few months and where I held it it the cushion started to disintegrate. I called the company and they sent me a replacement just like the first, but it did the same thing only faster. I had to put a sleeve on both of them so that they didn't break down more. The saddest thing is that I don't even use them everyday. I only need it when I will be walking distances or standing a lot.

I now have had to work up to forearm crutches though because the cane is just not enough anymore to help me.

You might want to get a bit of training on how to use it properly though (there are sites out there that show you how to fit it and use it). I use mine wrong, and now it seems so unnatural to use it any other way. If you need support on you left side, you are supposed to hold it in your right hand, and move the left foot and right hand together. I have always placed it in my left hand (I'm right handed and hated having that hand full all the time. Don't matter now they are both full. LOL!) and leaned on it when I moved my left foot. I got yelled at for doing it wrong, but just couln't change it. Maybe if you start of doing it right, it will just come natural to you after a bit.

 

[ILoveMyGirls]

Howdy,

The first cane I bought for myself has the four feet on it. OMG did this cause a tripping hazard for me. As a result, my SIL bought a cane from a thrift store, painted it, added all of our family member's names to it and wrote on it "My family holds me up". This is a regular type of cane and I don't trip on it like the one with the four feet.

I'd suggest trying them out before you buy one to find out if tripping on the four foot one is a problem for you too.