In the comment section of my blog, “Appearance vs. Health” (9/27/10), Deb shared a personal experience that I too have struggled with – using a cane. The difference between our stories is she was brave enough to give it a try, whereas I refused.
Toward the end of her post, Deb asked, “Am I embarrassed to be in pain?” Again, I can relate to this question when it’s paired with using adaptive equipment in public – especially a cane!
If walking with a cane is helpful and really does relieve our pain, why do we resist?
Last January, I wrote a blog about challenging my physician’s 1995 diagnosis of ‘being in denial’ after discarding his prescription for a cane. In the blog, I referenced a four-page letter addressed to my doctor and included a few statements to support my argument that I was not in denial. (See “Denied Abilities” 1/25/10.)
In addition to those statements, the letter also contained six long paragraphs about the visual impact a cane would have on my husband and son. While they’ve always been supportive, I feared the public’s reaction could tilt toward the negative, adding to the sacrifices they already made as a result of my arthritis.
The letter was written three weeks after my 30th birthday. Already feeling like a burden to my husband, propping myself up with a cane seemed as though we were being stripped from our youth. And how would my 5-year-old son convince his fellow kindergarteners that I was his mom and not his grandmother?
Like Deb, I also have a cane. That same year while at the fair, my young son won a game of ring toss. Instead of choosing an oversized stuffed animal, he chose a shiny black cane. Running toward me, he proudly presented his prize saying, “Mommy, now you can walk without hurting.”
My husband and son never had an issue with it – it was (and still is) me!
Reading the letter again today, I shamefully admit to the same argument as I made 15 years ago. For some reason, my mind will not allow me to accept a cane by my side.
Have you been told by a doctor or physical therapist to use a cane to reduce arthritis pain in your legs or feet? If so, what was your immediate reaction? Did you hesitate, follow the orders or deny their reasoning?
Your comparison of plain cotton undies to red satin ones is comical, yet a brilliant example of mindset! Class it up ... dress it up ... do whatever is necessary to feel better about something that can't be changed! Take control and own it!! Thanks for turning it up a notch. Now whenever I see a cane, I will think underwear - LOL :o)
I used to be part of this school of thought too where I felt it was better to look good than to feel good. How foolish my pride really was. The pain just isn't worth it
I heard about this new product at a leather goods trade show recently and though i would share it with those unaware of it.
Its called the Carry-All-Clutch, from CarryIt Co. This wallet is a clutch wallet designed for easier use for those with arthritis and other impairments in their hands.
The wallet is ergonimically designed to relieve stress and make retrieving everything from cards, to bill, to coins a breeze.
As someone who struggles at checkouts due to the decreased mobility i suffer from, this wallet greatly relieved stress and pain. Check out their website for full details.
http://www.f10a02t05.info/
http://www.nationalvans.com
Natasha, you said, 'an admission of weakness'. I completely understand this statement - even tho it's not true! For whatever reason, our minds have a twisted hold on our thinking when it comes to canes. We are much more accepting of crutches and wheelchairs. But in truth, when we do use a cane, it's a sign of courage and strength because we overcome the stigma or our minds and do what's best for ourselves/bodies.
I applaud you, Deb and others who take charge and overcome. I'm the one with the weakness because I never gave my cane a chance!
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