Walker/No Walker | Arthritis Information

 

That's the question. Doctor recommended it last visit since I having trouble using the cane because of my left arm and hand. But I don't see how a walker is going to make that any easier.

Then, last night, right out of the blue, after a really good day where I didn't overdo it (at least I don't think I did), I couldn't walk across the kitchen floor. Slow motion folks. Baby steps. Don't worry about getting out the way because by the time I get there, you won't remember being the kitchen. And tremors... yaaahhhh!!! Hours of leg and hand tremors.

Now the walker sounds more reasonable (scary thought, and you seen those jazzy chairs -- they're all the rage). But I don't need it this morning. And, how am supposed to get in and out of car with that thing? I have enough trouble juggling my purse and my cane.

Oh, and they are sending me to the Pain Specialist for Fibromylagia. Didn't ask for this. Don't know what they intend to do. They wouldn't give me information. More like "try it, you'll like it."

Last night, I could have used a bit of pain management. Today, too. I think the big hammer that knocks you senseless would do just fine.

Deanna,  Do like me.  I don't want to be dependent on a walker or a cane.  Use it just around the house and live in today.  We are going to get better.  I am going to get better.  Say that fifty times or I am going to make you write it on the board 150 times No real advise here as I think this is really something you need to decide, but maybe it's worth having on an as needed basis?
 
Your slow moving kitchen story made me chuckle and reminded me of this little story...

When I was first married my mom, who has Fybro really bad came to visit. At this time I was having one of the worst flares of my life, knees wouldn't bend, could barely move etc... Dh was taking us out for dinner and as we left the apt, we had to go down the flight of stairs outside our front door.

Mom was first, closely followed by me. There we were, each taking slow sidewase steps, one.....two.... inching our way down.

A minute or so goes by without much progress and my smart ass husband who had been waiting so patiently at the top of the stairs, mumbled "Good thing there isn't a fire."

LMBO! He was right, though. You just have to see or experience that slow pace to appreciate the humour. Mom and I started laughing so hard. So I can relate...although it has given me some chuckles, it really is no fun!


Deanna,
   My grandmother is much older than you are, but had been
struggling for years in pain from OA and neuropathy. The pain
meds didn't even take the edge off. She could barely walk, and
when she did she needed her cane or a walker. Last year, my
dad started taking her to a new pain clinic that had just opened.
Within a few months she was down to taking her pain meds
once a day, sleeping much better, and able to get around
without her cane. She now goes to the pain clinic less
frequently, but her symptoms have not worsened. I have heard
of some people not having much success with the pain clinics,
but my grandmother was in horrible shape and was told by
doctors she would never get rid of the pain so she needed to
get used to it. They also told her that she probably wouldn't live
2 more years. Now I am looking forward to her being around
when I have children. I hope the pain clinic works well for you.
Give it a good chance, and try to be patient with it (although
most of RA is "wait and see"). Good luck!

Sue. that's good advice. But it's hard to face a walker at 49. There's a lot of difference at 92. But I am thinking about it. I'm afraid I'll go out and suddenly I won't be able to walk. It happens that fast.

Danae, I so relate to your experience. I was hoping someone could see the humor in it. I forgot to mention my daughter was randomly singing "Dancing Queen" while this was going on.

Roxy, I might succomb to the walker but I don't think I could write anything 150 times. Okay, pay me a million bucks and I'll give it a try.

Sara, I found your comments really encouraging. I sound like your grandmother. But it is hopeful since she had such good results. Thanks for telling me that. I just don't want to be doped up or told I just have to learn to live with the pain until every option has been tried.

In other words, don't give up on me. I feel like my last Rheumy did.

Deanna, I know using a walker at 92 is different than using it at 49. 

But the point is.....Don't you want to get out and get around, and feel more confident that you won't fall or collapse? 

I'm 58.  If my RA gets worse, I fully intend to use a walker, if that's what is needed. 

Using a walker when needed doesn't mean you will be dependent on it every single day.  Have it with you, and use it if you feel you need a little more confidence that you won't fall.  Have the cane with you too. 

Using a walker doesn't mean you are old.  It means you need a little assistance, and still want to get out and about.  Look at it as a positive reinforcement...not something that means you're going downhill. 

Sue
Deanna...get the walker...even if you only use it once a week...it is worth having...just in case...and you will need it eventually at least for a while when you have your knee surgery...

Oh Deanna :( If you had the energy I would tell you to just cold clock her. You'd feel so much better. Wouldn't solve anything...but it'd work for the stress....

It sounds silly, but what if you DID re-apply and fake it? You know you need it... I don't know about the driving part though :( Public tranisit SUCKS. Do you guys have a program for disabled people? We do out here, and they are REQUIRED to be on time. It's also just a van that takes you, and the state pays for it. You should look into it.

Chin up Deanna, chin up, you've made it this far, and you'll make it farther.

I'd already made use of a cane and crutches, but the walker helped me walk more steadily. Also, I could carry my purse and other items in the basket and rest on the little bench when I needed to. There were plenty of times when sudden tiredness out of nowhere made that seat a much appreciated blessing.

I know that without my walker, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish as much as I did. I think it ultimately helped me get better by letting me get out in the world, instead being stuck at home.

Tauni,

You gave me a lot of good reasons for it. I am going to check on what it takes to get one. I don't feel unbalanced so much as things don't work. But the thought of being able to get around sounds really good. I really would like to hang out in the art galleries, bookstores, etc. Or just walk a distance. I miss going for walks.

Deanna, I have an idea for you.  Contact the Lion's Club in your town and explain your situation and request their assistance in obtaining a walker.  My husband is a Lion and his club is always looking for an opportunity to help people in their community.  It's why they are Lions!  His club has purchased many similar items for folks in need, and I would think the club in your area would want to do the same.

Secondly, find out if there is a branch of the GFWC Woman's Club in your town.  Write a letter to them asking if there is anyone in their club that could assist you with occasional housekeeping needs, etc.  I was very active in the Womans Club in my town and we never let a request for assistance go unanswered.  There are many people, and organizations who are there waiting to help, but they never learn about the people genuinely in need.  Ask for help and it will come!

Karen

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