Walking aids

I have a flexifoot stick - they are excellent. They have a bendy rubber ferrule which follows the lie of the land, so that whether you are going up or down hill or on the flat, the base of the stick is always firmly on the ground. A bit like suspension on a car. They are also shock-absorbing so a more comfortable walk.
flexyfoot.com/pages/walking-sticks

I also have a rollator and it is very useful, but I cannot get it into the car myself.

A little tip ...... when I knew I would be stuck with a stick, I made the decision to always hold my head up high and walk tall, rather than bending over the stick.

I’ve used walking aids on and off ever since my brain injury 20+ years ago. The type depends on my ability which varies from day to day. I can only use one hand so walking frames and wheeled walkers are out. I can’t carry a big heavy stick. I use a lightweight trekking stick with a t shaped handle most of the time, and a trekking pole on days when my balance is very bad.

Don’t bother with a cheap flowery folding one, they don’t give enough support and are liable to fold up if you lean on them. Good folding sticks will lock in place.

I never wanted to use any kind of aid, especially as I was younger than most other neuro patients. However, it was that or never go out. They are and aid, to enable you, and that can only be a good thing.

I think I need more than a stick, a rollator type of thing, perhaps?
When I worked in care homes the residents often called them their bikes. [smiles]

I have to rest, (a lot!) so I'm not sure a stick would be man enough for me to lean heavily on.

I do feel quite miserable about the idea, I have to say, as daft as it is.

Which hand do you use for the stick? I was told if your right leg is bad use the left hand.Is this right?

Do not feel miserable - grasp this new chance to be out and about more. Look at it in a positive light.

I'm trying to.
Think positive!!

I need to get out, so it must be done, I think.

I recently had to use a stick/s fir walking post hip op which helped, but have always used two poles fir proper walking ( distances). They should be the right length fir height ( right angle at elbow).

They give support and confidence as well as an extra ‘Leg’ fir balance. Two is better than one but more awkward shopping etc, so one is better than none. Good luck

Oh, too late, you have moved on from sticks. If your neighbour has one why not have a go indoors and see how you feel.

She doesn't need one.
She nips about here, there, and everywhere!

It's a tri walker I'm thinking of, apparently.
No seat, because I'd never get up again!

I’ve got this.
It’s pretty damn perfect, but it’s quite pricey
Able Life Space Saver Walker,... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0026IBSUU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&tag=gransnetforum-21

Have you been in touch with the community occupational health service? They used to and assume still assess homes for equipment aids etc both indoors and out and you would not have to buy them yourself. Think you can self refer.

I’ve just seen how much they are currently charging; I’m certain that I payed £40 less than that.

No, I've not, I don't think, silver.
I shall put it on my "to do" list, thank you.

I still use a bed aid large under mattress handle affair which is helpful fir pulling myself up. I don’t really need it now, so will return, but OT is well worth contacting,

That folds up nice and small, fanny.
I would rather it cost less, though.

I have a basic grey metal walker, wheels on the front, ( but none on the back) £5 in a charity shop. You will know what i mean.
It was useful initially, then later when getting in and out of shower as I didn't feel safe, an extra bonus it served as somewhere to hang my clothes and towel. Only stopped using it recently. Its all in the loft ready fir any new knees or hip required in the fullness of time. I hope you find something that helps.

Thank you.
You can use your walker when you have you toe fused, perhaps? Ouch!!

True, forgot about that.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202208/medium-963243-front-walker-left.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202208/medium-597665-lets-go-out.jfif

As a result of an accident I have needed a walker since I was in my 40s and I have tried all sorts and styles,

I find that I do best with one that has a comfy seat to sit on, it fairly lightweight, has big enough wheels to roll well on uneven ground and one that folds up.

My absolute no. 1 favourite is the Trionic Walker - I actually have 2 - a 12 inch for every day and a 14 inch for rocky or forest walks. It is a bit bigger than some but the seat is comfy and it is very stable given that I have nerve damage
www.trionicwalker.co.uk/

If you do not need so much support then I really recommend the Trustcare "Let's go out" rollator which is really lightweight and folds easily. I had one of these when I was still able to go to work
www.amazon.co.uk/Modern-Foldable-Lets-Rollator-Wheeled/dp/B07546WSM3/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1FMN0WSRPUEDL&keywords=lets%2Bgo%2Bout%2Brollator&sprefix=rollator%2Blet%2Caps%2C133&th=1&tag=gransnetforum-21&qid=1659364241&sr=8-4

You'll be dancing around like a spring chicken by the time you're all "done".

My daughter bought me one of those 3 wheelers with shopping bag.
It gives me confidence but I hate it. Don't want to give in to old age.

silverlining48

Have you been in touch with the community occupational health service? They used to and assume still assess homes for equipment aids etc both indoors and out and you would not have to buy them yourself. Think you can self refer.

I second this. I know from your other posts that money is tight and you shouldn’t have to pay for things you need. A friend has a tri walker provided by local services. When it broke they supplied a replacement no problem.

I never understand people that will not use aids, I know of several who need hearing aids, walking sticks, or walkers stating that it would make them look old, the aids do not make them look old it is the fact they are in their 80s that they look old.