Anyone using a mobility aid?

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Im not sure whats going on, doc says probably arthritis but also possibly exacerbated by the vitamin D issue ...
I keep falling
I have fallen 3 times in a little over a month, each time resulting in my slamming my knee into the ground and ending with bruising, pain, swelling, the works.

It has been suggested that i consider some type of mobility aid, at least for at home in the evenings when its worse and/or when out and doing lots of walking (museums/zoo with the kids etc)

I have resisted so far, it makes me feel old, but at this point.... I cant keep doing this. Last time I fell was yesterday, and i was just starting to recover from the one before that 2 weeks earlier.

Anyone using a cane/walker/aid of some sort and want to share their experiences?
 
I don't use anything yet, but I use a grocery cart as a walker when I am in stores. My brother has similar issues as I do and he has to use a cane in the winter. A cane doesn't have to be a bad thing, there are some pretty cool ones if you look around, it doesn't have to be a silver medical one. I think its important to take that step, you could break something if you continue to fall.
 
I occasionally use crutches when my legs flare up I had to use them last week sometimes I just use one to give me a bit of support. I didn't want to use a cane just yet so felt crutches are a good in between point for me as it doesn't feel permanent. I may move onto a cane if I feel I need it more as crutches can be cumbersome especially this time of year when everywhere is so busy.
 
Are you seeing a Rheumotologist???
Have they suggested physical therapy and occupational therapy ?
I know the key for my kiddo was the right meds
He was already on humira when he was dx with juvenile spodylarthritis associated with Ibd in his hands so the Rheumo upped the Humira to every 10 days and added Mtx.
In addition he was given daily exercises plus swims competively multiple days a week.
He also uses braces at night which made him feel "old" at the ripe old age of 10.
As well as parafin wax x2 a day, elastic pants , runners elastic shoes laces that don't need tied , hand putty and other stuff does not making him any younger.
It does let him function and has lessened the overall inflammation


He is 11 now.

Hope the mobilty aid helps .
And the meds kick in soon
 
As little penguin has said it might be time to see a specialist
I use a walker and a cane since a head injury left me with an unpredictable balance problem
Initially it made me unhappy to use the walker but it does maintain a certain freedom and its better than falling. On good days I will use a cane.
You have to overcome the feelings and accept the benefits of safety and independence
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha
 
We havent referred to a rheumo yet, gastro wants to see if the course of high dose vitamin D she just started me on makes any difference to my joint pain/function. Im just tired of falling down ... i guess i ought to ask about specialist? Meanwhile i may have to bite the bullet on an aid of some type cause this is ridiculous
 
I would opt for a walker to maintain safe mobility while you consider other options.
Have you had a neurological check up?
Sometimes the drugs we are required to take may have some side effects.
Hope you will soon receive appropriate attention
Hugs
Trysha
 
Im back to evaluate the success of the Imuran and Humira (those are the new ones) and lab work in January, as well as seeing PCP for yearly physical, so going to be having a frank discussion on this with both docs
 
I have arthritis in my hips and I have also had some issues with vertigo this year which affected my balance, so I've used a cane for both the arthritis and the vertigo. As Afidz said, you don't have to get an ugly or boring cane, there are some really cute ones out there so do some googling and find one that you like. I have 2 canes, one is dark brown wood with a gold handle in the shape of a duck's head, and the other is black wood with a silver handle that's sort of swirly and kind of looks like a fish. At first especially I did feel awkward and felt like everyone was staring at me on days when I needed to use a cane, but now I just see it as another tool to help me out health-wise (and since my canes are cute, I try to think of them as accessories rather than medical devices and that also helps me feel less awkward and old). I know, nobody wants to have to use a cane particularly when you're still young, but they really are helpful particularly if you've already had some falls.

If you need to use a walker or even a wheelchair - there was a girl who used to be active on the forum who ended up needing a wheelchair, and she got some of that cute patterned duct tape (hers was pink with zebra stripes), and she used that to decorate her wheelchair. She may have done some bedazzling as well. So you could also get something standard but then get crafty and make it cuter or more unique so that it fits your personality better and makes you feel less self-conscious about it.

And hey, if anyone calls you old or makes you feel bad about needing a cane - you can always hit them with your cane! Ha ha, kidding of course, but there have been a few people I've been tempted to "accidentally" hit with my cane. ;)
 
It happens to all ages! My 5 yr old ended needing a medical stroller for awhile.
She has more braces/ace bandages/wraps then I care to mention.
Her arthritis hit hard but now is getting better.

I hope you feel better soon!
 


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