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Scarletteve

420d

I’m 19 and going to start using a cane soon. My chronic pain has been very quickly getting worse and worse and walking is very difficult lately. I have fibromyalgia, cfs/me and am hypermobile. I have really bad social anxiety because I am autistic and I’m very nervous about being young and using a cane in public. I’m worried about peoples’ judgements and questions and people staring. My mum is already saying that by getting a cane I’m “letting the disability win” and that people my age shouldn’t need to use a cane. It makes me feel so bad. Anyway, just wondering how others who use walking aids have dealt with these feelings.

Top reply
    • Mcmeadow

      416d

      I was 19 when I started using a cane because I went from bedridden, to wheelchair bound, to attempting to walk with a cane (but then back to the wheelchair again permanently) and that's ok. These things are tools. Whatever you need to get by and have a better quality of life. I was afraid of these things at first too. But don't be afraid to use the resources that are available to help you function better. ❤️❤️

    • Mcmeadow

      416d

      I was 19 when I started using a cane because I went from bedridden, to wheelchair bound, to attempting to walk with a cane (but then back to the wheelchair again permanently) and that's ok. These things are tools. Whatever you need to get by and have a better quality of life. I was afraid of these things at first too. But don't be afraid to use the resources that are available to help you function better. ❤️❤️

    • Belleromeo

      419d

      I am 24 and I've been using a cane for about a year, I have pretty much the same issues as you and I definitely get it. There have been times I have left it at home because I was too anxious and I always regret it! I do get looks sometimes unfortunately but it's worth it to feel more safe and comfortable when I'm out in public. 💗

    • KirbyWirby

      420d

      i started using a cane when i was 19, i also have fibro, autism/anxiety, and my mom was incredibly resistant to me using a cane. Because of all that, it took me much longer to start using it regularly than it should have. But using a cane improved my life SO much! Unfortunately, I do find that some people in public give me strange looks, but so far, no one has said anything nasty to me, and I've been using a cane for almost 10 years! I also find that people giving me strange looks or staring doesn't matter to me as much as I thought it would because the cane brought such an improvement to my mobility and pain issues. I also want to take a moment to suggest compression wear and braces, because those have also helped me SO much. Good luck with your journey! Do not let other people downplay your need for aids of any kind. You know when you need them, no one else gets to decide that!

    • spookyspoonie

      420d

      This is a feeling that will take a little while to go away, but I promise it will eventually. Think of this the same way as any other change to your appearance- like dying your hair or getting a tattoo. Some (rude) people might look or make comments, but your happiness is what matters- not theirs. Just keep reminding yourself that the mobility aid will help your quality of life, and that's the most important thing. The only way that your disability wins, is when you give up. Using a cane is the opposite of giving up. Using a cane is saying "im willing to do whatever it takes to thrive".

      • Scarletteve

        420d

        @spookyspoonie thank you for this :) I really like your perspective

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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