Struggling with Adjusting to a Cane

that's totally understandable. It is hard when your whole world and plan for your future changes suddenly. Going from perfectly healthy, able to push your body really hard without much punishment/consequences, to chronically ill can feel devastating

Everybody I know has dealt with at least a little internalized ableism. This is where you feel bad about, or beat yourself up for something about your disability, such as needing a mobility aid. This is completely normal- especially when you're 1st adapting to being disabled. The most important thing Is that you do not overexert yourself, and push yourself too hard to NOT use the cane, because then you can hurt yourself. Remember to treat yourself the same way you would treat your younger sibling. If your baby sister was in pain and struggling to walk, you would always encourage her to use her cane so she wouldn't be in so much pain and could have a better chance at healing (or adapting, if it is a life long condition). You would NEVER put her down with thoughts of "well you used to be able to do this!" Or "Whats wrong with you?", so don't start saying those things to yourself either. It's okay to take time to heal, and it is completely valid to take a little time to mourn what has changed in your life- but dont obsess over mourning it. Life is still good, even with a cane! I'm happy to talk if you need that.