Help? Where can I buy my first walking stick?

Careful_with_that_Axe

crutches wrote: »

I got ergonomic handled adjustable sticks from the Social Services O.T.
I was unbalanced on just one stick so was given two

I bought some black crutches without arm grips (just comfy rests) on ebay .They have spikes on the end and are great on grass/snow/mud etc.My NHS ones were quite uncomfy around my arms.
BUT when I saw a DSS official he commented that only NHS crutches are seen as officially needed crutches for assessments as "anyone can go on ebay and pretend they need them" so beware!

I've lost count of the number of times I've had to explain that I was issued with crutches by OT, but prefer the aesthetics and functionality of the ones I have.

luminated

An update

We had £10 of Tesco club card vouchers and I have used them to get a starter folding stick for £10. My wife is not happy as she feels I should of bought something more rigid but to me they are fine for starting off. The handle is a little short as the end tends to stick in the palm of my hand but as said before I just need them at the moment to give me more confidence with my balance/vertigo issues.

My GP was adamant he didn't want me to use a stick for my leg peripheral nerve damage issues as he felt it would bring on even more problems but in my back.

I saw my best friend today and walked (well I call it walking - but it doesn't look the same as most folks walking) locally for a coffee but didn't use the stick as I only bought it yesterday and need to get used to it. He suggested I should get a stick and I revealed all and he laughed when I said I wasn't ready to 'greet my public' with it yet -- only joking!!!!

So for the time being let's see and hope my legs don't get worse as this may dictate a more radical approach.

Thank you all so much for sharing this part of your life with us all on this thread :beer:

only_mee

Lidl Torquay had two folding ones today were £7 each iirc

mcculloch29

crutches wrote: »

I got ergonomic handled adjustable sticks from the Social Services O.T.
I was unbalanced on just one stick so was given two

I bought some black crutches without arm grips (just comfy rests) on ebay .They have spikes on the end and are great on grass/snow/mud etc.My NHS ones were quite uncomfy around my arms.
BUT when I saw a DSS official he commented that only NHS crutches are seen as officially needed crutches for assessments as "anyone can go on ebay and pretend they need them" so beware!

I have a feeling I'll be at the crutches stage in a few years so thanks for that info. I'm a bit peeved, as I love my beautiful Switch stick, it's like a fashion accessory, and had planned to get beautiful crutches.

mary-op

luminated - well done...........you're one stage nearer. If your GP is concerned (or you are) don't use it unless you feel you really need it and good luck.
I'm so pleased with mine.......now I'm wanting to decorate the old NHS ones I've got if I can find the stick backed plastic -bound to somewhere online that sells it:)

mcculloch.....I'm sure I saw on the internet yesterday a video -youtube I think-that showed how to decorate crutches.:)

jetta_wales

mary-op wrote: »

luminated - well done...........you're one stage nearer. If your GP is concerned (or you are) don't use it unless you feel you really need it and good luck.
I'm so pleased with mine.......now I'm wanting to decorate the old NHS ones I've got if I can find the stick backed plastic -bound to somewhere online that sells it:)

mcculloch.....I'm sure I saw on the internet yesterday a video -youtube I think-that showed how to decorate crutches.:)

We always used to get it in WHSmith when we had to cover all our school books with it in Comp.

mary-op

Thanks..........but our nearest Smiths is 20 miles away as are most shops that might sell it and no way can I travel on a bus to get there with my back. I did wonder whether our local DIY shop might sell it..........might get cleaner to take me on Thursday after grocery shopping.:)

NotSoWise

NHS supplied my OH's stick

Careful_with_that_Axe

I always think a good way to assess whether you need to use crutches or a stick (if an OT/physio has suggested them) is to try and use them. I find, if they get in the way, you don't really need them yet. People keep telling me to use 2 crutches all the time rather than just the right hand one which I usually use. Some days I manage fine with both, but the times that the second one gets dropped/knocked into things means that particular day I can manage fine with one iyswim.

DigForVictory

I've read this thread with fascination, awe & tears of laughter. :A
Next time I see an undressed stick, I shall offer an assortment of squares of coloured stickyback plastic, gaffer tape & hairbands with exotic bobbles to enliven it with.
I just hope my father in law has the breath to laugh with me. Some Motorway service stations have booths which take a photo & print off a sheet of tiny stickers of said photo - I wonder if that would work on a waking frame? Alongside the little shields, and the tinsel. (Why didn't we think of that? The thing sat there like a scowling toddler all Chirstmas & we could have made it Fun. Dratted opportunity missed. Not this year.... )