Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group

Yes! Yes! Yes! There are several people on Connect who use the sticks. I have used them for nearly 30 years (since after ACL/MCL surgery, when they were mandatory for moving on uneven ground. You would be surprised how nice they are on snowy ground too!

Here is my opinion, after using at least 4-5 brands over the years. Brand doesn't matter, cost doesn't matter. Weight, comfortable grip and ease of adjustment matter. My current poles are Coleman, from a camping store, because I left home without mine on a trip. They are not the lightest I have ever owned, but have cork handgrips and easily adjusted straps.

Do you have access to a walking/hiking/camping store like REI? They often have several kinds to try in stock, and someone who can show you how to properly for them for you. If their prices make you gasp, you can just make note of the features that you like, and find something well-rated online that is close.

Things to consider:
Foldable or collapsible - personal preference, but foldable are usually smaller for stowing in a pack
Adjustable to your height - if you are short (under 5'4") you might need a smaller pole so that it can be set to a comfortable height for you
Adjustable wrist strap - to wear with bare hands or over mittens/gloves
Interchangeable tip - rubber for hard surfaces, a cleat for soft surfaces. If they have a rubber tip that pushes on over the the hard tip, make sure replacements are available

@gingerw or anyone else, do you have anything to add?

Sue

Oh, I would call it a huge success compared to being in the wheelchair!
Hope you can add 10 steps today...
Sue

Hi Elizabeth -
I feel your pain, especially in trying to deal with your son and his many difficult issues. Not meaning to add to your burden, but I have a question for you, one which came up as I watch my brother try to figure it out with regard to a disabled grandson, for whom he has been guardian since his teens.

Are there resources in your city, county or state for him? If so, perhaps now is the time to look into them, even as a stopgap to give you a break with some scheduled respite care, housecleaning, shopping, etc.

What is the plan for Rob when you are no longer able to help? It would be dreadful if he were to "fall through the cracks" in society after all the years you have spent helping him.

I think you have said he is not under your guardianship, but sometimes there are resources for "at risk" independent or vulnerable adults. Someone who can no longer read and understand, or engage in a complex conversation is certainly a candidate for guardianship or conservatorship because he cannot make rational decisions about selfcare.

If he receives SSI/SSDI maybe they can point you to local help. Perhaps you can plead for an independent guardian/conservator to deflect his inevitable anger from you, and provide for continuity when you can no longer do everything for him.

There is a positive side to this - when his paperwork, etc are all in the hands of a third party, your time with him can focus on quality of life - outings when he is able, flowers on his patio, etc. And you have peace of mind knowing if you have a medical need or even an emergency, Rob is not abandoned.

Sorry if I stepped on toes here, but you need to get some relief, and some time to focus on your own physical and mental well-being.

My thoughts are with you. Hugs from Minnesota!
Sue

@sueinmn Hey Sue, I WILL! Ten steps is a cinch for today. Maybe even Five Hundred?!! 😋

@jude07 You will read @sueinmn's reply to you, and see she is well versed in these walking poles! I love them, and use them often these days. They help me balance my body, so I am not reliant solely on my cane. Have even considered using them when I have to go to the store. There is no shame to use them for a purpose away from the original intention of a hiking stick. Being able to balance your body, assist in uneven surfaces, and give you the peace of mind that you are moving around, would be foremost in your mind.

And at the very least, they can be used as warnings for people to stay 6' away LOL
Ginger

Hello, Sue. No, my lady, you didn't step on any toes. Never. You come from a place of kindness, caring and wanting to help. I appreciate your insight, always. I need it. You are a gift.

I met with my psychiatrist yesterday, at Mayo. He's a marvel and sent to me from above. I vented the entire visit. He said I need support, and we will work out getting Rob the help he needs. He is scheduled to see a nurse in neurology who works with his neurologist, also a wonderful doctor, person. She will coordinate with the doc and the Integrated Medicine Dept for other therapies to help relieve stress, pain, teach various therapies, as massage, acupuncture, chiro, biofeedback, CBT and whatever. I didn't realize Mayo offered those services. Silly me. We know these therapies help and have been missing since covid began. He's had no support at all. That appt is next week, so help is on the way there.

I don't think the time is here yet for guardianship. We'll see how he progresses with this support and then, if his mental state doesn't improve, I'll take those steps. I pray with some attention from others, he'll begin to improve in these areas. He'll never be ok, but hopefully improved from the klonopin withdrawal damage.

I received a call this morning from scheduling. My psychiatrist referred me to Integrated Medicine and I have a massage scheduled for next Wed. I started crying at the realization of getting help for me and that someone is looking out for me. Wow. Felt so good, Sue. Hope is a wonderful thing. Knowing, through his action, that someone is there for me makes an enormous difference in my outlook. Hope. I didn't realize how much I'd lost...

They called also to schedule a bunch of lab-work re the kidney issues and a follow-up appt with nephrology. Also, appt with urology/gynocology. This system is remarkable, isn't it. So, I'm on track getting help with multiple areas. Still alone, but not as alone and getting help.

Blessings to you and all. Elizabeth

Hello, Ginger. Are the Nordic sticks helpful even for short walks like in the store, in and out like that? I may be past that since I've 'advanced' to a walker when actually walking for any distance, more than a few steps. I use a cane well to cross the street to see my son, but not much further than that.
Glad you're getting out and walking!
Blessings to you and may you keep getting stronger, moving more. Elizabeth

Aw, don't be greedy now. I'm thrilled for you that you're out of the wheelchair and walkling! Impressive...bless you, elizabeth

@ess77 Hi Elizabeth. Thankyou for your chiding but encouraging message! I'm so happy to be up and at 'em again. And you, dear friend, have so many challenging obstacles you face every day. I think of you often and send my very best wishes to you for easier times in the near future. Hugs. Laur

I'm so glad to read this thread -- I just got a pair of walking sticks to help me feel more secure while walking and will try them later day. I think they will make me feel like an intrepid explorer.