Does Anyone Use A Walking Stick.

[Kandinskyesque]

OK, I suspected there was a story. I do hope there's progress on it.

For what it's worth, I use a standard Leki walking pole to help with my arthritic knees. Sometimes two. But my problems are very simple.

Thanks, I've just had a butchers at those Leki poles.
Eventually, I'd like to think the OT/Physios will be getting me to walk around outside and there are ample wide, flat(ish) and type1 paved Forestry Commission tracks around here within a 5-10 minute drive.
The immediate terrain around my house isn't great.
Those Leki poles would be ideal as I build up time and distance.

My target is to get fit enough to tackle these paths maybe once or twice per week in the spring and eventually get back into the swimming pool by the summer.
At least I don't need to worry about falling over when I'm in the swimming pool.

 

[ClashCityTele]

Sorry to hear that. Hope you get sorted soon.

I've had arthritis for years & my right hip flares up really bad sometimes. Just got over the last 3 week bout. I couldn't put any weight on my right leg. I found 2 black metal (hail Satan) walking sticks at my parents house years ago. I used them maybe a little too often at first. I was even on Google Street view limping into work! When both hips & my shoulder are painful it's easier just to limp.

I've seen my GP & physiotherapists numerous times, even attending with my stick. I'm currently awaiting a hospital app't. They never checked my walking stick or offered me a better NHS one. The GP did say I'm too young to use a stick. That's fine for him to say.

I mainly use a stick now to get around the house & to the car. If we're shopping I use the supermarket trolley as a 'walking frame'. Get yourself a good quality stick for your height & it could help.

Maybe I need something like this.

PS - just found a full box of codeine at the back of the kitchen cupboard - Paaaarrrty!

 

[ping-ping-clicka]

I use a walking stick , well it it really a shillaly, it's good for balance and discourages ruffians from considering their ill intentioned thoughts. It's as good as walking with a catholic priest by my side in that it helps others avoid the occasional temptation to sin.

 

[Kandinskyesque]

Worked in health finance for 25 years, with a passion. Boy does it get me when I hear of people letting us down like this. Really sorry, K

Walking stick front - I wondered about those lightweight walking poles some people use for hiking. No idea whether they'd be strong or robust enough but they're clearly lightweight, retractable - I think?! - so easily carried for use if needed, and so on.

No idea whether that's any use.

Really saddened to hear things are so tough right now, and the last few months. That's got to be interfering again with your guitar building plans, which is really frustrating.

Someone above said they made their own stick. Sounded like a nice creative project if you have the energy for that.

Hope things look up, fella. Keep at it.

Thanks.
I often think it's more about multiplied errors and consultants not wanting to consider the possibility of being wrong rather than budgetary tightness.

It's been a nearly 40 year saga with the brain injury after effects, 50 years if you count birth to ASD diagnosis. However hopefully when my name comes up on the list for a full historical assessment at the national place in Dundee (mid 2023 at the latest), it will be ironed out.

The pituitary thing is an NHS budget issue though and it's what's driving the fatigue the most I suspect. Last year's test had my growth hormone deficiency at too borderline to justify £6k+ per annum GH replacement treatment (so propped up on steroids) but the NHS test itself is no longer used in the US due to its inaccuracy.
My only alternative there is to get the other/newer test done privately (Harley Street probably), not Bupa covered either, so it looks like I've spent Mrs K's annual bonus in April already.

It's kind of shelved the guitar building plans but on the other hand bolstered the song writing.

The next step will be getting enough health/energy to travel down to Staffordshire to pick up my truck which has been sitting there after repairs it had during the summer. Car sharing with the Mrs is difficult when she uses hers so often and living rurally.
I was hoping to do that this month to coincide with the guitar show in south east Brum and possibly squeeze a visit to the RST (bucket list) but that now looks too close to be achieved.

 

[brookdalebill]

These guys were hanging out here awhile ago.
Creepy lookin’ things!
Oh.
Nevermind.

 

[KeithDavies 100]

Thanks.
I often think it's more about multiplied errors and consultants not wanting to consider the possibility of being wrong rather than budgetary tightness.

It's been a nearly 40 year saga with the brain injury after effects, 50 years if you count birth to ASD diagnosis. However hopefully when my name comes up on the list for a full historical assessment at the national place in Dundee (mid 2023 at the latest), it will be ironed out.

The pituitary thing is an NHS budget issue though and it's what's driving the fatigue the most I suspect. Last year's test had my growth hormone deficiency at too borderline to justify £6k+ per annum GH replacement treatment (so propped up on steroids) but the NHS test itself is no longer used in the US due to its inaccuracy.
My only alternative there is to get the other/newer test done privately (Harley Street probably), not Bupa covered either, so it looks like I've spent Mrs K's annual bonus in April already.

It's kind of shelved the guitar building plans but on the other hand bolstered the song writing.

The next step will be getting enough health/energy to travel down to Staffordshire to pick up my truck which has been sitting there after repairs it had during the summer. Car sharing with the Mrs is difficult when she uses hers so often and living rurally.
I was hoping to do that this month to coincide with the guitar show in south east Brum and possibly squeeze a visit to the RST (bucket list) but that now looks too close to be achieved.

On the truck issue - I love a drive, as you know. If it would help for me to get it and drive it up to you let me know. Busy the next few weekends, but could schedule it in one weekend in March. Just a thought. If someone could get me back to Glasgow train station I'd head back home by train.

I hope the health issues - and care response - pick up. The NHS is really struggling right now. We're not allowed to discuss politics here so I won't get into that, but we all know things are difficult. Nightmare.

 

[rarebreed]

I'm using a cane right now due to surgery on my left ankle, the second time. Torn tendon repair. The cane I'm using was my father in law's. I don't like using it but at least I'm off that damn knee scooter, I hate that thing.

 

[Tricone]

I use a 4 ft bamboo straight cane I made for hiking. I plan on buying an Irish blackthorn cane this year.
You live in the area with the best cane wood in the world. Blackthorn Bush is the bee's knees.
I think the Irish called them canes, till a good scrub came along. Then they were "Shillelagh". Best canes in the world though. Imho

 

[Tricone]

View attachment 1080713 View attachment 1080714
These guys were hanging out here awhile ago.
Creepy lookin’ things!
Oh.
Nevermind.

"Walking Sticks" are cool bugs. Ultimate camouflage.

 

[brookdalebill]

"Walking Sticks" are cool bugs. Ultimate camouflage.

They sometimes grow quite large around here.

 

[Peegoo]

I do, but not necessarily as an assist thing. More as a workout. It does add some exercise to the upper body if you switch hands every 20 minutes or so, and it's pretty invaluable on hikes that take me on downhill trails, especially if the ground is slippery. The stick is also a great thing to have in your hand when a crazy animal has a problem with you being on a trail (it has happened to me).

The ones I use, I made. I apply leather for the handle and seal the wrap ends with epoxy. I usually inlay a coin to mark the production year, or if it's for a specific person, their birth year.

Here are two made of hickory, with leather handle and rubber foot. The top one is about 10 years old, and the bottom one is recent.

Pro tips: use gel CA to bond the cap to the stick or you may lose it in mucky ground. Also, the best leather wrap I've found is sold as replacement tennis racquet grip tape. You can get this stuff at any good sporting goods shop or Scamazon. Make sure to get real leather--not pleather, "PU leather," vinyl, etc. Wrap from the bottom up; if you wrap from the top down, the downward pressure of your hand will roll the wraps off the stick.

 

[Skydog1010]

I have a cane from Cane Masters (https://canemasters.com/). It is the best cane I've ever had. They also sell sticks...but get a regular old J-shaped cane (mine is octagonal heart-hickory).

In today's society, a straight stick = weapon. A J-cane is a "medical device" which you can legally carry anywhere...and no questions asked.

I wasn't interested in self-defense, I'm 370lbs and need something strong enough to help me get on my feet if I fall. A drug store cane wouldn't cut it.

May I suggest lapolicegear look for Kbar cane.

Ka-Bar Knives TDI Cane

The Ka-Bar TDI Cane can be a vital defensive tool where traditional weapons are prohibited.

lapolicegear.com

 

[Peegoo]

I plan on buying an Irish blackthorn cane this year. You live in the area with the best cane wood in the world. Blackthorn Bush is the bee's knees.
I think the Irish called them canes, till a good scrub came along. Then they were "Shillelagh". Best canes in the world though. Imho

I have a 100-year-old blackthorn cane that belonged to my granddad. I may end up needing it when I become too geezerlike to walk without one.

 

[frank a]

Not yet! But soon. Lol

 

[BigDaddyLH]

Related: I got walking poles for Christmas.

They're great! My wife tells me you burn more calories walking with them. and I appreciate the stability. A lot of my walks are on icy or snowy trails.

 

[Tricone]

I have a 100-year-old blackthorn cane that belonged to my granddad. I may end up needing it when I become too geezerlike to walk without one.

Beautiful. That sir, is a jewel of a cane. Very cool.

 

[stxrus]

I no longer have it but I had a hiking stick that was just under 6’. I think Hickory but could be wrong. It was great on non-improved hiking trails.

I gave to a friend that actually hiked half of the Appalachia Trail with it.

 

[Ironwolf]

I use a nice walnut cane that I bought on Amazon for about $80.

 

[Kandinskyesque]

I do, but not necessarily as an assist thing. More as a workout. It does add some exercise to the upper body if you switch hands every 20 minutes or so, and it's pretty invaluable on hikes that take me on downhill trails, especially if the ground is slippery. The stick is also a great thing to have in your hand when a crazy animal has a problem with you being on a trail (it has happened to me).

The ones I use, I made. I apply leather for the handle and seal the wrap ends with epoxy. I usually inlay a coin to mark the production year, or if it's for a specific person, their birth year.

Here are two made of hickory, with leather handle and rubber foot. The top one is about 10 years old, and the bottom one is recent.

Pro tips: use gel CA to bond the cap to the stick or you may lose it in mucky ground. Also, the best leather wrap I've found is sold as replacement tennis racquet grip tape. You can get this stuff at any good sporting goods shop or Scamazon. Make sure to get real leather--not pleather, "PU leather," vinyl, etc. Wrap from the bottom up; if you wrap from the top down, the downward pressure of your hand will roll the wraps off the stick.

I like the idea of making one, especially on days where my backside is fused to the seat.
It might give me a good excuse to sit on the front step without getting frustrated at the garden atrophying in front of me.

Now a question, I had a Rowan come down in December 2021 due to the storms.
Is this wood any good for making walking sticks?
I've got some of it tucked away in a dry spot.

 

[ficelles]

I use an old-fashioned cane for walking, sometimes even around the house, not for mobility reasons but because of vertigo / pre-syncope wrecking my confidence in staying upright. And to think I used to have to be into the third bottle of Jack before that happened. Just kidding I also have a telescopic heavy metal hiking stick I keep in the car, but that ain't really for walking. One day I'll find one of them sword sticks like Adam Adamant used to carry.