The importance of personalised adjustable walking sticks

[AD] This post has very kindly been sponsored by Millercare, a living aids and mobility specialist in the UK.

When I started using a walking stick at the age of 16, it initially was a bit of a shock. It’s definitely not something you’d be expect to be doing at this age, and I felt the pressure of it not being a ‘normal’ thing that 16-year-olds do. That being said, I’m now 21-years-old and it’s still not considered the norm!

My mobility was deteriorating and I could no longer rely on my legs to keep me upright. I also experienced pain from the simple act of being stood up, I couldn’t really continue like this. Having Cerebral Palsy has always meant my mobility hasn’t been the greatest, yet a combination of hormones and growth spurts left me a lot less mobile than I previously had been. This alone was enough to manage.

I was now faced with the stereotypes and judgments that came with using a walking stick, with this probably being the hardest part. In all honesty, my stick stayed in my school bag for about a year! Although, I can assure you it did absolutely nothing by being tucked away. Having a walking stick was not something that came natural to myself, and I think this can be be said for anyone, regardless of the age that they are. Yet the emotional transition can easily be forgotten.

The process of acceptance

Mobility aids have become part of who I am, this might be my walking stick, long white cane or wheelchair. Yet this is not something that happens overnight. It’s okay to want to leave it in a draw (yes, the wheelchair would never fit in a draw…) and never use it again. It’s okay to really despise this item like it has a personal vendetta against you! Despite this, there is a process of acceptance and it does get easier.

I saw a walking stick as a negative thing. It was something that made me different to others, showing them I could no longer function the way I had previously done. When in reality, it was using a walking stick that allowed me to keep an aspect of my mobility. I initially could only focus on the differences that it caused, with the benefits taking a while to learn and appreciate.

We’re led to believe that these products are used solely by older people. This is how they are often advertised and it doesn’t make it very appealing to young adults who require these products as much as the next person! Personally, this was something that impacted on my ability to accept this transition in my life.

I often felt like I was giving in when I used a walking stick. When in actual fact, this isn’t the case. Using my stick allowed me to walk further, have less pain and less chance of falls. What part of that is giving up? Absolutely none of it! Gaining back your independence and quality of life by using a mobility aid is the kindest thing you can do to yourself, and most certainly is not something to apologise for.

Having the ability to have a product that not only gave me support, but allowed me to still be myself was fundamental. It was these core elements that really did help me accept using a walking stick.

Personalising is key

When you have a mobility aid it’s so important for it to be something you connect with. It really needs to be something you’re comfortable with and something that fits you as a person. It’s only through having multiple options that this can be achieved.

For a short period of time, after coming out of hospital, I relied on a zimmer frame to move around. I was given your basic hospital silver frame and was sent on my way. Every time I looked at it I hated it. The product that was there to aid my recovery only made me feel worse about the whole situation. However, after ordering some patterned duck tape and have lots of patience, the zimmer frame was transformed. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, and I wouldn’t be jumping for joy anytime soon (both physically and mentally…) but it was a major improvement.

Millercare have a wide selection adjustable walking sticks which will suit any style or preference. We don’t have to settle with the standard hospital silver when it comes to sticks! The joy is that you can mix and match. When I originally started using a stick, I chose a purple one as this was my favourite colour at the time. A few years later and yellow was much more fitting! Not only that, a product that is adjustable will allow you to make it even more comfortable. Earlier I said that a stick folded up in my bag wasn’t going to help, which is true. However, the ability to carry your stick in your bag if you don’t need it all the time can be an absolute lifesaver.

The identity of a mobility aid

Here I am, having used mobility aids for 5 years, with no end in sight. But you know what? That’s okay, and that really isn’t something I thought I’d ever be saying.

Using a walking stick (or any other mobility aid) has truly become part of who I am. It is engraved in my identity, but I’ve ensured my identity is within the mobility aids that I have. Who doesn’t want their walking stick and shoes to match? If that’s not a life goal, then I’m not too sure what is!

However, I no longer feel like the only young person on the planet who relies on mobility aids. It is thanks to the online disabled community, especially on Instagram, for showcasing and normalising mobility aids. There are some amazing accounts of people who really do make much difference to the image of mobility aid, here are a few of my favourites:

• Natasha Lipman (@natashalipman)
• Pippa Stacey (@lifeofpippa)
• Annika Victoria (@littlepineneedle)
• Lisa Walters (@damselinadress.blog)
• Sophie Bradbury- Cox (@fashionbellee)
• Jessica Kellgren-Fozard (@jessicaoutofthecloset)
• M. Lauren (@atemara)
• Annie Segarra (@annieelainey)

There was a part of me that was afraid to use a stick, thinking that would mean I’d be attached to one for life. Even if this is the case, I now know that’s not a bad thing!

~ Chloe x

[AD] This post was sponsored by Millercare, a living aids and mobility specialist in the UK.