jezunya:

so-over-ableism:

First Time Cane Users

I was talking with the very lovely guardian-system about canes and I wanted to compile what I said and some other stuff in a list!

What cane to buy:

• Make sure it’s the proper height. My cane is adjustable and I have it on the heightest setting because of I’m 5’8”, 5’9” on a good day. If you’re shorter, you’ll need a shorter cane.
• If your disability requires support from both sides of your body, maybe consider some form of forearm crutch. Personally, while both my legs are in pain, I normally take turns with what leg I lead with to give the other a break.
• Have fun with the colors! I got a black one and I decorate it with duct tape depending on the season. Be proud of your cane and enjoy looking at it!

When walking with a cane:

• Your arms are gonna hurt. The arm you use the cane with will be incredibly sore, especially in the elbow area. Your other arm will get tired from doing stuff like opening doors, holding things, and doing everything you can’t with your cane hand. I’m predominantly right handed, and while I’m able to write, brush my teeth, and open things with my left hand, it’s hard to get used to using my secondary hand because I use my right to use my cane.
• Carrying things is gonna be a pain. You’ll struggle to lift things and walk, and back packs drag you down. If something can’t be held with one hand, don’t lift it. Ask for help.
• Canes fall over. A lot. When you sit, put it in a place that you can reach it and it won’t fall over. This sometimes means putting it under your seat or on the floor.

Dealing with other people:

• There will be people in your life who you didn’t realize are ableist who totally are. I have friends who don’t consider me disabled even with my cane and doctors saying I am. You’re gonna learn the hard way who supports you.
• On a happier note, those who support you are wonderful! Hearing them politely offering their help or having them defend you from ableist jerks is a true sign of love.
• As for the actual ableist, I know it’s hard to ignore them, but if you spend more time interacting with them, it’ll make you think more about it. remind them and remind yourself that yes, you’re disabled and you don’t owe them anything.

Internal ableism:

• Walking with a cane comes with the horrible side effect of thinking you’re not “disabled enough”. This is where I’m here to tell you that everyone has a different way of dealing with a disability. Some disabled people use a wheelchair, and some don’t even need a mobility aid. Not being completely immobile doesn’t make you a faker or not disabled.
• I personally practice paganism and all rituals that come along with that, so I find that doing spiritual work helps me feel more myself, but if you’re not pagan, try whatever helps you. Whether it’s your religion, spending time with friends, doing self care, reading, writing, drawing, WHATEVER, do it. You deserve it.

I hope this helps y’all! If you have any questions or just want to vent, send me a message!

Also: check out folding canes, like this one.

I’ve always favored a folding cane because I’ve been a “part-time” user for years (edging towards full-time-when-out-of-the-house these days…) so that I can keep it in my bag for whenever I suddenly & unexpectedly need the support, but don’t have to carry it in my hands when I don’t actually need it. 

Also, if you’re short like me (5′1″), you may have a problem finding a cane that’s not too tall. However, you can remove one of the segments from a folding cane to adjust its height. Each of the two canes I’ve had over the last five years were too tall for me even on their shortest setting, but with one of the middle sections removed & then set to the highest spot, they’re just right! And don’t ever underestimate how much difference having a cane of the right height can make! Even as little as a fraction of an inch can be the difference between comfort or shoulder/back/side/hand/etc. pain.