Walking in Style
What a glorious treat to go for a walk outside on what seems to be almost like a Spring day! A friend and I slowly walked up my street just 3 houses and back with Jake in tow. Jake kept looking back with each step to make sure I was OK. It was like being released from prison!
At this point I have almost no pain. My single crutch is mostly for self-assurance, not so much to bear the weight that is now going on my right leg and foot.
The interesting thing about my new hip is it seems to give me a balance and stability that wasn’t there before as I struggled with a mysterious wobbly gait. It is just possible that breaking my hip and getting a new one was the solution that doctors were never before able to provide.
I’m thinking ahead to the next step, which is to graduate to a cane. We have a loaner gray metal utilitarian cane which is fully adjustable, but which is also just plain UGLY. I found so many colorful artistic choices with Google. For example, check out this website, the source of the above picture.
My goal is to walk one more house each day as I rediscover the pleasure of being mobile outdoors. I can just see myself going all around the neighborhood with my stylish new cane.
posted by Barbara at 3:50 PM
17 Comments:
I'm glad you are improving each day and I know Jake enjoyed the walk almost as much as you did.
Yes, one house at a time; a good plan, Barbara.
You are so creative, my dear friend......take the black cane and cover it with fabric or ribbon or some such thing. You could probably decorate it for any outfit!
Congrats on the progress.
I love the cane-as-fashion-accessory concept! Reminds me of my snazzy new zebra-pattern broom. And I totally relate to your one-house-per-day Dangling Carrot -- so great to have that plan and reward! When I first heard about your fall and surgery, I did wonder about your gait issue -- that would be the greatest silver lining, if the Great Gait Mystery were to simply...disappear! Here's hoping...
F.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Or with apologies to Lao-Tzu, by passing a single house.
E -- I am a little sad that I don't yet feel confident enough to take Jake myself, but perhaps with time.
Tut-tut -- It seemed like a reasonable goal!
Kate -- I sent an e-mail to the website I mentioned asking about the long-distance purchase of a cane since I will not be able to go to Harrisburg to choose one. I'm somewhat excited about finding something that represents ME! I do like your idea, BTW.
Anon F -- Someday I will take a much-anticipated walk with you. Who knows if by that point my cane will still be needed? For now, it is something fun to look forward to.
Sounds as if Jake would take you and make sure you were alright!
Just remember to take your cell with you wherever you go... so it becomes a bit like the cane.... just in case.
You have come so far! Even if it's just three houses.
Can't you paint that ugly cane, add a few rhinestones or a bit of glitter, or glue some snazzy fabric on it? I'm with Kate - make it your own yourself and save the postage :)
or maybe wallpaper it?
is that the style cane you have? hope so, as there will be a little cadeau in your mailbox in a few days time!!
sounds like you are doing GREAT!!
keep on keeping on.....
Woo hoo! It's great that you're improving and becoming more mobile!
It's interesting that the hip replacement solved your gait problem. I'm still behind on all the news about how this episode began, but do you think the fall may have occurred because of an undetected weakness in the hip?
Pauline -- I can't very well decorate a loaner cane belonging to a male friend of ours! I'm having a great dialog with the woman who owns the store I mentioned. I will probably end up buying one of hers.
Mouse -- Can't wait for the mail to come!
Steve -- I plain and simple missed the bottom step when I was spending the night at my friend Deborah's house on Capitol Hill (so I would be at a good place to walk to the Inauguration the next day). It may have had something to do with my lack of proprioception (knowing where your body is in space), but the bottom line is I fell directly on my right hip on a hardwood floor.
I am so behind on my visits--have been struggling just getting my posts up these past weeks .
Tut Tut is right, one house at a time and study your neighborhood details as you slowly continue on.
when Annette Funicello needed a cane, the Disney studio gave her a really cute (and strong) one that she loved.
I love the canes!!! So creative! I always thought that when I get older I'll carry an interesting cane. It could be useful on so many levels. I'll incorporate it along with wearing purple and spitting!
Campbell Canes- Recrafting The Old
Is there any mobility technology older than the basic walking cane? Probably not. But that’s no reason not to refine them both in aesthetics and in function.
Campbell Canes has recently introduced a truly unique set of canes and walking sticks. Why unique? Just have a look to the left and right. Campbell Canes are handcrafted from regional and exotic woods, stained and finished with careful attention to detail. Each bears the signature seal of its craftsman and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
That covers form nicely, but what about function? The manufacturer states that the Campbell Handle™ is specially designed to maximize stability and balance. The grip is firm and comfortable while the curved shape exercises the triceps muscles and relieves overworked shoulder muscles.
Campbell Canes offers canes and walking sticks in a number of styles and customization is available. Owner Ron Campbell is a woodworker, furniture-maker and designer, and business owner who places the highest crafting standards into each cane and stick they produce.
My personal take on the Campbell Canes? I have an affinity for crafted items and I am big on devices that make an individual statement or that are as much art as they are technology. Add to that increased balance and shoulder relief and you have a pretty good package.
I’m not a cane user but I sure wouldn’t mind being seen walking around with one of these. Very cool indeed!
Check out the Campbell Canes website:
www.campbellcanes.com/
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March 8th, 2009 | Category: New On The Scene, Techguide Newsticker | 5 comments
5 comments to Campbell Canes- Recrafting The Old
Ron Cambell
March 10th, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Many thanks to the person posting the story about my canes and walking sticks. This has been a labor of love. I have watched an 88 year old man, bent over using a derby style cane, walk upright after using my design for only 3 weeks. The concept is to relieve pressure on the shoulder, use the triceps muscle more, and provide more stability while walking in a more erect position. Twelve nurses told me to market it. One of 3 doctors was really curious, and now wants to sell them. The second tested my claims, and even asked me to push him to check stability. he had a big smile on his face, and said I was right on all counts. One doctor told me that “ergonomically, it was the best design that he had ever seen.
You do not feel old using my 4 different designs. It may not be for everyone, but after using it myself, after a serious leg injury, I felt more confident, and caught a lot of attention by using it. I just received an order for one because of your blog. THANK YOU! I am currently developing a compatible walking stick line, and some “Kids Sticks” that are really cool. I am 65 years old and semi-retired, but this creative adventure has given me a tremendous energy boost. If you have an idea that can make people feel better about themselves, and maybe physically better..Go for it,. Thanks again.
Ron Campbell
Pat Dobbins
March 11th, 2009 at 12:51 am
I am the person who ordered the cane. If any can can change my life by improving my mobility, this beautiful one will! I’m so grateful to “Wheelchair Diffusion” for letting me know about this wonderful gentleman, whose unique cane may be the answer to my prayers for a better stick! I check this blog daily for new things, and this time it really paid off. Thank you Ziggy and thank you Mr. Campbell! - Pat
Ziggi
March 11th, 2009 at 3:06 am
Heck, I didn’t do nuttin. So glad I could be of help. Use the cane in good health.
Pat Dobbins
March 13th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I received my Campbell Cane tonight. It is a fantastic stick, and offers a upright and ergonomic walking experience for those who do not need to lean heavily on a cane. The craftsmanship is beautiful and the unique design is truly one-of-a-kind! The fancy woods and varied handmade shapes and versions gives the user many wonderful choices in canes and sticks they will love to use as they step out in style. - Pat
Ron Cambell
March 21st, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Recent testimonials:
Campbell Canes Testimonials
“The cane you sent is not only quite handsome, it’s very “user friendly.” Thank you so much for sending it to me.”
George H. W. Bush
“Thanks very much for my cane. It is not only good looking but the concept that it allows one to walk upright.”
Kermit
“The canes are beautiful. Masculine and sturdy looking without being bulky. I would feel comfortable carrying one to an opera or a rodeo. In fact the ‘look’ obviously caught my attention when I first saw it. If the claims of posture are true, well…..I want one. All told the website looks great and the canes look excellent. The biggest problem would be which one(s) I would want. I like the light woods, but the dark ones are way cool too. I perceive the value to be very high, I like the looks, the function, if I could legally marry one I would!”
Corey
“What a lovely sturdy cane. It makes you feel much more secure, plus helps you stand straighter!”
Lu Schurman
“The quality, workmanship and appearance of this product remain first rate and has provided me the support I require.”
Howard Lehrer
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