Let's Talk About Mobility Aids // My Experiences & Why I Use Them // Living With Fibromyalgia

OPEN ME!
In today's video I'm talking about mobility aids: my experiences with them, why I use them and which ones I use, and a little bit about how abled people can help improve our experience as mobility aid users.
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[@EIWong-wu5bj]

I don’t comment that often on videos and I know this an older video but I just bought a mobility aid today and have been struggling a lot with gaslighting myself about my disability. It’s the whole “am I even disabled enough? Am I faking it? Will people think I’m using it for attention? etc.” but hearing you share your experiences and the thoughts you have made me feel less alone in this and that I don’t have to validate my disability to anyone or explain my need for a mobility aid because what I’m using to make my life easier doesn’t effect anyone else. So long story short, thank you so much for sharing your stories and experiences it means so much ❤️❤️❤️

[@berukno1601]

Thank you for this video, I can completely relate to the negativity about mobility devices. I'm so tired of doctors and physical therapists discouraging the use of a walker or cane after my stroke; complete opposite of what I expected to experience from the medical profession.

[@olgachronics3273]

They think it's a death sentence when it's the exact opposite

[@bee1411]

Thank you! I have EDS and I use a cane and a rollator (walker with wheels and a seat lol) sometimes. People are SO weird about the walker, it’s like people can process a young person needing a cane, or a wheelchair, but a walker? Oh no that must only be for the elderly. And it’s mainly elderly folks giving me the dirty stares when I’m out and about with my walker. Like y’all, it’s not that deep my joints just dislocate at least once a day. I feel the need to go out fully braced sometimes when I’m going to need the walker, that way people don’t question it. I wish it was easier to just ignore the dirty looks and stares, because my walker is my baby and she helps me so much. :(

[@frentbow]

My trionic veloped (rolator) is my Buddy!

[@shannongreenwell1278]

I have EDS also and I use a cane for everyday tasks but I use a wheelchair when I’m at my church because I don’t want to be in pain when I’m trying to listen to the sermon and focus on the message, and the church building is big!! I have braces but I only try to use them when I’m in excruciating and extreme pain or I have subluxation my wrist or my back hurts. If ignorance was a fashionable outfit, some people would wear it really well!! They’re too busy minding others business! It’s not my business why someone uses their mobility aids.

[@CandiceArtist]

I never even thought about borrowing a wheelchair! What a great idea! I never even thought about it just saving me energy. I don't have to have the fear of "do I have enough energy after" to go out to dinner with my husband or even go to more than one store! lightbulb! thank you

[@olgachronics3273]

Oh absolutely! It can be a real energy saver! Glad to be of help :)

[@chronicallycal]

thank you for this! I just bought a walking stick to deal with my fibro (mostly for energy toll and pain levels from walking, that have been making me skip meals/break plans/avoid shopping/etc.) I was super indecisive going into it and now it's just sitting in my room waiting for me to actually get the courage to use it. this helped me feel better about it

[@olgachronics3273]

Aw thank you! I'm sure once you start using it, the help it gives will trump the lack of confidence. And you can always fake it 'till you make it in the confidence department!

[@evelynkrull5268]

Just found your channel. I just bought my first mobility aid (a walker that transforms into a transport chair) but it's really not practical for short trips, so I bough a walking stick now for short jaunts where I need something in case of uneven ground or something on walls to work. I have lupus and fibromyalgia. And have had it for 10 years. I saw another young person out in the grocery store using a walking stick while I was using my walker and we looked at each other like eyyyyyy homie! Even though weve never met

[@olgachronics3273]

Aw I'm proud of you for taking those steps to take care of yourself! :) Oh I love when that happens! When that happens I sometimes wave or smile at the person and its a nice little moment we have there. Hope you're having a low pain day :)

[@bee1411]

Oh my godddd that’s such a mood! Fellow disabled young person? Hell yes solidarity.

[@1974AMDG]

Not ALL disabilities are VISIBLE! I wish people would learn this! I am not young, I'm 63, but I have arthritis and also plantar fasciitis in both feet, which means I can't walk too far without some kind of help. So I have 3 mobility aids which I use on different days, for different levels of pain, and depending on how much walking I would need to do. I have a walking stick, a rollator walker, and a mobility scooter (which is heavy duty and I use as my 'pack-horse' for carrying my grocery shopping). And because I can walk short distances without them, I think people around me still think I am 'faking' which really makes me mad and makes me feel so uncomfortable and feeling like I have to constantly defend my use of them! I NEVER judge ANYONE I see using a mobility aid, regardless of age! I'm sorry you have experienced that, love! All the best to you. Love from Australia.

[@williee9707]

Thank you. A few years ago I injured my back and I had to walk with a cane. I got so many questions of why I needed a cane due to my age. Now, four or five times out of the year my back goes out and I have to use the cane. On top of that I have peripheral neuropathy in my feet and hands and have struggled with using a cane in public some days and others when I don’t need it. I hate that people think disabled people have to be disabled 100% of the time.

[@olgachronics3273]

You are so right, disability can be dynamic, and people aren’t used to that.

[@lonniemason3084]

Thank you for your comments, I've just bought a wheelchair and it has made my day so much easier and I enjoy can going out not worrying about pain and exhaustion. I still feel self conscious in it and like I'm faking. But it does make my life better.

[@olgachronics3273]

Ah that’s amazing! Im so proud of you!!!! You deserve to have better quality of life. I understand the whole imposter syndrome “not disabled enough” thing but it’ll get easier with time :)

[@dannyphantomart1686]

Honestly I don't need my cane a lot physically, unless I'm going to an amusement park, but sometimes I like to have it because it visually explains any other symptoms I might have and people question me less when I get medicine out of my bag, or have to sit down for a minute because I'm too hot, dizzy, tired, my ankles/knees hurt, etc. Just because you can't see someone condition, you still have to manage it!

[@freddyw.7029]

I love project bags as well, and every single one of my projects, needs one…that’s why we need so many!! I belong to the group of people who almost NEEDS to have knitting (sometimes also crocheting) in my hands when I’m leaving the house. Be it on the treadmill at the gym, in the city, while going for a walk or hiking. It’s honestly safer for me to work on a project while walking than if I’d be on my phone! I’ve fallen over stuff, or walked against stuff cause I was concentrating on my phone, but I’ve not even stumbled while knitting while walking ;-) I even work on lace and cable projects as long as I know the pattern by heart 😊 At least with my current lace projects I have to look at my hands the whole time (mainly due to the yarn), and it still works perfectly 😂

[@allcoastoutpatienttherapy9823]

Love what you have done with the canes to make them visually aesthetic

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you!

[@alissalynch8884]

I was only just diagnosed a few weeks ago after getting over a very long flare up, I'm still trying to figure out what my normal is and I've been considering getting a walking stick after watching your videos, you're really helping people!!! I never would've thought to get one lol. And I'm really proud to share your channel and videos with people in my life still learning about fibromyalgia. You're so appreciated!!

[@olgachronics3273]

Hi Alissa! Thank you so much for your comment, it truly made me so happy :) I', glad you've found our itty bitty community and hope we continue to help you! :) Lots of gentle hugs

[@headbanger1853]

Your canes are beautiful. House of Canes and Fashionable Canes sell really stylish ones. Vive and Switch Sticks on Amazon also come in fun colors and patterns. I have a quad cane, folding cane and an offset handle cane. They are a boring black color. I personally prefer my offset handle with a foam grip because it is sturdier than my folding cane, doesn't give me callouses like the wooden handle and I don't need to grip it firmly, which lessens the pain in my hand. I use my quad cane when I need more balance, but it is heavy and sometimes cumbersome to use. I have been dealing with chronic pain for over 13 years and I'm 27. My college physician thinks it's fibromyalgia since I have pain all over and trigger points, but I haven't received a second opinion yet. The most annoying part about my illness is that people ask questions, assume I'm faking and stare at me. And nobody I know understands what it's like to get random shooting pains, tingling, burning pain in the feet and fatigue. My canes increase my quality of life, even though I feel judged using them on my bad days. Thank you for your video, glad somebody understands what it's like to be young and using mobility aids.

[@olgachronics3273]

Thanks for sharing, I have to remember to look at those websites! You could use colourful tape or stickers to embellish yours if you wanted to make them more stylish! I've seen lots of people on instagram do some really creative projects that are so unique and really turn their mobility aids into art pieces. I'm glad you don't let the small-mindedness of others limit you from having more quality of life. Keep rocking those mobility aids! Also, a fun and possible helpful hashtag on instagram is #babewithamobilityaid :)

[@headbanger1853]

@@olgachronics3273 Thank you for the recommendation. I also got a burgundy rollator walker a few days ago. It is truly a lifesaver! Less hand-pounding that I get with the cane and I can go farther without getting too tired out. I highly recommend a rollator when you have to go shopping and run errands on the bad days.

[@boopboopscoop]

This was a really helpful video! I recently ordered a cane and I've been worried about how people might react, since my symptoms vary day by day too. I feel a lot of reassurance from this!

[@olgachronics3273]

Aw that's amazing to hear! I hope your cane helps you have more good days and have more quality of life! And remember, what other people think about you is their problem :)

[@margaritacarro5026]

Thank you! You keep it real in this video & that has made it easier for me to finally order a walking stick that I think will help me. I deal with CF and deal with mobility issues sometimes. I also like the idea of personalizing my walking stick.🙂

[@soniateach]

I resonated with this video so much!! Thank you for putting this into words!

[@eireannmful]

Hi Olga! I just found you and I wanted to say thank you! I needed to see this today. I am in my 30’s with an autoimmune arthritis condition and am at the point where I’m questioning whether I need to start using a cane. But, I’ve been struggling with that reality for a few reasons. This has helped me quite a bit.

[@olgachronics3273]

Hi Erin! You are so welcome :) Other creators that might help you are Natasha Lipman, Zoe Arnold, Annika Victoria & Jessica Kellgren-Fozard. They're all people who use different mobility aids and do a lot of advocating about them and why they are important. I hope you find a cane helpful and that it helps with your quality of life :)

[@sheryl8034]

I haven't used my stick for a long time, but I decided to take it Christmas shopping along with a holdall on wheels and I was so glad I did. The difference in my pain was huge. I was sore and tired yes but not totally agony and exhausted as I would of been without. The floors on shopping centres are just so hard. ❤🎅

[@olgachronics3273]

That's so true, they really are tiring. I'm super glad you found your stick helped though, it makes me very happy!

[@eracqoon]

I'm getting a mobility aid to help with my balance when standing for long periods of time I often feel like I'm going to faint or fall and I feel like one would help, you talking about this made me feel confident in my decision thank you

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you for your comment! I hope it helps too, I'm sure it will give you more quality of life! Let me know how you get on with it :)

[@Tania-Tatttytreasure]

I have to take my hat off to you you are a inspiration olga I've had a stick for a while and I can't bring myself to Use it it makes me feel old you are totally making it kool I love seeing you on Instagram with your stick. Your fab your attitude to it is spot on you've definitely got me thinking I think you're new stick is a Vivien

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you so much!! You just gotta cover it in stickers and you'll want to use it all the time! :D I love the name vivien! It is now on the list :)

[@saragarska6335]

When people make a big deal about things I think it bothers me because they are, or sometimes it feels like, they're determining my proximity to/distance from being well and abled. I don't want to be measured, unintentionally or otherwise, against able bodies people as though that's normal and being disabled is abnormal. Being disabled is legit and valid and we don't need to be compared to abledness constantly.

[@olgachronics3273]

Omg what a great comment, thank you! You are right, we are not any less nor any more than abled people, we just are different and that's okay :)

[@MobilityProducts4ULlandudno]

Great information available, well done Olga.

[@olgachronics3273]

Thanks 😊

[@astridmyst]

I just got my first cane today and am really trying to come to terms with it. I searched 'young cane user' and found your video. I especially got excited because you have fibro and that's exactly why I got my cane. Thank you so much for this video! It is so interesting that you said the mobility aid chooses you. Now that I have this cane I'm thinking back to when I was little and I loved walking sticks. No idea why but I was always drawn to them. Also I knew for sure that I need to get a cane soon because when I was in a really bad flare recently my first thought when I woke up was 'I really wish I had a cane right now.' It is really emotional for me to accept. I've had symptoms all my life but only recently was finally diagnosed. It is really hard to know that there is something wrong with you and to be invalidated all your life. Then when you do get a diagnosis there's already that built up internal abelism. At least that's how it is for me.

[@olgachronics3273]

You're so right, there really is a lot of grief and internalised ableism related to getting a mobility aid, as it is often seen in our society as giving up. I hope you know this is not true. It will help you tremendously on the days you need it, and it'll make your quality of life on said days much better than before. It is not okay to simply expect chronic pain patients to simply give up our lives on bad days just because we have an ableist society who would rather not be confronted with the less savoury aspects of human life (such as illness). Anyway, I am very proud of you for taking this step! This is truly what self-care means! I wish you all the best! Always remember what others think of you is their problem, and not yours. You are doing what is best for your body, and no one can tell you what that looks like. It always makes me so happy to get comments like this on this video cause using a walking stick has given me so much freedom and independence, and I just want everyone to have that too! Gentle hugs to you and hope you're having a low pain day! :)

[@astridmyst]

@@olgachronics3273 Thank you. I am trying my best to keep remembering that. I am right now very self-conscious about it even around my house. Hopefully it will get easier in time. It was really emotional for me to take this step. I know it is for the best even though I still have that little voice in my head telling me I don't really need it, even while it helps me. It is kind of hard to even look at so I'm trying to turn things into an art project. Gentle hugs to you as well!

[@olgachronics3273]

May I suggest you have a look at the #BabeWithAMobilityAid or #DisabledAndCute ? They both have really helped me see my mobility aids in a different light and give me ideas about how to decorate them :)

[@astridmyst]

@@olgachronics3273 Sounds awesome. I will go check them out right now!

[@morgueyy]

i found this doing the same thing and i needed the nicest stick to use as a walking stick when i was younger and suddenly it makes more sense

[@myrenehowell2940]

You confirmed my inspiration to make a walking stick, from a broom. I, too, had negativity from my doctor/interns.....but definitely needed....what planet are they frommmmmmm!!!!!!!!!

[@mathieuleader8601]

its a good thing you get your sticks in different colours I used to like having different coloured leg splints

[@olgachronics3273]

Yes, keep my options open!

[@Mr.Bongos.]

I'm thinking about getting a compression sock to see if thatll help with my leg cramps/pain/locking but if the pain gets any worse im gonna try getting a cane. Thank you for posting this video :)

[@bcfwhaha]

I really thank you for this video, I just found out I have fibromyalgia a few days ago and it’s been… weird? I guess? This has been super uplifting tho

[@olgachronics3273]

Glad it was helpful!

[@YanchisWrittenVoice]

This video was beautiful. Im debating about getting a walking stick since i have plantar fasciitis and walking hurts a lot for me and it makes me want to use one to see if it makes it better.

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you so much! I have had plantar fasciitis and it is such a painful condition! I think trying a walking stick might be just the thing to help you walk with less pain! :)

[@YanchisWrittenVoice]

@@olgachronics3273 thank you so much!

[@livelaughlisten14]

I love your channel. You’ve inspired me to want to possibly start my own. I’d love to grow the fibromyalgia community

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you so much! If you do decide to start your own let me know! :D

[@livelaughlisten14]

Olga Chronics I will! Thank you! ☺️

[@wanderlapsed906]

First of all, you are really well-spoken and this video helped me understand things I've been trying to understand a bit better! My doctor mentioned I could potentially have fibromyalgia and I have been feeling like I need a mobilitiy aid or a supportive brace of some sort. My mom told me to not wear one because my body will become reliant on it, because that's what her doctor told her. I think her doctor told her that specifically about arthritis since I think if I remember correctly exercise can help arthritis and usually you don't need the joint to be stabilized, I might be wrong. Also I am not able to work and trying to claim disability, so I'm reliant on my mom to buy what I need. I've been thinking more and more I need a mobility aid and have been trying to ask her about it but she gets mad when I ask for things (like specific multivitamins because I don't absorb the cheap store ones, etc). But I might see if she'll watch this video, I doubt it'll change her mind but maybe she'll understand me a bit better. Thanks for making it!

[@wanderlapsed906]

Plus, I don't want to have to put a brace on (I currently have one for a back injury) but I'd rather not be in pain or make it worse. I also don't want my family making comments, they already say I'm too young to be in pain and say its such a shame -_-

[@olgachronics3273]

Hi, thank you so much for your comment and sharing your story with me. I am sorry you are experiencing this, but I agree with you that if you feel like you would have more quality of life with a mobility aid, you should totally get one. That whole "body relying on it" thing is a myth. I have used mine for over 2 years now and honestly I use them less and less.. They are helpful when I need them, and when I don't, I don't use them. Getting one doesn’t mean you will have to use it all the time forever. It means on days when you need a little extra help, you will have it. Maybe look up other disability/mobility aid/chronically ill advocates so you can share them with your mum and she will see there is a huge spectrum of mobility aid users! Some of my favourites on youtube are: Annika Victoria, Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, Annie Elainey, Martina (from Eat Your Sushi/Simon & Martina), Amy Lee Fisher and Hannah Witton. I hope this helps, and I hope you can get the help you need soon :)

[@wanderlapsed906]

@@olgachronics3273 Thank you!

[@debbieg677]

I have been debating about getting a wheelchair to use on days when I have to be out and walking is just too painful or exhausting. Some days I am fine to go for a short walk around the block or do a little shopping (as long as I can hold onto and push the shopping cart to help me balance and take some pressure off my legs, hips and back). Other days I have to hold onto the walls and furniture in my house just to get to that bathroom from my bed or recliner. Thank you for making this video and I too hate those judging looks when I use my handicapped placard on my car so I can park in a handicapped parking place or use a handicapped bathroom stall so that I can use the handrails to help me get up and down.

[@olgachronics3273]

I totally know what you mean. Maybe a walker or walking stick would be a good help at home, and a wheelchair for when you're out and about? just a suggestion! :)

[@debbieg677]

@@olgachronics3273 I ended up getting a cane and it saved me from falling down some steps even before I got out of the door of the store.

[@olgachronics3273]

Look at that! Already paying for itself! 😆 I hope it helps though!

[@myrenehowell2940]

You confirmed my inspiration to makes walking stick, from a broom. I, too, had negativity from my doctor/interns.....but definitely needed....what planet are they frommmmmmm!!!!!!!!!

[@olgachronics3273]

Go for it! We know our bodies better than anyone :)

[@serasvega8448]

Thanks for this video :) i've been thinking about getting a cane for more than a year now but i'm struggeling so hard to really get one and use it. I suffer from chronic pain because of a bone damage in my spine, pelvic bone and legs and on top of it an autoinflammatory disease. I already have crutches for really bad days but i hate them and - of course - i'm struggeling with my self using them :( i hate this sh*t like "you're too young for this" or "but you could walk yesterday" or even "stop being so dramatic". I need to explain my situation at least 5 times every month, not to talk about about the stupid staring. I'm really tough but when i have a really bad day and feel horrible i hate to explain everything over and over again. It's just embarrassing. But i really plan to go to a shop in the city next week and have a look what they offer. You're totally rocking that cute canes! And so will i!!! Thanks :)

[@olgachronics3273]

Of course you will! I understand all those negative feelings. It's really hard. I have come up with simple and vague ways to diffuse the conversation/questions on my mobility aids - I'll say things like "I just need a little extra help today" or "my brain is short circuiting today", but with a huge smile and that makes people really uncomfortable, but when people are really rude I whip out the "I'm sorry, but could you just tell me how that is any of your business" and that shuts them up. I find that making people uncomfortable with having asked/looked is the most satisfying way to deal with it. Like when I catch people staring I catch their eye and smile and you can see they're mortified. I hope these help. I've heard of people going with things like "I was ina shark fight" or silly things like that too. I think it gets easier the more you do it, you get comfortable with your aid and it's not so hard. I've also found that using decorated canes can be a conversation starter, in a positive way. I think decorating your aids could be a way to encourage you to use them because you want to show them off, you know? Also, maybe look at the #babewithamobilityaid tag on Instagram, it's such a confidence booster! :D

[@serasvega8448]

@@olgachronics3273 Olga Chronics thanks for the Support :) i'm used to staring but usually it's because of my style (punk/goth with tattoos and piercings) and that's something i've chosen. Something i really like and enjoy because i think it's beautiful. But being sick and in pain is something that just happened. I' ve had no control, it wasn't my choice and i definitely don't like it. That's why it makes me feel uncomfortable. Especially because i was alway very active and i loved sports and now i'm "the cripple". By the way i really love your answers :D i will definitely try that! It's genius. And decoration also sounds amazing. I will 100% try that! I hope to get some inspiration from the hashtag on instagram :) thank you so much!!! ❤

[@olgachronics3273]

I totally understand about being a choice vs something that happened to you. I'm comfortable with the term disabled now, because I've found so many people who are amazing in this community and it's made me proud to be a part of it in a way. I'm gonna be doing another walking stick make over video soon, so maybe that can give you some ideas or a confidence boost! :) Keep on trying to see the positives, and remember, what other people think of you is their problem, not yours :)

[@serasvega8448]

@@olgachronics3273 that's so true :) i think we shouldn't be ashamed of our scars and disabilities. They just show that we were and are stronger than whatever tried to stop us 💪 oh and i can't wait to see another video! I've also been looking for some cane hauls and onlineshops for canes but i can barely find anything that's helpful. I guess it's just not a very common thing...? Whatever, i'm excited to see more of your videos :)

[@olgachronics3273]

Yay! I'm so glad to hear that. There's some fun options on Amazon, and on walkingsticks.co.uk, and keep an eye on the babe with a mmobility aid # cause people will sometimes share where they got their canes :) There's a really cool company that makes very unusual canes called "Neo Walk Sticks", I follow them on Instagram and they make some cool looking ones! There is more out there than we realise, it's just hard to find sadly.

[@ohwaizo310]

LMFAO you're hilarious xD i love your personality :)

[@lifewithlawnaj]

Exactly I love not explaining

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

I have cerebral palsy I have spastic diplegia it means it's in both legs my knock knees and thighs support me but also have a lot of pain. I have chronic back and hip pain I walk slowly it helps to manage pain and stay mobile because trying to move fast makes my muscles tighten which stops being able to walk. I was in the grocery store with my family and could barely walk and in pain I didn't know what to do

[@olgachronics3273]

I'm sorry to hear you that experience, it's scary when you stop being able to do something from pain. Have you considered a wheelchair or walker? Those might be more supportive than walking sticks in your worse days. I hope you have a low pain day :)

[@kelviannaepperson3677]

@@olgachronics3273 I think a cane would be better suited for me but I done have one

[@olgachronics3273]

Oh okay, well, you can get relatively inexpensive ones on amazon, ebay, etc, to test one out!

[@cutiemushroomsgames2695]

Great video hun❤️

[@olgachronics3273]

Thank you!

[@forensi.cos.]

Fibromyalgia is soooo painful on bad days. (But I’m so self conscious so using a cane and being super young is akkward)

[@olgachronics3273]

I totally understand, but I think the help it provides will eventually become bigger than the seemingly bad aspects of using a mobility aid. I would suggest you follow the #babewithamobilityaid movement on instagram, it is super inspiring!

[@forensi.cos.]

@@olgachronics3273 my parents also dont understand why i need one and they have an expectation that its gonna go away at some point

[@olgachronics3273]

Oh that sucks, I'm really sorry to hear that.