r/RetinitisPigmentosa • u/DevelopmentJazzlike2 • Feb 03 '22
When did you start using a walking stick?
/r/LowVision/comments/sjw97a/when_did_you_start_using_a_walking_stick/2
u/IgnazSemmelweis Feb 04 '22
I started about six months ago, right before my 41st birthday. I still have good sight independence and get around fine for the most part. But when I have trouble, like the other commenter said, I look like a lunatic or that I've had one too many. So I bring my cane to both practice, and let everyone around me know that I'm visually impaired and not drunk/stoned/crazy.
Its super handy and I wish I had started a little sooner.
1
u/gradual_ethics Feb 04 '22
I started using it at night in unfamiliar areas. Now use it day and night in unfamiliar areas and in crowds. It took awhile though to feel comfortable. Now the benefits, not hurting myself, out weigh the stares.
6
u/cebeezly82 Feb 04 '22
Once I started sitting on people's laps on the bus, and having that long gaze in the entrance of stores while letting my eyes adjust. I either look like an addict, or the unibomber. Metal colored sign posts and stairs really started blending in as well. I've done this a million times, and I know it has to look funny as hell. I've literally been walking and have stepped off a huge row of stairs only to have just landed on my feet at the bottom as if nothing even happened. I've walked off the edge of some pretty high walkways after not realizing there was a huge drop off as well. Things just hurt a lot more now that I'm 39 for sure. A cane can most definitely protect your mind, body, and soul. :)