Comments on: On Becoming Visible

By: Vickie

Vickie — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 10:28:55 +0000

You’ve verbalized exactly what’s been bothering me. I have mild RA (30 years old) which was so well under control that the doctor reduced my medication. A couple of months later, the foot pain started to come back. It began with pins and needles of a morning, but has now progressed to the point where I can barely walk some mornings. My left foot is especially bad and has to be squeezed under protest into trainers some days. By the afternoon, the pain and stiffness has considerably diminished, but the ghost of it still lingers.

My boyfriend and I purchased a pair of crutches for me to use when things are unbearable so that I can at least get to work. Like many others here, I cried when they came out of the box. Until that point I’d been able to deny what was happening to me. But it’s hard to ignore two great metal sticks propped up in the corner of your room.

I haven’t had the guts to use them yet – even when I’ve been in agony. I feel embarrassed by them. And, as you say, conspicuous. Deep down, I know that they’re nothing to be ashamed of. They’re simply an aid to get me through this rough patch until the higher dose kicks in again. Or two handy weapons, as my wonderful boyfriend pointed out.

But your post has inspired me. Today, I am working from home because the pain yesterday caused me to break down into tears (much to my humiliation) in front of numerous coworkers, including my boss. If I had used the crutches to get to work, that wouldn’t have happened. So on my lunch break today, I’m going to go to the shop on them. It’s only a few minutes down the road and the pain isn’t as bad as yesterday, but I’m hoping that it might help me get used to using them in public. And then, the next time that I really need them, I may not hesitate to break them out.

By: Rob Carson

Rob Carson — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 12:46:53 +0000

Fantastic story RA Guy.
I too came across your page on my search for more comfortable crutches; So I bookmarked your site, and carried on with my search. I think I found a pair that will do the trick. I’m used to coping with the pain in the wrist and hand, and like you try make light of it (but not as eloquent as you I might add)
I found these goodies at http://smartcrutch.co.uk and can’t wait to try them out as the reviews seemed pretty genuine to me.They had good reviews from users of RA, OA and EDS as well.
I’ll be back to let you know how it went ( I should receive them by the beginning of next week)
Thanks again for the great post

By: Laura

Laura — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:05:05 +0000

Applause for the RA Guy! I too have RA in my knees hands and wrists. I haven’t yet gotten the inflamation under control. I sure can relate to the laser stares. Especially when I am forced to use one of the provided scooters at the area department store.
As much as possible I try to just use the grocery style cart. I had one comment by a guy who while admiring the cane I made for myself, said “that would make a dandy weapon”. At that moment I sure do wish I would have had your quick wit. Way to go.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:58:39 +0000

Bravo! As a fellow autoimmune superheroine, I wholeheartedly applaud your gusto and vigor for approach to life. I appreciate that you subtly weave the emotional weight of these diseases into your seemingly effortless humor. Thanks for this. Today, I don’t need my cane, but I plan to re-read on a day when I do.

By: Bomber

Bomber — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:52:03 +0000

Denied I needed a stick for months, then after finally choosing one I had to momentarily leave the shop before paying because I didn’t want salesperson to see the tears in my eyes.

Within weeks I admitted an electric scooter was also needed to save my knees and feet. Borrowed one from the shop where I was buying from to “test it out”. It was ex-hire from the local shopping centre and was covered in “Compliments of Eastland” stickers. First night I used it was at the footy and the kids refused to walk with me coz they reckon it looked like I’d stolen it.

I still silently cry every time we are out and my wife has to cut my meal or I make a mess dropping everything over me.

“Coming out” is almost daily still the hardest part of the disease for me.