Why Deciding to Use a Walking Aid Is Hard as a Person With Cerebral Palsy

I’ve come to a decision now, folks.

I’m going to bite the bullet and ask for a walking aid through my local medical practice. I hate the thought of it — I really do.

But I’m going to.

I got an electric can opener which I rave about and I intentionally buy sharp AF knives to help me out amongst other things. I’m not sure why exactly this is the line I’ve always been scared to cross. Perhaps it’s the fear of getting worse? Maybe I’d feel more stared at? I don’t know. But something had to give.

I can’t go on feeling uneasy about falling when walking and avoiding curbs like the plague. I am proud of walking places where others with CP cannot. I worked hard to walk as well as I do, too. But my confidence in my steadiness has decreased and I need the extra support.

I’m finally going to do it.

And I know I’ll feel better and I’ll be able to do more without relying on handrails or people’s arms, especially on a night out with my work team when I want to enjoy myself, not question myself or struggle to decide who I feel comfortable asking for help.

What are your thoughts on walking aids? Do you need a mobility aid? Was it a struggle to get to the stage of asking for it?