(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best canes, crutches & accessories

Using a throwaway for this. I work in the festival industry and have fibromyalgia along with other non-visible chronic illnesses.

Festivals are challenging for us for a number of reasons:

• not many places to rest, being on your feet for long days
  
• long lines for bathroom facilities that are usually also gross
  
• schedule is usually packed, sense of FOMO if you arrive late/leave early. Hard to find friends that are on the same wavelength.
  
• food that leads to tummy trouble and other naughty drinks/substances!
  
  Despite that, I still attend several a year and obviously work many too. Here are my tips:
  
  
• bring a flipstick or portable seat. Huge crowds aren't very sympathetic to those who need personal space unless there is a visible marker of disability.
  
• try to walk around the site before it gets crowded. I know this is more physical activity which might make you tired... but it can also reveal shortcuts, quiet spaces, less used washrooms, and other places you will gratefully use over the next few days.
  
• If there's an accessibility tent, introduce yourself and ask for tips. You don't have to disclose your actual disability but you can ask questions like, "In your opinion, where should I go if I need to sit in a quiet place? Is there a seating area near each stage? What should I do if I'm having a medical issue?"
  
• ask a festival staffer, security guard, volunteer, medic, or anyone with a radio for help if you need it. Don't be shy. It is their job to ensure public safety and even if the first person can't help directly, they are responsible for finding you someone who can.
  
• don't get trapped in the crowd, accept that being on the outskirts will help you leave if needed and also have fewer instances for people to thoughtlessly shove or step on you. The pit is a high-contact zone and not safe for us. I see older people, families with children, etc make this mistake all the time and it is frustrating for all involved.
  
• rent a locker. Cannot stress this enough. You can have comforts like toilet paper, sunscreen, raincoat, phone charger etc. nearby without having to trek all the way back to the campsite. Keep your bag light with just the essentials - earplugs, bandaids, phone, cash, etc.
  
• bring AND WEAR earplugs. This has made a huge difference for me. It not only eliminates headaches from the PA system but reduces the level of insanity when people are bouncing around and screaming.
  
• don't drink alcohol, it will also hit you like a ton of bricks after a day of being active and likely low water consumption. This also goes for drugs that you have not been prescribed.
  
• pay close attention to security rules regarding prescription drugs, liquids, etc, and follow them to the rule. I almost had my painkillers confiscated once which would have made for an awful day. Bring copies of prescriptions, be honest, etc.
  
• if you're going with a group, you kind of have to also be comfortable with being independent. Groups are fickle and there will be a lot of changing plans, hurt feelings, drama, etc. If you're wiped out, just say you need a break and plan to meet up with them later. Don't get stressed or freak out at not being able to please everyone. Obviously if you have a friend who can travel with you it's safer and better, keep in mind that doesn't always happen especially if people are intoxicated.
  
• keep your phone charged in case you have to break with the group or need assistance. Don't waste phone battery on social media.
  
• Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. I've regretted showing up too early in the day because I was exhausted by the time the headlining act came onstage. Check out the lineup before you get to the festival and pick your must-sees. Plan to leave a little bit early before the huge rush. Factor in travel time between stages! If you miss part of a set or a couple of acts, so what, you're doing the best you can. There is literally no act in the world that is worth trashing your health for.
  
• festival food is soooo tempting but it can end you. Keep meals light and snacks healthy - try to eat as normally as you would at home with more protein and fats to make up for being active all day.
  
• recovery days! Plan to be a zombie for a day or two afterward, if you can take time off work do it, if not, take it easy in other ways.
  
  I hope this helps! Ultimately, I want you to feel like you are in control, not your disease. It's tougher for us than others but it can be possible to enjoy festival life despite fibro. Take care!
  
  

That’s awesome! I thought about doing that when I was recovering, but never did.

On the topic of crutches, you should check out Mobilegs! They’re armpit savers and they’re SUPER agile if you still want mobility.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9OAW75/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UF-QCbSEMY7VV

They have some probably not as good quality cane (but better than nothing at this point) for 13 on amazon if you can somehow get on there. Since she keeps breaking your canes I wouldn't get anything expensive if you can tolerate a cheaper cane. If you have a student email, you can get prime for free for 6 months and get it shipped to an amazon locker (usually at a local gas station) in 1-2 days for free. I'm so sorry for what you are going through, that is awful. I also found this site for a free white cane that might be worth a try that allows you to request one every six months.

Crutcheze Premium USA Made Crutch Pad and Hand Grip Covers | Comfortable Underarm Padding Washable Breathable Moisture Wicking Anti-Bacterial Orthopedic Products Accessories (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049PTOBS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_61TCDbRQQKW1Z


And

Crutcheze Black Crutch Bag,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CZ5P6S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

1. Do you love your kids?
   
   
2. [I guess it is a really fancy stick.]
   (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MR4BKE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002MR4BKE&linkCode=as2&tag=rwe56bhw34-20)
   
   
3. Maybe? or ?
   
   
   Over 10K? Fancy!

Amazon shows this one as a #1 seller, rated at 350 lbs, and looks like a pretty decent cane.

http://www.amazon.com/HurryCane-All-Terrain-Cane-Freedom-Edition/dp/B00E9ZFBII/ref=sr_1_9?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1418585877&sr=1-9

https://www.amazon.com/Ortho-Ease-Adjustable-Bronze-Offset-Ortho/dp/B007AZ3E2O/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1480146188&sr=1-3&keywords=orthoease

this type of handle is also good for arthritis, but it is adjustable for either left or right hand.

I just put a rubber quad cane tip on my canes. It stands up by its self and has better stability. I bought mine from Amazon. Hugo Mobility Quadpod Ultra Stable Cane Tip with Compact Quad Design, 3/4 Inches, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IV0DYY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_Zx9zDbXJKAZPJ

i recommend a cane with elbow support-that being said here is a link to a few cute ones!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L0SN5EI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ytCUCbTTEMYWB

CVS, Giant, Walgreens have a small selection of canes you could try.

I bought this quad cane tip for my mom and it seems to work pretty well.

​

https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Standing-Non-Slip-Stabilizing-Stability/dp/B00822AM9M/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2MKWobWo4wIVErvsCh3APg_-EAAYASAAEgKAj_D_BwE&hvadid=153739717429&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9058761&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=b&hvrand=7870122309576831049&hvtargid=kwd-10881139635&hydadcr=21850_9349677

Here’s are a couple suggestions:

https://www.fashionablecanes.com/
Crazy selection, (So. Many. Canes) many different options (length, grips, collapsible, etc.) Got a ‘Dr, House’ cane from here (the one with the flames on the bottom) and it was great and held up really really well!

Amazon!
There’s actually a great selection on Amazon at VERY reasonable prices. My colorful polka dot collapsible cane is from here (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QX459S0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_416OBbSY6NY97) and was under $25. Its held up fairly well, but not perfectly. My thought is that for $20-25 I can changes them out each year and be fine with it.

I know there are many other options, but these are the two I’ve actually ordered from. Didn’t want to recommend something I haven’t liked because a crappy cane can really ruin things!

Edit: Fixed Amazon link.

Get something like this, you will thank me later.

[This] (https://www.amazon.com/Carex-Soft-Grip-Cane-Black/dp/B001AFCWYQ/ref=sr_1_13_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1497673800&sr=1-13&keywords=cane&th=1) is the cane I use.

This is the perfect peripheral for this game! Even has Vive written!

You can also get one of these things do it doesn't fall over. I have one on mine and it works great.

I'm 34, and I've got this one: https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Lucite-Contour-Handle-Right/dp/B000X9FFR6

It is amazing!

ah finally lol, thanks a lot for that! Yeah now of course I see it both times when they said it's school property. Still, I can't imagine why the parents wouldn't just get their son a walking stick...I found one on Amazon for like 12 bucks ffs...

http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Reflective/dp/B002VWK0HI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418930117&sr=8-1&keywords=blind+walking+stick

I deplore the way they punished the kid, but something seems...fishy...about the parents' representation of the situation...plus kinda stupid...I mean for 12$ just buy it...

This $45 carbon fibre walking cane?

Sympathetic minds want to know if it's any good...

Why do americans always use underarm crutches? They seem pretty clunky and forearm crutches seems to suffice in most situations.

OP, if you can create an account and add this:

https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Reflective/dp/B002VWK0HI/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496038985&sr=8-2&keywords=white+cane

to your wishlist, we can do this, and without your personal info or address being shared.

40 with osteoarthritis of the spine here. I had the same apprehensions when thinking of switching from a cane to these (what I refer to as a forearm crutch). In my experience, folks in the US are a little more understanding that you have a condition when using these.

The cuffs do not come off unless I turn my to release them. This frees my hands up to do much more and I don't have to worry about dropping the crutch. My one recommendation is to look for a pair with well cushioned hand grips. I have this pair but would prefer to have this set if I were to purchase again.

I prefer this version or this one, which seem a bit more elegant in design to my sensibilities.

That one has a rating of 2 stars. This one is only $22 and is 4 stars.

1. this is pretty
   
   
2. umm... what?
   
   
3. this can be used or new :)
   
   Over 10K? Fancy!

https://www.amazon.com/HurryCane-Freedom-Folding-Handle-Original/dp/B00E9ZFBII/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2D4A9ATP9UXI9&keywords=hurrycane%2Bwalking%2Bcane&qid=1558910564&s=gateway&sprefix=hurr%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-3&th=1

I've recently started working at a museum and I've seen people who cant stand for extended periods of time use this[ cane],
maybe it will help(https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Black/dp/B002VWJYT8/ref=pd_sim_200_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7PYB35085JTTSWKHVSKX)

They've had something very similar for quite some time.

https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Black/dp/B002VWJYT8

$11.09

http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Reflective/dp/B002VWK0HI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418878185&sr=8-1&keywords=blind+cane

desperate times call for desperate measures

Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Blind Cane, Reflective Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VWK0HI/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_AOKKub0ZN5VN4

Took me 20 seconds. Not exaggerating.

Drive Medical Deluxe Folding Blind Cane, Reflective Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002VWK0HI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_t-Q2Ab61HH3N6

Get you a https://www.amazon.com/Coolrunner-HONKER-300-Horn-Silver/dp/B01N6IG3J0 to let people know when you are comming and a https://www.amazon.com/Drive-Medical-Deluxe-Folding-Reflective/dp/B002VWK0HI and dark glasses for when you roll over someone who can't walk anywhere besides 2 inches in front of the scooter causing you to crush their ankles.... Who can be mad a a blind pregnant woman :P