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I got a longer cane and am very surprised by some of its advantages (rblind.com)

submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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I’d been recommended a sternum height cane, but I noticed it was pretty bad for my posture. I also wanted to switch to something lighter, because it really strains my wrist.

I got a slimline cane that’s a bit longer than armpit height and I have to say I’m very impressed with the difference.

My posture is better and my wrist is happier, but what I didn’t expect is that the fact that the added length let’s me walk faster, but also makes my fair intuitive and effortless, allowing me to swing in step, without a care in the world. My O&M instructor wanted me to walk slower, but that’s incredibly unnatural for me - I had to overthink each step.

I feel a lot more comfortable and confident now.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I bought myself a long cane before I was even diagnosed Found it incredibly helpful in so many ways, I love its reach and feel like I’m holding a staff when I’m not moving. What I bought was was like collarbone height, and it’s perfect for me. I move fast when I can, and the cane lets me do that.

(ETA: I had the feeling “collarbone height” was inaccurate, so I just checked and my cane is actually a little over shoulder height. I think when I was doing my original research for the cane, collarbone was what I was advised, but I added a couple of inches.)

When I finally had O&M training, my instructor looked at my cane and seemed super hesitant, saying it was pretty long for me.But by the end of the session he said it was actually perfect for me. I do have to go slower than I used to, and he told me to slow down several times, which really did help me but doesn’t come naturally to me. But at least I don’t have to stoop and mosey with a long cane. Between my limited field of vision and the long cane I can get around really well most of the time.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Hahaha. The first time I used my cane somewhere, it was like parting the sea with a staff. I think O&M instructors would really prefer us to slow down.