My First Walker

I recently had to get a walker for a short time period. I had two tumors removed from my thigh that were benign, and the prognosis is that I will make a full recovery. However, because some muscles were affected during the surgery, when I left the hospital I was given a walker as a safety measure. It was the basic no-frills type, with two wheels in the front, used by holding on to the side bars and pushing it when walking on flat surfaces. I expect to have it for only a few weeks, as I am in physical therapy and my leg is getting stronger every day.

When I was first given the walker I was surprised and thought “this is not for me, it’s for old people.” However, when encouraged to use it at the hospital, I felt more secure walking with it. I also realized that it was the trauma to my leg, not my age, that caused me to need a walker. So I took it with me when I left.

 I live in an apartment and found that while I don’t need to use the walker indoors, it is helpful when I go out to do errands. I have made some observations:

First, when I passed someone in the street or in a store with a walker, I felt an immediate connection and smiled or nodded at them. Sometimes I got a response. I was pleased when I did, and I think the other person enjoyed it too.

When I went into my local nail salon, I saw a man with a high-end walker. It had a multi-colored cloth-covered seat, with a big pouch for carrying things. Mine looked too basic, with no accessories. So, my second observation was that even though I had some ambivalence about using my walker, I certainly didn’t want an inferior one.  

I found that while the walker is intended to glide easily over the ground, this is almost impossible in the uneven, pocked, New York City streets. I had to be careful not to get my wheel stuck in a crevice or hole, with the potential to cause me to flip over the front of the walker, and wind up worse off than before. In various shops that I entered, carpets or rugs also posed a risk. Thus, while a walker can provide some support, vigilance in its use is necessary.

On one outing with my walker I went to the supermarket, and left the store with two bags hanging from my wrists.  A passerby suggested I get some hooks on my walker to make carrying packages easier. I smiled and said “thanks, I can manage, and anyway this is just temporary.” Final observation: I was eager to tell people (and myself) that my use of a walker was just temporary.

So, what did I learn? A walker is not just a functional accessory; I have feelings about it. Stereotypes about only old folks using walkers are false; they can be helpful in many circumstances. But I have to remind myself about this, as I have this stereotype, and expect that others do too. I also learned that it felt good to reach out to others using walkers. It helped me form a reassuring bond, however fleeting. It’s sort of like acknowledging other dog walkers when you are with your pet, or honking at someone who is driving the same car.

Next, while this first short-term walker may be the only one I will ever have, at some point I may need one for an extended time period. And if I do, dear reader, you can be sure I will get all the upgrades and accessories available, including a fancy comfortable seat and compartments for carrying things. If it helps me get to where I want to go, I will be thankful. And I may even ask my friend the decorator to help me set it up, so I won’t have to experience any walker envy.