Things I've noticed as a new Cane user (as of 2024)
Potentially useful for writing characters who are just starting to use one?
It's a lot of staring at your feet at the beginning, randomly stopping and adjusting the way you walk with the cane because you don't want to potentially hurt your body by doing it wrong (cane in step with opposite leg/weight bearing too much)
If it's windy/ cold your hand will freeze off.
If it's hot and sunny the handle WILL get sweaty and tacky (but that might just be mine coz it's got a rubber handle, it gets sooo sweaty (′～‵)
Your cane will fall in the most awkward, inconvenient, and random situations.
Learning to walk with a cane can be a process of trial and error. (For some reason I really struggled not to lean too heavily on it despite not actually needing it for one-sided pain so I stopped, readjusted and tried again)
You only have one free hand and it's a hassle in the beginning (grocery shopping? need to grab a bag, can't just pile it all in your arms anymore. traveling with more than one bag? get creative! If it rains you'll get soaked because you can't hold an umbrella and pull your luggage along at the same time.)
People don't necessarily stare as much as you think they do. It really depends on the area/country. But there are definitely people that do.
The first time someone offered to help me I was super caught off-guard.
Random people asking me why I use a cane/what my condition is called.
The grandma-stare. This was by far one of the hardest things to get used to. I thought random elders would be supportive but instead the grannies are by far the meanest. Grandpa's on the other hand are the complete opposite.
You can't predict how people are gonna act around you so don't even bother fussing about it.
If you're out and about for a while your hand may start cramping and hurt at the end of the day.
You may trip yourself up (idk how but I've managed to get the cane stuck between my feet a few times already)
Hand sanitizer. (hands and cane handle)
Every time I'm using a public toilet I clean the handle.
No, putting on a jacket, or opening a bottle of water, or stuffing something in your bag while walking anymore.
Stairs are hard. Especially if you have problems with coordination as well.
Did I mention you only have one free hand? No snack on the go if it needs to be unwrapped :// sad.
If you don't tell people to get up from the priority seats they won't get up from the priority seats. (if you struggle standing up for yourself to have your needs met like I do that's not ideal)
Free smartphone holder or armrest.
Your cane will fall all. the. time.
I sometimes point at things with my cane like it's an extension of my arm.
Depending on the shoes you're wearing you'll probably need to adjust your cane's height/have canes to switch between.
I personally deliberately chose a simple black cane because I didn't want to attract more attention than I already knew I would. I knew it would help me accept using it easier than if I got a coloured one. This varies individually tho! Others find it easier if their cane is in their favourite colour or if they decorate it with stickers/glitter/crochet sleeve/rhinestones etc. I've now reached the point where I'm wanting to upgrade to a prettier one.
I love me some unsolicited comments. "But you don't look disabled/as if you're in pain." / "You're too young to need a cane." :]
