Momento Mori

My hypermobility sometimes causes me pain. Since there’s no cure for the condition prevention is the best medicine. So I’ve invested in insoles and knee and ankle braces to help keep my joints from slipping out of place. And I do various excellent to help support my ligaments by building up muscle. But as I get older it’s harder to keep the pain at bay.

The funny thing is that I can never predict when it will hurt. I mean inflammation tends to flare up when I feel anxious which is usually out in public. And sometimes when one is out and about, there’s no place to have a sit and wait for the pain to subside.

This got me to researching assistive devices. Namely canes. Some folks in the community feel that relying on canes can weaken muscles (they say the same thing about braces and wraps to support floppy ankles and knees). Other’s say they’re great for providing extra support when your joints are on fire. Literally something to lean on when it hurts too much to walk or stand.

So I decided to invest in a collapsible cane—something I could pop into my carry all when I didn’t need it. I also figured it would be good for travel because the one time I had to board a plane with a cane it was super awkward juggling the walking stick with luggage while trying to produce travel documents.

I’ve had my eye on this Michael Graves Studio for CVC cane for a while but finally pulled the trigger. It is stylish which helps override my pride (I don’t want to be seen as hobbled, but I don’t want to be hobbled because of my vanity). The weather has been glum so I’ve only used it outside twice. But both times I felt myself walking faster and with more assurance. And I could amble further without having to stop to rest my aching hip bone.

Pictured up top is me wearing my Gloomy Bear Toque, skull scarf and Michael GRAVES cane. Spooky!