Hi Damian - I was diagnosed with RRMS in 2020 and started using a cane about a year later. I did so for a number of reasons: it gave me additional stability when out walking but also it told other people to be more considerate around me and not change direction every five minutes without looking up from their mobiles 😱 and finally so I’m not mistaken for being drunk as I attempt to walk down the street!! I don’t find I need to use it all the time but I do use it when I’m outside, when a fall would be more damaging. I did try to cope without a cane for a long time but after a number of falls that got increasingly worse I decided it was a sensible decision on my part. Any damage you might sustain during a fall only worsens your ms for a while until you recover and you don’t want that! I’ve got a number of canes- there is a huge selection these days and some can be folded up to put in a rucksack/bag when not needed. Look after yourself and have fun! Sue

Hi Damian I have foot drop and balance problems , I don’t always need a stick but I find it really helps if you go anywhere where there are other people around ( like town centre shops for example) because people can see that you’re not drunk and also give you space. It also means I have more confidence in walking.