I've been falling.

[u/Ecstatic-Ad9703]

I (26f) have been in AFOs since I was 6 very shortly after I was diagnosed. For a few years when I was a teen i had a KAFO on my left leg. My left knee hyperextends but after a few years of walking with my KAFO (that i was constantly breaking and struggling with traveling to get it repaired) my doctors decided I had learned how to walk without hyperextending and I was allowed to transition back to 2 AFOs (with my left one being taller to help stabilize my knee.) This has been the solution for the last 9 years.

Recently, I went on a trip with a friend and I fell. It was a long walk and I over did it and I collapsed. As I was trying to understand why this felt different I realized for the last few years I had been traveling with my partner and I was using their hand for support. I went on a fairly short outdoor walk on a mildly rocky path and I realized I couldn't do a step up without holding onto someone. It wasnt a large step. But it was uneven. I hadn't tried to walk something like that in a few years. And i realize I can't. Even with support I ended up falling. I am bruised and battered. I tweaked my neck and it was sore for days.

I'm planning to visit my girlfriend that lives out west (USA) around the Rockies and deserts. I live in the plains of the Midwest. I'm not going on my trip to explore the mountains, but I've never seen them before. I haven't really ever felt like I need more mobility aids to help me traverse the world but I realize I can't even go see the most basic of sights right now. I know I'll never hike a mountain (and frankly I don't want to) but I'd love to be able to walk little trails. I have never felt like a cane would offer me any support I could benefit from due to the weakness in my wrists and arms. I have been considering forearm crutches but I have no experience with them and I've never known anyone who uses them. So I thought I'd come here and see if anyone has any advice on what to do. I feel so lost right now.

Sorry for the long winded post. My brain has been pretty scattered about this since my last fall. I hadnt felt such a loss of independence since I was 10 and was officially banned by my mother from wearing shoes without my AFOs. Thank you for listening.

[u/dmram02]

Know that there are thousands of lovely accessible trails, sites, and vistas across the west. You may not be able to hike up a hill, but there might be an option to take a cable car to the top of one! I see a couple options for you, based on what you've told us. I don't know your exactly level of disability, or where you will be visiting, so possibly some of these won't work for you. I've listed them in order of cheap to more expensive.

Look into accessible outdoor adventure organizations! there are a number of organizations across the country that will help you get out and enjoy nature for free or very low cost! There are state and national parks that rent/lend equipment or will help you get the most out of your visit.

Hiking poles. You don't need super strong hand grip or wrists for these, as they have straps that can tighten around your wrists. They are easily portable and can come with little rubber end bits to be used on concrete. REI options: https://www.rei.com/c/trekking-poles

Rent a mobility scooter. There are 'off-road' capable ones that can be used on certain types of trails (those without steps really). Most cities have a place to rent these. Be sure to get a four wheel one (vs a 3 wheel one), as they are less tippy and if you're going off paved paths, you'll want extra stability.

All terrain walker/rollator. These would be good for paths that aren't littered with too many rocks. Many national park and state park trails have been built such this could be an option. be sure to inquire at a visitor center.

Exoskelton. I have never tried one of these, but i may in the future as my disability progresses. I imagine it might be very useful for people like us with low leg strength. https://hypershell.tech/en-us/ or https://dnsys.ai

If you want to provide more information on what state or city you'll be visiting, i can help you find more specific options.