I'm 66 and was bedridden for 3 years due to a lumbar surgery. I had PT and now I can walk. How can I overcome my use of a walker?

String teachers are needed SO DESPERATELY!

Don’t let this aversion to the stinking walker deprive some kid with potential of what YOU can give.

If it’s REALLY tough for you to get over this, try a few sessions with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist.

Don’t let any more time go by to immerse yourself in doing something you love. You CAN do this!

About ten years ago I fell and shattered my left wrist. After surgery I had 6 weeks of PT. It was extremely painful, but I regained use of my wrist. At the end of my PT I asked them how I could keep my wrist in good condition. They made a number of suggestions and I have followed them. Get an appointment with your back surgeon and express your concerns about using the walker, get them to understand that you wish to use it as little as possible and continue to walk. They might suggest a few follow up visits with a PT to give you exercises you can do on your own to maintain your function. You might also consider doing some balance and coordination classes with a PT to maintain your walk and gait. Your GP/PCP can also get you cleared to take the gait and balance classes to help maintain your function. I have a huge hideous scar from my wrist surgery. I always tell a colorful story about it to anyone that asks. You might make up a humorous/colorful story about your walker........ " I was saving a puppy and got hit by a biker"

I agree 100% with what cwillie and lealonnie1 said, and will just add that perhaps you can get yourself a motorized scooter to use for long trips instead of using your walker, but I have a feeling you wouldn't be happy with that either.

I had a series of 5 hip surgeries in 7 years, including a hip replacement starting at the age of 52, and had to use a walker each time. I was just grateful that I was able to use something to be able to go and do the things I enjoy.

I think you have to just come to the point where you just don't give a d*** what others may think, and thank God that you're able to walk again.

What you need to overcome is your hatred FOR the walker; view it as an aide and a friend and nothing more. Certainly not as something to be 'ashamed' of or as a hindrance to you in any way.

My father viewed the walker as you do and refused to use it. He fell, broke his hip and died 10 months later as a result.

If it were me, I'd rejoice that I was able to walk again after lumbar surgery and only needed a walker for long trips.

I'll be 64 in July and I know darn well that I'm too old to do certain things anymore so I don't try. That doesn't mean I'm 'too old' to live life or to travel or to be the best ME I can be. Just that I'm too old to jump on pogo sticks or go skydiving, etc. Which is fine; it's acceptance of reality, is what it is.

Wishing you the best.

I'm sorry if my comment causes you grief but I really think that you are fixating on this in an unhealthy way, there is absolutely nothing terrible about the need to use a walker. Your students will accept you for who you are and how you teach, not for any assistive devices you may need. Stop trying to prove to the world that you are young and hip by doing foolish things that could end up in setting back your(amazing! wonderful!) progress, I can almost guarantee the notice you get is not as positive as you imagine. I think you might benefit from some therapy to help you come to terms with your limitations and to help you realize that the biggest barrier to moving forward successfully with your life seems to be what is between your ears.