During the last four weeks I have had two severe stumbles while out walking. And no, I wasn't under the influence of alcohol or any other substance.
My feet are experiencing peripheral neuropathy and it seems my brain and feet are no longer cooperating to their fullest extent. For some time, when walking, I have had to concentrate on lifting my feet but it only takes a moment of inattention and I find myself tumbling down and damaging my knees and scratching my spectacles!
Now I am using the walker when out in the street, I find the wheels warn of any change - even slight - in the surface of the footpath and now realise how easily I have been putting myself at risk of falling. One benefit of having something secure to hang onto is that I can get along at a cracking pace!
This morning I went to the supermarket and stocked up, piling wheeled walker on top of the walking frame on the first trip. On the second trip I had the esky sat on the seat of the walker. This means I have been able to do a bulk load of shopping and not had to carry any great weight. All good. A silver lining.