Cane vs Rollator for 21f with POTS?
Hello! Looking for advice to see if a cane or rollator would fit me better. I have POTS. Currently in the first couple days of trying out a (properly fitted) cane that folds down into a seat when needed.
Running into a few issues though. I feel like the cane takes more energy to swing forwards than it saves me honestly. I also feel lopsided using it. It limits the length of my natural stride which seems to have a negative effect on blood pooling. It doesn't feel like it will provide the support I'll need when I have a presyncope or vestibular episode or am gasping for breath from tachycardia with my legs red and burning- it only takes a bit of the weight off one of my sides. The main thing I get out of it is the seat, but if I used the seat as often as I'd need, outings would take all day. Otherwise, the cane seems to do nothing at best. My standing HR is 120-140 for context and I experience presyncope (never actual fainting) and hypotension often when standing unless having a good day. Also dealing with some vestibular stuff, poor vision (fine with glasses but they make me dizzy), and am prone to sudden hypoglycemia contributing to overall shakiness when I stand.
I feel like returning the cane for a rollator could potentially solve some of these issues but I have never used one so I really need some insight! I feel like it could take more weight off my legs if I need to lean and not give me the lopsided 3 leg feeling that makes me even more dizzy.
My use-case is for bad days, long days out like the zoo or events, and for stores or anything where there is a risk of having to stand still. I manage moving around my home fine, and often can handle brief outings with no standing still on good days. Something that isn't a hassle to get out of the car and set up is a plus as that would discourage me from using it.
I'm 21 and suffer from lifelong major fatigue and "low battery". I am also trying to recondition and get out more since COVID hit me in November and made my lifelong mild symptoms much more debilitating.
Would love to hear experiences with both canes and rollators as well as suggestions for my use case personally. Thank you.