I have had both of my knees replaced and don't do steps well at all. There are times when I have to wing it and the instructions you were given works for me. I also use a walking stick if I know ahead of time I will be doing a lot of steps. You might consider getting one, especially since you will be doing a lot of walking.

That's on my list to ask doctor, tomorrow. If he will write a prescription for one of those folding walking canes.

If not I'll just buy the one I saw at WalMart.

get the cane....maybe two. I have same problem and it
has helped A LOT.

Glenda: I have to use a handrail too. IF a person will let me steady myself with a hand on their arm or shoulder, I can do it without but still prefer a handrail. I wish you all the best on your trip.

Shirley

I use the handrails now and on my porch steps, I do one step at a time.
My DD has been running up and down the stairs at the beach.....long stairway and she does two at a time.
Her time will come......I used to be able to do what she does at her age.
I think a quad cane would work well but may be too bulky for your travels abroad. Think about one for after you get home.
At the castles you will be visiting.....take your time and go at your own pace.
Have a great time but don't overdo it!

I am at the point that I use a cane anytime there is walking involved.

Fortunately I seldom go anywhere that has steps, but if there were, I would use the handrail.

About canes. I have a quad from when I had my knees replaced, but I now have a regular cane and much prefer it to the quad. The quad is clunky because with each step there are 4 tips that have to be set down, where with the cane there is only one.

I hope you do well on your trip; sounds like it might be a challenge.

Sue

Glenda- are you going to kiss the Blarney Stone? I understand that can be a little tricky.

Going there, but not gonna kiss or go to it.

Glenda, use a cane. Forget the folding ones. Get a good solid one, and practice with it now.

I prefer using a cane when hiking. So much steadier.

Moni

Why NOT the folding one, Moni?

It has a little plastic case to carry it. Seems it would be easier to get in and out, and use when you need it, rather than carry one OUT with you all the time, when you might not need it.

In my house I have 14 steps from the upper level to the lower level. I have a hand rail and I use it. I have had one total knee replacement and the other one needs replaced. It is harder for me to go up than come down. My husband has had two total knee replacements, coming down the stairs he holds onto the railing and comes down backwards. He says it is easier that way. Good luck on working it out. I hope you have a great trip.

Sue

Glenda, the solid ones are sturdier. Way sturdier.

Moni

I'm older than you, Glenda, but I can't use my daughter's front steps at all because there is no railing. Luckily, when I moved in with them they put a ramp up to the back deck and I use my walker to go up and down with that. In looking at Kathsgarden's pictures of her recent trip and all the steps that are shown, I think boy, that is a trip I would have had to take 20 years ago but not now.

I've had handrails throughout my house since 2001. Both DH and I need them-he has MS, I have arthritis and residual deficits from a stroke. I feel nervous outdoors and use a cane when walking.

Also if you are going to visit these places as part of a tour (you probably are) talk it over with the guide and I'm sure he/she will be glad to assist you at any time without embarassing you.

I'm a year older than you Glenda and had knee replacement surgery last year(right only) left still needs it.I use a cane and have about 5 or 6 of them.I keep one in each of our cars(2) and several in the house.I have no stairs in this house a 50's ranch,thank goodness.When i go places i always have a cane,and if they have a ramp and stairs,i take the ramp.When i go to pick up meds at the drugstore,i always take my cane in case i have to stand in line.

You do whatever work at this stage of life,and if you're gonna have to do a lot of stairs,i hope they have rails.

Kathi

Best idea....get two handsome hunks to tag along and they can escort you up and down the stairs....good idea huh...!!!!

patti

You may be lucky and find that many of the older castles have had discreet handrails installed for people like us! They have stone floors and the last thing that the castles want to do is settle a lawsuit from someone falling.

A cane would be good and indicate that you do have problems and people are more alert to help/offer/etc. You might check at Walmart, or your medical supply place. The other suggestion is a walking stick, but these do need to be fitted to you as they are longer than a cane. Hikers use them all the time. The do steady a person. Please, do not be afraid to ask for help as the tour guides are very use to it and it is much easier that broken bones. Us older (seniors) don't seem to bounce like we use to.
There is a good variety of canes avaiable and a medical supply store will show you the correct one. May be a bit more but will fit you better.
Good luck and enjoy your trip.

I had a walking cane seat for Mediterranean cruise, but it was hard to get around with. Don't want to use it this time.

Think they are also called golfers seats.

I've carried and used a folding cane in my purse for over 5 years.
Take the folding one. if it holds me, with my weak hands...it'll do for you.

Most tourist attractions in the UK have handrails and very pleasant people who are there to help you navigate stairs if you need so.
I recall such a person in Buckingham Palace, who actually went for a chair for me to sit on when I had felt unsteady after ascending a long staircase.

I think people in the UK are very helpful....had a young man hoist my bag over the trestle at a railway station, and another haul it up the stairs at Kings Cross. Oh, and the sweet girl who popped up to take my bag up to the 6th floor in Bath, where there was no elevator!! You'll do fine.

Oh Glenda, I understand about steps. I don't see as well as I would like to, and steps are my undoing!! I can go up pretty well, but it is handrail or DH for coming down. Even my 14 year old DGS is wonderful about waiting for me and giving me a hand. Be careful...we want you to come back safely and give us a guided tour of your trip.