Tips for getting about

Sorry you have this problem and the worry of what to do next.

The easy answer is to get advice, probably from the Occupational
Therapy people.

Have moved to a mobility scooter now but for years found that the
answer was to use a “Rollator” , a wheeled walker with seat. Two
handles for support and a vital seat whenever you need it. On
flat surfaces I used to sit in it and scoot around with my feet even.

Seemed to be the best of all worlds.

I use one or two walking poles depending on circumstances. They are in fact photographic monopods so serve me in two ways, and they collapse down two. Walking poles do the job just as well and can vary in price from £4 – £40. Clearly if I am to go a long way then I will use my faithful wheels which also means I conserve more enegry.
As for your balance you need to consider where the key to the problem lies. You need three things to work together to keep your balance. Kinaesthetic responses from your legs and body, for example do yu feel weight on your feet and therefore yoou are standing on them. You also need to have good eyesight, so you can determine whether or not you are uporight and where the horizon is. Finally you also nee to have your balance organs working so they can detect any movement (acceleration) aroudn a particular orientation. If two of these agree all is well and you do not feel dizzy. A simple illustration would be like this one I used on my training courses. Get someone to stand on a matress of a bed. Not too bad but not easy. Then turn the light off. usually, if the room is completely black, they will fall over.
From what you say it suggests that your problem is stemming from your muscle problems and whislt you can feel the ground under you the muscles will not let you keep position. Thus I would suggest two poles that will stop any involuntary swaying and make you feel more secure. The longer poles , as opposed to walkign sticks, I also find give better upper body support and in my opinion having used them for years, are far easier thah sticks.
As Taugngfox has said a Rollator can be brilliant, although I find in my neck of the woods at least it does restrict access to many shops and the like becasue of its width.

Mike

http://www.rica.org.uk/content/features-wheeled-walking-frames

above is handy page with full descriptions and options regards walker frames.

mines a days high level forearm walker similar to the one pictures on the holding on section. meaning its high and I can lean elbows on supports to aid in weight balance.

http://www.rica.org.uk/content/walking-sticks-and-crutches

Just a note on the walking stick grips/handles.

I use the dedicated right hand half grip handles as opposed to the full Fischer grip.

I tried the full grip & discovered two things, you’ll develop blisters on different parts of your hands but, also, I found the shape a bit too grippy, if you know what I mean. The Hand fitted too well & you have less movement left or right in the wrist & I found when I unfortunately fell it was much harder to push the stick away from myself & let go of it.

The half grip sticks are very convenient, the right balance between no grip & full.

That’s for indoors & I have several sticks propped up in different rooms in case I drop one & a grabber isn’t to hand.

Outdoors I use me infamous chariot & very grateful I am for it too.

has anyone every used the Elbow lean type crutches.

seen them in shops but cant think how they work in practice for folk who have wonky walking and need to lean to adjust balance.