Dear Eric: I have a variety of orthopedic issues, some chronic and some temporary. I use a cane, a walker or a wheelchair when I’m out of the house, depending on how I feel that day, or what sort of activity I’m planning to take part in. Now that I’ve reached a certain age, I interact a lot with people who are getting new hips and knees. They assume that’s what’s going on with me, and apparently, part of the recovery process is to be cheered on or commiserated with by total strangers.