Dad having falls. Should we be worried?

[Mish80]

Hi there. I haven’t posted for some time as dad’s pca appears to remain stable and responding to his three monthly shots of Xoladex. Recently however dad has had two major falls - fortunately no major injuries however this has shaken him up. He is 68, one known met to his spine (radiated March 2019). His recent bone density test came back normal. Should we be worried that this is a sign of something sinister or could this be just regular ageing? Or possibly effects from Xoladex? He was working on his farm at the time. Thanks for your input as always. Really appreciate it.

[LearnAll]

Just being 68 years old is LEAST likely to be the cause of his falls.

Many things need to be considered when assessing falls:

(1)Are Number of falls more than falls in the past in same time span?

(2) Does he stumble upon something and that is leading him to fall ?

(3) Does he get dizzy or lightheaded just before fall? ( ?heart related)

(4) Does he have muscle weakness on one side/one part (?brain related)

(5) Are there other symptoms associated ?

(6) Is any of his other medicines have side effect of hypotension(low BP)

He will need a full neuro exam, heart exam including EKG, Holter monitoring etc.

[Tall_Allen]

It sounds like he is in good shape. Does he know why he fell? Did he trip over something at the farm, or was his fall inexplicable? His age is not an issue, nor is the Zoladex.

[MichaelDD]

I was in a terrible car accident in my late 30's. Five spinal surgeries ,two to my neck (cervical) and three to my lower back( lumbar). I have been to neurologist(s) to try to figure out why I do the same thing. Out of the blue just fall. Only thing that can be explained to me is that there is a "disconnect" between my brain and muscles. Nerve injuries to the spine? Most of the time for me it's a stumble, but I also fall and hit the ground. I've been doing it for 30 years. Embarrassing. Definitely check it out. If there's no answer understand too it's just part of his body. With the fatigue and muscle weakness of ADT going up and down stairs I always use the handrails. I am much more careful even walking. Looking down to see that I don't make a misstep. Walking is not just second nature for me. I concentrate when I do it all the time. Probably something your dad should be doing starting now too?

[Hidden]

I would definitely have this checked out before he breaks his hip.

[Hidden]

His Bone density for now is ok. With extended adt use this could change. . Falling and balance issues must be there for us all. On my tri monthly test they always ask if I’ve fallen . ? My Natural dr. Told me you don’t want to break a hip or your back . Adt and treatments diminish our strength agility and balance. Anyone on it for more than a short while can attest to this . Vertigo can exist too .. Is he able to exercise at all?

[Gearhead]

I second the neurologist suggestion. There are events in the stroke and seizure category that aren't necessarily perceived as such.

[dadzone43]

Not enough information. What does he say happened with each fall? It is one thing to trip or go down after getting up too quickly, and quite a different thing to have a leg suddenly give out from under him. The first situation might be benign while the second is not . [And as a stubborn 76 year old with not-so-good balance, there is the pride issue 🙄]

[Hidden]

I am 73 and every time I see a Doctor (for the past ten years), the question always asked is have you fallen in the last 3 month? Six months? The question has nothing to do with prostate cancer. Start with his doctor and go from there as there are many reasons for people to fall.

Gourd Dancer

[Boywonder56]

My dr.s just ask cash or credit......self pay....🤔

[monte1111 in reply to Boywonder56]

If you ever get your prostate out, I guess the doc will ask "Paper or plastic?" Self pay has got to be rough. I would have to get a bigger sign, and stand out on the corner even longer than I do now. What a world.

[Boywonder56]

Monty... thank powers that be ....and irish luck....i got in spartan trial early....earleada/lupron....gave me some good time...quality was good first 18mos...butt (pun intended)...now after 40 mos.....getting less so...

[j-o-h-n]

Simple explanation:

Since we are on hormones... all our weight transferred from our testicles to our breasts. Therefore we are now top heavy instead of bottom heavy, so when we turn or bend down suddenly we lose our balance and sometimes fall. Ain't life a bitch with the emphasis on bitch.....

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 05/18/2020 8:56 PM DST