What should people suffering from SCA do as to fall prevention ?

[jurgen]

the more SCA is dominating my life the more do I think

about fall pevention ( no thresholds; indoor- & outdoor rollator;

cordless phones; WiFi for nootbook & tablet ; n o carpets etc )

[HarryB Administrator]

Hi Jurgen

My danger period for falling is when I turn around. I was turning using my ankles as a pivot but now when I turn round I use my whole body. I discovered this through my work with physio a little while ago and it has definitely made a difference. I think I remember you saying you have regular physio. Maybe you could talk and work out with them what your 'danger periods' are.

I find my footwear very important. My balance is much better when I am wearing shoes compared to bare feet and better again when I wear boots instead of shoes to give my ankles as much support as possible. I have also found wearing especially made insoles in my shoes excellent as they help my posture, balance and therefore reduce my risk of falling.

I think, like with everything else, everyone is different. Maybe you could speak to your physio about what they think may help you.

Best Wishes

Harriet

[jurgen in reply to HarryB]

Hello Harry,

thanks a lot for your reply.

You wrote:

******************************************

Maybe you could speak to your physio about

what they think may help you.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''***

the answer of my physio is "exercise,exercise & even more exercise"

apart from this as I said I do everything to reduce the risk of falling:

no thresholds; indoor- & outdoor rollator;

cordless phones; WiFi for nootbook & tablet ......

would we had a house wth ground-floor only

Regards

Jurgen

[wobblybee]

I'd just like to mention this. If anybody is issued with a pendant alarm, don't get complacent,

wear it! We were visiting my uncle recently (he has diabetes) and he managed to trip and

fall flat on his face before anyone could take action. His usual practice is to leave the pendant

alarm by the phone. xB

[Wyndham]

I have nearly fallen so many times it's not funny. What makes it worse I think is the fear of what might be... My mother (non Ataxia) fell on Friday and had to have an operation because of the damage caused.

Incidentally, almost all of my mother's falls have happened when she was turning - just as Harriet said. I think I will pay attention to this.

[wobblybee]

Re Harry's advice on footwear. I'm having a rethink about my new slippers.

I chose them for warmth, they're a type of Ugg boot slipper. But for balance

they're useless. Just this afternoon I reached to close a blind,did a twirl and

ended up sitting down. Another trip to the shops in the offing! xB

[jurgen]

Well, it´s the fear of a balance disorder that haunts me

as "W..." wrote : " What makes it worse I think is the fear of what might be."

Regards