Preventing falls in the first place.: These are... - Ataxia UK

Ataxia UK

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Preventing falls in the first place.

Iain_100 profile image
19 Replies

These are just my personal observations, but hopefully the info will help someone:

I have found that all of the times that I stumble or fall have a single common factor.

I was doing two things at once.

And these don't have to be two physical tasks. Anything that requires thought.

Walking? OK, so long as I concentrate 100% on walking.

Looking at something? OK, so long as I stop walking before looking.

Walking and looking at the same time? Erm, no. Body meets pavement time.

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Iain_100 profile image
Iain_100
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19 Replies
wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

Hi Iain😊

Multitasking, that's a thing of the past isn't it? 😏

I have to remember to stand up slowly, without turning, otherwise that's

a recipe for disaster for me 😉xB

Iain_100 profile image
Iain_100 in reply to wobblybee

That is actually one of the most common occurrences B. Standing up and turning at the same time. I guess it is still an instinctive movement. I just have to remember to stand up first. Then think about turning.

I guess you never stop learning ;)

klazien profile image
klazien in reply to Iain_100

Turning also makes me dizzy.

Tiggywinkles profile image
Tiggywinkles

I so agree with you. Even when eating or drinking do not try to read, watch TV or hold a conversation at the same time otherwise coughing/choking will ensue. Gone are the days of doing more than one thing at a time!

klazien profile image
klazien in reply to Tiggywinkles

I know that but don't always remember.

eileen200271 profile image
eileen200271

All of the above are so true of my husband 😁😁😁

Will read them out to him, am sure they will raise a laugh of recognition. Happy Sunday everyone. 🌈🌈😀😀😀

wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

The sun is shining here in the NorthEast today!!🌞🌞🌞🌞xB

Tiggywinkles profile image
Tiggywinkles in reply to wobblybee

Here too in the South West! Going to enjoy it whilst it lasts!!

Iain_100 profile image
Iain_100 in reply to wobblybee

Here too (Ayr) :)

It's the Scottish Air Show this weekend, so as jets fill the sky, the sun is shimmering on the Firth of Clyde. I just love the West of Scotland when the sun shines.

Have a sunny Sunday all :)

I so agree with all of the above- one thing at a time and to do slowly. Have a fall free Sunday everyone!

Jay1972 profile image
Jay1972

Absolutely! I definitely cannot multi task anymore! And it has been a really lovely day here in the south east!

Piero profile image
Piero

This reminds me of Nixon's comment on PresidentFord, that he 'couldn't chew and f**t at the same time. Perhaps that could be used as a motto for all with ataxia, 'Don't chew etc etcc....."

nigelrheath profile image
nigelrheath

What a cheerful set of posts, made me smile, thanks to you all.

So a new slogan.

SCA allows us to enjoy one thing at a time.

Nigel

P.S. Have you all looked at my blog Ataxiafightback.wordpress.com

I hop e to add more to it this week, on walking and simple exercises to build leg strength.

Iain_100 profile image
Iain_100 in reply to nigelrheath

Loving your way of looking at ataxia Nigel :)

Coping with ataxia is not all "doom and gloom". You just have to do things differently.

The psychological harm that comes from realising that there are tasks you are no longer able to do, is only more damaging if one concentrates on the negative impact of ataxia.

Instead, I concentrate on what is still possible. And am so much more appreciative and happy.

Iain

(thanks for your message Nigel, especially the altered gait suggestion - which I'll try out later today)

Coxy123 profile image
Coxy123

Wow! that's me all over! No falls yet but plenty of near misses. I still manage to carry a mug of tea upstairs but only by putting it as far as I can reach up the stairs, move up to it and repeat till I'm at the top. Just as you say, one thing at a time

wobblybee profile image
wobblybee

Good Morning All😊

I love the comment made by Nixon, one thing I haven't lost is my sense of humour😆

We as Ataxians have found ingenious ways of carrying out everyday tasks😊 so all tips are much appreciated 😊 and it's important to keep in touch, even briefly.

Sometimes just a simple 'Good Morning' can make all the difference to someone's day 😊xB

Iain_100 profile image
Iain_100 in reply to wobblybee

Good Morning B :)

Exactly! It is what it is. And, as with all aspects of life, coping with ataxia is easier with a smile on your face :)

february profile image
february

Dear Lain 100, I agree with you 100%. There's no way I can multi-task anymore! I must always concentrate on doing one thing at a time. Also, when I stand up (for instance from a chair), I must get my barings first before I move, as I'm so stiff (I have ''sea legs"...,ha!)! My physical therapist says this is because it takes the signals from my brain more time to get to my legs now with ataxia. And, yes, turning right away is a no-no. One must be patient with ataxia, as if you do things/move too fast, that's when you go down..., ;o)

coat2003 profile image
coat2003

hI iAIN_100, interesting.

I started choking lately. And equally cannot eat dry foods and speak...One action at a time...The same goes for eating...I need to concentrate, breathe well and eat soup with no bread, otherwise I forget myself and end up choking...Something, like a muscle, when one eats automatically shuts, but NOT MINE.iT FEELS LIKE IT IS LOSEN UP..

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