How I am dealing with the aftermath of my January 20 fall and subsequent hip replacement

[gleeson]

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death, and the third leading cause of poor health among​

persons aged 65 and older. Most of us have heard stories like this: an elderly person falls and breaks something -- a hip, a wrist, an arm. As a result, a once healthy, independent senior begins an inexorable downhill

Statistics show this concern is warranted. Nearly a third of older people experience functional decline after a fall, and many confront psychological difficulties directly related to the fall. (See my blog post for March 27. Internet link at the end of this summary)

Given this background, I've run several blog posts dealing with my fall and the subsequent hip replacement operation:

My Parkinson's disease did not cause the January 20 fall. It's clear that the fall was caused by side effects of a new drug that had been prescribed for problems I was having with incontinence. Two subsequent adverse events connected with the hospitalization were also caused by prescription drugs. I can see now on the bookshelf across the room from me the book that came to mind several times the past few months. Its title: Are Your Prescriptions Killing You? (Blog post March 16)

I'm working with an excellent physical therapist and hope to graduate soon from the walker to the cane. I did a preliminary report on the always important subject of exercise. (Blog post February 17)

In a report with photos I show the setup I have at home where I have a walker on each of the two floors where I spend most of my time. I also show a tool that lets me pick up things on the floor without bending over. I've experienced four falls since coming home and each of them resulted from myfailing to use this tool. (Blog post March 30)

People with Parkinson's disease end up in the hospital 43 percent more often than others in their same age group. When hospitalized, three fourths of the patient's with PD do not get their medications on time. Most hospital staffs are not made aware of the importance of taking pills on time for people with Parkinson's disease. So not surprisingly I had a hassle over my meds will hospitalized.(Blog post April 6)

Stay tuned.

John Schappi

Blog: Aging and Parkinson's and Me

parkinsonsand5htp. blogspot.com/