Walkers/Wheel Chairs

[mgregor6]

Say, I don't hear, (strike that), read, much about PWP needing walkers or wheel chairs. I am worried about my ability to walk as time goes on. Increasingly, my legs are either floppy and weak or really heavy. Seems to be tied to lower back pain. I want to know how I can head this off at the pass. My chiro says my spine is a train wreck; the lower part forming an absolute curvature , getting deformed because the Parkinson's has weakened the muscles supporting the spine. Thoughts? I haven't fallen yet; but middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom are getting increasingly dangerous, and the odds are not in my favor concerning a fall.

[park_bear]

This is just one piece of it, but I find that being adequately medicated is important to keeping the nerves firing so that my back musculature works properly. If I am not adequately medicated my back starts yelling at me.

[MBAnderson]

I can't think of any other option for you except strength/resistance and balance/stretching exercises. When I am struggling With an exercise, I tell myself the harder it is to do, the better it is for me.

[SonarsMom in reply to MBAnderson]

I agree 100%.

[ForViolet]

Has the chiro given you exercises? If not, I'd ask.

But if your legs are floppy and you're unstable heading to the toilet at night, maybe a walker would help you get safely there. I'd look for a solution like that for now. I know you don't want to fall.

Then, maybe, you can start slow and easy with some exercises to strengthen your legs and to help your balance. Important to start small to avoid injury.

[alaynedellow]

I use a stick when shopping more to keep peeople away. Its what you comfortable with. People cutting me up is a nightmare. You could start with chair yoga (seated) to build up strength n flexibility. Strenghth in back is crucial. Have bedside lamp to make it safer at nnight

[SonarsMom]

I have motion-activated lights plugged into my near-floor outlets that turn on automatically when I get up at night. Then they turn off after about 30 seconds of non-movement.

[pmmargo in reply to SonarsMom]

We have the same lights. Very helpful. I have all the same concerns over balance and falling. Very well expressed. Best wishes.

[Hidden]

Hubby is 81, diagnosed 8 years ago, was advised by physical therapist to use a rollator (walker with 4 wheels) 18 months ago, so we got one. He’s had several falls because he loses his balance when standing, more & more often. Doesn’t like to use it, frequently forgets it when walking to another room, gets a bit exasperated when I remind him, but I tell him it’s like insurance or a seat belt: use it because you often don’t know when you’re going to have an accident.