Having problems walking

[Did41]

Hi my name is Dodi I was gust wondering if anyone has problems walking av got lose limbs on both legs and I keep falling over and it’s started to get Dangerous as a can fall into Traffic my doctor says they can’t help me as my Fibromyalgia is really bad I can’t take tablets as I am Allergic to them am gust wondering what’s the best way to handle it as am still new to it will it be good ideal to get a wheelchair?

[LoneEra]

Sorry to hear this. Sounds like your GP needs to do a lot more! Like properly investigate the cause of your leg issues with scans, for a start. It shouldn’t be assumed that this is fibro related.

Your GP should also look at fibro meds you are not allergic to (there are lots of options) or refer you to a rheumatologist. Once you know the true source of the leg issues, some physiotherapy might also be helpful.

In the meantime, it might be helpful to use an aid like a walking stick - or wheelchair if you feel that’s what is needed to keep you mobile and safe. Wishing you well x

[Fra22-57]

I do have problems but mine is related to a cerebral blood disorder.I a, very fortunate to have my husband at my side so I can link arms with else I would fall into traffic etc. I agree with LoneEra that your gp should refer to a specialist who can help you.I would certainly ask him to do that

[0118sara]

Hi dodi

I would only use a wheelchair as a last resort because not being mobile will cause you much more pain. Everything will become stuff and will make you feel worse.

I use crutches whenever I am outside my home, this would help if your legs give way. It’s so important to try and keep moving.

I have fibro, I have had 4 major back ops and now a have a spinal cord stimulator implant in my spinal column, I need both knee replacements too, but no one wants to do it yet because I am to young, I also have a shoulder issue, so I totally understand where you are coming from, and often I’m in so much pain I can hardly bare to lift my legs but I also know that if I do nothing I feel a lot more pain.

I would also go and see another doctor at your practice and ask them to refer you to a fibro specialist, I do feel everything is blamed on fibro and it’s so unfair.

Good luck and try crutches, honestly I would be immobile without them and when I do nothing I struggle a lot more with my pain.

Alison xxx

[Hidden]

I agree with LoneEra , I don’t think your GP is looking deeply enough.

Yes, it’s common to have pain in your legs, have difficulties walking when you have fibro but if you are in danger of falling frequently it should be investigated to make sure it’s nothing else.

Only thing I can think of is to say to your dr that you don’t think it’s fibro related, you want it investigated as it feels very different. If your GP does nothing call 111 and describe it as a sudden weakness.

Last summer I started to feel faint each time I stood up—- could have put it down to fibro, I’d overdone things etc... but I just knew it was something different. GP had me at surgery straight away for tests, upshot was I was in hospital the next day on a blood transfusion as I’d had a gastric bleed. I’m glad I didn’t just accept it could “just be fibro”.

[saluhouse]

Hi Did41. So sorry to hear you are having problems with walking and balance.

How about considering buying one of those walking frames on wheels? I live in a ‘independent living’ block of flats - and lots of residents use them. Some even have a seat which hides a space underneath for shopping. One lady has a fold-up one so she can go on the bus.

I’m not at that stage (fortunately) but I’ve warned my family that - should I need one - I’ll bling it up with fairy lights!

I think you need some independence and be able to get some gentle exercise.

Xxx

[Midori]

I think your doctor is fobbing you off. He needs to know you are feeling unsafe whilst out because of the roads. He has a duty of care to you.

Try a walking stick first; and ask your doctor to refer you to Physiotherapy. They can advise you on which walking aid might be best, sticks, crutches, Rollators or chairs.

I have a wheelchair, but it is a curse rather than a help! Firstly, you will need to work on your arms and shoulders to get fit enough to push the thing!

Pavements are so uneven that they can take you into the road without warning, and dropped kerbs might be a good idea on paper, but in practice they can be lethal. All down to the care (or lack of) taken by the contractors who put them down.

I get on far better with a rollator, and it has a seat which means I can sit whilst waiting in a queue. In addition I can get several bags of shopping on the rollator, which I can't with any other mobility aid.

Good luck in your search.

Cheers, Midori

[Did41]

Hi everyone thank for get back to me av gone for load of test my Nerves Are Damaged due to what happened when I little so I don’t if it my nerves or fibromyalgia what’s causing it but av Tried a walking frame and it didn’t work am using Crutches now and where knees brace and is starting to not Sputtering me no more