Anything for balance..?

[Lesleykay21]

Hi there,

As my sister said yesterday ( Lisamk55), my dad was able to go out and get a coffee by himself! This was a milestone for him as he hasn't driven in months.

However, his balance issues are still a problem. He was in the kitchen yesterday, and had socks on, and went to lean over to get something and slipped and fell. Thankfully he wasn't hurt- however he was on the floor for 45 minutes until the Nurse came in to do a weekly check in. ( Thank god she came yesterday). I have signed him up for Life Alert, so he doesn't get into a situation like that again.

I was wondering if anyone had advice on any medication he could ask his doctor about for his balance. Is there anything out there? I told him to ask today, but any ideas would help!

~Lesley

[FtB_Peggy]

Lesley, a lot depends on what the cause is, and does he also experience dizziness? There are medications for certain types of vertigo. If it is due to weakness and immobility, he could try using pressure stockings to prevent blood from pooling in his ankles - that would improve his circulation. Other tricks to prevent falls include things like wiggling your toes and moving your feet before you get up from a sitting or lying down position, and changing position slowly. A physical therapist could work with him to help him regain his balance, there are exercise that he could do to "re-train" his body. Hope this helps!

[Lesleykay21 in reply to FtB_Peggy]

Thanks Peggy!

[Denzie Moderator Volunteer]

Definitely take this issue up with his oncologist and his primary care doc.

[JeanE41]

Hi LesleyKay. I had a left upper lobectoctomy almost 2 years ago. Ever since the surgery I get very lightheaded whenever I bend forward. Don't know the cause, but do try to avoid bending forward. It would be worthwhile to check out the cause so your dad doesn't fall again.

Hope this helps.

Jean