Falls

[GillyA]

So I fell over 10 days ago ( really good start to the day falling as you get on a tube train). Fortunately no major damage - although lots of multi coloured bruises.

I suddenly realised that this makes 4 falls in ten months - not a good thing to do. I definitely know it’s not seizures (also have epilepsy) and I think it’s co-ordination rather than balance, as each time I felt the trip or slip. I’ll be doing the rounds of doctors again (sigh) as I know my manifestation is neurological, but I wondered if anyone has had similar experience.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

IMHO, I think you should see your GP and ask for a referral to see a neurologist. Falls at any age should be investigated.

With good wishes,

Ros

[Ozchick]

Bingo! Ive just got home from Neurologist - more with balance probs than seizures. I did have a seizure in mid July and as a result no driving for 6 months. Public transport is not great in my area (1 bus an hour weekends and 45 mins weekdays) so I do rely on my car to get around. I don't have a lot of falls but I do make sure I now hang onto all handrails on my way. I'm also extra cautious on my walks as the footpaths around me can be uneven. The last few weeks seems to be nothing but doctors visits, nearly all running late! Just sending you good wishes and hope it's nothing too serious.

[GinaD]

I had a hip replacement back in Nov. and doc warned me that hiking in The Lake District ( I had already planned and paid for my upcoming trip in April) would be dicey as the nerves connecting hip to spine would not be totally re-grown by then. Experienced hiker that I am, I was surprised to find all those rocks piled onto thr trails! Yes, I'm sure the rocks help mitigate trail erosion, but balance? Woah! I'm used to climbing steep hills navigating the occasional rock or slick spot, but this was too challanging for my blance systrm, so.... no I did not make it up to Cat Bells. Instead I hiked around some lakes and enjoyed watching dogs play lake frisbee. Balance definitely diminishes with age. I enjoyed hiking the Lake District! But no, I didn't make it to Cat Bells for fear I would fall. Do see a neurologist snd hopefully your fall/balance issues can be resolved with physical therapy and balance exercises.

[MaryF Administrator]

I agree you should go to your GP and ask to be assessed regarding this. For myself it is about weight lifting and exercise keeping my limbs strong and maintaining balance, some days are bad and I have to not do it, but in general my exercise routine keeps me upright, all checked by various medics as I have many diseases, degenerative discs and recovering from multi bleeds on the brain. (accident). At least if they check you out and refer you, it might also involve some physio? MaryF

[GillyA]

thanks Mary, friends, my GP seems to think that like you it’s strength and flexibility (or lack of them). She suggested I do physio, which I have been for 6 months…..just progressing to a trainer. She’ll refer me to the falls clinic, but thinks they’ll say no as I’m too young (that strikes me as weird given that I am falling and the thinners increase the risk, but hey no money in the nhs….).

I’m due a neurology appointment soon, so I’ll see what he has to say. Meanwhile, i think I’ve found a decent trainer, and as I feel old enough already perhaps not being in a room of people older than me is a good thing.