confidence

[mandg]

Evening all, A question? Graham had a fall a couple of weeks ago, he didnt hurt himself, but it seems to have knocked his confidence, and now he cant walk unaided, or without hanging on to furniture or anything to hand, doors, walls etc. When he gets up in the night for the loo, he is even worse, almost freezes and doesn`t move his legs.

I have had him walking with his walker which he can do, but very unsteadily, and have just acquired a "zimmer frame" so that he can try and walk upright in the house. I thought he would have felt a bit better by now. Just wondered if anyone else out there with MSA C has experienced this and has any advise please.

[AMBD]

I'm sorry to say mobility is on a downward slope and you must be prepared for this. We all encouraged my husband to maintain as much mobility and strength as possible by simple leg exercises and standing and sitting. He was very reluctant to do this and was soon in a wheelchair and finally when no longer able to stand, hoisted into it.Courage. My thoughts are with you. Alex

[Paul_and_Sue_Wood]

HiYes changes in mobility are symptoms in a vast majority of cases. Plan ahead with aids and wheelchairs, but use them as late as possible.

The positive is that Graham is adapting to his changes.

You will usually find that falls or illnesses lead to a change in symptoms. Keep exercising as much as you can to keep the muscle strength.

Keep up the good work.

Paul

[chester2107]

my dad had a lot of falls trying to walkand did lose his confidence, ended up not walking at all , he was 81 by then and also had given up really , so didn’t help

so much better if they can keep as mobile as possible, it sounds like graeme wants to

elaine

[Derkie54]

I can only repeat what the others say unfortunately. My wife's mobility got worse after falls and then she stopped walking. She can do a slight shuffle with assistance to get over a step but we use a wheelchair inside and outside of our bungalow. It seems like you just have to adjust to your new normal with MSA and do the best you can.

Regards

Derek

[Hidden]

Its the same for my husband. Fear of falling takes over. Like the other posts have advised, exercise, keep mobility going where possible. Get regular assessments with the OTs, they will help with equipment changes. ie walkers, hoists and the different wheel chairs options. Try to focus on the here and now, some days walking and balance are better than others. Kind Regards Sharon x

[Helenhooter]

Hi, I'm sorry Graham has seemed to lose his confidence. I too have been in a wheelchair for 3-4 months. You start to realise how lucky you are with all the falls and no serious injury. I do exercises several times a week. Keep the muscles working. Music helps tremendously. Good luck 💪😘xxx

[mandg in reply to Helenhooter]

Thanks to everyone for your comments and suggestions. It's good, in a strange way, to know that others have these experiences too. Just keeps on giving doesn't it!!!