Dizziness, balance and canes... OH MY!!!

[irishreader]

Good morning! I am using a cane to walk for the first time since my diagnosis, and I am struggling with dizziness and balance. Anyone have any tips for this?

[Kenu]

I have this off and on. The last time was 3-4 days, normally just a few hours. I took a Benadryl this time and it seems to help. Talked with doctor and said it probably helps with inflammation. Hope you get feeling better, it’s a pain in the…. Sometimes but all we can do is adapt. Good Luck 👍🏼🐾🐾😉🎄🧑🏼‍🎄🎅🏽

[irishreader in reply to Kenu]

Thank you so much! Yeah we are on day 14 today. My neuro linked me up with vestibular rehab. She also prescribed me meclizine and it really helps, but it was supposed to be PRN and now I am taking it 3 x day. I don't want to have to take it regularly...

[jorrell]

The only advice I can give you from what I went through is to convince your brain that what your eyes are seeing is correct, and those silly things that go round and round in your ears are just off balance (pun intended). It takes time and patience.

[irishreader in reply to jorrell]

yes I understand that!! That is exactly what my physical therapist is working on with me. Pretty cool actually... Thank you Jorell! :-)👍😁🥳

[jackiesj]

Good shoes a must, stability. i sure stay close to be able to reach furniture! Be careful in the bath and i hope you have someone with you to help...Merrier Christmas...

[irishreader in reply to jackiesj]

I just ordered some good shoes... I really don't have any..

[ahrogers]

mayoclinic.org/healthy-life...

Someone else posted this before and I found it helpful when I recently needed to use a cane. It took a day or two to feel like I was doing it correctly but it definitely made me feel steady when I walked.

[irishreader in reply to ahrogers]

Thank you, yes as much as I am not happy with it yet (acceptance), it definitely helps 😀

[ahrogers]

Also, I dealt with positional vertigo for over a year. I went to PT for help with increased leg weakness and experienced it during my PT eval. The therapist performed the Epley maneuver and I haven't had the positional vertigo since. My neuro told me the success of the Epley maneuver is dependent on the person performing it and that he wasn't good at it. I think ENT doctors and apparently physical therapist are likely to have the most success.I also have vertigo that is not positional. I tried Dramamine that didn't help but then my neuro gave me Gabapentin 300mg that I take at bedtime and now it is a very rare occurrence.

[irishreader in reply to ahrogers]

Thank you so much! I am unfamiliar with the Epley manuever, but will definitely research it and bring it up to my physical therapist.

[tompumo]

Move the cane in sync with your opposite leg - right side cane moves with left leg. Go slow at first. The cane will become a part of your 'mobility system'.

[irishreader in reply to tompumo]

Thank you for that! I really have no idea how to use it and basically, it feels really uncomfortable. I will do that. 😀👍

[sashaming1]

I use a rollator for my balance issues FYI.

[irishreader in reply to sashaming1]

I am not familiar with a rollator... could you tell me more?

[sashaming1 in reply to irishreader]

cvs.com/shop/home-health-ca...

[TDonahue58]

Using a rollator might assist you.Maybe research the different supplements available to address your issue (s)?

Plenty of hydration, exercise and sleep might assist you as well.

[irishreader in reply to TDonahue58]

Great ideas! Thank you

[Bwine]

I know you would rather not take it regularly but meclizine is what I use daily, as needed, for dizziness. I, too, would rather not take all the meds I take, but it’s not an option for me. Sometimes we have to do what we have to do!

[irishreader in reply to Bwine]

You are so correct, thank you for that reminder

[palomino27]

1 cane > 2 cane > walker > wheelchair

Some physical therapy tips can work too

[hopeandgrace]

So sorry to hear you are going through this.

Regarding the Epley maneuver, when I had a bit of vertigo, I spent $60 at CVS for this ugly hat called the DizzyFix and it helps to make sure the maneuver is being done correctly. Best money I spent! Worth it and it totally worked for me!

For everyday walking outside I also use a rollator/transport chair. Pricey compared to a regular walker, but I like the brakes and a seat to rest. When I get tired of walking my hubby pushes me in it like a wheelchair.

Praying for you and that this will pass!

[stepsforNeeC]

Hello friend, I have bad spills with the "dizziness" too - comes and goes. Healthy diet and good rest does keeps them under control. Prayers to you, we can do this! Enjoy your holidays and take care of yourself.

Blessings

NeeC

[JTZES]

I have advanced vertigo. Can't even go to the grocery. One of my primary meds is Meclizene which is another name for Dramiming or motion sickness sickness medications. Over the course of a day I take 200mg. Dramimen is expensive for the number of pills you get. If your Doctor writes a script for them you can use good rx you can get them pretty cheap. I have a 90 day script of 360 tablets and get them for $14.00.They are the best treatment I have tried. I'm sorry for the spelling errors. Suffering from brain fog today.

[Tazmanian]

When I go out I use a rollator, the seat is wonderful when I need a break

[Weaver9]

Don’t be afraid to use help Use cane or rollator or wheelchair if you need it. Don’t fall and break something.