PN Balance Issues

I have PN in my hands and feet, due to chemo. It's not half as bad as it could be. My problem is with balance. I can't seem to get out of my own way! I fell down twice last week. The first time, I fell flat on my face. My face has carpet burns, plus red bruises close to my eye, and a bruise on my left forehead. The entire side of my face is purple. It's a mess.This falling has to stop, I purchased some reallygood sneakers that are fitted to me, but that's not the cause of the problem.

Does anyone know of a medication or a supplement that can straighten out my brain ? I'm pretty certain that something isn't working that affects balance. Any ideas? Thanks

[Collywobbles64]

Hi amf5960, I too have balance problems and have fallen so I emphasise. I have bought a rebounder with handles of course, to strengthen legs and back and help with balance. I also have crutches when walking downstairs of outside. These things may be of help.

[Hidden in reply to Collywobbles64]

What is a rebounder?

[Motts]

I use a cane or walker out of the house... and stay close to furniture inside (l call myself a furniture walker). I am so tired of falling (twice last week- once backwards & once on my face). Do you use a cane or walker for stability?

[Hidden in reply to Motts]

Hi. I have a cane, but I don't use it because I forget about it and leave it behind all of the time. I have a walker also, but it gets in the way. I walk slowly and push a cart in the store. People are telling me I am walking better in my new sneakers, but I don't feel very confident. Steps without a railing terrify me. I hope you weren't hurt when you fell. My face still looks like somebody beat me up.

[Motts in reply to Hidden]

I can relate to the missing or forgotten cane... yesterday day l opened the front door to go out & there stood my favorite cane. I said, "Look what some nice old lady left on my porch!" The dogs appreciate my humor & seem to understand most of words... especially 'cookie' & 'hungry?' I leave regular canes in the car, bedroom & kitchen (because l tend to walk away from them... this system works for me). I usually leave the walker in the car for trips to the library. Like you l prefer grocery carts. I stand up straighter & my balance is much better.

Hope your bruises leave soon. I was lucky with my face plant this week... no bruises.

[Hidden in reply to Motts]

Maybe I should invest in a few more canes! I just have one. I'm glad your face survived your fall with no damage. I have to conduct a band concert tomorrow night and face the public with this bruised-up face -- ugh!

[Motts in reply to Hidden]

Good Morning... just wondered how you are doing. I fell Christmas morning while going to the front porch with my coffee (no cane). Burned myself, broke my favorite cup & hurt the left side of my body (luckily the cup was the only thing broken). On the bright side l did manage to get up by myself. But I was pretty upset with myself for forgetting the cane. Then l said to myself, 'don't let this ruin your Christmas'... then l asked myself, 'what would make me feel better? ... l ate ice cream for breakfast & got another cup of coffee. This all took place around 4 am in the morning. Not sure why l am telling you this... but it is nice to share with someone that understands the pain & frustration of falls. I am tired of hearing 'you need to be more careful'. It's not about careful... its about balance! GreatGranni B

[Collywobbles64]

Rebounders are like tiny trampolines that you walk on and do exercises on. If you put it in your search engine it will come up and you can see them.

[Hidden in reply to Collywobbles64]

I'll look into it, thanks!