Walking aids

[ij0511]

I am fairly newly diagnosed, although symptoms were masked for several years following a fall and spinal fracture and surgery . The medications have improved the awful joint and muscle stiffness and reduced but not removed the right leg tremor, My main worry is my walking Uneven surfaces are a real fright I can trip over fresh air My legs are every much weakened and tend to crumble without notice and my toes constantly catch on the floor as I try to walk. I has been mentioned that leg braces/callipers may help me This seems drastic and I was wondering if anyone else has any experience of wearing these and if they helped at all?

[honeycombe3]

Hi there,

I have been dxd 10 years & have left side only symptoms (stiffness, joint pain, clawing of hands & feet, dragging foot etc). Last year I had surgery for a (left foot) bunion with 2 procedures to help with clawing & catching of my toes) so I was off my feet for 6 weeks leading up to Christmas. I then had a bad fall backwards & injured my lower spine - off my feet for another 3 months.

My balance & thus my confidence have been poor for years but I made progress by adhering to the advice my medical support team (GP, PD nurse, consultant), supplemented by such extras as I could afford. Here in UK we get free treatment recommended by these professionals if it is available, but it is usually rationed eg physio (inc falls clinic), hydro, occupational & speech therapies. I also pay for acupuncture (from a qualified anaesthetist) & hypnotherapy. These help with overall energy & confidence levels & pain/diet/sleep management. I practise T'aiChi & Yoga & do brain puzzles (eg crosswords).

If possible a full gait assessment to determine exact issues with your posture & walking would help. Perhaps you could get a referral to see a movement disorder specialist? Also it is always helpful to have some idea of a person's age & their current treatments.

[Hidden in reply to honeycombe3]

I notice you said you use hypnotherapy. I have been wondering if it would help my walking. How do you use it and who administers it? Has it helped?

[ij0511 in reply to honeycombe3]

Thanks for that

[jillannf6 in reply to honeycombe3]

HI I AGREE

TH U K ISFINE IF YOU KNOW WHAT OT ASK FOR IE I HAVE NEVER BEEN OFFERED HYDROTHERAPY BTU HTINK IT WOUDL HELP ME A S I USED TO LOVE THE WATER AND SWIMMING AND DOING AQUA AEROBICS (BUT IT IS TOO DANGEROUS NOW TO GO NEAR THE POOL OR CHANGING ROOMS A SI WOULD FALL NO DOUBT)

LOL JILL

XXXXX

[honeycombe3 in reply to jillannf6]

Hi Jill,

I see you made the bold decision to move from Yorkshire to Lancashire....although I've lived in Worcestershire for nearly 50 years, coming from Manchester, I shall always be a red rose at heart.

If I can address your concerns about hydrotherapy:

1/ it is usually offered at a pool run by NHS or Social Services or jointly. The sessions are generally staffed to allow the most severely disabled to access the pool by equipment eg hoists in & out of the water & in changing rooms & by staffing ratios of 1:1 for changing & in the water.

I can use 2 pools (1 NHS & 1 SS) which both have those amenities for people who need them. Many of us take along a friend to help with changing (they can also use the pool) & some of us use Worcester Wheels transport.

There is a small cost for each of these as they are subsidised by Parkinson's UK & local charities & although accessed by referral they are not prescribed.

2/ The prescribed sessions in this area when I was dxd 10 yrs ago were 8 (maybe 12) at the local hospital.

3/ You may not have been referred in your area because there may not be a hydro pool for you to access. Years ago I was a special school head in Carlisle & we had the only hydro pool for a 30 mile radius built with Blue Peter assistance. When the school closed no agency would take on the funding.

[jillannf6]

thanks 4 the info honeycombe3

i will try and get some hydrotherapy - i thinkti would help em

;lol JIll