Spouse, Falling every single day

[3Fishies]

I recently discovered my spouse falls every day. My mom told me this was the case last April when she visited. I just haven’t experienced it myself.

The past couple weeks we’ve had a lot of holidays off so I’ve been home more. Often, our kids tell me he fell. He never tells me. I’ll ask where a bruise came from and he won’t say. Or, he’ll say it was a week ago.

The other day I finally got him to tell me where he falls the most. The kitchen, because there’s nothing for him to grab. Which makes sense why the microwave door was ripped completely off five years ago. (Still haven’t replaced it)

The kids told me he fell outside in the street. And then we took a walk yesterday to the park and he fell down on the path. Bloody knees. Someone helped us get him up, kids were crying.

I’ve asked him if he’s ready for a walker. He refuses. Yet he says his biggest fear is falling.

I’ve had a friend of his also w/ Parkinsons, call him three times to take him to boxing for Parkinson’s patients. He won’t go.

I called his doctor but I need to return the call. I upped his devices on both sides. And he thinks it didn’t help.

Not sure what else we can do until we move to a condo.

[Hidden]

I am puzzeled. Why have you not started high dose thiamine hcl?

[JAS9]

I assume that he's on meds, but they are no longer helping? Are they maxed out or could his doctor increase them? If that's not an option, then maybe find something that he could do in private? Maybe ride a stationary bike - one of those recumbent (low to the floor) bikes with pillows on each side so he can't hurt himself? I think that he might be too self-conscious to do something like boxing with other people. Any exercise might strengthen his legs and help with the falling.

[Hidden]

Internally try GABA 780 mg or more (2,000 mg). It is a

natural neurotransmitter. According to a recent online study, a GABA

DEFICIENCY CAUSES Parkinson's Disease!

From more online research I have done, I have discovered where I can buy it.....any health food store, or online vitamin store and it is about $12 to $20 in capsule form.

IT IS NOT A MEDICATION. IT IS A FOOD PUT INTO CAPSULES. PLEASE TRY IT.

Extra chairs or tables placed in areas around the house might help when he

needs to grab something to keep from falling.

[park_bear]

I can understand him not wanting a walker. How about a walking stick? That is something a manly man can use without injuring his pride.

Also, it is worth investigating the details of exactly why he is falling. Yes I know Parkinson's causes falling but there is more than one way that can happen. For example, orthostatic hypotension can cause fainting and uncontrolled falls. On the other hand, motor impairment can cause the affected leg to buckle. Alternatively, his sense of balance may have become impaired. Overuse injury to the stronger side can also become problematic. Consider seeing a physical therapist - they can solve a lot of these kinds of problems. Also, try talking to your husband about this. Start by letting him know you want to help, and you need to understand the details what is causing him to fall in order to help brainstorm about a solution.

Finally, I second Royprop's advice - High-dose thiamine has relieved much of my motor impairment and I continue to improve.

[aspergerian13 in reply to park_bear]

Also troubblesome: postprandial hypotension and cerebral hypoperfusion. My first abdominal compression device arrives soon. Among its purposes is to diminish postprandial effects on brain and balance (falls).

[NRyan in reply to park_bear]

Dr. Mischley said low Vit D contributes to falls also.

[park_bear in reply to NRyan]

Then that makes one more thing vitamin D is important for, including reducing fracture and cancer risks.

[FMundo in reply to park_bear]

I have added your reply to Parkinsons Online. It's encouragement to look into the WHY of falling is very valuable advice.

[alaynedellow]

I sometimes wak with bent knees which can make you fall. Folding arms keeps back upright and allows knee to lock. Minor adjustment while you sort things. Good luck

[KERRINGTON]

I started having real balance issues d found myself holding things, iouching the wall etc to help balance. The B1 HCL helps dramatically.

Also, if your husband is on meds the combo, interactions, strengths cd all play a part.

[3Fishies]

Please stop recommending Constantini. Much appreciated.

I will bring up vitamin D, thiamin, change of meds, and therapy for legs.