Down again!

[maria40]

I was just recovering from a fall 4 weeks ago and thinking of resuming my reduction plan when, wham! down I went again. In town yesterday, on a crowded market day, a large woman stepped right in front of me leaving me no room to move to one side and I couldn't regain my balance in time and fell. Only a grazed chin, nose and cheek this time and a large scratch on the protective coating of my specs but still feel quite shaken. My balance had been checked by my GP the previous day and the only test I didn't pass was walking heel to toe in a straight line - the inebriation test which preceded breathalisers - I wobbled all over the place! The problem is this is making me a bit nervous about going out on my own; I will always take my stick now but hope it will be enough to save me especially as my Dexascan came back with borderline osteoporosis scores.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi maria40,

oh dear, not what you need! Do hope someone helped you up.

Stick to your present dose for a little while longer, just to help you through the next few days certainly, when no doubt you'll produce a few bruises if nothing else.

I always use a stick if I'm out in town or walking any distance, but mine is arthritis rather than balance. Plus dodgy eyesight, and pavements aren't what they used to be!

If you look on line, particularly one of the arthritis sites it gives you some leg exercises you can do at home to help. But if you just type in exercises for balance in your search engine I'm sure you'll find some anyway. Any little thing helps - getting older isn't easy!

[maria40 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for that. As someone said old age is not for wimps. Yes, a very pleasant man picked me up - in the purely physical sense, of course.

[SheffieldJane]

Commiserations Maria. Falls feel really shocking and there are so many hazards for the pedestrian these days what with workmen and their barriers uneven pavements and potholed roads, not to mention the parking of annoying big bottomed cars. You must strive not to give in to the fear though and risk your world becoming small. Have you got good supportive footwear? Then there are the wonderful Nordic Poles, very hard to knock you off balance with a pair of those. I think Pred makes you giddy sometimes, less so on the lower doses. I think I would totter a bit with the inebriation test too and I've hardly touched a drop for years now.

[maria40 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you. I've recently invested in some good Hotter shoes and sandals so I feel reasonably stable when walking normally . I am making myself go out , with stick , every day now and the weather is so lovely, I can't waste it. But I do feel a bit trepidatious crossing roads.

As far as the Nordic poles are concerned budget will have to determine between those and a more supportive stick.

[jinasc]

Please take part in this research, it is about balance, hearing loss etc, in fact all about 'Your Ears'. It will only take about 5 minutes on the net to send an email or one envelope, one 2nd class stamp and one sheet of paper.

The full explanation is on another thread titled 'Your Ears',

I have re-produced the contact details below:

They need at the very least 300 people with GCA, 300 with GCA&PMR and 300 with PMR. It would be extremely useful if more patients participate. Increase in numbers make it more viable.

YOU now need to contact the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Research and Development in one of the following ways with your name and address.

Subject heading: Research: GCA&PMR.

E:mail: [e-mail]

Postal Address: Sister Sue Pugmire

Co-Investigator/Research Nurse

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Rheumatology Unit/Jubilee Hospital

Gateshead NE9 6SX

Once your initial enquiry has been received research documentation will be sent to you via the internet or post. The postal reply will include a prepaid envelope for you to return the completed documentation.

[1Purplecrow]

Maria, big hug! Sorry about the fall, I hope you are ok today. I sympathize with the wobbly feeling when walking. Walking sticks are my new best friend, give me a better balance. The shopping trolley is also my favorite buddy. When I'm with friend or family, I hold an arm and best-friend my way down the crowded walk.

All levity aside, balance issues are dangerous, and a few exercises, to go with walking sticks will seriously boost your safety.

Kind regards, Jerri

[HeronNS]

Not to mention, but Nordic poles are great fun to use. You'll need a small backpack, though, as your hands will both be occupied. It's also imperative you get proper instruction as using them wrongly creates a new tripping hazard (very easy to learn the technique, however). Lots of people around my community are using them now.

Sorry to hear about your mishap and hope you'll soon feel more confident again.

[Patience_1]

Take your stick - to beat off the inconsiderate others that get in the way! So many people seem to have little understanding of "personal space". I know it can be difficult in crowded places, but a bit of consideration can go a long way. I sometimes get a bit claustrophobic and have in the past resorted to sticking out elbows - very effective!

Seriously though, nordic poles really are good once you get the hang of how to use them, and they will help to clear your path (without being aggressive!) They also help when you need to go uphill but have little energy.

[maria40 in reply to Patience_1]

Thank you. Yes, I borrowed Nordic poles when visiting Norway last Christmas and was offered the chance to bring them back but as I was travelling light I declined. But I think I may have to get some now.