Walking

[Gary1310]

My walking is worse than ever. I can hardly navigate. I bump into walls, etc. I am reducing to 7 mg. Was diagnosed in January with 20mg. Recently under a lot of stress, buried my son yesterday. Will I ever walk normally again? Is it the PMR or Prednisone causing me to stumble?

[Hidden]

First of all Gary let me offer my condolences on the loss of your son, how very tragic for you & the family.

I can see you are reducing to 7mg this is around the physiological dose we need to function under normal circumstances, you are not in normal circumstances by any means, the loss of your Son, suffering from PMR & reducing at the trickiest level.

Can you remember what dose you were on when you felt ‘OK’ & weren’t having these difficulties with navigating. Also l see you were only diagnosed in January so that is a very rapid taper.

I would suggest you see your GP as soon as possible & discuss raising the dose to 10mg? I think you need an Urgent Appointment in view of everything that’s going on.

Please keep us informed & l’m sure PMRPro will reply as soon as she can & may have already done so.

Kind Regards

MrsN

[Gary1310 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Hidden]

My condolences gary1310. I agree with mrsN that you need more than your 7mg in the circumstances. This is not the usual just in case scenario, it's vital that your brain and body have support. Hopefully your walking will improve. I am sure that even the most healthy person would be very wobbly at the moment. Please take care. 🌻😘

[Gary1310 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[Gary1310 in reply to Hidden]

Interesting that you mention “brain”....I never considered my brain was affected by PMR, but it probably is.

[Hidden in reply to Gary1310]

I had significant brain fog with PMR ...thought I was going senile at 55. And then pred head as we call it.

[Gary1310 in reply to Hidden]

Well yes, I have to really work at concentration.

[SheffieldJane]

I can only imagine the pain you are going through right now.

Yes, there are definite “ walking” issues that are part of PMR, stiff and awkward, some people liken it to a penguin walk. At 4 mgs it is one of the signs that I have overdone things ( long car or train journeys usually). Sometimes I am able to walk normally now, but I need to be conscious of it. Muscles do become weak over time. It is something my physio feels confident that she can improve. There is something about balance and misjudging doorways. I feel very clumsy.

Please take great care, my heart goes out to you. 🌷

[Gary1310 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Both possibly - but really, don't push to reduce at present. Let your body and mind recover a bit first. You have had a very hard time recently and it won't be over yet - but the funeral is the beginning of the next stage of the journey. Hold on to the memories of the good time.

Get yourself a pair of walking poles - they really will help your balance and then you can get in some walking practice with a bit more confidence. Don't try to do too much straight away - I've just replied to someone else who is struggling with walking and the secret is a very small start and then regular practice building up slowly.

[Gary1310 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you, I am trying to recoup, it has been a difficult period.

[whitefishbay]

Oh I am so sorry to hear about your son. I think walking in to things the least of your problems. I went to a colleagues funeral yesterday and she was 64. So stressful.

I can’t walk a straight line either and am always bumping in to things...what is that? Aging.

I am adding you to my prayer list. Once again sincere condolences.

[Gary1310]

Thank you for your prayer. I sure can use them.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gary1310]

YOu are a master of undestatement!

[bunnymom]

I am so sorry. How devastating for all of you. Rest and let your body recoup for a while.

[Blearyeyed]

Sorry to hear of your loss .

As others have mentioned there are both physical and neurological reasons for getting what is often called the " polywobbles" on this forum.

Brain fog , from the steroids increase imbalance and loss of coordination , this can be made worse by stress or headaches.

It does sound like you have balance issues to do with coordination going on.

It's made worse because the stiffness and reduction in muscle strength from having PMR , taking Pred and being less active mean that your body isn't as quick to respond or cannot respond as smoothly to loss in balance.

It will improve , with a reduction in stress , as the steroid dose reduces , and doing some gentle stretching and balance exercises each day can also help.

It can be beneficial to go to the GP , tell them, and ask to be referred to a physiotherapist and have a gait and physical assessment.

They should be able to give you some sessions or a list of exercises that will help improve your muscle and balance at a level that won't cause extra PMR pain.

They may even recommend some footwear to help.

In the meantime , giving yourself time to recover from your grief and getting past the stress of your current situation will help.

Don't be afraid to use a stick for support or get some Nordic Walking Poles , which help with both balance when walking outside and fitness. Plus , they look like sports equipment if you feel self conscious about a stick , I'm 48 , I have them.

Try to be conscious of your enviroment when out and about or using the stairs and take extra care with concentrating on your footing to try to prevent a fall or injury.

Don't carry too much or carry things up and down the stairs.

Move more slowly from a chair or bed to standing , and do not make quick movements to twist and look at things when you are on your feet , these movements can reduce your balance for various reasons and make you dizzy.

Have an eye test and ear check up just to make sure that some minor changes in these are not affecting your coordination .

Increase fluids and Magnesium , Potassium, Vit D and Iron in your diet , if you are deficient in these or dehydrated you can suffer more with stiffness and coordination problems.

Take care and cherish your memories .

Things will improve soon and I'm sure your son will be looking down on you and helping to keep you safe.

[Gary1310]

Thank you for the great advice...love to hear “It will improve”, now I have hope.

[dillydally1]

i'm so sorry to hear you lost your son, please accept my condolences. its a parents worst nightmare. please take care x

[Gary1310]

Thank you, he was a fine young man.

[Purplecrow]

Hi Gary.. i, too, have the "Poly-wobbles". For a few minutes, after I stand up, I need to get my balance..then I'm ready to go.

Someone else gave the name "Poly-wobbles" to our distinctive gait...and it not only fits the condition, but gives us something to chuckle about.

💜🙏🏽💜 Jerri

[Gary1310]

Hopefully it is temporary.