Waiting for the other shoe to drop.

In the last week Larry has gotten more wobbly on his feet pulling to his right. This pulling to the right has been going on for a while but the near falls are getting worse. He is completely unaware of this even when I point it out to him. Then he get angry at me because it’s my fault. I think a major fall is coming with damage. I am trying to keep him mobile enough on his feet with my help as long as I can.

[daffodil48]

I know the feeling. My hubby is getting bad turning. He steps over his foot almost tripping himself up and I have to tell him to turn properly. I have noticed too when he gets up from his chair his left foot points to the right so he goes right for a while until he straightens out his foot and adjusts his direction.

[Hidden in reply to daffodil48]

I went to physical therapy with him for a few years. I find myself using the techniques I saw used on him. I have to cue him on everything. Every action is like starting all over again. He use to drive his physical therapist crazy.

[aliciamq in reply to Hidden]

Same here!! And we are still going up and down stairs😬We recycle the cues ~ we are back to counting out loud☺️

[Nanny857 in reply to daffodil48]

Hi Daffodil, W is finding it hard to turn as well. He keeps walking to the right, like forming a curve, before facing the direction he should be going. Haven't noticed his left foot pointing to the right so will keep an eye out for that.

[daffodil48 in reply to Nanny857]

I just notice the left foot turning in to the right when he first gets up from sitting then starting to walk after he turns at the chair. the other times he just seems to step over his feet when turning but now I am going to have to watch to see if it is the right foot causing the problem there also

[Nanny857 in reply to daffodil48]

Will keep a watchful eye and update you. xx

[doglington]

Well done. You are fighting a losing battle but have to fight it. I remember that stage so well. It's so exhausting.

Love Jean

[Hidden in reply to doglington]

Larry has osteoporosis of the hips. That really keeps me alert and on my guard. When he breaks a hip that’s it. There’s no getting better or hip replacement.

[doglington in reply to Hidden]

That must be hard. Chris must have had really strong bones as he fell heavily so many times. I still remember how it felt checking for bones, blood or concussion. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

Love Jean xx

[Hidden in reply to doglington]

My first question when he falls is did you break anything? He did fall in January of 2017 cracking two ribs. He didn’t know it until a few days later when it still hurt a lot. That’s the worst it been so far.

[doglington in reply to Hidden]

Fingers crossed for you

xx

[enjoysalud]

Oh dear!!!

[Kevin_1]

Your doing great Jef

Of, course you need to make a call when it becomes too dangerous.

Padded helmet time?

Stay strong

Kevin

[Nanny857]

Hi Jeff, we are in the same situation. W is doing exactly the same pulling to the right and unsteady, and like you I get the blame. It is tiring telling them the same thing over and over, but if it helps then we just have to keep on doing it, even though it annoys them. Hope that major fall doesn't come. Love, Nanny857x

[Hidden in reply to Nanny857]

I remembered one of the things his physical therapist said about a wide trance to get him to put his feet about a foot apart to give him stability. So far today it is working. I do have to tell him every time he gets up to use a wide stance.

[Nanny857]

Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow.

[Abrecheisen53]

Hi Jeff, we're are right there with you. Never realized others pulled to the right. I just thought John did that. We have had two nasty falls this week. Our daughter is getting married the end of the month and I am trying to keep John pristine for the photos. Main goal is to walk her down the aisle.

I just finished reading Kevin's post and replies about the wheelchair journey. OMG! I never thought about opening the car door!!!!!!

Working on my ulcer sooner than later.

Happy Friday my friends. Alice

[Hidden in reply to Abrecheisen53]

Most of the time he pulls to the right. One day he pulled to the left. I wasn’t ready for that. He always comes up with a new twist.

[aliciamq in reply to Hidden]

Jack is a left side leaner. I walk with him at all times using a gait belt or sheet strip - if I blink he can go over and does at least once a day😖

[Hidden in reply to aliciamq]

He seems to sense my momentary lapses and takes full advantage to try to do injury to himself.

[raincitygirl]

I remember the cuing and the coaching...constantly repeating little mantras "bum first"..."look down at your foot" ..."back up slow til your legs touch the couch" and so on..

I also remember the feeling of waiting for the other shoe to drop. I was so anxious all the time!

Try to be aware of your anxiety: I wasn't and I don't think I did enough to take care of my own health. I know everyone says that, and it's easier to say than do. But ultimately there's only so much you can do to protect your husband. You can't control his every move. You can't stop hurt from happening. You can't stop the end from coming. Do the best job you can for him, but reserve some energy and priority for yourself so your health isn't lost. If/when the time comes you do lose him, it will really suck if you're alone AND unwell.

Hugs for now.

XXX

Anne G.

[honjen43 in reply to raincitygirl]

Hope you are doing OK, Anne.

Hugs

Jen xxx

[raincitygirl in reply to honjen43]

Thank you Jen I think as well as anyone could - really. I am getting an odd symptom checked out, which gave rise to the reflection above, but I'm a positive person!

Hugs back at you 😊

[Hidden in reply to raincitygirl]

I gave up on a lot of the cueing he does what he wants to do. Now I tell him what to do.

I do take a nap most every day. I can’t make it through the day if I don’t. I rarely sleep but do manage to drift along the edge of sleep for about 20 minutes. That usually helps.