I've got ÇOPD was in hospital a couple of months ago it was a horrible experience no visiters no happy staff.
Well it happened again this time I fell backwards hit my head bruised all my back cut my arm 😭
My husband wants me to go to hospital I've refused such a horrid experience last time no one . Said they would send details to my doctor's they haven't received any
The only thing they wonted was me to sign a DNR form. Anyone with ideas why I should keep falling thank you.
It must be horrible to be in hospital at the moment Dilly so I do understand how you must feel. I do think you should be checked over after your fall though. Can anyone come out to you?
We’re living in such difficult times now aren’t we. I hope you get some help and maybe a doctor can give you an idea as to why you keep falling.
Take care xxxx😘
I fall often also, and I also get negative response from consultant even though I felt dizzy and almost fell (the nurse stopped me and shoved me in a wheel chair.
BUT! I f they said to me (as they have in the past) ,tell them to get a life and leave you to enjoy yours.
It seems to me that they are too fond of DNR notices.
Oh heck, Dilly, that was unfortunate, hopefully no serious damage done. It only needs a slight loss of balance for us to go down when we get older. I had a frightening loss of balance last week when I had to sit down to stop falling falling over and then had to lie down until it passed. It seems to happen when I move my head quickly, in my case it jerked when I slipped on a glossy magazine I'd foolishly left on the floor. Normally I'd have trotted of to the doctor who would probably have passed me on to have various tests done, but under the current shambles I didn't want to risk it. Years ago it was a common thing for elderly people to talk about having had 'a funny turn' and then just taking it easy for a while then getting on with their lives. Only when the NHS became fully functional did they spend time in hospital being prodded and poked, tested and spoilt before being sent home.
I wouldn't advise anyone to sign a DNR personally unless they are really old and have no loved ones to grieve for them. I've signed because although Midge might be a bit upset most will be glad to finally get they inheritance. 🙄😘
😘💕😘💕
Xxxx
🍇🍓🍒🍰
You survived another fall that's good it's a horrid feeling when you go down we lived to see another day ☺️☺️ xx
xx
Millions of XXXXXXXXX and Hugs. C.
That gives me enough ‘kissing it better’s’ to last me during my remaining years C, thank you. 😂😍😘
HAHA, My relatives are in for an awfully big disappointment on that basis Don.
How far does 2/6 take you these days?
I’m still looking for a way to take it with me. Those Egyptians can’t all have been wrong. 😉
Inheritance he? Have I ever remarked what a handsome man you are ? Clever and funny too.!
A quick glance at my bank statement will dampen your ardour. 😉
😂😂
Don, that could be your inner ears and tiny crystals that are not draining, it can be helped with an exercise, please ask your doctor about this, it brings on a type of verigo x
Don thanks for your kind words read the other day it's not unusual for old people to die from falls but I think if you had a heart attack you would be found on the. Floor 🤔😂😂😘
Hi Dilly I hope you are ok after your fall. You could ask the doctor to be assessed by the falls team. Each surgery has access. They may offer advise, help with adaptations or even a few exercises to help strengthen the muscles that are letting you down. DNR forms/permission is always given to elderly people now. It’s just that some would not want CPR resuscitation in the event of a cardiac arrest It’s a personal decision. The form is put on your hospital record. In the past CPR has been done on persons that would not have wanted it.
Hi Chriskho thank you for your reply what you said makes sense thanks 😊 x
Just to add to Chrisko’s post Dilly. Some of the falls prevention teams allow self referrals. I did this for my dad. There weren’t too many questions and the ones they asked were very straight forward. They came to the house, checked the aids he had and came weekly to do an exercise programme with him. This is tailored to your needs and capabilities.
Hi Troilus that makes sense I know I don't use my legs enough I need to exercise more, thañk you 🤗
Hi Dilly, they don’t just work on legs. They do things like turning your head and reaching for things while maintaining stability. They also check things like seeing if your blood pressure drops momentarily when you stand and suggest simple activities to do before you stand up to counteract it.
What a good idea
Hope they do some similar at my surgery thanks Troilus 🤗🤗
My old mum kept falling, ending up in a&e last time. She was saying she kept feeling dizzy n nauseous. I called GP out to see if anything causing this, had her long standing (excuse the pun!) meds checked and found she didn’t need the blood pressure pill anymore. Stopped it for two weeks as an experiment, district nurse came to check, and she’s been much better ever since. Also had bloods checked and a bit low in iron. Occupational health organised many more grab rails for her too, another big help.
She is 100 and blind, but some points may apply to others. Hope you get sorted better soon. 💐
Oh dear Dilly, so sorry you had a tough time in hospital, the days must have been long.
I hope you'll do as Trolius suggests and contact your surgery for the falls team or as ,east speak to your gp about the fall. It could be something simple like a drop in blood pressure or very low blood sugar. Im often taking a tumble mainly because I've always been clumsy or because a go around the house in my reading glasses and can't see where I'm going.
Take care? P
Don't know if this is relevant, but I'm always dizziest when my copd is worst+ I'm on strong medication.
Alberta xxx
I'm interested that you said you fell backwards as this is something I have experienced a number of times this year.
I am currently under the care of a consultant who is investigating this. It's unfortunate that it has all come about at the same time as the pandemic as I have only been able to have one face to face appointment. However, the consultant was very thorough (I think) and has now ruled out a number of possibilities such as stroke, Parkinsons, neck problems, and bloods have shown no deficiencies. I am still waiting to have a heart rhythm test to see if that will show anything up. She is exploring every avenue.
My GP referred me and I would urge you to request your GP to do likewise as there can be lots of reasons for this to happen, or so it seems.
Hope you soon get over your latest fall and don't have any more!
xx Moy
Hi Moy the last falls I had I new it was happening my legs
Just crumbled beneath me.
This last one I just went down backwards no sign it was going to happen horrible feeling.
Must be horrid for you thank you
For your reply 😃 xx
My falls have been a bit different each time. Sometimes I've just gone backwards - no warning. Sometimes, I feel as though I've been shoved. Sometimes I feel as though a magnet is drawing me backwards towards it very slowly. I've never had my legs go from under me, though. It means I'm not safe to go out unacompanied and I have to be careful around hot pans and saucepans in the kitchen. It happens every few weeks. Luckily, no bad injuries so far as I've either been close to a chair or to something I can grab to support myself, or my husband has caught me! Just once I hurt myself a little bit when I was hurled bacwards accross the kitchen and caught my back on the worktop opposite, but I didn't bruise or anything - just a bit sore for a day or two.
When I told the GP (after I had gone backwards in the middle of Sainsbury's) she was very quick to refer me to the department of elderly care. She said I would be seen quicker by them than by neurology and if they thought I should be seen by neurology after they had finished with me, the referral process would be fast tracked.
Unfortunately, my first appointment was scheduled for the first week of the lockdown so I had to cancel (as shielding) but the consultant still reviewed my notes and made recommendations regarding medications I was on. Since then I've had two phone consultations and a face to face appointment with the consultant at which a nurse and a physio were also present. I've had a neck x ray, blood tests and tests for Parkinsons and a test to see if I may have crystals in my ear (I haven't). I am now waiting for the heart rhythm test which has been delayed due to COVID, but that is booked for the end of this month.
They are taking it seriously and are working hard to get to the bottom of things. I hope someone will look into the reasons why you are falling as it's not something you want to have happening if it can be prevented.
All the best, Moy xx
Hi Moy you Have been though alot I have only had that one fall backwards the rest legs crumbling at the hospital they gave me a Zimmer frame and told me to use it I thought it was due to not walking any time because I get so breathless do look after yourself 😘
It does seem we are probably having different types of falls so I'm sorry to have gone on about mine. I just wanted you to think that yours might need investigating too, but I went on a bit too much really.
The zimmer is a good move, I'm sure. As you say, you get so breathless that you don't walk much. Perhaps regular gentle exercises might help.
Sorry, my post got sent before I had finished. I was going to say I hope someone from NHS will refer you for advice and support to try and ensure you don't fall again. It does shake you up, doesn't it, not to mention the possibility of injury.
Take care--and tell them where to poke the DNR if you're not ready to sign one. You can refuse.
Xx Moy
No you didn't go on to much at ll Moy very scary for you . That's what this site is all about it depends what goes on further down the road I'm new to these falls sounds like you've been having yours for a lot longer
I think everyone opinion is important hope they get to the bottom of yours 😉 sweetdreams
That must be very scary MoyB. I hope it’s resolved soon.
It was very worrying when it started but I 've got used to it now. Luckily I am not on my own so my husband does most of the risky things at home and always comes out with me. Of course, with the pandemic I haven't been out much anyway. Silver lining and all that. Xx Moy
There are lots of reasons for falls - from lack of concentration or being overly busy on one side to core muscles being weaker to low sats to many other things. I hope you can get it checked out, especially before COVID admissions go up. Hope it's all ok, but if not, an unpleasant experience in a covid safe hospital is better than missing something .
About DNR - they really are pushing these things. They don't seem to realise how upsetting it is to non-medical people, relations and the person themselves. I was told it's so that my mum doesn't go on a ventilator as she is old with a lung disease and alzheimers and won't get better so it's awful for an old person, but frankly she is may die in her sleep or be too dead to be resusitated by a paramedics so I wish they would stop asking. (5 times they've asked!)
Hi Dilly2 I've been terrible for falling ever since being diagnosed with COPD, I always called myself wobbly, at the hospital however they said it was as a result of COPD xx
Hi littlePaws fiñd that interesting I've had ÇOPD for years most informative thank you 🤗🤔
I wonder if your oxygen levels fall considerably(?). Do you have
an oximeter to check your levels Dilly? Just a thought.
Yes my oxygen levels drop alot DedalusYes I do have a oxymeter.
That hasn't changed in years never had a problem before I thought the word fall was wrong because I didn't fall I just dropped like a stone scary experience. It wasn't till later thàt realized 8 wasn't that clear in explaining my self 🤗🤔🤔🤗
I only ask because my levels have always been quite low on exertion, but over the last few weeks they are even worse, and I can get light-headed/dizzy at times. I am going to ask Respiratory Team about it; do speak to your GP/Respiratory Team or Nurse about everything. Good luck Dilly x
Can your GP not refer you to the falls clinic in your area? Who wanted you to sign a DNR form?
Hi S1990B thank you for the Information the doctor at the hospital but they gave me betoblocker drugs. Phone my practice nurse she said they can make you feel ill so she told me to stop taking them
Sent to my doctor's blood pressure. Sats, temperature all the stuff they requested. Never heard no more 😭😭
Hi Dilly,
I am so sorry to hear about your fall. And it is so understandable that you don't want to be admitted to hospital. I am very clumsy, and have been since my transplant. It seems to be drug related. I think as we get older, our coordination does at times, suffer a bit. Anxiety, stress medication, and withdrawal from medication, neurological disorders, not getting enough sleep even arthritis can cause clumsiness. I hope you are not too sore. 😞 Please take it easy and I hope you feel better very soon. 💓
Hi Caspian's thank you for your reply found it most helpful
I'm amazed that you have time for us lightweights after what you've be through.
I'm bruised all over I think it's to do with the new inhaler they but me on while in hospital haven't been well since they changed my meds .
Hope you're still on the right road to recovery after your transplant. Take care 😘🤗
Hi Dilly,
I think I'm the lightweight to be honest. I've been given a reprieve of sorts. How long it will last I have no idea, but it's a break from being breathless all the time. I'm not sure why they changed your meds, but I know any medication take a time to adjust to. 😔 Please take care of yourself and take your time with everything. I find the more flustered I get the more prone I am to hurting myself. Much love to you. xx 🌷🍀
I don't think your lightweight it most be lovely to not get breathless
I don't know why they changed meds either I've been on them for approx 2 months I've felt I'll since then.
They seem to do it a lot change peoples inhalers to a cheaper one
It suits some had a telephone consultation with my doctor he has but me back on my old inhalers. Already feeling better 😉 take care Caspiana thank you for your feedback stay well Dilly xxx
The bottom line is it is that we are getting older.
This article is helpful
“ Preventing Falls in the Elderly
Marlo Sollitto
| Updated September 21, 2020
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults. Research shows that more than one out of four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year.
Even if an aging loved one falls but doesn’t sustain any fall-related injuries, which include hip fractures and traumatic brain injury, these accidents take a toll on seniors’ self-confidence and everyday routines. Fear of falling often deters older adults from performing activities of daily living and engaging in pastimes they once enjoyed, resulting in a decline in quality of life and physical condition.
How to Prevent Falls
Falls can occur for many different reasons, but there are several simple preventative measures that can be taken to significantly reduce a senior’s risk of falling and incurring a serious injury. Taking these steps will help ensure an aging loved one remains as safe and independent as possible for as long as possible.
Create a Fall-Proof Home Environment
Most falls are caused by a loss of footing (tripping) and/or traction (slipping) associated with environmental hazards. An ideal, fall-proof home features even, non-slip walking surfaces throughout. While this may seem unattainable, especially for those living in multi-level residences, there are minor changes and home modifications that can reduce an elder’s fall risk.
Keep all rooms free of clutter, especially the floors. Furniture should be easy to walk around and walkways should be clear. That means no electrical cords, throw rugs or other trip hazards.
Keep floor surfaces clean and dry but not slippery.
Check that all carpets and area rugs have skid-proof backings or are firmly secured to the floor, including carpeting on stairs.
Be sure that all stairwells are adequately lit and have sturdy handrails on both sides. Consider placing contrasting fluorescent tape on the edges of each step to avoid missteps.
Install grab bars on bathroom walls beside tubs, showers and toilets. For those who tire easily or are unstable on their feet, consider using a transfer bench or shower chair for increased stability when bathing.
Use a non-slip spray treatment or permanent non-slip strips to provide added traction on the floors of showers and bathtubs.
Ensure that light switches are located near the entry points of each room to prevent fumbling in the dark. Another option is to install voice- or sound-activated lamps.
Reorganize closets, cabinets and other storage areas to minimize the need to bend down or reach up to retrieve commonly used items.
Choose Appropriate Footwear
Seniors often have a favorite pair of shoes or slippers, but if they are worn out, ill-fitting or an impractical style, they can be a serious fall hazard. Supportive, low-heeled shoes with non-slip soles are ideal. Consider purchasing two pairs—one for inside the home and one for wearing on outings. Avoid walking around in socks, stockings or backless slippers.
Encourage Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is the first line of defense against falls and fractures. As people get older, they typically become less active and begin to lose muscle mass and tone. This leads to a decrease in strength, coordination, and flexibility and an increased fall risk. Work with a doctor or physical therapist to create an exercise program that is right for your aging loved one. An exercise regimen can help seniors improve their stamina, balance and mobility, regardless of their age.
Use Prescribed Mobility Aids
Elders are often reluctant to get (and consistently use) mobility aids, even though these devices can play a vital role in helping them continue to lead safe and active lives. It is important to ensure they are using the proper mobility aid (e.g., walker, rollator, cane) and using it correctly. A physical therapist or occupational therapist can conduct an assessment, recommend the appropriate durable medical equipment, and educate the patient on how to use it. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME), but only if it is prescribed by a doctor.
Read: Expert Advice: How to Choose a Mobility Aid
Receive Regular Eye Exams
Even small changes in sight can make a senior more prone to falling. Encourage aging loved ones to wear their eyeglasses (and use low vision aids if necessary) so they can see their surroundings clearly. Regular eye exams are crucial for ensuring a senior is wearing the correct prescription and screening for eye diseases.
If your elder gets new glasses, encourage them to be extra cautious while they are getting accustomed to them. For example, bifocal, trifocal and progressive lenses can distort vision and depth perception while walking. This makes it easy to lose one’s balance and fall. To prevent this, practice looking straight ahead while walking and lowering the entire head when looking at the ground instead of gazing through the lower parts of the lenses.
Check for Medication Side Effects and Interactions
As people get older, they are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic medical conditions that must be managed with medication. Research shows that the median number of prescription medications taken by older adults is four. It is estimated that between 30 and 40 percent of seniors take five or more prescriptions, all of which come with side effects and the potential for adverse drug interactions.
Seniors with illnesses that affect their circulation, sensation, mobility or mental alertness are more likely to fall. Certain prescriptions cause side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness, fluctuations in blood pressure or slowed reflexes, that can contribute to accidents as well. “
I'm sorry, to here that Dilly and hope your a little better now. It seems a lot of us with the COP have dizzy spells, I know I do. Wonder if it's due to not taking in enough Oxygen? Could you ask "the district Nurse" to call? One or two of my neighbours have had visits from her, lately. Got to be better than a Hospital visit, at present. DNR is your choice only. Don't let anyone talk you into signing if you don't want too.
Waiting anxiously for CT results
A sobering experience- and an update to an earlier post
My new friend, The Nebuliser.
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