Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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sherizi 12/16/2011

My P.T. would be mad at me, if she knew that so far I have had 3 falls this week. I am just losing my balance, and not for any big reasons. Just losing my balance. One, I reached for something out of reach. Then, two, I reached for something off the floor, and then today, I was holding two heavy books in one hand, and my cane in the other hand...tried to step towards a shelf...and, yep! down I went, once again! Ouch! This time I hit hard on my knee.
Man, when will I learn that I just can't do what I used to be able to do!?
I don't go to the P.T. anymore, but, I can just hear her scolding me ever so gently for making bad choices and thinking that I can "just act like I am able". :(

When will I learn? I guess I am scolding myself now. Shame on me for thinking I am still able. :(

crzylvng916 12/16/2011

Its hard i use to walk around bumping the walls loss of balance i was a wall walker i went to china for 3 months they trained me i had to learn how to fall so i could put my fear of falling away i fell alot but in an open field it helped

wisconsinteacher 12/16/2011

Sometimes I don't do anything special or daring, just stop to turn or something and I just lose it all of a sudden. I can still catch myself before the fall. Other times, I try to walk and do something like read at the same time. Bad idea, I need to think before I do. Never had to do it before, but I do now. I try and lift weights to handle potential falls better. Ugh! Maybe I should head for China, too. My Doc told me to keep taking ballet since I did it for years before, so I might try it again....a little scared. Also, my PT told me I can retrain my balance if I work at it.

deleted_user 12/16/2011

I recently realized that Ive become a wall walker. I was doing it for some time before I really even noticed. What made me take notice all of a sudden was when I was outside of the house and didnt have the walls to hold on to. I caught myself looking for things to steady myself with.

I wish you the best in finding a way to deal with this in the best way possible for you.

((((hugs))))
Lisa

deleted_user 12/16/2011

yes- i too hang on alot -of the walls-chairs- -hey we all need this china therapy!!! but- im badly bent sooo not going to happen!! be careful!!! hugs!!

deleted_user 12/16/2011

Please be careful. I have been a wall walker for some time. 2 weeks ago, I was waking too quickly and fell and broke my elbow. It happens too fast that you don't even know what is happening till it is too late. I remeber laying on the floor, not realizing how I got there.

hmmmingbird 12/16/2011

I have learned several work-arounds for the balance issue.

If you're carrying groceries or the like, and using both hands to carry, make sure each side is balanced.

I no longer walk in a narrow space, which means I'm careful not to park next to a curb. Better to keep my feet a little further apart.

If you're walking and have to make a turn, slow down so you can turn deliberately.

sherizi 12/16/2011

thank you all for the helpful hints. I appreciate them all! I too, am a wall walker. Have been for quite some time now. But, sometimes I just get hurried, and try to walk without the support. Bad idea. I use a cane. My P.T. told me to use it in the house now too, but, sometimes I am a bit too stubborn for my own good. (trying to get away without using it!) I am slowly learning that it is a friend, not a foe to be left in a corner!
Two years ago, speaking of oops moments, I fell and fractured my cheek bone. One would think I'd learn! Anyhow, yes, thank you all very much for your hugs and comments!

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