One thing to be aware of is that there is what they call a "post-prandial" drop in blood pressure that can make you fall. That just means that it happens after eating a meal as blood is diverted to your GI tract. It is similar to the hypotension effect of standing up too fast. I read one study that said it might be the leading cause of falls in nursing homes, so it is common enough to be considered.
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Originally Posted by jcitron
Annelise,
I'm glad you're okay after that nasty fall. You were very lucky not to tumble down the stairs as well. With winter upon us, and all the snow and ice on the ground now, I am scared to death when I leave the house! I shoveled the walks and my car out yesterday, and it took me over 2 hours because I moved very slowly and very carefully so I wouldn't fall.
The fall you described sounds like the one I had in the bathroom last week. I ran up the stairs because of urgency and passed out on the floor. I have the low blood pressure (it was never particularly high), and blacked out only to find my head plastered against the bathroom floor. I just missed the toilet and tub by 2 inches (5.08 cm).
My stiffness falls happen in the usually in morning before my medication has kicked in, or just as I've gone off and I'm stiffening up. These are really a surprise because without warning, I'm on the floor! That's what happened in my kitchen when I turned too quickly to go to the other counter.
From now on, I don't move quickly for anyone no matter how late I am, or if I'm in someone else's way. I take my time and count my steps as I walk. I don't sing, but keep a melody in mind to count along with; usually a Mozart piano concerto or a Beethoven piano sonata.
John
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