Shoes trip me up. I don't lift my feet up all the way when I walk and shoes get in the way.

I purchased my Rollator online and had it delivered. Here's a link with some different models. I would be lost without mine.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_6utlde1jwv_b

PT and OT just gave me a "lightbulb moment":

Balance is your body getting the proper feedback of where it is in space (actually called proprioception, which gets hammered in neuro disorders). The more parts of your body that are getting sensory feedback (ie touching & seeing something) the easier it is to stay upright.

For example I have a heck of a time at the washer & dryer, shower and in the kitchen. I tend to prop my crutches against a wall so I can use both my hands. They taught me to stand with my hip against the machine and my belly or fanny against the counter top. When I turn around I need to use my hand to rest or hold onto something (the counter or dryer, the shower wall). She also broke down turning- plant feet, rest hand or hip against something and look in one place, then turn body slowly. Awkward at first but now second nature and almost normal speed.

By golly, it works!!! It isn't 100% foolproof but it really makes a big difference to me. She said that's why they always do the eyes open/closed standing test at the neuros office. Takes away majority of the proprioceptive feedback. That's why a lot of us can ditch canes in the house and become "wall walkers".

BTW- you may not need to necessarily 'grip' something (like a handle) but simple lay your palm, etc on the wall or counter. Amazing :D

Yes! It's astonishing how often this helps. One finger on a countertop will often "stabilize" me.

Shoes trip me up too. I insist on finding out the weight of any shoes I'm thinking of getting. Very few of them are light enough. It's the weight of many shoes that seems to make me trip.

Canes just make things more complicated and they're one more thing to trip over. Or maybe I never learned how to use one the right way.

I have a hard time with shoes, too. I finally found a pair that's light enough for me. Only about 5 ounces! Here's a link.......http://www.shoebuy.com/skechers-gowalk/506473/1064406

I never use my cane anymore. When it was just my gait I had problems with it helped me keep my balance but now that my balance is so bad the cane is more of a hinderance than a help. :rolleyes: I might take it with me into a restaurant but it's only so people won't think I'm drunk! :o

OMG I LOL'd at "wall walkers"!!! That's SO me!!! If there isn't a wall, railing or counter, there better be a person with me or I'll have to use my cane!