Snoopy, do you use any mobility aids?

I use a rollator/walker around the house and if I go anywhere that I have to walk any distance.

The exception is the grocery store and I use the cart as my walker.

I do have a cane but I carry it when I can't take my walker so people won't think I'm drunk!

I do have Trekking Poles that are used as a mobility aid. I do not use them all the time and never in the house.

I have never cared what others thought of my walking. Assumptions are made regardless and if the person doesn't know me it doesn't matter

I guess I need to be less self-conscience........ People can be so mean, though.

My dad with PD has had some bad forward falls, managed to hit his head in the same side 3 times.
Lately we've got the falling under control with med changes and some home PT and having a bit of a protein drink first thing in the morning.
He usually fell right after breakfast after getting up from the table..


He has also started to slump down vs reach out and trying to stay upright now when he starts to feel light headed or weak legged, bending his knees so it is more of a slow collapse than a straight out fall forward..

Might be worth practicing the collapse technique or something like it..

I'm going to ask my neuro about PT. I think I can get it here at home.....that's the only way I can do it. Maybe there are some exercises I could do to help improve my balance.

Once I'm up and walking I'm doing fairly well. It's just once I've been sitting for any length of time and stand up. I have to sort of just stand there and let my legs get the message that I want to walk.

First thing in the morning is the worst. But, true to MS style, there are some days when it feels almost normal to walk. Wish those days were more frequent.

Its scary...sometimes it helps to really consciously think of your body's position, and movement. But we "feel" normal, and go about doing things as everyone does, when MS reaches out and says, 'Uh-no...you forgot about me..."

it's difficult to slow down and do things consciously, slowly. But it might be better since you're having these issues to do just that.

PT may help you...but mindfulness will also help.

Sorry your having these issues Kel...

I have had many sudden falls, but never really losing balance (that I can tell) and nothing (sensation or object) preventing my steps. It's just kind of a "hello ground we meet again" thing as I do a face plant, or rather palm plant as I always seem to be catching myself even before I realize I'm going down. Not lightheaded, no loss of consciousness, just ... . Luckily I haven't seriously injured myself with the sudden pwning from gravity.

I will say the few times I have felt myself going down, generally from tripping on something I have learned that it truly is best to just go with it. Don't fight gravity once it decides to put up a fight, you'll lose, even if you come out on top. So unless the fall will likely land you in fire, sharps or just ewwww, just go with it, let the body fall. It took me quite a few self hugs to get it down but I'm practically a pro at falling now

And really that's about all you can do, is try to make the conscious effort to wrap your arms around yourself and let your knees bend. Forwards, backwards or sideways, hugging yourself will be your best bet at protecting yourself in a fall. Tuck and roll, but it only works for me if I feel myself starting to fall, hoping one day I'll have it firmly locked in the subconscious for those random falls too.

(((((Kelly)))))

Yes I have fallen..lol. I've gotten pretty good at the falling part.
It's the getting back up that's hard to do now. Keep as much strength,
as you can, because as you age, it's a lot harder to get back up. And
it's true, fold your legs and drop in place. You will most likely do less
damage that way.

I have not fallen in quite awhile but when I do it is when I'm pushing myself too hard and not pacing myself. I have learned to slow down over the years and listen to my body, but I still have a rare occasion when I nearly fall. Be careful and don't overdo it!

I don’t often fall, but I sure do almost fall. I guess I’m at the stage where I am unbalanced enough that I have frequent “near misses,” but I am still just barely coordinated enough to catch myself from going all the way down. Excuse me now. I’ve got to find some wood to knock.