[Kitty]

I have been having the hardest time this weekend with my balance.

I have almost fallen several times and have the pulled muscles to prove it! If I could just fall without desperately trying not to or to catch ahold of something I would probably be less injured!

I was standing in my closet putting a small box up on the top shelf and I just started falling backwards. There were clothes hangin behind me and also a row of boxes and other stuff so I wouldn't have fallen to the floor....just into whatever was behind me. But I tried to catch myself and have a sore upper back to show for it.

The other time I almost fell was in the living room.....standing on a perfectly flat floor (no carpet). I could feel myself leaning to the right and before I knew it I was tipping right over! I looked like the Flying Nun with both my arms outstretched trying to regain my balance.....weaving all around! I didn't fall but it probably would have hurt less than me contorting myself into all sorts of shapes to keep from going down!

I guess it's just human nature to try and prevent yourself from falling. It's inevitable......I will fall but the question is when and where?

[Snoopy]

Oh heck! I have been falling since I was a kid. I never out grew that awkward stage

My balance sucks.

My current problems is (almost) falling forward numerous times. I have learned to stay back from mountain edges/overhangs that does not have a barrier. I was trying to sit on a rock when I (almost) went forward down a mountain

Showers are (sometimes) interesting. I (almost) go forward

Losing balance forward is new for me.

I had a follow up appointment with my Neurologist a couple of weeks ago and decided to mention my forward balance problem.

His answer was yes, that is the MS (no! really!? ) As far as what to do? His answer: Be careful. Ummm, ya think

[Snoopy]

Kitty, be careful out there

[Kitty]

Snoopy I have an issue with falling forward but it's only when I am (trying to) walk. It almost feels like I'm being pushed.

So I try walking slower but that doesn't help. My DIL said that she thinks I'm walking better lately but I think it's just because I'm being so careful.....and slow.

I tried to explain it to her.....it feels like a giant rubber band around my knees trying to keep me from taking normal steps. I finally just said "I can feel it more than you can see it" and I think that worked.

[Snoopy]

Kitty,

Your problem with falling forward is different than mine. It has been determined mine is based on changing positions (sitting to standing, standing to bending, bending to standing, ect). I can feel light headed sometimes but it's not vertigo

it feels like a giant rubber band around my knees trying to keep me from taking normal steps

Spasticity?

[Kitty]

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!

[Snoopy]

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

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

[Kitty]

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

[Jomar]

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..

[Kitty]

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.