I'm glad to hear no permanent damages came out of this. It surely is an eyeopener!

I've been afraid of falling since my first episode of ON, especially in the bathroom. When we start on our redo this spring, we plan on an open shower, no tub, bars all around and nonslip surfaces. It will be wheelchair accessible to the point that we are even reconfiguring the plumbing and moving the sink to make it an easy in and out.

Let us know how you go as your bumps and bruises come out and keep that phone ON you!

Just wanted to send you a hug.

i'm single too and havn't done enuf to guard myself against this.
my BR has a tub rail and grab bars but my phone isn't close.

you might want to consider one of those life alert or medic alert companies that have bracelets or necklaces you can wear to press and call for help if you fall down.

you also might want to talk to your dr first about your nite meds. i wonder if a med, or combination, made you dizzy because when you stood up your blood pressure dropped. when you start to get out of bed try sitting on the edge first and then standing. it will give your BP time to equilibrate.

if you're dizzy try lowering your head, or sitting right where you are.

i hope you will feel better and your bruises will heal quickly.

OUCH Barb! Sorry to hear of your fall, but really glad you didn't break any bones; that is my big fear. I find that when I get up in the night, I'm half dazed and since my legs have been in such a relaxed position, they are not real steady, so I usually wall walk my way to the bathroom. Oh, I've still fallen before, so I think that a rollator might be a good idea for you to ensure your safety.

Hope this is your 1st and last fall. Take care.

I'm so sorry to hear about your fall. I'm glad you are okay but I'm sure it was pretty scary.

Thanks everyone for your advice and sympathy. I am okay -- just bruised and sore.

I would love to have a walk in shower. However I rent. I have 2 bathrooms and both have tubs. I think I am going ask my landlords about the possibility of putting in a shower in the master bathroom when they get back from their winter in Florida. I have lived here for 12 years and they have made alot of money off of me. Perhaps they will put one in if I offer to pay half. I know he will put in more grab bars for me.

I do not think I need a rollator at this point as my balance is usually good. I always pass those tests at the neuro's. But if I continue to experience the dizziness at nights after taking less meds (or feel I need the meds) then I will definitely consider it.

Barb, Glad you're ok after that scarey experience.

You've gotten a lot of great advice, so I don't have much to add.

I'm so sorry about your fall Barb. It's happened to me several times but not in awhile (knock on fake wood).

Once I was sick on the floor and had to yell for DH about ten times before he work up.

I think it's a good idea to cut down on some of the meds a bit. Also, maybe keep a cordless phone handy at night?

I also think the idea of the rollator just for nighttime use is a good idea.

Hi Barb,
Falling is terrible. One minute you are up and a second later down. It happens so fast. I am glad you are only bruised. The tub is not a soft place to land. Bathrooms are dangerous. My tile is so slippery I had to cover most of it with carpets. I fell on my knee and had to have knee surgery. I was alone at the time.

I drove myself to the hospital with a huge bump and a bleeding knee. I didn't know I had torn the meniscus to bits and two tendons stretched and torn. 6 months in a cast and crutches, along with PT.

I loop my cell phone case to a thick ribbon and tie it loosely around my waist when I have no pockets. If I fall it goes with me in the protective case.

You could have passed out and really hurt yourself. My friend feel asleep on the bowl in the middle of the night and fell forward and hit her head on the tub. Knocked out until morning when her DD came in the house and found her.

I hope it never happens to you again. I think the Ambien pushed you over the dizzy point. I have taken the others you take, but not the Ambien or Zocor. I may get a drug hangover in the morning but not dizzy.

Please call and let your doctor know what happened. Maybe your BP dropped too low while you slept.

I hope your landlord will consider a shower but that doesn't help if you are dizzy going into the BR. Counters and bowls are a hazard too. Feel better soon.

Barb,

Hope you're feeling better now. A lot of good ideas have been posted.
My quick note is to just call your doctor and give him/her the low-down on your fall.

feel better!

Niko