Sorry, it's just that I post and nobody answers. OK, can PN affect my ability to balance and walk? I might get started and my legs feel "heavy" for lack of a better description and down I go. Fortunately most of the time I can roll with it or some other technique or I will be crouching for something and cannot stand up. Geeze this is frustrating.
Thanks

Yes.

If you don't get an answer most likely it is because folks may not have an answer. People are pretty good about answering posts here. Also, if you don't get an answer, do a search within this forum and you will most likely FIND one. I no I forget to do that and will post a question when if I had searched I could have found the answer. Even this subject you just asked has been talked about a lot. People who stumble, even search canes (using a cane to walk) cuz they talk about that too.

Sure can! Some of it may come from the inability to feel our feet and/or know exactly where they are anymore (aside from still being at the ends of our legs, and I've sometimes had doubts about that). Some of the tests they do in the neurological workup have to do with balance, gait, etc.—very similar (i.e. identical) to sobriety tests (touching nose with eyes closed, walking along a tape line, etc.) Last time I did that one I fell over.

I was considering getting/using a cane when my back went south; getting PN clinched it—balance shot to proverbial smitherinees.

Doc

My balance has never been good, I have hereditary neuropathy, but it took a nosedive when I was on Tricor for high triglycerides. Statins of any kind can really fast track deterioration. My balance improved when I stopped taking them, but I have a progressive type and it gets worse as time goes on.

Most of us have balance problems, I walk with a hiking pole, two if in the woods or on uneven ground. I also have a lot of trouble walking and have begun using a wheelchair occasionally for museums and such, but I have a lot of muscle atrophy which can but does not always accompany neuropathy.

Sorry if we seem to be ignoring you, sometimes a question is so obvious we assume someone else will answer and if no one does it gets lost.

Yep
My legs have that heavy feeling when I start to move them forward. Took me 2 weeks after returning to work to be able to navigate the stairs without getting the shakes. Doesn't help that the stairs are circular concrete with uneven heights and widths. I now hang on to the railing but I don't have to stare at my feet to use them now just glance every second step or so.

Also found it easy to loose balance with uneven ground.

If you don't mind sharing, what have you been diagnosed with? I have probably missed it. Thank you.

Yes my friend, PN does effect balance. When the legs or feet are numb, or have pins and needles, that is PN. It is important to do PT for the balance when you have PN. I do the exercises at home on a regular basis, and have improved my walking over the last two years. Check your B12 for good levels, as that can help PN too. My doctor also has used some acupuncture to try and help. So far so good. Write and let me know how you are doing. I miss hearing from you. ginnie

@Kitt: In the last 8 years I have had 2 brain surgeries for aneurysms, 3 strokes, 4 seizures and assorted TIA's. I just had L3-4 fusion in November. (Aren't I a fun guy)Ever since my craniotomy the feeling on my right side has felt about 95% when compared to the left. Never numb, pins and needles not the things you usually have. My legs just feel "heavy" and any change in balance sends me right over.

For some strange reason lately it is terrible. I can barely walk and need my walker. We have tried everything, PT, Hydro, sacrificing a goat. You name it. Falling so much is getting old real fast. I also work out at a place called the "Challenge Center" that only works with stroke survivors, spinal injuries. There seems to be a sudden change in the earth's gravitational pull as I like to say and whump. My spine is whacked. I had three epidurals last year and before the last one my Dr. comes in and say, " I was just looking at your films, you need a new spine." Mr. Ray of Sunshine. We figure the high level athletics at which I have competed (Division I basketball in college and on the US wheelchair fencing team now.) Ok I sat most of college but those benches get real hard.

So now I'm just frustrated my body is doing this.

Thanks very much for your reply. I appreciate it. Sounds like you have been thru the mill and still there. Hope things get better for you.

Yes, heaviness in legs. My knee will also just randomly give out. Thankfully not real often and I have been able to catch myself. I am not sure where you live, but the cold weather can make it worse. This unusually cold winter has been horrible for me. You also said something about crouching and not being able to get up, I believe. The heaviness in legs, possible weaker muscles, fatigue, and balance issues could all play into that.