Balance and falling a lot

Posted by callalily74 @callalily74, May 27, 2016

I'm 75. My right hip was diagnosed by one doctor as bursitis. I had pain there. Other doctors refuted that diagnosis. Anyway, that right leg is much weaker than my left. It's hard to describe, but I can just feel it's weaker. In addition, when I move a certain way (I don't know what I do), I get a sharp pain in the crease between my thigh and groin. The big thing is I walk into walls and stuff, and I fall down very often, for seemingly no reason. I just topple over-any direction, anywhere. I'm wondering if anyone else has these symptoms and if they went to a doctor about it, and what specialty it should be. I don't want to be given a bunch of tests that all come out negative, and the doctor knows nothing. I can't usually walk too far at one time, sometimes, i.e. around a mall.
I'd be grateful for any input about this.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 27, 2016

Welcome @callalily74.
I can understand the reluctance to going through a battery of tests. It must disconcerting to fall so often and I'm sure you want to get to the bottom of this. I'm tagging several other members to join this conversation. @beck @rosesareredmylove2016 @channab84 @oceanfun1 @kathyzendner @donna3 have all written about falling or dealing with imbalance issues recently. The causes of these symptoms vary quite a bit, but I thought you might interested in reading their posts and hearing from them.

notavailible | @kathyzendner | May 27, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @callalily74. I can understand the reluctance to going through a battery of tests. It must..." + (show)

Hi Colleen, I'm very busy with so many doctor appointments and my son is visiting me! He is from KY. I'm also a Veteran(US Navy) my medical care is currently through the VA San Francisco/Santa Rosa CA. Also at UCSF. My new VA Neurologist wants to re-evaluate my current health problems. They aren't even certain of an exact neurological diagnosis yet! I will check in when I can for messages. I'm 62 1/2 years old. I'm 100% disabled as a Veteran. Thank you ~Katt~

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 27, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome @callalily74. I can understand the reluctance to going through a battery of tests. It must..." + (show)

Hey @kathyzendner, Thanks for taking the time to respond. Please do keep us posted on the neurological diagnosis. In the meantime, enjoy your visit with your son this long weekend.

ladyjane85 | @ladyjane85 | May 28, 2016

Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85

rosesareredmylove2016 | @rosesareredmylove2016 | May 29, 2016

In reply to @ladyjane85 "Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85" + (show)

I agree with LadyJane.. Try a neurologist first. When I was diagnosed as needing brain surgery, I had an ear ache. I was sent to a ENT for treatment. So trying an ENT might be of help also. I didnt have any headaches or balance issues,and I had inner ear infections for 9 years before I was diagnosed with my brain tumor. When I was diagnosed with this tumor, it was only by the grace of God I was sent to an ENT and she found it after tests and a MRI. I had been given antibiotics all my life for these ear infections,which never really completely went away.But I had NO headaches or other issues to tell my Primary care doctor that it could be more than just an ear infection... So tests are good...Have the tests,,seek out information on what kind of tests you could have...Seek doctors who will dig to find out what the issues are and whats causing it...
I wish you well, and may the Good Lord Bless You

callalily74 | @callalily74 | May 29, 2016

In reply to @ladyjane85 "Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85" + (show)

I think I'll take both @ladyjane85 and @rosesareredmylove2016's advice and finally go to a neurologist. On Tuesday, I'll have to call these other doctors I went to and get the results of CT scan, etc. to give to the neurologist. Thank you both. You helped me make my decision.

rosesareredmylove2016 | @rosesareredmylove2016 | May 30, 2016

In reply to @ladyjane85 "Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85" + (show)

Good girl….When I first was having issues with the doctors diagnosis of an ear infection, she also said I may possibly have Minears disease. Which causes HUGE imbalance issues. Unfortunately for me it was a tumor. BUT in your case it could be Minears disease… You will Not now though unless you get testing with an ENT(Ear,Nose and Throat doctor). Have your testing and you will than know what your dealing with. If it is a tumor, seek out the best nuerosurgeons, ask for a referral to a nuerosurgeon from your ENT. Most ENT”s have Great Nuerosurgeons already in place for referral of their patients. God Bless You I will be praying for a successful outcome

dmedina71 | @dmedina71 | May 31, 2016

In reply to @ladyjane85 "Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85" + (show)

Hi, your story brings back to when my husband. He went to neurologist because he was having headaches,very unsual for him. He went to eye doctor everything was normal, so when we went to him,he said it was nothing. We told him send him ct scan or mri. He said no,but we insisted (here said to shut you up,and so you stop crying like a baby alright) He Ct scan it showed something, then he send him Mri that gave diagnosis of PITUITARY ADENOMA.

dmedina71 | @dmedina71 | May 31, 2016

In reply to @ladyjane85 "Try a neurologist first - ladyjane85" + (show)

So that adenoma has also cause another illness, cushing disease. It so important to get more than one opinion.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | May 31, 2016

@callalily74 I just found this information on Mayo Clinic's main website about balance problems and the possible causes http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/balance-problems/symptoms-causes/dxc-20166190 It may be helpful when preparing for your appointment with a neurologist.