I have Cerebral Small Vessel Disease - so far caused loss of balance

Hi, I am a 72 year old diabetic. I have moderate CSVD. Noticed the past couple of years my balance and energy are bad, but have had insomnia the last couple of years. I had to stop working because of the symptoms. Walking is changed too. It's hard for me to distinguish if what i feel sometimes is from diabetes or CSVD? I am also interested on what others have.

Hi, I am 68, I too was diagnosed at the moderate level. I keep as busy as possible, however watch a lot of tv. Anything I do I am always fighting thru pain in my legs or worried about the dizzy thing, all very tiring. So I do a chore, sit down and repeat that all day. I drive as little as possible. I have two wonderful old dogs that are my life line they keep me going everyday. What do you find to do that is enjoyable?

I ride my bike to try to get exercise. I do not get dizzy, but do experience light headefness. What i have been told by the neurogist is that many older people have CSVD. That almost 100 percent of people over 90 have it. Has affected my energy also, but get this weak feeling that last couple of years.

I feel like one by one I am giving up things I love to do. I am working real hard to find new things to do in my new world. I’m so glad to find this group to share things with and maybe pickup on some new things. Reading your posts I am reminded of an issue that should have been a clue. Probably 2020, maybe further back, I wanted to start riding bike in my retirement. I live by a very popular bike trail. Bought a nice bike and long story short I couldn’t ride it in no way. Well I ended up with a trike. I was probably in the silent/ mild level of CSVD, affecting my balance. Anyway, I am looking forward to sharing. Thanks!

Hi,
With both CSVD and Autonomic polyneuropathy both having similar symptoms it is difficult to know which is causing what. I never associated CSVD with my balance issues but have gone from having difficulty standing and walking to being able to walk and stand well. In the short time since diagnosis I have forced myself to stand and walk, always pushing to do it better. I have found that concentrating on what I'm doing works for me. No longer is my ability to stand and walk automatic, the more I concentrate the better I manage until my attention is diverted then I struggle again. With many health issues going on and little medical help I do what ever I find suits me best, actively managing my situation to my best advantage. This may not be helping my health issues but trying to be comfortable is my focus despite them all.
Cheers