What have you done to improve balance?

"Most of us have been told to accept certain things as part of aging including loss of balance and loss of muscle."

Not all loss is tied to age. We often think it is because it has been so ingrained in us. I calculate that PN had already made a beachhead in my system wel over 10 years ago, long before my diagnosis, perhaps as long ago as 20-30 years, when I was still running competitively and still thinking of myself as a young man.

Optimisim is the best medicine!

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

Ah, what a glorious earworm! It's a earworm I'd welcome in my ear any day! 🙂 I've got a stack of Simon & Garfunkle CDs within arm's reach. (Yes, I still use CDs. I'm old enough not to able to imagine any other way.) By the way, speaking of that particular earworm: my high school was at 2nd and 57th. I'd sometimes take a stroll on the 59th Street Bridge. I can't imagine doing that with untied laces. 🙂 Have a great weekend, John!

Ed - I think of you often, and the challenges you’ve faced after recently losing your wife -soulmate, coach, motivator, researcher, and half of your housekeeping & well-being. Like you said, a lot of things worse than PN 😪. I’m hoping your cooking lessons are going ok, because I think good nutrition helps us. I have no doubt you “Keep Moving” -you probably are being forced to do more than ever. I’m just wondering, have you considered one of those systems that knows when you’ve fallen and need help? I used to see them advertised a lot, but really don’t know much about them. Hugs 🙂

One thing I’ve learned about this PN thing is how a good night’s sleep (or nap) helps my balance. If I have a bad night or extra periods of inadequate rest, my body responds as if I’m under sedation! Coffee won’t fix it for me. In my case, my muscles/nerves need proper rest and control from overuse to help me feel in control of my balance.

I don't know if you can wear the "barefoot shoes" They have helped me with balance and walking and standing longer. You can order online from Walmart or Amazon or find brands like HIKE. I found mine for only $20. They have different styles, but basically they are flat light shoes. They work better than orthos or Sketchers for me.

Just got a pair!

So true!

Thank you, @wanda23, for mentioning Hike shoes. Therir price is certainly right! Since I've tried varefot shoes, I'm experimenting, and as such woud like to keep my first "test" pair affordable, if that's possible. I'll be understanding: if an affordable "test" pair proves even reasonably comfortable, suggesting that a higher price pair might even be more comfortable, I'll spring for a higher price pair. Again, thank you! ––Ray (@ray666)

@dbeshears1 Hi Debbie - My wife did all cooking and with the help of my adult kids, I've been able to learn how put a few things together without blowing up the kitchen. I also learned that you need to put holes in potatoes before putting them in the microwave. So, things are coming along. I am far from my own how to cook TV show, but I am slowly learning. As far as falling, my oldest daughter suggested (actually insisted) that I get a fall detection device that a I wear like a watch. It looks like a watch. It detects falls and if I don't respond by pressing a button in the middle, it will notify a monitoring company who will then reach out to my family members and local police. There is a low monthly cost. I've had no falls but have set it off a few times with a quick motion. If I press the button within so many seconds, it does not notify the company. It also monitors where I am and works thru the cell phone system. No home monitor device involved so traveling is easy. It works no matter what state I'm in. Glad I have it and yes, I do keep moving the best I can. Stay well. Ed

Here is a very obvious tip for you neuropathy explorers that you think no way could it work. I was having serious foot cramps every night. It least two muscles at a time. I had to walk to settle them down. The answer? A large stuffed animal to take the weight of the covers off my feet. Or pillows if you have them. My left foot stopped entirely and my right (which had always been
worse) just has one once in a while. Try it. What can it hurt?
BTW: Slow and steady wins the race,
All the else fall on their face.