How do you manage neuropathy and loss of balance and walking ability?

@magrose45 I just responded to the same question and said very close to the same thing. It’s like you read my mind before I even posted.:)

After falling and landing in the ER with a head injury (which could have easily killed me) and two sprained ankles, we installed grab handles in the bathroom, the one step down into the living room, and the front and garage doors.

Please don’t ever let pride get in the way of using a cane or whatever you need to keep your balance. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death.

I have an Apple Watch with fall detection and it works. It went off when I fell. It’s waterproof so I wear it in the shower. If you don’t respond in the event of a fall it notifies your emergency contacts and emergency services.

I have peripheral neuropathy, and I use a walker/rollator. I started using it about 5 years ago, and it really helps me deal with the balance and mobility issues. I found some really cute washable covers for the seat and bar which help me distinguish mine walker from other people's (I live in an over-55 community) and make me feel festive.

Some people are hesitant to use a walker because it makes them feel "old," but I'm in my 70s and it makes me feel safer—plus it's great for carrying things. I fell and broke my ankle years before I was diagnosed with SFN (small fiber neuropathy), and the recovery from that took a LONG time, so I'm all about not falling at this point.

@artemis1886 I'm a huge fan of Dr. Oaklander, thanks to her wonderful YouTube video: https://youtu.be/s66LvWQ5Qso?si=WOfopc0XAuKkrant

I didn't realize that she's available to see patients, including via Telehealth. I'm sure there's a waitlist, but I'm going to try to get on it.

It's taken me years of various symptoms, doctors, diagnoses to finally get diagnosed with small fiber neuropathology through a skin punch biopsy. Now I'm on a journey to find out what's causing it; right now we're looking at mixed connective tissue disorder and an autoimmune disorder. I'd love her input. Thanks for posting.

@mmmerrimac How cute! And wise. I have a compact motorized wheelchair now for going out. I’m on my 70’s as well. Hard to believe! Where did the time go?? 🤣

@mmmerrimac It took me 20 years to be diagnosed with my autoimmune. I took IVIG from age 10-18. I am back on it. Dr Oaklander will give you a ton of labs to have run before she will see you.

I have had neuropathy a few years now. In the past few months my balance became a real problem for me, I walked like a duck. held onto everything to keep from falling, got a handicap placard, and used a cane. I thought the neuropathy had became aggressive, and I had to accept and live with it..

I see the chiropractor weekly and asked how bad your knees must be prior to considering a knee replacement.

The chiropractor determined I had a tiled pelvis. After four treatments, I am walking normal again. Yes, I still have neuropathy but I can walk normal again.

I was sedentary following an auto accident in Oct 24 and perhaps the ligaments holding my knees and hips in place weakened affecting knees, hips, and pelvis.

@mikeissimo the English can be really spooky lol

@willgranger1127 I am the Imelda Markoff of the shoe world I consistently try different styles and so far tennis shoes are about the best ones. Hope that helps.

@cit10jetjockey
A cane worked for me for a while. Then I fell a couple of times and my Doc. insisted I get a walker. I did so and it is my constant companion. Because I fear falling over backwards putting my walker in the backseat of the car, I also purchased an "elderly protective helmet" from Amazon. Several of my neighbors at my CCRC had serious head injuries from falls. For $22, this is cheap insurance!