Falling for no apparent reason: Any ideas?

Thank you for letting me know your story. I'm sorry that you and your husband had to go to so many doctors without a definite answer, but I am happy that things turned out good for your husband.

Take Care,
Nancy

@casey1329
Did you or the doctors mention
Alcohol-related cerebellar ataxia which an be be assoiated with Neuropathy.
It often has a good prognosis.
Does he have balance problems or trouble walking up stairs more like not being to lift leg or in a straight line?
Take care,
Jake

Doctors never mentioned it. The first 3 neurologists didn't seem to give my husband's drinking much notice. It wasn't until I got a neurologist that studied in Dublin did that the alcohol become important. He was the doctor that said the polyneuropathy was caused by drinking and when stopped things should get better.
As far as balance issues go, they were a problem when he was drinking but now that he stopped his balance is much better. No trouble going up stairs but he did have to use his hands to lift his leg into the car. However, he has been going to the gym and now is able to get into the car without using his hands to lift his leg. Thank you Jake for your interest. I will look up the ataxia. Have a good night! Karen

I have fallen twice at church and both times were a result of hurrying and think ahead of what i was doing. After 80 some years of walking, I don't think about what I am doing so with my mind on my next activity I am clumsy and trip and fall. People think I am old and feeble but I know that my mind is very sharp and I am not concentration on the walking at hand. I also fell in the bedroom while making the bed in a hurry and broke my arm which was embarrassing as I was not going fast enough to fall but was not thinking about it. Actually thinking about my steps and walking is a pretty dull thing to concentrate on but necessary, I have learned.
It cost some to repair my glasses and broken watch but my brain survived the bruises and my confidence is improving as well. I hope I have learned my lesson for a while. Dorisena

Do you have a cane or walker nearby? Maybe wear a call button. Just in case.

Merry Christmas!

Hi Again Susan,

So far so good re the falling but I did make an appointment with my GP on the 13th. I don't have a cane or walker (not yet anyway). A call button is a possibility and I have thought about it but not now. Thanks for your reply and have Merry Christmas! : )

I do not use a walker or cane because it promotes a bent over back. I use a walking stick in the yard. I do not use a call button around my neck because I am not a cow!. My phone has a call button and I can easily dial 911 which I have done in the past because I live alone. I do stretching exercises to try to rebuild strength and balance.
Using a walker at this point would be giving up in improving my strength and ability. I won't do that. Dorisena

My mom had a walker and I remember her always asking me if she was standing up straight. Her walker was adjusted so that if she pushed down on the handle she could straighten her back. Her posture improved and she was walking a lot faster with it, plus it had the added advantage of providing her with a comfy seat when ever she wanted to sit down. Although it may not be for you, in my mom's case the walker improved her lifestyle.

I rested too much and didn't do muscle building exercises and have what is called muscle wasting after back surgery. After six years of some therapy, I want to continue to work on muscle strength as much as possible so that is why I resist the walker. I am strong but have back pain after standing or walking very far. It eliminates shopping the big box stores unless there are electric carts. I use them for grocery shopping. I know the day will probably come when I need a wheel chair or inside electric scooter for my large home. I haven't given up the active life yet and still garden with the use of a golf cart. I don't take any meds for pain but do a lot of stretching and standing in the shower for heat therapy, My son chooses to do ice therapy. Both do some good, I think.

I used to fall for no reason at all, before my neuropathy was diagnosed. All at once, I just lost "mental" contact with the ground since I wasn't feeling physical contact. Since I've been on medication for my neuropathy, when I fall now, it's for a reason.