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I fall quite a bit; seems as if I simply tip over/lose my balance. It happens off either leg, and seems to hit me out of nowhere. I've been an athlete my whole life, and have recovered from some pretty severe injuries, but no matter how much work I do to build up my legs, they just don't seem to support me enough. And, yes, they feel rubbery as I begin to go down; mostly feel as if my hips are collapsing, at which time it's too late to recover. My physical therapists told me I likely have vestibular problems. I have both a PT and neurology appointment coming up soon through Medicare. The VA hasn't offered much in the way of healthcare. I'm only 71 and felt like a youngster until being diagnosed with PD five years ago--for more than a year, I had trouble walking--was even stopped by the police who said that some neighborhood (busy-body) phoned the police to report a suspicious man walking down the street who was either drunk or on drugs. After that bit of inconvenience, I had my wife videotape me in action, and worked on walking a lot more naturally based on what I looked like on the video. I do balance and strength exercises religiously, and although I've improved my overall strength and flexibility, I'm still collapsing to the ground several times a week. I can get up all right, but I think I'll follow your lead and take a cane or walking stick with me in order to appear less suspicious.
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Hello! (@horowitz71)
Your message has me rethinking much of what I have already posted about my situation. I'm one of those forever looking for a better way of explaining to doctors and friends what I feel so that they better understand what I experience. "Tipping over" is a good one. That's what it does feel like for me. And it does come out of nowhere, without warning. That's why I'm forever on guard. And why I started carrying a cane. Unlike you, I would never have called myself an athlete, but in the '70s, I got into running (as I recall, Frank Shorter winning the Olympic marathon kicked off the running craze); I was never a World Class runner, but I ran well, running marathons here, there, and everywhere, never medaling but finishing with decent times. Then, in 2009, I was told I needed a knee replacement. That ended my running days. Today, I concentrate on leg strength because of my neuropathy (a diagnosed idiopolyneuropathy), with questionable results. Generally speaking, my legs feel stronger, although I still have certain days and hours of the day when my legs feel "rubbery," like I can't trust them. The sensation usually passes in about 2-3 hours; then I'm back to just dealing with my by-now-familiar neuropathy wobbliness, which I do my best to manage (the cane, taking it slow, some wall- and furniture-walking). You say that you do fall quite a bit. I've fallen, but not that often, and it seems each time I'm able to say precisely why I've fallen; for example, my last fall was about a month ago: it had begun to sprinkle, and I was rushing {rushing? never a good idea!) to collect the patio furniture, turned too fast (turning without thinking is also never a good idea), and went plopping on my butt. No damage –– other than to my pride. I'm glad you've joined the forum. I look forward to hearing more from you!
Ray (@ray666)