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Safety Issue, I Have Concerns Regarding Falling

Posted by SusanEllen66 @SusanEllen66, Jun 11, 2023

I have slipped and fallen twice over the last 2 years. The last time was just a few days ago. I was getting out of bed, and my foot slipped as I was stepping down and I lost my balance. The problem is getting up off the floor. Both my knees have been replaced so kneeling is very painful. I have laminate wood floors, and I found I can skoot around easily on my bottom, but I can’t stand up.
I have osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and peripheral neuropathy. I’m not a skinny person anymore and at 73 I am doing the best I can.

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jun 12, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @SusanEllen66. Falling is frightening. You pick yourself up and try to remember just what..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening @SusanEllen66. Falling is frightening. You pick yourself up and try to remember just what happened and why? About a year ago, my left leg just decided to give up on me every once in a while. My endocrinologist at Mayo had chosen to refer me to a Physical Therapist. She put together a program for me that is part of Medbridge. It was interesting as well as challenging and I thought my body was responding well. Unfortunately, my right leg then decided it needed a turn at giving in. And so, the effort became more concentrated.

What I have discovered has impressed me. Today, there are definitive guidelines for helping PTs know when the patients' bodies are meeting specific goals like reducing falls. I have been working with the expertise of Medbridge as interpreted by my PT to provide strength and balance-building exercises. As of last week, I am only two "Sit to Stand" lifts away from meeting the goal of 13 in 30 seconds. I have made it to 11. I started at about 5 or 6. Not only do I feel like I have made some real progress, I feel safer and have begun walking along the river once again.

The other effort on my behalf was to request the purchase of a Rollator. What a great support "assist". It is a walker with wheels and some added accessories like a seat with back support. Have you ever found that pushing the shopping cart at the grocery store provides stability support? Now, I get the same support with my Rollator even outside the grocery store.

When we accept "assists" there are some emotional issues because everyone who sees you will know you have some aging or physical issues. Well....once I got over feeling exposed and a bit decrepit I was thrilled to feel safe and supported.

Does this give you an idea of something that might help you move more securely? Please let me know. I will be waiting to hear from you.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Jump to this post

Well everyone.....this is a wonderful grouup of caring folks who are kind and helpful. Thank you all for sharing your experiences to help others. I thought I would take a minute to add photos of the "new" rollator. This one was professionally fitted to my height and posture.

I love the design and the colors. I am grateful for the support and security it gives me.
Chris
REPLY
1 reply
Lagrange 5 | @lagrange5 | Jun 13, 2023
In reply to @artscaping "Well everyone.....this is a wonderful grouup of caring folks who are kind and helpful. Thank you..." + (show)
@artscaping

Well everyone.....this is a wonderful grouup of caring folks who are kind and helpful. Thank you all for sharing your experiences to help others. I thought I would take a minute to add photos of the "new" rollator. This one was professionally fitted to my height and posture.

I love the design and the colors. I am grateful for the support and security it gives me.
Chris

Jump to this post

Chris, how generous of you to share your photos! And what a beautiful smile!!

REPLY
paktoledo | @paktoledo | Jun 14, 2023

I am 65 years old. Last summer ,I kept slipping out of my bed! Call my PCP and he didn't seem to be too concerned! I ended up in the hospital for 3 weeks, not remembering the last 2 1/2 weeks!
Listen to your "GUT LEVEL" instinct when it comes to falling!
I am 65 and had to go to PT to have to learn how to walk again. I had been bed ridden all that time!
After 5 months of PT, I am able to walk again.
I take water aerobics exercise, in addition, to walking and, strength 💪 training classes!
I have fallen twice lately, but was able to get back up without difficulty! I could not get back up last summer!
Point is: try PT, or other exercises, to help with strength and balance. Good luck, Pat!

REPLY
vellen | @vellen | Jun 17, 2023

I wanted to thank you for this post. The replies have been very helpful to me. I will stay aware, make sure my weight is even when standing and not try to move too quickly from point a to point b. I was finding that in getting to where I wanted to be, I would sometimes stop too quickly and almost stumble.
Perhaps keep a couple of step stools in rooms to assist you in rising off the floor. And the PT js a great idea even if you just strengthen your arms using cans of food as weights.
And get rid of any throw rugs, those are not our friend at this age.
Take care.

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