How do you feel about falling?

Hi, Shelley

To do my various physical therapists justice––or a fair number of them, anyway––many of my therapy experiences were before I'd been told I had PN. In those days (prior to August 2022), I tended to trust the wisdom of the therapists. When I wasn't able to advance through the different exercises as rapidly as I thought I should, I would go home thinking, "Well, Ray, maybe it is just age." After getting my PN diagnosis, however, and coming to understand that people with PN "feel" the world differently from people without PN, I began to ask my therapists: "Have you had experience working with people with neuropathy symptoms?" It was then I decided to take a break from insurance-covered PT and instead do what I could for myself here at home.

Thank you for your message, Shelley!
Cheers!
Ray

Not sure if I have good advice, but I do know that falls happen when you least expect them--you're on your way to do something, or your mind is on something else. Once you learn to walk, walking becomes automatic, almost like breathing. When you get older, you have to learn not to take it for granted and concentrate on walking itself. So, if you're walking down the street or even across the room, focus on your path. Notice things like cracks in the sidewalk, a rug with a curled up corner, a shoe that's out of place, a cord where it shouldn't be, a dog toy that your dog dropped, etc. That last one messed up my ankle for awhile. Wear shoes that have very good support--always tie your shoe laces. Don't wear flip flops. Avoid icy walks. ALWAYS hold onto the handrail. Make sure you have nite lights especially on the way to the bathroom. I've taken some nasty spills--one with my dog that put me in the hospital with a fractured femur that ended my dog walking days. A fainting incident resulted in a fall that brought me to the hospital. A young occupational therapist suggested that if I felt faint again (I had no warning. It just happened.), I should maybe get on the floor to avoid falling! Unfortunately, when you get older, you really have to concentrate on walking--almost like you are driving. Be aware of things around you and of anything in your path. Slow down a bit and stay focused. Getting from point A to B safely is the goal.

I am no athlete so I admire your skill. I, too, had PT for walking and balance after a major fall. While it was valuable, it's almost as if you are told what to do and how to do something you have been doing most of your life. Oh well!

I also fractured my femur when walking my dog. Interested in your comment that it ended your dog walking days and curious as to why. Did you have a rod put in and it is not functioning as intended? The reason I ask is I am having a really hard time getting strength back into that leg. I still walk daily but am frustrated and to how weak it is. Forget about going down stairs.

@sandy148 So sorry you're experiencing all these difficulties.❤️

Ten years ago I started gentle yoga. It is for all ages, but most of us are older. Young athlete types want more, but it is plenty rigorous for me. It focuses on strength and balance. I do it free through Silver Sneakers on my Medicare Advantage Plan. They have it all over the US. One lady is in her 90s and does very well and is independent. Others have had knee and hip surgery and return to class. You can modify however it best works for you. I have osteoporosis so I am very concerned with strength and balance. I also walk my dog everyday.

@llynch17056 Silver Sneakers is a great suggestion! Lots of different practices at various levels of fitness, also fall prevention education. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Yes. I have a rod and pin in my leg and it is functioning very well. Actually, that leg is now stronger than the one that was not injured. I don't know how long you have been recovering. I was told it could take up to 6 months to be fully recovered and that's probably about right. I was able to make steady progress especially when I no longer needed a walker. I moved on to a cane and then nothing. After a few years, I went back to a cane when outside but that was due to my back issue, not my leg. As for walking the dog--she is about 45 lbs. She can be anxious at times, startles easily, and has a bit of a hunting instinct. That means she can lunge unexpectedly at sounds and sights. So if you are walking her and she sees a tiny rabbit or squirrel, she darts with all her might--and she's strong!! Unfortunately, she darted one day and somehow her leash got tangled around my legs. I went flying, landing on a very hard surface. Walks now are just too risky for me. We have a large yard where she gets plenty of exercise every day chasing anything that moves--a rabbit, a squirrel, a paper bag, or a basket that wasn't there the day before. I think if I took her for a walk, my family would disown me!! Despite everything, I still love my dog.

My dog just turned nine years old. A 65 pound muscular lab. He is still very strong. He has never bitten anyone or another dog. If he lunges I just have to let go of the leash. He can still pull me down. But, he rarely does that anymore.

My son's black lab used to pull me around, but not my husband who shuffled his feet. Lola knew that she had to be more gentle with him. I tried shuffling my feet and she stopped pulling.