Centralized gait disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and brain atrophy

@ashleysyd I’m 76. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder. FND is not a disease. It is the result of the brain and body not “communicating” with each other correctly.

I have a myriad of problems that have changed my life. I have a gait problem. I need to use a walker or cane so I don’t fall when I am standing. My body can tip me backwards when I’m standing still. I have fall twice since March.
It has given me double vision, breathing problems, tremors that get worse when I’m anxious.

I have Polyneuropathy, and the CT and PET scans I had a few years ago also show some atrophy. But, at my age brain atrophy is almost a given.

Google FND and see if it sounds like what she is going through. If she has FND, there is no cure, but it might ease up on its own.

@SusanEllen66 :
I am 75, and have had peripheral neuropathy for many years. It never limited me in any physical activities, and I swam and danced regularly.
Recently, I have also been diagnosed with orthostatic tremor in my legs. I now have to use a walker wherever I go, and can't dance. You can imagine how my quality of life has changed. I feel very discouraged.
Does anyone have suggestions for me?
I would be very grateful.

Hello @bevswerling, Welcome to Connect. You are not alone. I think you hit on one of the hardest adjustments those of us with neuropathy have to make is how to live the best life we can with our condition. You might want to check out these related discussions where members have shared their experience.
-- Peripheral Neuropathy is life changing: How do you accept it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/peripheral-neuropathy-life-changing/
-- Increasingly Difficult to Accept Peripheral Neuropathy
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/nor-accepting/
Do you have any hobbies or other things you can still do and find enjoyment doing them?

@johnbishop
Actually, it is not my peripheral neuropathy that is stressing me out.
It is my orthostatic leg tremor.
No one seems to be mentioning that.
My neurologist has told me that it is very rare and she is prescribing psychiatric drugs (!) for me.
Do any of you have it, and what do you do for it?
Many thanks!

@bevswerling - Sorry, I thought it was neuropathy pain. You might find these discussions started by @heariam and @triciab helpful.
-- Orthostatic Tremor & My Blog Posts: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/orthostatic-tremor/
-- Orthostatic Tremor: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/orthostatic-tremor-1/

@SusanEllen66 :
I am 75, and have had peripheral neuropathy for many years. It never limited me in any physical activities, and I swam and danced regularly.
Recently, I have also been diagnosed with orthostatic tremor in my legs. I now have to use a walker wherever I go, and can't dance. You can imagine how my quality of life has changed. I feel very discouraged.
Does anyone have suggestions for me?
I would be very grateful.