I keep falling/breaking bones

@glassbonz561 Hi Bonz. Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry about your broken bones. Just wondering, do you take calcium supplements? I'm taking Alendronate 70 mg once per week and calcium 650 mg daily as well as Vitamin D 1000 units daily as prescribed by my doctor. You need the Vitamin D to properly utilize the calcium. I've had several hard falls recently but no broken bones, even though I have osteoporosis and osteopenia. I'm 86 years old. Take care. Warmest wishes for better days. Laurie

Good morning @glassbonz561 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. So, you’re falling frequently and breaking bones—i cant even imagine how that feels. Sounds like you may have some osteoporosis. You really need a complete check-up and a DEXA scan. Join the millions of women who have osteoporosis as they get older. Laurie @artist01 , has said she takes calcium, vitamin D, and medication to treat the osteoporosis. But, you should really have a check-up to see what’s causing you to fall.
Are these falls recent?

Do you think you might have a loss of balance problem?? Saying a prayer for you.

Hi @glassbonz561, I'm sorry to hear of what you've been going through. I agree with the others who chimed in that you probably need a complete work-up and balance check. Another friend of mine, very tall with balance issues, just started working with a physical therapist on improving balance. What kind of shoes or slippers were you wearing when you fell? Also, I'm wondering if you're getting adequate nutrition from your diet to support your bones. It might be worthwhile to check that out with a nutritionist. I did Judo for years. Sticking the arms out to prevent a fall is a recipe for broken bones - best to tuck arms, head in, and go with the fall, if possible. (I would stick my arms out to stop falling off a cliff, though!). Easier said than done. The last time I fell, it was so quick, I didn't have time to practice what I preach, but I didn't break anything. Anyway, best of luck. hope things improve.

It could be a balance problem. Also, you may need a cane or walker to keep you from falling.

I had chemo for 2 years and about 6 months later my legs started just turning to jelly ! I have a horrible fear of falling ; I now use a walker but if I try to walk in my apartment with out it I tend to fall side ways to the left or started to fall backward ! I have had brain scans , cat scans , ear exams and NO one seems to know or understand WHY I just keep doing this ! It is much worse when I am am tired . I have routine labs ordered by my cancer Dr. and all are ok . I have \been in remission with Waldrom Strom Sydrome for 5 1/2 years . .

Hi @connie72 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We have several members that have problems falling and I can only imagine how fearful that can be for you. You will see that I moved your post to a discussion about falling so you could connect with others who may be having similar issues like @glassbonz561. I also know that Elizabeth has dealt with falling as well, @ess77

You stated that you have had brain, ear and other scans. Have they checked your actual legs, perhaps a bone density test?

Yes, bone density tests have been done as well .

Good evening to all of you and thanks for the introduction, Amanda. I have been fighting falling for several years when my right knee buckled. I had my first TKR 10 years ago. That was on the left side. As time went on the buckling became worse on the right side. One of the issues that has made me quite happy about this 2nd TKR on the right side is the fact that the buckling is gone.

I no longer have to hold on to doorways as I pass through or make sure I am near something I can grab when I get out of bed or up from a chair at dinner. My PT post-surgery understood exactly what buckling meant and how it got started. Connections between nerves and muscles were just not happening. I am at week 7 now and I have not had any buckling by the new knee which has to mean that signals are being directed appropriately and therefore I am more secure and confident that my knee just won't give way and cause a fall. You may want to check on that situation.

May you be free, protected, and safe from inner and outer harm.
Chris

@connie 72. I've fallen several times recently, but only during blackouts. However, like you, Connie, I began swaying backwards or sideways a few months ago and having to grab onto doorways, furniture or my walker to save myself from falling. Since a heart attack in July, I've got 8 or 9 new medications so my doctor thinks that may be the cause. However, I have so many other complex health conditions, who knows? Lol. I'm just at the point of accepting everything as it comes, and telling myself " it is what it is". I certainly don't want any more medications to try to control this new problem. I'm very aware of the danger involved and remain cautious and alert, always. Good luck to you in your struggle to remain vertical! Warm regards, Laurie.