Lots of MSers have issues with balance, or rather the lack of balance. It can be difficult getting the concept across to people, following a spectacular (10/10 score) fall last weekend I have some visual aids to help the explanation:
Dislocated wrist, skinned forearm, bruising in multiple places and a mild concussion.
Did I come off a motorbike/push bike? No
Did I fall whilst rock climbing? No
Was I in a car accident? No
I was halfway up the front path and realised I had forgotten to put biscuits in the cat’s bowl. My balance gremlin decided to unplug balance completely just as I was turning around - cue staggering, flailing limbs and finally the reverse crash to the ground, arms out to save self (dislocated wrist) and skin removed by the brickwork on the corner of the garage, backside, then back hitting the ground (luckily an old 1970s door that has just been replaced was propped up outside awaiting removal to the recycling centre) and head smacking against the 1970s door rather than the concrete/brickwork.
My husband, who witnessed this display, was understandably shaken and quite upset; he didn’t really get the lack of balance thing before - he does now.
1 Like
So sorry to read this… it’s such a common problem for us. And the skinned hands/knees/arms/shins and bruises seem to take forever to heal now!
Amongst my many, frequent and varied types of falls, I have identified two commons causes (for me) that happen most often. One is the usual tripping due to not picking my feet up properly, or someone carelessly leaving a dog hair in my path. Second is this thing about walking and changing direction. I now know never to try to do both at the same time as it means certain disaster. To turn round, stop, turn completely, compose balance, reposition walking stick then move off. It’s usually fine.
Take care of yourself and I hope someone put the cat biscuits down!
2 Likes
Thanks Kestrel, the poor deprived feline was fed before a quick trip to A&E (yes - I have my priorities in tight order).
1 Like
What a horrid thing to happen. I am sorry that you hurt yourself. It happens so fast, as I well know.
It’s not a nice thing, I once got out my shower and foolishly started going down my stairs when…well I don’t know what but I ended up 2/3 of the way down stairs with my leg taking out one of the spares which stopped me. I was wearing white shirts at that time in work and you could see the bruises through it, I’m now an expert at falling lol. I follow the same principles as kestrel in moving around now and those dog hairs are lethal. I walk with a pole but it’s the looking where I’m walking and looking where I’m going which is the hard bit …
2 Likes
I use two poles when out for a walk. The thing I really miss is being able to look about me while walking. If my attention isn’t 
on the ground at my feet, over I go.
2 Likes
That is so true… if something is pointed out to me when walking, don’t expect me to look at it without stopping first. The number of times that has nearly ended in disaster!
3 Likes