I was involved with setting up a balance clinic run by the Royal London Hospital. The combination of the clinic and articles on brain health made me look again at what I could do to help myself.
My balance is terrible. I have a history when it comes to falling over. In fact I am terrified of falling over and breaking a bone. So I decided it was time to try and make myself more self-aware and hopefully develop a better sense of balance.
Basically over the last 6 months I have been practising standing up in a safe place but without holding onto anything. Originally just doing that on its own and looking straight ahead was a big ask. Slowly I have been teaching myself to slowly turn my head and look over each shoulder as well as look up at the ceiling and towards my feet. I practise for about 2 to 3 minutes every morning. It has become a part of my life. I also stand up unsupported when I clean my teeth.
You might think that this is no big deal. My walking has not got any better but I can now do something which I could not do before.
I suppose the next big step is to try walking but it will be very much one step at a time.
Its interesting how you can teach the body some skills that have been lost
I think possibly the most impressive thing you’ve said is that you can stand unsupported to clean your teeth. Being able to do anything functional without support is a big achievement.
I was trying to stand unsupported with my wheelchair behind me and walker in front. It didn’t really work too well, I’ve reverted to standing as upright as I can with only a light touch on the walker. I am attempting to get back to the point where I can stand with one hand on the walker and raising the other arm above my head. It’s a bit of a work in progress as it doesn’t take much before I land back on the chair with a big thump.
Although over the last few days I seem to have hurt one of my shoulder/upper arm muscles. So all is on hold until I can get that sorted.
Obviously I can’t actually walk beyond a few steps with an FES and a walker on the best of days. So every tiny improvement deserves noticing.
What you have achieved impresses me much more than these stories you read in the MS magazines about people running marathons or swimming up Everest.
My mobility has deteriorated alarmingly over the past year but I am religiously sticking to my daily exercise routine, and I do feel the benefits. It’s a commitment and there are many days when I baulk at the prospect but once I start I instantly feel better.
I am sure you will achieve the progress you are aiming at.