new member / single person

[Kayleigh]

Hi Panniertank,

Im very sorry to hear that you had a fall. Many of us have experienced falls and can totally understand what a shock it can be and how a fall can knock our confidence for a while.

I started off using a walking stick but found that a rollator gave me much more stability and also much more confidence (especially outside where bumpy pavements can be such a trip hazard!).

Please don't hesitate to speak to your physiotherapist or occupational therapist to ask what can be provided for you - they are supposed provide us with equipment that will aid our mobility etc, so that we can be as safe as possible and the risk of us falling is hopefully minimised.

If you would like to know more about rollators, there is some information on this thread:-
http://http://forum.mndassociation.org/showthread.php?9032-Rollator&highlight=Rollators

I hope you will soon build your confidence back up again. It's great to hear you enjoyed your day out yesterday. I hope you have another great day out very soon!

Take care

Love Kayleigh x

[Kayleigh]

sorry about your fall. Mick fell last saturday and had to get checked out at the hospital. He doesnt have the confidence to drive anymore. We bought an automatic in december but he only drove it twice. His head his heavy, he doesnt feel he has enough movement to safely check. He doesnt walk far at all now, just around the house, and if I park close into the barbers, he takes his stick and I hold his hand.

Hi Shrew,

Sorry about Mick's fall. It must have been a nasty shock for both of you - but a relief to find out at the hospital that there were no broken bones!

Did Mick fall indoors? I remember last year, one time when I was using a walking stick indoors, I suddenly lost my balance and fell backwards. Luckily no bones were broken but it did jolt me into the realisation that perhaps I needed to upgrade to something more supportive than a walking stick - and that's why I got a rollator.

If Mick has only been using a walking stick so far, then perhaps he might consider other options (such as a 3 wheeled or 4 wheeled rollator) that his physio or OT should be able to provide.

I hope Mick is feeling much better now.

Love and best wishes to you both,

Kayleigh x

[shrew]

Thanks Kayleigh, yes indoors, he doesnt use anything! He also fell the week before. He was frustrated because he couldnt do something, spun round and fell.
The problem is at almost 16st I cannot lift him!
The OT is coming tomorrow. Perhaps they could supply some type of hoist .We also have the council coming next week to complete a financial assesment for a stair lift. He is finding it hard going going up the stairs.
He has a trolley he wheels his meal into lounge on once he's microwaved it at lunch. I usually do his breakfast before work unless he gets up slightly later and I prep that too and he can bring it on that. I need a bigger house!

[Deb]

Hi Panniertank and Shrew,

Sorry to hear about your fall Panniertank and Mick's fall, Shrew. It really knocks your confidence because it happens without warning making it hard to prevent. It also really hurts which we could do without when we have other things to cope with.

I had a fall a couple of weeks ago and had to call an ambulance, which has made me rethink the aids I need to transfer. I phoned my lovely OT and physio and they are calling this week with suggestions so please dont hesitate to get in touch with yours. it's hard to accept help ( and I am totally guilty of this # own worst enemy ) but we should stay one step ahead and have things to help us before we need them urgently. It must be doubly scary if you are on your own or if like Shrew you are unable to lift your husband.

Panniertank, it sounds like you had a lovely day out before your fall and I hope this wont put you off going out again.

Take Care,
Love Debbie x

[Kayleigh]

I hope you are feeling better now Debbie and your leg is much less painful than it was.

Love Kayleigh x

[Deb]

Thanks Kayleigh,

On the mend, just slowly. Good excuse to rest up and watch Wimbledon. Hope you're ok too.

Love Debbie x

[Kayleigh]

Yes thanks Debbie, I'm OK...but struggling with the hot weather a bit! I have got plenty fans to keep me cool indoors but my garden is south facing and it got a bit too hot out there at the weekend. I used to be a sun worshipper but I find it much more comfortable to stay in the shade these days.

July seems to have come around very quickly and it's good that the weather's dry for Wimbledon today.

I expect we should increase our intake of liquid refreshment in this warm weather..... is it Pimm's o'clock yet?

Cheers!
Love Kayleigh x

[Terry]

Hi all,

Sorry to hear about your falls and I hope it's just your confidence that is damaged.

I have been lucky and have not fell whilst walking but I can often see myself falling. Just so worrying.

Shrew, maybe Mick can get a four wheel walker, put a gallon of water underneath the seat and carry dinners etc on the seat.

I used to carry pints of beer on mine.

Love Terry

[panniertank]

Thank you all for your feedback. I am sorry Shrew that Mick doesn't have the confidence to drive anymore. I can still drive at the moment and it is one of the few things I do that feels normal. My car helped me today to get out and about and get some confidence back after my fall. I kept to the "kiss" principle ( keep it simple stupid!!). I avoided long walks outdoors but drove to the supermarket to do my weekly food shop and drove to see my mum at her care home. In the supermarket the shopping trolley helped like maybe the walking frames/rollator that many of you have mentioned. Falling has always been a concern for me because my spinal rheumatic condition and osteopenia secondary to it, means I am more susceptible to breaking bones.

[Gillette]

Hi Panniertank,

Well done for going out today - it's not easy after you've had a fall.

I really do think you should contact your OT about some equipment to assist you when walking. It is important to get the right thing and for it to be set up to suit your needs.