Falling Down

[Connemmara]

2 weeks ago I fell sustaining in grade 2 torn ligaments in left ankle and of course bruised knees. Now I could say I fall at least 10 times a year. I took the advice of Madmen today and wrapped up myself well and took the dog to the park whereby I fell again and a lad and a bus driver got off the bus and picked me up. I have to say I felt sorry for myself and had a little cry - not at the pain I am in but what is calling the falls. I googled there and a bit of fibromyalgia came up which I do have - but I am worried is it my brain also could it be because I am heavy and unfit and should make an appointment to see a neurologist or the "head man" - why do you think. Lay down for a while but am worried about myself. Thanks

[Eve]

What happens when you fall? Any other symptoms or similarities like feeling faint or dizzy, legs giving way, any pain or weakness anywhere, any feeling of blacking out etc... Any problems with your ears?

Do you tend to trip over something and fall or just fall regardless?

[Prudie]

Do you just trip over yourself or pass out and then fall? I'm sure this is worrying and I'd get it checked out. I do know of a couple of people who used to just pass out and fall at random and it was due to low blood pressure.

[Mamyalynne]

Conne, make an appointment and see the GP - try to explain what happens when you fall....for example do you feel faint, or do your knees go from below you?? Once you have consulted they will recommend any course of action to solve what is going on.

[rsvp]

Sorry to hear of the problem Connemmara - don't you think you should get a qualified medical opinion to sort out why this is happening - then you are in the pounds seats to deal with the problem rather than just guessing?

[Eve]

Another thought, is it related to any kind of getting up, such as from kneeling or bending down (given you have a dog with you) and getting back up? Possibly a blood pressure thing.

Have you had any of your bones checked recently to check for any weakness or thinning and do you have any risk factors for conditions like osteoporosis?

[flump1]

Connie, I can't offer anything other than a hug, ((( HUG ))) xxx

[Connemmara]

No I just fall over - no fainting or dizziness nothing like that - it is like I am not lifting my feet high enough to walk properly - also probably like many people I think/dream a lot - just after posting a 1st anniversary into the paper re my brother dying last year. However that is only one fall - I absolutely loathe going to doctors because I believe they don't really care - I don't want any more medication, no dont trip over anything either. My friends all know what I am like and when they are around me sorta look after me.

[Mamyalynne]

Well sadly without seeking expert advice, we cannot really do anything but guess really - if you are shuffling try to train yourself to walk better and if you feel weight is an issue then maybe try to drop a few pounds. I know you don't want more medication but if you refuse to go then self help is all you have.
Take care.

[Connemmara]

just needed to share with somebody because my friends and my sister they would believe it but don't know what to do or say. About 2 months ago you are not going to believe this - was lifting washing out of the washing machine and was going outside to hang it out - my foot caught onto venetian blind string and I fell out into back onto my nose and broke my glasses and sustained 2 black eyes. I personally feel I am just accident prone.

[Mamyalynne]

If sharing has in any way helped then that is good, since my sight started to fail, I have quite a few bumps and bounces, not much fun is it ?? ((HUG))

[Eve]

I have pain/stiffness/weakness from arthritis/fibromyalgia and bursitis in various bits of me and I find wearing footwear where I can feel my feet properly help (if that makes sense?), I also tend to shuffle a bit to keep my feet close to the ground and avoid bending my knees too much.

I also gave in and got walking sticks from physio - they are a godsend! They help give me a lot more stability, in my head as well as physically, I feel more confident walking with them having something to help keep me upright.

[Connemmara]

Mamylynne - you used the word shuffling which could be a good adjective - but I probably am nervous of properly walking (because of all the falls) - and another point I would like to say it is as if my shoes stick in tarmac then I fall - that would be a way of expressing it. Anyway thanks for listening.

[Eve]

It is horrible, I fall fairly often as does my mum. We both have an inner ear disorder which doesn't help.

Mum got sent for a bone scan after her most recently fall (also injured herself quite badly) and saying she falls quite often and they were very keen (both A&E and GP) to try and pinpoint the reason for her falling.

[Connemmara]

Well I do have Menieres disease but would never think this has anything to do with falls.

[Connemmara]

Well I guess for another fall oh please not. Really that was 5 falls in two months including the venetian

[Eve]

Ahhhh, that's what mum and I have. We figured the general being off balance contributed, I have to remember that it can be a bit deceptive that the longer you have it the more you seem to adjust and be used being off balance.

I used to get bruised all over from getting used to it in an office where I worked from catching bits of me on desks, doorways, filing cabinets...

I can easily trip over nothing.

[Connemmara]

Well Eve you and me can be called "Falling Buddies"

[Eve]

We can indeed :) I even have a Meniere's buddy on my Facebook (we met via a Menieres forum some years back and met in person recently) - nice to have someone to talk to who understands what it can be like - and trade falling stories and such.

I've just changed where I sit at my work so I'm in bumping into all sorts mode at the moment before I get more used to it - not as much space though it might take a while!

[anneasquith]

conn. you really should see your gp. do you think the falls have anything to do with the shoes/boots you wear ?

[pastafreak]

Apparently,a rare symptom of Meniere's is 'drop attacks'-sudden falls. Maybe you should have this investigated. Even if not that-any ear or balance disorder could cause you to fall or stumble.