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Fear of Falling and depression

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  • April 14, 2017 at 9:23 am #149169
    Fear of Falling and depression

    Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with IBM last year and after leading an active life I am struggling to come to terms with it. I have had a nasty fall recently and it has knocked my self confidence badly. The fear of falling is always there and this is in despite of my Rollator. I do my exercises 3 times a week and am aware it will be a few weeks of hard work to get back on track, but it is a big struggle, and I have had some unhappy days. Any guidance and advice would be appreciated.

    Thanks

    Colin42

    Colin42
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    April 14, 2017 at 12:06 pm #149172
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Hi Colin

    and welcome to forum. the fear of falling can be worse than the eventually odd tumble. Falls can be reduced by keeping environment safe and tidy lift rugs. extra grab bars around may help Tiredness is when I have most of mine when concentration is off.

    Try not to think over the last fall.

    Cat

    Cat
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    April 14, 2017 at 12:36 pm #149174
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Hello and welcome Colin. Falling, or the fear of falling, can be ever present amongst those of us with MD. My biggest problem being foot drop and stickly up floors or pavements. Your rollator is certainly the best thing to be using, and I am sure with that, exercises and time you will regain your missing confidence. However, I might suggest you ask yourself why did you fall this time. Was it a trip over something om the floor, was it something to do with the rollator, did you feel dizzy or off balance?

    Mike

    So many love songs, so little love.

    embayweather embayweather
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    April 14, 2017 at 12:59 pm #149176
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Falls are very bad. Sorry you have this problem.

    For me the Rollator was a magnificent solution to these issues.

    It is a solid stable platform right in front of you. Also it is
    an ever present seat that you can flop onto at a moments notice. If
    you are feeling at all weak just sit for as long as you want. In hospitals
    or shops where you can rely on the floors being flat I just sit on it
    and “scoot” backwards. It also holds all the items that might tire
    or distract you.

    Eventually I moved to a mobility scooter.

    Get advice and try different options that give you confidence.

    "Even if you are not paranoid, it does not mean they are not out to get you!".

    taungfox
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    April 14, 2017 at 4:14 pm #149179
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Thank you for your kind reply Cat. On looking back I was tired but I felt that I needed to keep going and so went for a walk using the Rollator . I had been feeling really well and I suppose I was caught off guard. I forgot I dont do kerbs and fell backwards. I have re-run that fall so many times which I now realise was a form of self punishment.

    Thank you for your advice

    Colin42

    Colin42
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    April 14, 2017 at 4:24 pm #149180
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Thanks Mike for your reply. It was a piece of kerbing and I was tired. So silly I know but I am doing the exercises and am determined to move on..

    Many thanks.

    Colin42

    Colin42
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    April 14, 2017 at 4:32 pm #149181
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Thanks for your message Taungfox. I was using the Rollator but, as per previous messages, I was tired and the kerb appeared suddenly. It has taken this fall to realise how weak my legs were getting. I will check all options now and move on.

    Thanks again.

    Colin42

    Colin42
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    April 15, 2017 at 12:36 pm #149183
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Colin, that is the sort of fighting spirit that not only do you need, but will also make sure you get to the other side. Keep fighting on.

    Mike

    So many love songs, so little love.

    embayweather embayweather
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    April 15, 2017 at 4:14 pm #149186
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Will do Mike. Thanks

    Colin42

    Colin42
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    April 19, 2017 at 12:56 pm #149230
    Reply To: Fear of Falling and depression

    Hi Colin, pleased to see you have found the forum. As you can see we have a great community here, as well as this if you did want to speak to others with IBM please do email me on j.rackham@musculardystrophyuk.org and I will see if I can set something up.

    Joel

    JoelR JoelR
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