Balance and Walking Issues

[Strhuntrss]

New sx wondering if anyone else experienced this.

I found coming out of a movie that I started walking to the left. Could not keep my balance and had to hold onto hubby for support.

It happened again today. Came out of church and started walking towards the left again.

In the movies I thought it was because I was going from the dark to the light. In church it was not dark.

Wondering if I should tell my neuro this or tell my opthamologist.

I have optic neuritis that has been giving be problems again. The optic nerve is swollen again. Really don't want to be on steroids again.

I hate to bother the dr's when this might be something that is not that serious to worry about.

[zilphia01]

good luck

I would def mention it to the neuro. I experience those symptoms often, esp when hot, or tired. I use a cane (stupid cane) when I start to expereince it, it goes down in severity for awhile and then pops back up. So not consistent, not predictable, and not appreciated.

[hunterd]

I would tell both, although I think it is something that your neurologist should know. Even though I am now in a wheelchair, I still veer that way.

[Strhuntrss]

Thank you Zilphia and Hunterd.

I will call tomorrow to the neuro first and see what he says.
I am seeing the neuro/opthamolgist.

Come to think of it, I was tired from a long day of driving when we stopped to see that movie.

And I didn't get much sleep last night, 4 hours and I was sleepy in church. And no, the pastor wasn't boring, lol.

It is just something that I don't want people to think I am drunk lol

[KatieAgain]

Steroids are no fun and I usually wait out flare except in a few cases.

Just being in the flare can cause the walking and balance issues...at least it does for me.

Please don't mess around with the ON. It is worth the steroids to reduce the inflammation of the optic nerve. Please call your Ophthalmologist.

[bwmorris]

It is just something that I don't want people to think I am drunk lol

Strhuntrss, this reminded me of something I read on the NMSS site about emotional adjustment to adaptive equipment. I found it both funny and helpful, as I had to all of a sudden get used to needing a cane to prevent falls in my short hobbling about, and realized that without it, I must look drunk:

"It’s worth remembering that mobility devices often help people look less disabled. A person struggling to walk may look like a drunk. A person using a cane looks purposeful, and may even give off an aura of confidence."

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/living-with-multiple-sclerosis/mobility-and-accessibility/adaptive-equipment-emotional-adjustment/index.aspx

So give it a go with that cane when you need it; here's your new mantra: Look confident, not drunk!