So random

[fuzzywuzzy2]

Since my dx, and the proper meds Ive kinda got my balance issues under control.(i do use a cane).

However after getting out of the shower the other day, and Im always careful, I fell, in slow motion mind you back onto the side of the tub. I wasnt hurt and I consider myself lucky, but it was so random!

I occassionally get bouts of unsteadiness, but I cant take my cane into the shower. (it's wooden) I have safety handles but I was outside drying off and it was in slow motion...so weird..thanks for listening

[optimystic]

i too fall in "slow motion" quite often it usually is backwards. i havent gotten hurt seriously yet so i find it sort of amusing.

the other day i was trying to step over a child gate instead of just opening it but my rt foot didnt clear the top and i tripped forward but as i toppled the gate flung back at me and hit the back of my left leg no one was around and i started thinking about how histerical it would have been to watch. since i only had a lump on my leg and didnt crack my skull it could have been worse.

i know people think im weird for laughing when things like this happen but i figure i can either laugh or cry i choose to laugh

[CasinoKathy]

Hi fuzzywuzzy2, I know what you mean about the suddenly unsteadiness!

I too have grab bars in the shower and also one right outside on the wall which I grab unto when coming out of the shower. But like yourself, drying off can sometimes be a challenge. What I do is dry off while I have my back to the wall and then if I feel alittle "tipsy" I'm safe because I have that to lean into. I also use a cane sometimes in the house and always outside.

What meds do you use to help with your balance? I asked my neuro and he said that there wasn't any specifically for that. He told me that it all works together with my weak leg. I am on baclofen for spasticity, and just started Ampyra last week and Tysabri in January.

Am glad you weren't hurt!! That must have been scary!! Be safe and "happy showering"! Kathy

[JoanFrances]

Hi fuzzywuzzy2

Sorry to hear that you are having this issue. It is alarming I know, to have that happen, as you don't know when it will strike

I have gotten to the point I am really leery when I have to walk any place where I know that won't be anything to grab a hold of. Makes me feel old way before my time. 64 year olds shouldn't have to worry about such things is my attitude LOL

Maybe you could get yourself one of the metal canes to leave in the shower, that way it will be there ready to use.

Hope you get some relief.

[boylecen]

the shower

How warm or hot is the shower you're taking?? I get alot more wobbly when I am in a hot shower,versus a warm one. Als you may want to look into a small shower stool so you can sit if you get woozy. From some of the other messages I've read sitting down to dry off is helpful too. My bathroom is so small I can lean on the walls for support and the toilet is right there. My first dizzy spell was in the bathroom and all I had to do was put my arms out to grab the walls....LOL..always complained about how small it was.

[fuzzywuzzy2]

Thanks all for sharing and for some good advice. Ive always been a bit clumsy so I just kinda go with it for now!

Casino, I got this book calld the Brain Wellness Plan and it mentioned in the book that Ativan can help with dizziness, however I cant find the page I read it on. But it's funny cause the side effect of Ativan can be dizziness, but I think akmost evey med says that!

Im frustrated I cant find the page...but I know I read it!

I guess now I can blame my clumsiness on MS!


Anyway, i have searched and cannot find where I read it in the book so sorry

[Wobbly One]

Shower Safety

After a couple of falls in the shower, I started using a shower chair. I also took two aluminum canes in the shower which helped for a while as far as getting into & out of the shower & on & off the shower chair I now use a folding walker instead of the canes. Much more secure than two wet canes, four points of contact vs two. I had the walker painted a shade of blue to match my bath room decor, it makes for an extra towel rack when not folded behind the bathroom door. These two pieces of equipment make shower pleasurable again.

Stella