First "near" fall

[heliotrope]

I've fallen before, but never seriously. This latest flair appears to have significantly effected my balance. I slightly lost my footing this morning - and almost ended up in a snowbank on the sidewalk. I've got no ability to correct. Any suggestions for staying upright? Also, my legs have been aching since. Normal?

[Seasha]

Whoa~ glad it wasn't a fall, heliotrope, but landing in a snow bank wouldn't have hurt so much. I know as I've done it a few times! Do you use a cane or could rent or borrow one while you are recovering from a flare for more stability?

I have a new pair of StablelIcers that I got at REI. They are grippers to put on your shoes or boots and are really helpful for snowy/icy conditions. I've also heard of Yaktrax Walker grippers http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthread.php?t=130666

Hope this is helpful. Stay safe!!

[heliotrope]

Thanks for getting back to me. I've been trying to figure out how to handle this - a cane isn't a big help on an icy sidewalk (just something else to slip). Finished off the day by landing in a snowbank anyway - and pulling a few muscles... Adjustments are hard!

[hunterd]

no advice or staying upright other than to do whatever is possible to improve your footing. If you do fall, try to fall in a way that will allow you to roll when you hit the ground. This will allow you to transfer the energy that you have when you fall and not get hurt.

[heliotrope]

Thanks everyone. This is driving me a little crazy...

I had a PT eval recently. My "basic balance" is fine (I can stand up and walk normally), but my "advanced balance" isn't. In shorthand, this means I lose my balance if I lose my footing at all. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle things. A cane gets in the way of my normal gait (duck-walk, anyone?), but I need it if I shift too fast.

If I fall again, it's definitely time to move up my PT appointment.

[Kimba22]

A cane gets in the way of my normal gait (duck-walk, anyone?), but I need it if I shift too fast.

PT can teach you how to walk normally with a cane. It just takes some practice. Hopefully, you recover soon from your flare and won't need to use it for very long. PT can also teach you how to fall. Breaking a bone would not be a good thing! I really hope you don't fall again.

Best wishes,