Someplace to stash my stuff
not once but four times just recently.
Published on June 3, 2019 By starkers In WinCustomize Talk

Many of you know that I suffer with vertigo and that my balance isn't the best, but lately it has been even worse and I have found myself on the ground.  The worst time was Sunday week ago while I was mowing the lawn.  I stopped to turn around when suddenly I lost balance and fell backwards, hitting my head quite hard on the front fence railing as I fell.  Luckily, I had help on hand so that I could regain my feet.

There was not a lot of external damage, just a graze on my head and elbow as I tried to break my fall, but it was the week's worth of concussion that really feched me up.  As a result I forgot to attend three important medical appointments and lost track of time, with days going missing and me not doing stuff I'd arranged to.

The second time was just a case of dizziness and landing on my hands and knees.  I was able to regain my feet without assistance, but it sure shook me that I could fall so unexpectedly like that.  The third time I walking along our hallway when I fell up against the wall and landed hard on my back.  Again, I was able to gain my feet unassisted and was able to make it to my bed and recover.

The fourth time I had been downstairs collecting some tools to do a little job in the computer room.  All was well until I tried to stand at the top of the steps.  That's when my legs just didn't wan't to hold my weight and collapsed underneath me.  Luckily I landed on my backside on the verandah instead of falling back down the steps, but there was no way I could regain my feet without assistance.  Both knees and both hips were twisted awkwardly and I no strength to position myself to reach the verandah railings to ease myself up.  Fortunately Steve was nearby and came to my aid.

I was fortunate on all four occasions not to have broken any bones or caused more damage, but I does concern me that I have fallen more in recent times without warning.  I'm not ready for a wheelchair, motorised or otherwise, and a zimmer frame is a cumbersome pain in the ass, so I'm unsure as to how I will get around.  SHIT! I'm only 66, I don't wan't to be confined to mobility devices yet.


Comments (Page 2)
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on Jun 11, 2019

starkers

I had another fall today, not that I hurt myself, but it took me a good fifteen minutes or so before I could regain my feet. 

Stop fucking around....seriously you need to look at getting a chair....

Where's Doc when you need him....for medical advice.....

on Jun 11, 2019

starkers

I had another fall today, not that I hurt myself, but it took me a good fifteen minutes or so before I could regain my feet.

Serious. If you have a cell phone, have it with you 100% of the time. You fall and can't get up  or pass out for a few hours you can at least call 911 or a friend for help.

on Jun 11, 2019

DaveBax

you can at least call 911 or a friend for help.

Or triple zero if you want your help to get there sooner....

on Jun 12, 2019



Quoting starkers,

I had another fall today, not that I hurt myself, but it took me a good fifteen minutes or so before I could regain my feet. 



Stop fucking around....seriously you need to look at getting a chair....

Where's Doc when you need him....for medical advice.....

Thanks for your concern, 'tis much appreciated.  Thing is, Paul, I can walk okay and rarely fall while just walking. My knees hurt a lot and sometimes threaten to give way/lock up, but that's not necessarily the cause of these recent falls

The times I mostly fall are when I'm rising from the ground after kneeling.  My knees and leg muscles just don't have the strength anymore, so sometimes when I'm rising, one leg or the other just refuses to co-operate and down I go.  That's what happened yesterday.  I was on my knees and had just finished packing some stuff for our move back to Tassie.   I was almost back on my feet when my right leg just felt like it wasn't there and gave way.... next thing I'm on the ground and nobody was around to render assistance.  Steve was out walking the dogs and Shaunna was in the shower.

The other times I fall is due to a lack of balance due to vertigo and diabetes, the feeling of being a bit lopsided due to my right leg being 50cm shorter than the left.  None of that helps, either.

DaveBax


Quoting starkers,

I had another fall today, not that I hurt myself, but it took me a good fifteen minutes or so before I could regain my feet.



Serious. If you have a cell phone, have it with you 100% of the time. You fall and can't get up  or pass out for a few hours you can at least call 911 or a friend for help.

Thanks for your concern as well, Dave, I appreciate it a lot.  Normally I do have someone around who can help, it was just unfortunate that I fell when they were otherwise occupied.  And if necessary, I'll do as Jafo said, ring 000, that's our emergency No. here in Oz.

Before posting my reply I sat here and had a think about a few things.... like getting 'that' chair.  Perhaps I'm just a stubborn old bastard who doesn't like to feel defeated, and that's why I've always opted to manage on my own two feet, but maybe the time has come to reconsider and speak with a health professional about manual aids to help me manage better.

on Jun 12, 2019

starkers

but maybe the time has come to reconsider and speak with a health professional about manual aids to help me manage better.

Sounds like a plan.

Last thing you want is to do a hip....as a common result is pneumonia....and that's more potentially fatal than people like to think...

on Jun 12, 2019



Quoting starkers,

but maybe the time has come to reconsider and speak with a health professional about manual aids to help me manage better.



Sounds like a plan.

Last thing you want is to do a hip....as a common result is pneumonia....and that's more potentially fatal than people like to think...

I already buggered up one hip when I had the motorcycle accident 38 years ago, along with my pelvis, lower back and neck.  So it's no wonder that I am having arthritic issues later in life, though it has been in the family on my mother's side for a few generations now.  What annoys me is that my mother and grandmother were both in their early 60's when they had orthopaedic surgery to correct the issues, my sister, who is three years younger than me has already had both hips and a knee replaced, yet at my last assessment I was more-or-less told that still I'm too young would be waiting until 70 - 75 before they'd even consider surgery for me.  That makes me mad because my niece, who just turned 41, is listed for a hip replacement in December.

Anyway, enough of that, it just infuriates me to think that my needs and pain are more acute than Renea's , yet I'm pushed to the back of the queue again and again.  At 58 I was told that it was necessary but that I was too young for hip replacement surgery, that I would have to wait until I was 65.  So now I'm 66.... and still too young?

So onto brighter and better things.  First thing, no falls today.  I ache like all buggery all over after packing 4 more boxes but I feel pleased with my effort.  I'll have a nice warm shower and some Deep Heat rubbed in and I'll be fine.

As for the manual aids to help me manage life better, a wheelchair is an important consideration, along with aids to help me in the bathroom and toilet.... getting in and out/up and down can sometimes be painful plus difficult.

on Jun 12, 2019

I'm told take all the help you can get. Mark, trust me. Its done wonders for me and it will make a world of difference for you. You're still the cap'n. 

on Jun 12, 2019

Yeah, I'll be seeing my doctor soon.  I'm sure she will implement the best plan for me to get all the help I need.  I do believe hydrotherapy would be of immense help, so that's one avenue we will discuss.

Anyhow, I'm aching like buggery all over today so I'll be taking it easy... like no packing or lifting/moving stuff around.  We still have a couple of months before we move back to Tassie, so it's not like I need to hurry.  I've already packed close to 40 boxes over the last few weeks, so most of it's already done.  All that's left are a few nick-nacks and stuff we're still using, but I'll whittle that down until there's nothing else to do by the time the removalists get here.  Yup, being prepared is better than leaving it all for a mad rush at the end.

So why am I doing all the packing when I've had these physical issues?  Well it's what I used to do for a living when I was a removalist, so I'm good at it and would use less boxes than Steve or Shaunna, thus helping to keep the price down.  I would have rented a truck, got a mate to drive and done the removal myself, but truly I'm past loading and unloading trucks nowadays, so a removalist it is.  It'll cost more than doing it myself, but I'm happy to pay the extra to save the wear and tear on these 'ere old bones n' muscles.  Besides, it makes more sense than trying to do it myself and breaking down part way through.

on Jun 13, 2019

Well I managed to get down to the shops and back [about 15 mins each way] with no ill-effects or issues.  My poor Buddy Wuds [dog] has been itching a fair bit and I needed to get him some Polaramine, an anti-hitsamine, from the chemist to help ease it for him.  Yeah, it's supposed to be for humans, but to get the exact same thing from the vet it is 5 times the price, so I'm obviously going to get the more affordable stuff elsewhere.

Anyway, it was a pleasant walk and I enjoyed it. Shaunna came with me just in case I needed assistance, but it wasn't required and Buddy thought he was the bees knees cos he came with us instead of going with Steve, which is the usual thing of an afternoon.  My knees were a little sore by the time we got back but nowhere near as bad as usual.  In recent times I struggled to walk back up the little hill on the way home, but not today, I managed it quite well and didn't need to stop to rest a while.

I think that's the point, to walk and exercise when I can, then use mobility devices when necessary.  That way I'm not just giving up and getting lazy.  I don't want to lose my independence entirely, but I don't want to overdo it, either, so I'll be sensible about it and accept/use the help as/when needed.

That's the latest exerpt from the starkers diary but now it's hooroo ans goodnight.

 

on Jun 14, 2019

Just when I think things are getting better, the bloke next door, easily 20 years my junior and in much better health, decided to come over and pick a fight with me because Buddy was barking at our postie.  I tried to settle things down but he just kept getting more irate and unreasonable, like he had come here for a fist fight and not much else.  He knows that I have been having issues with balance and falling over, yet he continued to provoke the situation towards violence.

I said to him: "So what's a fist fight going to prove? You know my health isn't good and the outcome is a foregone conclusion.  Or is it?  You would have to throw the first punch.... then it's assault even if I end up punching the shit out of you.  See, you don't know me or what I know.... what I can do or what I'm capable of."

I think that's what settled him down, the thought of me having him charged with assault and getting the police involved.... the thought of me potentially belting crap out of him.... which isn't entirely beyond the realms of possibility.  The thing is, I'd rather avoid violence and resolve things peacefully.

According to his neighbour on the other side, however, his name isn't Tony [the name he uses here] and that he's been in hiding for years because he's wanted by the British authorities for a string of crimes in the UK, so I can imagine why he has been keeping a low profile, not that coming here and provoking me the way he did is exactly keeping a low profile.

Anyhow, I'm going for a bit of a lay down as I'm feeling rather unwell at the moment, be back another time.

on Jun 14, 2019


Where's Doc when you need him....for medical advice.....😉

😂

Seriously, sorry to hear of your trouble, Cap'n. 

1) See your M.D.

2) Avoid operating machinery. Avoid high places an make no sudden moves or changes of position of your head and neck.

3) You might consider having your M.D. evaluate you for Vertebro-basilar arterial insufficiency, besides ENT re-eval of your vertigo.

 

Best of luck with the work up, and keep her pecker up...even though I suspect the answer to the testing might well turn out to be, "It's all Jafo's doing." 😉

on Jun 14, 2019

DrJBHL

Seriously, sorry to hear of your trouble, Cap'n.

1) See your M.D.

I have an extended appointment for next Tuesday to primarily discuss the vertigo, spinal issues, the knee issues and my hips.... anything else if we get time, like shingles, etc.

DrJBHL

2) Avoid operating machinery. Avoid high places and make no sudden moves or changes of position of your head and neck.

All my machinery items [power tools/air tools] have been packed ready for our move.  I had thoughts on selling it all, but it did occur to me that I still like to tinker with various projects and would be in a better position to do so once we're in Tassie. I don't struggle anywhere near as bad with vertigo down there... nor the extreme heat, so for me it's a win, win situation.

I wouldn't be doing high places anyway.  My feet stay firmly on the ground when it comes to climbing ladders or anything higher than a computer chair.  I try not to move my head or turn my neck very much at all, though not just because of the vertigo and dizziness, etc.   I have spinal issues in my neck [non-existent discs/non-surgical spinal fusion] that make it painful to do at the best of times.

DrJBHL

3) You might consider having your M.D. evaluate you for Vertebro-basilar arterial insufficiency, besides ENT re-eval of your vertigo.

Not too sure what the first part is but I'll ask.  As for the vertigo re-evaluation, that's already in motion.  I have a referral to get a scan done on my right-side neck and ear.  We do know that I have a cyst near my ear canal and that it may be the cause of some issues, but it wouldn't hurt to elaborate with this new scan.

Thanks for your concern and advice, Doc, 'tis much appreciated.  In fact, if you weren't retired, I'd be on to your receptionist to make an extended appointment.... one long enough to have a few beers; lunch a few times; to take in a bit of sight seeing; dinner here and there; maybe something cultural like a concert or two.

on Jun 16, 2019

Well, no falls for 3 days now, does that mean I can say goodbye to the bruising on my arse?

Unless Shaunna uses a bigger sized gym shoe when she puts me over her knee, that is?

I have been taking it easy since the last fall, mostly watching The ICC World Cup of Cricket and enjoying that.  It has been a fantastic tournament of cricket thus far and looks like getting even better as the top teams fight for the ultimate prize.

on Jun 26, 2019

Well I might be in that wheelchair much sooner than I would like.  Saw my doctor yesterday and she suspects that I  have an arthritic and degenerative disc disease and sent me for MRI scans on my spine. I already knew that I've had some spinal fusion in my neck and lower back over the years, so I'd say she's right on the money. 

I told her that my legs just keep getting weaker and weaker, that my feet are always cold, even in Summer, and that my upper and lower legs pretty much hurt all the time now.  She took the pulses in my lower legs and said that they could better, that while there may also be a vascular aspect to my symptoms, it's likely that the main cause is spinal.

Thing is, there is no cure so I'm not likely to be mobile for very much longer.  At least now, though, I may get some proper treatment and assistance to help me manage my condition better.  My previous doctor just kept throwing pain meds at me rather than look further into it, hence the change in GP/MD. 

I've tried to remain as active as I can and do exercise as best I can, be she said that if her suspicions are correct, it will not be enough to keep me on my feet and I will need to see other health professionals to help find the best course of action for me. 

It's not the news I wanted to hear, but I'll suck it up and go on to cope in the best way that I can.  She also gave me some pamphlets on home care and other services.  I do have Steve and Shaunna around, but there may be times that I need assistance they are not able to provide, so I'll weigh up all my options and take it one day at a time.

on Jun 26, 2019

starkers

Saw my doctor yesterday and she suspects that I  have an arthritic and degenerative disc disease

That is exactly what I've suffered from since 1974. Of all things, I was at RAF Lakenheath in the UK and just making the bed in the morning and when I bent over to toss some covers up, my back went out with a severe rupture of my L5 disc. Talk about pain! I fell to the bed and layed there writhing for about 3 hours before I could even get up. Got to my car and drove a bit of a distance to the base medical facility. They diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease, and I had to go into physical therapy for 6 months, had to change jobs too. Since then my C1 and T1 discs have had problems too and I have also developed arthritis. In 2005 I was put on 100% disability by the Veteran's Administration because I cannot work any more. I understand totally what you are going through. While I haven't fallen down, I have gone through having vertigo on several occasions too. No fun!

Hope you get better soon.

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