Don't have a choice

JFR · Post by **JFR** » Wed Sep 18, 2013 7:45 am

Lesley,

I just ordered a walking stick, not because I have balance problems but because every now and again a large dog runs out from someone's yard when Theo and I walk by and I want some way to defend myself and Theo if the dog has ideas about attacking. Theo is terrified when an unfamiliar dog rushes him, even if the dog is friendly rather than vicious. There is a leash law but people don't always comply for one reason or another, none of them acceptable. Also I have known 2 people who broke their legs because their dog tripped them up. These were youngish healthy fit people. I am sure that holding a walking stick will limit me some but I plan on viewing it as a fashion accessory. It does sound like you would be safer if you used some sort of walking support. Certainly it is better than falling.

Jean

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Wed Sep 18, 2013 10:46 pm

Leslie,

My neighbor who has MS wears an emergency alert around her neck because she has fallen frequently. Hers only works within a certain range of her house, however. One day she was walking her dog and fell in the street. Someone in the area had to call the ambulance for help because she was away from her house. I don't know if they adjusted the range or not, but she still walks her dog each morning. He brings the paper to the doorstep of everyone on the block early in the a.m. He's a Newfoundland and she used to be a dog trainer. We neighbors are the beneficiaries.

I hope you can find a solution to keep you from falling. The falls can't be good for your back.

Gloria

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Wed Sep 18, 2013 11:06 pm

Sheila - I did yoga for many, many years until I got hurt the first time 10 years ago. I have been doing yoga stretches, mostly in the jacuzzi because it is easier. I can't do what I used to do, but certain stretches and balance exercises do help me.

Jean - I have a cane and try to use it, but find that it really gets in the way when I need to hold on to a handrail and the other one is holding the leash. This last fall was in my home before I went out. to walk Licorice. I think I really did something bad to my back. The pain hasn't let up since.

Gloria - I am thinking seriously about one of those things. I have fallen in the house too often now. I seem to fall more in the house than out of it.

Thanks guys. I am in a lot of pain right now and hoping I can figure out how to overcome it without surgery or narcotics.

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:37 am

I hope you are doing better now, Lesley.
Very good idea for you to have an alert system.

The town my Mom lived in before going to assisted living, supplied the emergency alert systems free of charge.

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Thu Sep 19, 2013 9:28 am

Joan, I wish they did it here. There is nothing free of charge. You pay for the privilege of living here!

I am getting closer and closer to breaking point. I slept better, but got up and a made few movements and my back is about to kill me.
I hope my doc answers me with some ideas of what to do. Maybe a shot that bypasses my gut?