Re: Loss of Balance,/ Falling

[cb <c.buchin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Nigel, you have my sympathy -- falling is a problem for me as well 
(diagnosed 1994, now 63).  I have it in both directions, that is, falling to 
the front and falling to the rear.  It is mostly controlled by my meds 
(sinemet, mirapex, comtan), but not totally, as one of my hardest falls 
happened yesterday while I was out for a walk.  There are some practical 
things you can do, especially since you have some indication that a fall is 
about to happen.  Sitting down is a good idea.  Becoming conscious of foot 
placement is essential -- when I fall to the front both feet are lined up on 
the same plane; try to keep one foot in front.  Grabbing the arm of a 
companion can reestablish balance.  If you feel yourself going backwards, 
you can thrust a leg to the rear to act as a brake.  Small things, but  if 
you can avoid a fall, more power to you.

Incidentally, I did Aikido for ten years in the distant past, and some falls 
have ended in my executing a front roll, I wouldn't recommend trying it if 
you were just learning, but the look of amazement on the faces of spectators 
is a hoot.


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Nigel Harland" <n.harland@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 3:52 AM
Subject: Loss of Balance,/ Falling


> Hi, I have had PD since 1989, am now aged 53 and in recent months have 
> been experiencing loss of balance resulting in me falling flat on my face 
> causing damage not only to my knees and hands, but also to any household 
> items which are in my way when I fall. This usually happens between doses 
> of medication, and seems to have got worse since I started on Rotigotine 
> patches. The frustrating thing about this is that I can tell when I am 
> about to fall, but I can't stop myself, it is almost as if there is a 
> little voice in my head saying " Fall, fall" and however hard I try to 
> stop it, down I go.
> Does anyone else have a similar experience, and perhaps any advice on how 
> to stop it from happening.
>
> Regards
> Nigel Harland
>
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