Balance Issues
Hi,
I was diagnosed with MS over a year ago. Symptoms presented themselves initially as double vision and loss of balance. It cleared up though and I've been pretty much okay since, until 5 months ago. Since May my balance has gotten significantly worse. I use a cane now (quite a fancy one if i do say so myself) as without it I look like a drunk stumbling about the place (always fun to see people's faces when I stumble to my car and drive off :D). I had a recent MRI which showed no activity in my brain or spine. I just wondered if anybody else was struggling with balance and how long for? I discovered this site recently and have found it very helpful, though I haven't found any threads about lengthy balance issues. Any tips on how best to regain balance would be wonderful (I am currently on a waiting list for physio).
Hi, I was diagnosed in 2001, and reeally began to have balance problems after a flare up in 2004. And I've been pretty stable for the last 13 years, although very recently, my balance has been awful. I have an appointment with my neuro on the 24th so I'll talk to her about this. I've been remarkably stable. although wooyhin the past year or so, cognitive issues have emerged and are equally frustrating. I don't honestly knoow of any tips for balance. And like you (after some years and several lost canes) I found one I really like and have been using it for several years now. Since I was diagnosed, I have never engaged in any kind of support group, or patient outreach. I think it was my way of dealing with it by ignoring mostly. If I didn't acknowledge it, then it was somehow less real. That's a long time to deny the obvious. Hopefully someone will have balance adviceGood lick and stay healthy!
I had spine surgery in my upper neck last July; then diagnosed with MS this January. The walking challenges after surgery were interesting. Yet I suspect 90% of my walking challenges are MS relevant - ironically I was running & playing ball 18 months ago. Now I walk like a drunk; no idea where my feet are... LOL No medical recommendation other than continue walking whenever you can. Things will sort themselves out.