Feeling anxiety after my fall---

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
Forgive what may be a longish post, but I figure this forum is the best outlet to get feedback. After my fall a few weeks back, and broken shoulder, I have been feeling much more anxious about doing day to day things. Especially if outside, where I fell. It is like I am afraid I will fall again. I am using my cane when I am out, and being more careful when I am walking. But it is almost as if I am afraid I will fall again. Has anyone else experienced this after a fall? How do you overcome it?
 

I did. The same as you, I became ultra careful and used the cane when out all the time! After a back problem after my fall, it took 2 years until I realized I hand't needed the cane for a long time.

I only use it when I walk my dog in the wooded paths now; tree roots, etc. pop up out of nowhere. It's manageable, but some fear still lingers and stepping off high curbs bothers me.

Hoping you'll manage the fear better than I did.
 
Yes, I've been the same. Several years ago I tripped and fell on concrete breaking both shoulders and it destroyed by self-confidence about getting around outside. My age probably is a factor for it to continue as I know another bad fall will forever change my life style. I live alone but with family close by.

Good luck and stick with the therapy.
 

The same thing happened to me after I dislocated my knee. To this day I am mindful of how I move,get in and out of the car or any movement that could cause it to happen again. I think after awhile the fear will lessen but as we age being a bit more careful is a good thing.
 
I had a fear/hesitation of going down a flight of stairs when I changed my eyeglass scrip this last time. The only way I found to deal with it was to practice going down the stairs several times until I got used to the new glasses, so I guess I would say the best way is to try and face your fears until you become more comfortable with the situation and understand your limitations.

Check YouTube for some short videos on how to prevent falls and how to get up if you do fall. They have some good videos on balance, strength training, etc... They also have some awful boring videos on these subjects so take your time and look at a variety of them when you have a little time.

Try to get out and walk now before the ice and snow arrives so you can build your confidence and gradually get used to the change of seasons.

Good luck!!!
 
Yes, I am pretty concerned about the ice and snow. My husband recently got himself one of those quad canes, and he loves it. He suggested I go out and get one for myself. The doctor gave me some range of motion excercises for my lame arm, to help strengthen it. They seem to be helping.
 
Marie, your fall has taught you to be more cautious. That's not a bad thing, and it sounds perfectly normal to me. Now you need to figure out ways to make yourself safe so you can regain confidence. When my mother had a rather serious fall while using her cane, I got her a walker. She felt safer and started walking around more. Eventually, she went back to using her cane, but she keeps her walker close at hand when she goes outside. Also, I installed handrails and grip-bars in her house wherever she might need them.
 
I am kind of glad that last year we made the decision to put up a ramp. It makes life a lot easier. The cool thing is the person who built it, put a small "gate" at the top, near the door, so we can open the gate, put all our groceries at the top and then walk up. I will have to take pictures to show you
 
Marie5656 said:
I am kind of glad that last year we made the decision to put up a ramp. It makes life a lot easier. The cool thing is the person who built it, put a small "gate" at the top, near the door, so we can open the gate, put all our groceries at the top and then walk up. I will have to take pictures to show you
Click to expand...

Sounds pretty nifty!

Another thing I did at my mother's house was put certain things up higher so she won't have to bend so much. An example, the big container of dogfood is now on a 2ft tall table.
 
I always have several pairs of trekking poles around my place. They come with several different tips; I use a largish rubber tip around town. I've gotten to the point where I automatically reach for a single pole when I go out for a walk. It helps to stabilize me and makes it easier to navigate curbs. I use both poles when I'm in the country or on rough terrain.

The poles are anti-shock, which means they have an internal spring that helps absorb shock. They're also completely adjustable. The hand grip and strap makes them easier for me to hold than a cane. Although the manufacturer doesn't advertise this added feature, I've found stupid drivers give me more respect when I brandish my pole like a weapon.

These are my current favorites:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JQENLSS/ref=twister_B01JQENL74?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
 
Smiling Jane said:
I always have several pairs of trekking poles around my place. They come with several different tips; I use a largish rubber tip around town. I've gotten to the point where I automatically reach for a single pole when I go out for a walk. It helps to stabilize me and makes it easier to navigate curbs. I use both poles when I'm in the country or on rough terrain.

The poles are anti-shock, which means they have an internal spring that helps absorb shock. They're also completely adjustable. The hand grip and strap makes them easier for me to hold than a cane. Although the manufacturer doesn't advertise this added feature, I've found stupid drivers give me more respect when I brandish my pole like a weapon.

These are my current favorites:
Click to expand...

I'm definitely going the way of the trekking poles when I need to...just cause they're cool looking. But also effective. Absolutely hoping back surgery means I won't need to for a long time, but will keep those in mind.
 
I don't have any physical problems that necessitated the poles, Cap'nSacto. The reason I started using them is that I wanted to feel more surefooted on unstable surfaces like gravel and uneven pavement. I had been using them for years for trekking so it was an easy transition. One morning when I got ready for my walk I decided to give it a try.

Yeah, they're pretty cool-looking.
 
I've had a couple of falls lately. Worst injury was a twisted knee. I am exactly as you are...anxious all the time I'm on my feet!
 
Cap'nSacto said:
Marie, your fall has taught you to be more cautious. That's not a bad thing, and it sounds perfectly normal to me. Now you need to figure out ways to make yourself safe so you can regain confidence.
Click to expand...

I agree with Cap, Marie. I don't see it as a bad thing to be more cautious and aware, I think it's the wise thing to do. I haven't had any bad falls, but just because of age I'm much more careful than I used to be on the ice and snow. Our driveway slopes slightly and when it gets really icy I take baby steps all the way to my car, I try to stay on top of the snow so that whatever sun we get clears the walks. In parking lots in winter too, I go slow and watch my step.

Please be careful, if your husband likes the quad cane, you should get one for yourself. I've seen them in ads but never knew if they were really as good as they said.
 
We have some rails installed in our home in places where the risk of falling is greatest - front patio step, shower recess, toilet and steps at the back leading down from the laundry.

I love my wheelie walker for the way it allowed me to be more stable while my hip and knee replacements were still fairly new.
I also have a cane but ATM I don't bother any more because my legs have strengthened and my balance is much better.
 
I have been using a cane for many years after a massive stroke. I have to be very careful walking to avoid another fall. One thing I have found helpful is having reachers in every room in my condo. Trying to bend over and pick things up and keeping my balance is hard so I keep a reacher in each room. Thank goodness I don't have to worry about snow or ice here in Houston. In years passed we have had an ice storm every now and again but I always listen to the weather reports and plan my activities as I am afraid of walking in wet weather with a cane. Its a different way of living but I have had to adapt to it.
 
I dread winters; do not go out if weather is bad.
My doctor and dentist know that I will cancel if the roads are icey.
I do use a volunteer driver if it is absolutely necessary to go out.
I have a walker, which I use, but it is not much good in the winter.
I have fallen several times, but only twice ended up in the ER
Living in a retirement residence, there is a dining room and a store
where one can pick up milk, juice, bread, etc. So I just take one day at a time.
 

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