I took care of my dear mother until she died in 2022. I am married, my husband has PTSD. In 2023 I fell four times. I use rollator. I am afraid to death to walk in an open space without the rollator or walking sticks. I’ve been to therapy, but still afraid. Is there a way that I can stop being fearful? I wish not to use rollator or walking sticks anymore. I hate myself for being a coward. I am 74 yrs old. Any advice? Thanks.
About 2 weeks prior to fall, I was diagnosed as having sciatica caused by Piriformis syndrome ( Piriformis muscle compresses the sciatic nerve and results in inflammation) I have pain from left buttock all the way down to ankle. My left leg also felt weak so doctor recommended using cane which I did until ….. 10 days, later was walking thru parking lot to Post office, when I stepped up on the curb with left leg and my leg gave out. I fell backwards hitting the back of my head on pavement and yes, I Forgot My Cane! I was taken by ambulance to trauma center. I never lost consciousness, no fractures, just a few abrasions, including one on my head. So like you, I’m afraid of falling again. I’m keeping my cane close at hand from now on and added reminders on my phone.
Stay safe!
Even though you're done with therapy, you can and should keep working on your strength. To get stronger, you need to slowly but surely do more and more to improve your strength. Being stronger and more stable should give you an opportunity to get back to walking on your own again, if it is possible. I agree with someone else's suggestion to join a gym. Planet Fitness is cheap and open great hours and most if not all have classes to show you how to use the equipment and help you put together a training program.
Good luck! While you work on getting stronger, there is NOTHING wrong with using a walker or cane. Do what you need to do to feel confident.
I am trying to think how you can walk outside and be distracted, but not so distracted that you can still pay attention to what is around you. Can hubby go for a walk with you, if he walks the same speed as you do? Can you listen to music as a distraction? Is there a shopping center/mall nearby where you can walk? Window shopping is a good distraction.
She looks so dignified, and strong .
Almost makes me want a cane.
I could be wrong, but I think you won't see me or Ham in a helmet soon. Tho you may see us down on the ground wishing we had heeded your advice.
I am assuming when you say "I have been to therapy" you do not mean mental therapy of a psychologist? It might be worth considering if ALL OTHER reasons for your dependence are FULLY explored.
As we age we lose balance from those portions of our brain that control balance. I always say that at 82 I weigh (at about 145) more than ever I have in my life; yet on the buses now, if I don't hang on, I float about like a feather in the winds. And yeah, it's SCARY because we full well know IF we go down it can be broken hips, can be lifechanging.
Many who start to use a walker or sticks for a while become "dependent " on them. You aren't alone and you aren't unusual. And as someone myself aging I can assure you "terror-R-us".
I would ask for another physical therapy consult, concentrate on balance exercises and do them religiously; they DO help. Be easy on yourself. And meanwhile learn to love that rollator and those sticks as you try to work your way out of them.
Good luck.
Please stop calling yourself a coward and instead realize you're wise to take precautions to avoid getting a broken hip or neck at 74 yrs old. Its ok to admit we need help.
Once we know more information, it will help us gauge our suggestions :)
There are programs offered by hospitals, some senior centers that focus on strength and balance and how to avoid falls.
Now do understand one thing...falls happen no way you are going to prevent every fall but hopefully you can improve balance and strength so that you will be less hurt by a fall.
You could also try sessions in Yoga that is supposed to help with balance and strength (more core strength that helps the body rather than physical strength)
All that said if you have a genuine fear of falling until you feel more comfortable continue to use the rollator. Fancy it up, there are decals, there is painted ones I have seen. But please also have an evaluation by PT to make sure that you are using it properly, it is adjusted to your height. I see so many people walking hunched over looking at the floor. I think the best walkers I have seen are the "upright" ones that actually allow you to walk in an upright position, looking forward.
There is noting to be ashamed about using a walker. I bet you feel better using a walker than using a wheelchair!
I think you're putting undue pressure on yourself for wanting to be careful so you won't fall. To me that's called being smart and not a coward.
If you feel safer using your rollator and walking stick when out and about then so be it.
Quit beating yourself up over something that may very well be keeping you safer than you'll ever know.
I mean would you rather use your walking stick and rollator and be safe, or risk falling and breaking multiple bones and need surgery and risk not ever being the same again?
Just some food for thought.
I'm wondering if your doctor could find a reason to approve some physical therapy, for balance, and then after join a gym. I think it would help you with strength, and then confidence.
Nothing at all wrong with a cane , I think that is a good idea to have with you most of the time, and give you some confidence, as long as it's not used as a crutch.
You may very well need it.