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I have fractured both hips and both arms and hurt my back badly with an
episode of retropulsion over the past couple of years, so I know the fear of
falling.  I have learned to be SLOW, to do only one thing at a time, not to
be impulsive, to be extra careful when in a group because unexpected
movements unnerve me, to sit while dressing, to lean against available walls
and to lean against the bathroom sink when donning a shower cap, to use a
walker that has a seat on it when it suits the occasion, so I can sit on it
in the grocery store or book shop when either tired or afraid of the people
moving around...and  I PRAY not to fall 'today.'  This praying drains some of
my fear away.

I bought some new shoes with wide soles recommended by a couple of people in
this network (Ecco) and I think they help 99% of the time.  This afternoon we
went to the Shoppng Center to find out how to clean the shoes I bought that
are *ideal* for people with Parkinson's Disease -- flat, wide, with a
bendable sole and a velcro strap. Doesn't that sound charming and elegant.
After we bought them we heard tht they're a
famous Parkinson's patient's favorite shoe, so we feel Parkinsonally trendy.
Actually they're not unattractive, kind of like Mary Janes made out of
hush-puppy beige, but in Denmark which adds a kind of glamour.  I read about
them on the Parkinsons Network and actually my husband got a pair too,
(they're brown with a stiff sole and so the two of us march about with our
Ecco shoes, feeling quite special.  His are NOT like Mary Janes.

I also take people's hands and hold their arms to steady myself.  It's hard
to get used to being this way but it's better than falling.


I hope this helps!!

Best, Liz S.