My name is Yola Case. I wrote the "Help, I'm falling backwards" e-mail. Richard is my husband. I am the one with Parkinsons. I've had it at least seventeen years. I've been diagnosed for fifteen. I am now fifty-five years old. Ten years ago I had a bilateral pallidotomy and a unilateral thalamotomy. I was and I am happy with the results.
It seems that now my Parkinsons has been "kicked up a notch" with the advent of my "falling backwards" episodes. Oddly I do not shuffle when I walk but when I am standing still, I lose my balance. Then I struggle to regain my footing, stepping back several times, gaining speed all the while, I lose the battle and fall down or crash. As I am writing this e-mail, I sit here with a broken right wrist.
I was asked:
Do I fall Straight backwards?
After I lose my balance I take several steps backward trying to regain my balance. Not able to catch myself, I gain speed and fall down or crash.
What kind of orthotics do I have?
My orthotics were prescribed by a Podiatrist and made by a professional orthotics and prosthetics maker. I don't know the cost because I got them through my insurance.
What kind of fitted shoes do I have?
I should have said "shoes that fit me well". Comfortable but secure lace up shoes are my favorite.
What kind of walker do I have?
I don't use a walker.
I want to thank everyone that responded to my e-mail. I will be starting physical therapy soon and I will let you know if that helps
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straight backwards ?
age? diag when? orthotics cost how much? what kind of fitted shoe?
walker ?type of walker?
Richard Case wrote:
HELP! I'm falling BACKWARDS!
I start without warning, when I'm just standing. Suddenly I lose my balance, struggle to regain footing as I stumble backwards -- and fall.
This started several years ago and has escalated in frequency and damage - broken bones. I wear fitted shoes with orthotics and try to stand with solid footing.
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If anyone has overcome this problem please let me know.
