Improve your balance

I’ve heard that apple cider vinegar is good for some things but the taste is terrible. Tried mixing it with water but it didn’t help much. :face_with_symbols_over_mouth:

:thinking: I’ve seen Apple Cider Vinegar being useful for various things…but it’s not something I’ve felt tempted to try …probably the name says it all :wink:

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I’m so sorry! How’re you feeling now?

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It really hurts at times. It doesn’t go away but at times the pain diminishes. Right now I’m using a Lidocaine patch. Seems to help but it’s only temporary.

My understanding is exercise does help with Arthritis so I am kinda there but just know it’s not a cure. But you must do it. Being immobile is not the thing to do.

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Arthritis pain is awful…the forefinger on my right hand has twisted over time, and I find some tasks awkward. I also experience painful knees…so I’m guessing it’s likely also arthritis.
It’s good to know the patch helps…even if it is temporary.

:thinking: I’ve seen something recommended on a different group, but can’t locate it for the moment…

A friend of mine takes Meloxicam 15 MG now and then for pain prescribed by a doctor. He says it really helps! I see my Ortho MD Wednesday. I’m going to ask him about it.

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Balance therapy is no doubt helpful if you can access it.

If you cannot, or they have nothing to offer, you can do much yourself according to your ability.

Walking: if you are ambulatory walking is good balance therapy just remebmer to drop the ataxic gait and walk with a long narrow stride, heel toe, heel toe, etc. I do about 5km. daily with a Trionic walker and it is difficult at first to abandon the ataxic gait. I still have to think about it but I find that a normal stride allows me to walk faster and with less effort.

Weight lifting: It is important to maintain strength to avoid falls. If you have access to a gym the machines will allow you to lift weights without having to worry about balance. If you don’t you can work out at home with light weights if you make sure that you can fall backwards onto a bed or sofa if you lose balance. As with any weight lifting programme you should start light and gradually work up.

Balance exercises: These can be done if you have something on either side of you to fall on in case you lose balance. Twin beds are ideal. Start gradually by placing one foot directly in front of the other and see how long you can remain in that position, then reverse. Stand on one foot and see how long you can maintain the pose. Once you can do so for a minute or so try closing your eyes when doing it.

I don’t know if any of this helps to slow progression but I like to believe that it does and it will definately help to avoid falls, particularly the weight lifting.

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I’d like to add that a recumbent bike is good for cardio and leg strengthening for balance.

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My gait is becoming steadily worse…at times I can sense I’m staggering :roll_eyes:

This morning I went to an Ataxia Support Group Meeting, we meet in the Community Room at a local Supermarket. I used my walking stick to get to the meeting…and afterwards used a shopping cart to walk around the Supermarket.
:no_mouth: What a difference in flexibility and speed. It definitely improved my balance.

I agree with you about a shopping cart. Ortho doctor today said my knee and hip are fine. Just aged arthritis. Who said that getting old are the golden years.

:joy: I always thought my biggest concern would be having grey hair…

I do have a rollator, but haven’t used it for quite a while due to circumstances. We moved…and still have the hardcore base as a drive :roll_eyes: It’s impossible to push the rollator over it…

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. But who said it was gonna be fun.:weary:

Hi
I just completed 200 miles on my recumbent exercise bike !!
Well it did take a while at 2 .5 miles twice daily. I had become rather lazy but am back on track now.
I have had my 2nd Neuro physio session basically core and balance. Now my husband is unfortunately no longer able to drive we have booked 2 short coach trip holidays - my only concern is getting up steps on and off coach. No problem with my power chair - it can come with me.
Take care all.

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Best of luck. FWIW, I’m proud of you for getting out there. You’re taking the bull by the tail!! Keep us apprised please.

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Just returned from first coach trip holiday - 4 nights. Everything mobility wise went fine. The coach driver was ace and quite happy to lift my powerchair on and off the coach when we stopped off anywhere - even for 90 minutes. He deserves a gold star!!
For the first time ever I used a local bus with a ramp. A bit daunting at first but no problem.☆

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:slightly_smiling_face: It’s good to hear you had a great trip

Where did you go to

We visited the Isle of Wight - quite a journey from Shropshire plus ferry crossing which was a bit difficult as I had to move on ferry with my rollator.One day we visited the Ventnor hotel where we had spent our honeymoon 58 years ago. Just for interest the bill then was €41 for 6 nights full board. Now Bed and breakfast for 2 is €250 per night!!!
I feel we must continue to do everything we can while we can with our problems. Take care.

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Hi Chas
Just bragging!!! I’ve just passed 500 miles on recumbent exercise bike.
I do think it does me good to set goals and I really feel I have achieved something. I’ll message when I reach the 1000!!

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FWIW, I’m very impressed!