Last post Wed, Aug 06 2008 1:40 AM by quique. 30 replies.
I had a major stroke in 1996 at the age of 38. I learned how to walk again, but I am having problems with my balance. I have seen several Neurologists, but none of them seem to be able to help me with this. I have tried different meds, but they do not help. Is there anyone out there with the same problem? Look forward to hearing about cures for this ailment.
Boosier, welcome to Disaboom. Wow, 12 years after a major stroke? You will be a veteran to help other stroke survivors here. I've lost some minimal strength on my left side due to a small stroke. If your stroke was "major," were you originally suffering from paralysis on one side of your body but over the years through PT and determination, have been able to regain a major portion of what you lost?
Apparently, now your biggest issue is just balance? Do you use a cane, walker, wheelchair, etc. at all?
Looking forward to discussing this more. Balance is one of the issues that I deal with daily and is what keeps me firmly planted on round legs so I can safely get around.
Dave
I had my first stroke in '95, when I was 46, and have had two more since. I can walk around inside the house, like to bathroom and things, but I have to use a chair when I go out. I know exactly what you mean about balance, as I have the same problem. Sometimes I stumble over my own feet, which is not good, as I have already taken a fall that broke my ankle. I don't know that there is any cure for this. If you have been having the problem since the time of your stroke, my guess would be that it's just an aftereffect that did not resolve. If that's the case, you may have to learn to live with it. I cope by concentrating. Inside my house, I always hold to the stair banister, and I take the steps one at a time. My husband installed sturdy rails in my bathroom, which I hold to as I am getting in and out. He also put a bath stool in there, which I sit on when I'm taking a shower. When I walk outside, from the house to the van, my husband holds to my hand, and I watch every step I take. It is very slow going. But trust me, it's better to be slow than to cope with a broken bone.
Yes, I do have left side paralysis. I did have to learn how to walk and dress myself again, which I did in rehab. No, I did not regain most of what I lost. I do walk with a cane and I have done extensive research on balance issues. My problem is that my head feels full all the time and I have ringing in my ears. Tried Antivert, with no success. Now I take low dose of valium which helps a little. I went 7 years without a fall, but in the last year, I have fallen several times, without injury. Thanks God for that. I walk just fine around my house, but outside is just plain scary. I just wish I could lose the dizzyness in my head. Please write back or anybody out there with same issue.
boosier,
My father-in-law suffers from severe dizziness but it is inner-ear related. Antivert and laying still for a while allows his brain to "reprogram" itself to regain steadiness.
Your dizziness does sound more like what I experience; neurological related. If that is the case, I don't have an magic bullets for you but can say just to move slower with no sudden jerks and hold on to something whenever possible. I have used a walker in the past and made a sudden turn of the head to see where a noise came from and the next noise was me crashing to the floor. Not a good experience.
I wish I could tell you more. Perhaps others at Disaboom will chime in and give you some tips from their experiences. The way Disaboom has been growing, there should eventually be others that have been down your road ahead of you. Hang on, literally, and see what the future holds. Perhaps another person will be able to shed new light on to your situation.
I, too, have been told it's inner ear related and my currrent Neurologist says it's from the stroke and I probably will never go away. He really made my day when he told me that. I hope you are right about other people with same issue.
Love the pug!
Neurological malfunctions can do all sorts of crazy things in the body. I have had neurologically induced fever. I found this blog on the Internet just now to illustrate my point:
From http://asher.chattablogs.com/archives/2005_06.html
[ Quote ]
Good morning. i just spoke with asher's nurse for today. he seems to be resting comfortably, but is still not back to where he was before his surgery on friday as far as keeping his eyes open. all of his vital signs are doing really well, and he is back off his respirator breathing on his own. they are still giving him oxygen, though. he does have a fever still this morning. it is a little over 103. they think this may be a neurologically induced fever. sometimes with head trauma the brain will tell the body it has a fever when it doesn't. please continue to pray for asher's head injuries to heal. his brain stem was bruised pretty badly.
May you have a very blessed Lord's day of rest,
andy mendonsa
[ Unquote ]
Note: Red highlight added above for emphasis on the focus of this post...
In the area of neurology, I believe that when neurons go haywire, anything is liable to happen and it sure isn't any fun. Sorry for the news but it is time to meet the monster and tell it that you will not stop living!
Was your stroke in your cerebellum? I had two strokes in the cerebellar region and I have found that my wobblyness is caused by three things: TIAs or more strokes, fatigue, and changing light. The light thing is key; if I go into a dark building after being outside in the sun, I get wobbly in the extreme. If I stand and let my eyes adjust, it helps quite a bit. My physical therapist told me that our brains recognize our familiar places, so even if the light is drastically different, it will compensate. That explains being able to get around your home better than other places.
I hope this helps.
"I believe everything out of the common. The only thing to distrust is the normal."John Buchan
I had a hemoragic stroke 1 year ago that affected my left side. rcovering well but still have pain/swelling in left foot/ankle. I walk w/a cane due to imbalnce.
Can't offer help, only encouragement that time heals.
John
hi boosier, i've been walking with a cane and afo since my stroke ten years ago. i find doing adapted yoga postures to be good for straightening my core muscles and helping my balance. i also do a lot of pool exercises where falling isn't an issue since i've lesrned how to swim as a hemipalegic.
jan
Hi Boosier-----we're both 'veterans' in the stroke department. Mine was also a big on in 1995. Like you, I am walking etc. and live indepently. But every now and then my balance goes wacko on me. A couple of years ago, I went through a phasr of falling nearly every time I stood up. Like you, nobody could find out the cause or a cure. I'm doing much better now but don't know why, I've only fallen twice in the past 6 months.
I am a retired Registered nurse and just had a brainstorm. Have you had your ears examined? I ask because inner ear problems definitely mess up your balance. If my balance hadn't improved on its own my next visit would have been to been to see an ENT specialist. It's probably worth looking into.And even if that's not the problem, there's no harm done by checking it out.
Good luck to you. Love, Light and Peace, sexy Silver Fox (aka Janet Jones) in Wake Forest, NC
i think if you just work on strenthing your muscle youll be fine.but if you ever need some one to talk to dont wait right me any time
Hi Boosier,I had a major stroke in 2004 at 37 years old. I also have balance problems and it seems like the longer time goes by the worse it gets. I don't think there is any cure for Loss of Balance,I've come to realize that as a stroke survivor myself its just another thing we have to deal with.
Thank you all for your replys. It is comforting to know that others are dealing with the same thing. I believe with the right combination of meds, this problem will go away. It happened to me once, if only for a few seconds, my head became clear and I felt normal. Please keep writing, as I find these chats helpful.
Boosier:
Do they know why you had your stroke? This may be a key to finding out why you're having balance issues now.
