I had tickets to a Merle Haggard concert (I know he's old) tonight. My sister and I went with our hubbys dropping us off at the theater. We were to call when the concert was over and they would pick us up on the corner a block down so we could be out of heavy traffic.
As my legs get weak and shaky after sitting, I made sure I stood up for a few minutes and then even went upstairs to go to the restroom and back down the stairs again. Sis and I were walking along about a half block down and I went down face first. Banged my nose, and a big knot on my forehead. Glasses never moved, but took most of the brunt. They are all scratched and they cost $500. I hope they can be polished. Well, sis and a guy helped me to my feet. It was raining to help matters. I was shaken and bleeding from my nose and forehead. I was wearing a pretty scarf and used that as my bloodstopper. Husbands took forever to get there, turns out they were waiting on the wrong corner. I don't know how or why I fell. I also sprained my right ankle. Thankfully I didn't break any of my porcelain teeth. (Thank you God.)
Husbands came and the hospital was just two blocks away. I thought I should be checked for a concussion and wasn't too worried about anything else. I'd hit my head so hard, I was worried. You talk about a headache and a nose ache. lol. They neveer offered as much as an aspirin, or I didn't ask for any. (I have meds at home.) Shows their concern about my pain level which I said was a 10 right then. I asked for ice and got it. I also got a tetanus shot which is a good thing. They told me the doc would check me over, my elbows etc to check for injuries. Hah. They did x-ray my ankle, no break. Then they were going to do an EKG, bloodwork and urine sample. I let them do the EKG, but probably wouldn't have if I thought about it. I said no dice on bloodwork or urine sample. I told them I am a regular blood bank anyhow and I don't know what a fall would have to do with blood. Also the urine sample, no dice. I said if you were checking for alcohol, I haven't had any.
I didn't get stitches, I got super glue on my face cuts and abrasions. I have to go see my GP in the next two days. Hah, trying to see him takes 2 weeks. I have fallen now 3 times in the past 2 years and I'm telling my docs I have numbness in my legs and weakness. I get a blank look. So, I'll revisit the subject again. Maybe if he sees me with my face all cut up it might make a difference. Really, I'm doing ok but am too jazzed up to sleep. P.S. The concert was wonderful (yes, I know he's old.) Tickets were $50 each and worth it. I'll check in after I see my GP. I think everything will be sore in the morning. I got the blood stains out of my clothes for which I'm thankful. Step carefully. Lucy
Lucy
What a horrible end to your night out. I'm glad you are ok, but surprised you can seem so upbeat after taking a beating from the pavement and the doctors.
Sending you a big hug.
Kathyx
Lucy,
don't you hate it when the footpath jumps up and smacks you in the face then pulls you back down to look as though you fell? Seriously girlfriend i can think of less painful ways to get the boys attention. But hey if a few bits of blood and bruising gets the dr to take your numbness and falling seriously then i suppose its one you have to take for the team. I hope he will listen now.
I hope you arent feeling too much pain tomorrow. take it easy for a bit hey. Look after yourself. Oh yeah, you need to give Fred back, Pooh is looking for him
Pud
Sorry to hear about your fall, hope your face and head heal soon...I always get really embarassed when I fall, you have a fantastic attitude about it. :D
Aw Lucy - I'm sorry you had a fall like that. Sounds painful. Was wise of you to get checked at the hospital. Maybe your doc will take some notice now. Hope you get to see him before you're all healed up. maybe you should get photographs.
Could your ankle have gone first? Collapsed and down you went?
hope you feel better soon.
Take care - Scottie :)
Sorry to hear about your fall; don't you just hate it when the sidewalk just comes up and pulls you down. I know what you mean about the numbness and the legs giving out; I have said thank you God for walls more than once. I don't walk outside by my self too often because it is almost certain at some point I will fall.
Collie
Soz to hear about that Lucy - what an awful way to end such a good night out, still it's one you'll remember I suppose!!!
Hope you're feeling a little better and got lots of arnica for your bruises x x
I do hope you get past this without a lot of residual discomfort, and that your doctor finally takes notice, when he sees your battle scars!
The hospital may have wanted to do blood tests to rule out any cardiac event that might have caused you to fall, but I must admit, the urine test does sound a bit like bill padding!
I hope when you said that you got the blood out of your clothes, it includes the pretty scarf...we need our pretty doodads and geegaws! they remind us that we are pretty too!
I called my dr this morning and no one could see me today. I am waiting a phone call for "when they can squeeze me in." Well, I told them I didn't want to see a PA because this was complicated and only the DR knew about my case. That might have p___ed them off. It's almost 1 p.m. and I wait for their call.
Hospital said my ankle was sprained (really sore today). My nose is twice it's normal size. I have a big Herman Munster knot on the middle of my forehead and my eyes are beginning to blacken. Just in time for Halloween. Funny, the hospital never so much as offered me an aspirin last night. I didn't ask either because my family DR prescribes me Vicodin and I didn't want them to think I'm doing double duty. Odd though, because they do ask your pain level and I said 10 as this was right after my fall.
I was in a much better mood last than I am today. I was all keyed up last night and today am not keyed up. Everything hurts today. I am ok but will look bad for awhile and I have to tell my museum I'll be out for a week or two. Wouldn't want to scare everybody.
Does this fall, or you guys' falls seem to fit the SS pattern? This is my 3rd fall in the past couple of years and it seems like this is getting to be a habit. Lucy
P.S. I just got my DR appointment next MONCAY with the PA and I'm mad. I should still have the bruising to show him then. I also found out I'll need new glasses because they can't fix the scratched lenses. Another $500....but still lucky with no broken bones or teeth.
what a tale! Geez Louise! Why do such miserable things have to happen to such nice people??? Sure hope you are ok, for sure, sure and are able to deal with it well and leave it behind. Take Good Care. Sandra
Lucy, Lucy!
Wow, that didn't sound like fun. Sorry you had a tumble. It's a real shame when we hope our bruises will be positive proof that we aren't lying and something is really wrong.
While I loved my PA, she never ran the tests that my neuro did and finally turned up the cause of all my misery. I don't really want another PA again...maybe only to get info or explain something the doc didn't.
When you have a serious illness, you need a serious doctor. You might take pictures of yourself for the next non-believer.
Get Well Soon and I'm glad you enjoyed the concert in spite of tumble. ♥♥♥Tinker
Lucy, Oh, that must have hurt so bad. I have done the falling stuff and it seems to go in streaks. I had a couple really rough falls and have to tell you I ached everywhere. I think the sudden jar does a job on a person. I know that my lower back hurt, neck felt like a whip lash and just everything hurt.
I have fallen because of my myasthenia gravis. My problem is that all of a sudden I may take a funny step that a normal person would be able to recover from. I don't have the strength to react with any strength in my legs. My legs seem to be fairly strong at times, but sometimes I think I could trip over a strand of hair.
I have learned to pretty much watch where I am walking at all times when I am out of the house. I know that the perimeters of the walls at home give me a better bearing and being outside the perimeters are so hard to define that my body sort of loses it if I don't watch the ground. Hope you improve quickly. After a fall a person really gets gun shy. Irish ;D
Aww Lucy, I'm so sorry you and the pavement got so close, so quick. Also contrary to what you were told, I am not looking for "Fred" so much as I'm looking for someone to give him too. ;D It's been a horrible week, but that's another tale.
I sure hope you are feeling better soon and please be careful. I've only been introduced to the pavement once and the macadam twice and only once when it was raining. Do you think maybe God feels the rain will soften the ground when we hit? :D
Please take care and please look into your Homeowner's Insurance in regard to your glasses. It's quite possible they will replace them or at least contribute to the replacement.
Hugs, Pooh
My normally mild-mannered daughter took on the DR office early this a.m. Apparently she called and somehow I have an appt at 2:10 today with the DOCTOR. I think she told them they are worried about all my falls? I go soon and my eyes are all black in big pouches. She did this without my knowledge.
P.S. Pooh, I'll check on the house insurance thing even though i was downtown when this happened.
After waiting one hour in the examination room, we saw the DR. He came in and didn't look at me, but was reading the report ER faxed over to him. I didn't say anything and he asked what happened to me and then looked at me. I've always liked my DR and lately, he comes in reading your chart, not making eye contact saying hello and......well...........
He looked over my face, shined a light in my eyes. Asked me a few questions. I went over the deal where my legs are weak after sitting in the car, or a chair for any length of time and I have to stand and take a few minutes before it feels ok to walk. This goes in one ear and out the other. I asked him what he thought it was and he said neuropathy. I told him I wanted to see a neurologist. He told me that would mean "lots of scans." Well, DR, fall on your face a few times and call it neuropathy.
He said he thinks the brain just doesn't know where the foot is. This might be the case. For some reason I'm not able tot catch myself like most people. I'm pretty much in the house for awhile until my raccoon eyes go away. I can't wear glasses because my nose is all torn up and swollen. The DR told me to use a cane. My husband was in the room. I have a cane from my knee replacement. I don't know about this. Lucy
Hi Lucy,
I've been using my cane for quite a while now. Mostly for support on my right side, but it also steadies me. The best support I have is my rollator. It sort of balances out my body from both sides and it has a great seat for when my legs tire out real bad.
You can try the cane and see if it helps with your balance. Either that or watch where you place feet when you are walking. I must warn you though, I've run into lots of people and poles that way. :D
Please take care and let us know how your head and face are. Sounds like you really "kissed" that cement hard.
Hugs, Pooh
Hi Lucy,
My, my, my. What in the world have you been into lately? And the worst thing, you didn't even share!!! ;) :D I've heard of tough love, but dang girl! ;D
I'm really glad that nothing was broken, but I'm sorry about the bruising, and the cuts on your face - triple ouch!!!!
Oh, please tell me that you're going to look for a new doctor, this one, well, not good. This doctor reminds me of the GP I fired, same kind of thing - a master of the obvious they're not!!!
I sure hope that you feel better soon!
Please take care -
Patze
Hi Patze-
I did see the DR and he told me he thinks it's neuropathy that I have. (no kidding) He said my brain doesn't know where my foot (or feet) is/are. I said "refer me to a neurologist." So, I'm being referred. They will probably just find out I have neuropathy, but with Sjogrens so close to MS in many ways, let's rule this out for starters.
I went to WalMart today and bought some big, sunglasses to wear to cover the black eyes. I need glasses, so I won't be doing too much like that, but along with hubby. If I drive somewhere, I'll wear my glasses and then put on the sunglasses when I get to the destination.
My sister and I enjoyed the concert very much. Good old country music. I like R&R better though. Lucy
Hi Lucy,
Neuropathy huh? Gee didnt see that conclusion coming!!
i thought maybe a twisted bowel...................oopps sorry sarcasm.
glad you got a referral. Lets hope this doc knows his a**** from his elbow..
Pud
Hi Lucy,
Sorry about being a smart alack, it seems that my mouth has transfered it's self to the fingers now! ;) :D
I'm glad that your regular doctor is referring you to a neuro, and I so hope that he is a great doctor for you (I'm on the second one so far)! My memory is crap, but have you ever been checked for neuropathy before?
I'm glad that you did enjoy the concert, I grew up with C&W, but I prefer R&B myself!
Take care and I sure hope that you feel better soon -
Patze
Proprioception (basically the sense of your brain knowing what your body is doing) is something more than neuropathy, but can be classed as that in order to find a name for it. There can be many causes, and in some cases, even healthy conditions (delivering a baby, weight loss or body building) can cause it temporarily.
I think the most important concern for me is the fact that increases in the problems I have with it are often because I get out of balance with my meds! Temporary impairment of proprioception can occur from an overdose of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine and pyridoxamine). Most of the impaired function returns to normal (or for me, a tolerable state of abnormal) shortly after the intake of vitamins returns to normal. I occasionally used to increase my Vitamin B complex when I had a sore mouth, now I add separate B12, and leave the other B's alone! Impairment can also be caused by cytotoxic factors such as chemotherapy, and Methotrexate is included in that class of drugs.
I found it interesting that it has been proposed that even common tinnitus and the attendant hearing frequency-gaps masked by the perceived sounds may cause erroneous proprioceptive information to the balance and comprehension centers of the brain, precipitating mild confusion. I wonder if this could in any way be a cause for our "brain fog".
very interesting thought Linda
Pud
I'm going to try and put my bruised mug shot in here. My hubby had my daughter take a pic of me because I have a shot of him with a shiner. He got it when a 2x4 fell on him. For our next big anniversary, we can make an anniversary pic by putting our two pictures together.
Scary thoughts if this works.
This link does work now.
http://s461.photobucket.com/albums/qq336/phyknapp/?action=tags¤t=slipandfall
It's not working for me! :(
Hold your horses, Scottie, it ain't working for me either, YET. I'll keep trying for a bit.
That appears to be a link to your personal documents in your computer...you'll need to work through photobucket, like you did for your pink ribbon.
It's rough with a lot of junk around the picture, but there I am. The link works--finally.
Those are some shiners, Lucy.
The cane is a very useful tool to have with you. Mine has saved me from a number of nasty falls over the last couple of years. Especially in the dark and the rain, when I don't have as much assistance from my eyes.
Your balance is made up of three factors - the vestibular system, eyesight, and proprioception. My vestibular system is non-functional, apparently, but I have good eyesight (corrected) and very good proprioception, which helps a lot. But being tired or sick, being in a dark, unfamiliar place or on uneven ground with no walls to lean on, or any of a number of factors can interfere with my ability to stay upright. It takes real effort, even in the best of circumstances.
Even if your sense of proprioception is good, neuropathy can interfere with it, since you can't feel the edges of your limbs well. Seeing the neurologist is a good idea. They or an otologist (ear doctor) who specializes in balance issues can test you to see which of the various balance factors are affected in you.
And I highly recommend bringing your cane with you.
Genko
Genko what a great explanation for balance. My son recently explained to me how confusion of your place in space can really knock you for a loop. In the past couple of months I went face first into the floor walking into the house. One minute I was up and the next I was kissing the floor. I also had a near miss in a parking lot but was fortunate enough to have a SUV near to break the fall.
I mentioned all of this to my neuro last week and of course it is the neuropathy rearing its head. Some days it is like someone has put glue to my feet and I feel like I am stumbling every step of the way. Of course I have been told to be very conscious of where I step and how I step. I am sure I look like a bumbling drunk all the time since I seem to trip over my own feet a lot.
Still even though your doctor seems to know the source it is advisable for a neuro to keep tabs on the progression of the numbness and balance issues. There are exercises you can do that will help with your balance.
Good luck. I have always been a fairly clumsy person but these new balance issues are strange even to me. And don't even mention trying to stand still in one spot with the eyes closed!
Lucy
Those shiners are really impressive! I just hope you are not feeling too sore.
Gentle hugs.
Kathyx
Super ouch Lucy!!! How are you feeling?
Patze
They are some seriously ouchy eyes Lucy. Helluva way to get a halloween costume honey. Try renting from the costume shop next year.....
Seriously i hope they clear up ofr you soon and i agree with the others. Maybe its time to get further aquainted with the cane. I will sennd out some healing vibes for you.
Pud
Lucy, Im so sorry sweetie. What a nightmare for you. Def sounds like it could be a sjogrens symptom? Sjogrens can act like MS. Im having all the neuro issues just like MS too. Best to see a neuro for some MRI's, and then maybe talking with our rheumy after.
Naturally, I'm trying to stay home and am not going out unless necessary. Tomorrow, I have to go to the insurance place and sign papers. That's no biggie because the agent called me today and I told him what to expect. (He was bugging me to get this done.)
Wednesday night, I have to attend a 3 hour training session for working at the polls. I assume there will be a batch of people there. I'm going anyhow as I'm working the polls Nov. 4th. I think I will make myself a name badge and write on it I. Fell........................That could be my name and also they will probably get it. The eyes are no worse looking, it just takes forever for the blood to disappear from the thin eye tissue. I feel better today than I have since the fall 5 days ago. Still waiting to hear from the DR about a referral. Lucy
Well, tomorrow I have an appointment with a neurologist. I have some of my prior lab reports to give to him. A couple of brain MRI's and some EMG's. They were supposedly normal, though.
I just hate to think this dr may not know anything about Sjogrens. I will have to wait and see. Many times I have to educate the dr (as you all do too). I need to know why I'm falling all the time. This last time, I managed to land on my forehead and nose. I'm still trying to figure that one out. My shiners are almost gone, still a little swelling on my forehead. The sprained ankle is better, but I just bought a brace for it today.
I'll report after my visit to this neurologist tomorrow. Lucy
Good luck with the visit LUcy. I hope it all goes well for you and you get somem answers
Pud
Hi Lucy,
Good luck at the neuros, isn't it the truth that a lot of specialists don't know much about SJS? But then I guess they can't know everything...just wish they did! ;)
I'm glad to see that you're feeling better, and I hope that you continue to get better.
Please take care and I also hope that you get some much needed answers.
Patze
Good luck with the neurologist! I'm off to my neurologist this morning as well, cane in hand - I'll be thinking of you.
Genko
Well, I saw the neurologist today. He was a foreign born doc, but I had no problem understanding him. He had a young female intern with him. I brought my typed up notes, MRI reports, EMG reports, list of meds etc. I'm sure he was appreciative of my organized info. He probably read the stuff before he came in to see me.
He was asking me a few questions and then turned to his intern and asked: joint problems, dry eyes, dry mouth and neuropathy...........which one would it be, Sjogrens of Rheumatoid arthritis. The intern answered (tada) Sjogrens!!!!
Wow, not only did the dr know what it was, so did the intern. I was happy because he was quite knowledgable. He performed a pretty thorough neuro exam and told me I had "neuropathy." Well, I knew this. He found a sore spot in my back and is sending me for x-ray of lumbar spine. (probably osteo) I often have many sore spots in my spine and elsewhere. I liked this doc (and the intern) but he did not diagnose anything I didn't already know.
I told him I'd fallen 3 times in the past 18 months or so and he could not find any reason but the neuropathy. I did not want more EMG's as the others were always normal, or a little off with neuropathy. I will get the x-ray done and suspect nothing more will be done. I'm ok with him not finding anything else wrong. It could be a lot worse like MS or something. I'm happy with just Sjogrens and all its problems and twice cancer survivor. I'll have to watch where I put my feel and try not to topple on my head again. I know this doesn't solve the problem, but it'll have to do. I usually hold hubbys hand for support when we're out and I can use my cane when I'm by myself. Lucy
Hey Lucy,
Im gladyou had a goos doc and that they didnt find anything more sinister than a little sjoggie gift. At least you know whats happening and can make a contingency plan around it. Keep that stick handy and your hubby too when you're out.
Goodluck with the xray. I hope it is only Arthur that is making your back sore. He resides in my back too and is cloning in a few other places as well. He's very generous.
Take care popsicle queen
Pud
Good grief Lucy, those are quite a pair of "Panda" eyes you have there. Ouch!
By the way, what are you going to call your dancing partner. Don't forget "Fred" is taken. ;D Sure hope yours doesn't progress as fast as "Fred" did.
Be very careful making quick turns, that throws me over faster than a strong wind. Also going from carpet to hard flooring. Make sure you don't place your foot half and half. Just the little difference between levels will put me over in a heartbeat.
Take care dear, and let us know how you are feeling. I hope your face heals up quickly.
Hugs, Pooh
Lucy
maybe your can be ginger and you and pooh can dance together ;D ;D ;D
Pud
Silly Pud! ;D
Patze
Do you expect anything less?
Pud
Hi Lucy,
How's the head coming along? Have your eye bruises started the transition to the yellows and greens yet? I sure hope you are feeling better and the pain is subsiding.
Please watch where you walk and be careful.
Hugs, Pooh
Hi Pooh-
Actually my eyes seemed to go back to normal without much of the green/yellow stuff. It could have taken longer and I was surprised. I only have a small spot on my left cheek where there is a faint circle and it should be gone in a couple of days.
My nose is still pretty sore and looks swollen. I think I broke it, but it will just take time to heal. Seems there is a couple of creases/bumps I didn't have before. I've had a little sinus trouble since the fall too. I'm keeping watch on the ankle because I think it may still be a little weak. The ankle is on the leg with the half-knee replacement. Keeping watch for future trouble and falls. Still thankful I didn't knock my teeth out or break my skull.
I am going to have to be super careful and look down when I walk. Thanks for the concern. Lucy
Lucy, I finally took the time to read what has transpired since your fall. Wow, those eyes are really something. You look like a racoon!!! Hope the nose is better and the sinuses don't give you fits from the broken nose.
Sounds like you did have a good neuro. You have had some rough years lately. Glad to hear that you got to go to a concert though. Those little things we get to do once in a while sure are appreciated aren't they. Irish ;D
Good Grief Lucy! I leave you alone for a short while and you just get into all kinds of trouble!
;)
I'm so glad you didn't do any permanent damage. Those falls are so dangerous. I'm a little like Pooh. I weave and wobble too. I've found the most important thing for me to do is to slow down! And going from hard to soft surface (tile to carpet), ...you just have to be careful when you make the transition. I've got a bit of a foot drop and I catch one toe on any uneven places. It's caused by the neuropathy.
So slow down I've fallen 3 times since we moved. Two of them because I was in a hurry and one because of exhaustion. Take care of yourself.
Billye