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You have a lot of good advice here. I would see my pcp & get eyes checked, if you haven't. Your problems are most likely do to stress, but your pcp can do a quick exam for balance, neuro signs and she will suggest the appropriate referrals.
I'm also "Driven to Distraction" these days. I've added little things to help me out. My husband is now taking Dial-a-Ride home from P.T twice a week, and Aging & Long Term Care is paying for 12hrs/mo for someone to clean do laundry & shopping, as needed. I also get out for a paint-nite or girls' night out, once a month. Take care of yourself. Bless you!
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Have you had a gait assessment? - I had one & now I wear orthotics in my shoes but if I walk without them then I am hobbling - a simple thing to do - I have custom made ones that can be moved from shoe to shoe [insurance covered them] but if your dr. needs to recommend them ask that they say "othotics & shoes to accommodated them" because then at least 1 pair of shoes is covered also
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Ahmijoy Feb 2019
I wondered about that too. None of my shoes seem comfortable any longer. I will ask my doctor next month for her recommendation. Thank you!
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It sounds to me as though you have Ataxia. I have it and that is how I walk. When I asked what it is, I was told by my PT that it means my brain can no longer tell where my feet are. She said your brain always can tell where every part of your body is but sometimes, like when you have too much to drink AND THEY ASK YOU TO CLOSE YOUR EYES AND TOUCH YOUR NOSE, you cannot do it. Well that is what ataxia is only without the drugs or drinks. If you find out what to do about it let me know. I have asked several doctors and never received an answer.
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NeedHelpWithMom Mar 2019
Mary,

Wow, interesting. Okay, is this ataxia? I have developed a phobia where I can no longer go on escalators going down, I feel dizzy, I feel like I will miss the steps. Not going up. I do fine stepping on it going up. Going down is the issue so I have resorted to using the elevator for that.
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Get an MRI and get checked for Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.
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Llamalover47 Feb 2019
Cherrysoda: Better to be safe than sorry in re the potential Hydrocephalus.
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Dear Ahmijoy,
Please get checked by your doctor to rule out a physical cause. It is most likely stress, but it never hurts to make sure! I have heard a lot lately about the benefits of Tai Chi (think that's how it's spelled) and improved balance. It isn't that taxing to do and in fact, a lot of senior living facilities are now offering classes.
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I believe that you are just worn out.
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I do all sorts of crazy things. I think brain is just stressed and overload. We push ourselves too far. X
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I loved Bettina’s advice- though I can’t find her post just now- take Princess level care of yourself! Yes, do that!
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Thank you to everyone who took the time to offer advice on my post. I really appreciate it.

I have come to some conclusions about why I’ve become a stumble foot. I don’t think it’s a brain disease of any kind because I have no other symptoms. But I will be going to my doctor for my annual physical this month.

In all honesty, I truly believe that those posters who suggested stress are right. My mind is always going in many different directions and I find myself not paying attention to the task at hand, like walking. I try to do too many things at once, like carrying a whole dryer load of sheets and not paying attention to something the dog left in the way on the floor.

I’ve also considered getting some sort of medical alert device. A few weeks ago, while standing on an icy patch, my dog wrapped her cable tie out around my feet, took off and pulled me over. I am certain I broke at least one rib. I told hubby today if I’d hit my head or was unable to get back on my feet, I’d be in deep do-do. He has no phone available and wouldn’t realize that I hadn’t come back in the house for a while. Then there’s the real possibility of the fall in the shower.

Thank you again for all your help and suggestions!
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Betsysue2002 Mar 2019
Absolutely fall alert !!!
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Balance issue...neurological
Ive done this...during times my stress level was out of balance. You can't delete all stress, but you eliminate what unnecessary stress u can and balance what stress u do have to manage. Stumbling is your flag to rebalance your inner equation...rethink how u can rebalance yourself within and reset yourself.
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Ahmijoy Mar 2019
Thank you. You’re so right. I find that when I am stressed and distracted, or even angry, that’s when I trip, walk into things or drop and knock things over. It’s truly a case of not paying attention and minding where I’m going and what I’m doing. Thanks again!
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