Overcoming bad back

Di1964

I am 52 years old a mother of 2. My daughter also has CP but we are both walking wounded we can walk unaided but do need assistance in crowded places or unfamiliar places. I work part time. A few years ago I had a bad back which resulted in my balance being affected and I now find it difficult to go anywhere on my own. I am interested to find out if others share my problem and how it might be overcome.

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Di1964 Welcome to the community. 

Have you seen a doctor about your balance? It might be worth getting it checked out?

During times of my illness when I am very unwell and need support in walking, I find it really difficult to get out and about.  Not only because of the physical barriers but also mentally, I feel quite anxious and nervous.  I think it comes down to fear and worry, I worry that I will have some sort of medical emergency and being away from the safety of home where I have everything I need to deal with emergencies. 

Do you think any part of your struggle could be down to how you feel as well as your physical needs?

bam

@Di1964 you should really get that checked out. I had tremendous back pain. it got to the point that I actually had to use a walker to get around. My balance was horrible. I kept putting off going to the doctor's until I had no other choice. 6 weeks later I was diagnosed with MS. Good luck to you. I hope everything works out for you

CathyInSouthAfrica

Hi Di1964. 

I agree with the other posts about getting the GP to check you out first. 

I am almost the same age, and am mobile but wobbly.  I have started going to a chiropractor when I got severe back pain, and yoga for stretching. My problems were from strains sitting uncomfortably, but the CP and aging doesn't make it easier.

In the past few years I also noticed something weird about my balance - when I drove fast, I felt like I was loosing my balance. I was very uncomfortable at going at the speed limit, (120km/hr) but fine at 90.  I thought it might be not eating before, the doctor gave me ear drops, but it would still happen. Thank goodness for slow moving trucks to follow. I don't drive as much anymore, at least not on the motorway, so I had forgotten it.  But it is interesting, I wonder if there is a link with the feeling of less balance and aging with CP? Loosing my balance is par for the course, even when just standing still, but I never had the weird feeling when I firmly seated when I was younger. 

Good luck with getting it sorted, and thanks for sharing your story.

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Di1964 How are you feeling?