The older I get the bigger the clutz I am: Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I...

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

Passingbye wrote:

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

I am turning 70 in September and I sympathize with you. I have diabetes also but no neuropathy. Had knee replacement surgery about 5 years ago. I am not bad walking on a flat surface but I go downhill on even ground. Hard to kneel harder to get up.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Passingbye wrote:

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

Interesting Pb. I just googled diabetes neuropathy. I am sure there are many articles on it, but from what I read on just one, make's me want to read more.

Frank romero Loc: Clovis, NM

plumbob wrote:

Interesting Pb. I just googled diabetes neuropathy. I am sure there are many articles on it, but from what I read on just one, make's me want to read more.

Amputations are common with this. We have to take good care of ourselves and try to get diabetes under control. A lot of people I know have lost their toes or feet.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Frank romero wrote:

Amputations are common with this. We have to take good care of ourselves and try to get diabetes under control. A lot of people I know have lost their toes or feet.

Definitely one that you want to see the signs early with that kind of an outcome. Thanks Frank.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

Passingbye wrote:

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

You might want to check out this PT's videos to improve your stability. I've started my son (he has a neuropathy-related paralysis in his legs) on several of the exercises and they've helped reduce how often he falls (his PT likes this guy's videos too). I have also just recently started doing some of them myself (started to notice an age-related decline). His primary clientele are seniors.

https://youtube.com/@Uprighthealth?feature=shared

https://www.uprighthealth.com/

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

plumbob wrote:

Interesting Pb. I just googled diabetes neuropathy. I am sure there are many articles on it, but from what I read on just one, make's me want to read more.

I had to ask the "Testing Lady" to do a reflex test on my feet and knees for disability due to diabetes from
Agent Orange. She was going to have me leave with out doing that. The "Testers" are NOT your friend, more like HT when I was working.
Nothing behind the left foot or left knee and nothing on the right foot.
The right knee took 2 seconds to react, but that doesn't count for disability.
I do have free shoes from the VA though.
It does make it tough going down steps as your toes drag.

Papa D Loc: Mantweeka, Ca

audigger53 wrote:

I had to ask the "Testing Lady" to do a ... (show quote)

Regarding testing you should ask for (demand) a nerve conduction testing (NCT). If they push back make them explain why they don't think that it would be prudent (nice way to ask them if they don't want to be sued for malpractice) -- even if you're condition isn't "significant", it's important to get a baseline measurement.

If you aren't yet, get a referral to see a neurologist.

Regarding your toe drag -- the medical term is "foot drop". There's not much that you can do about it other than get a pair of AFOs (ankle-foot orthopedics). Unless you have other ankle/foot issues, you can probably get the light-weight plastic inserts. In the meantime, a pair of lightweight high top hiking boots may help.

BTW - Do you also have toe curl?

If you think stairs are a pain, you should try climbing stairs!

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat -- I've got 30+ years worth of unsolicited experience under my belt.

primitive Loc: Davenport, Ia.

There is no good place to fall in the bathroom.

Passingbye Loc: Reidsville NC

primitive wrote:

There is no good place to fall in the bathroom.

I blacked out in the hospital emergency room restroom when I was having problems with AFib while with my wife who had a mini stroke on Sunday morning showing for Church. I went to use the restroom and fainted busting my chin up to my lip. The next thing I knew I was being attended to in a room next to her's.

Mauwehu Loc: Norwalk Ct

Passingbye wrote:

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

That’s tough. I was in Florida with my brother in law last month. He had surgery on his butt which caused nerve damage. His leg goes numb and down he goes. Luckily he can “feel” it happening, sit down and then be OK. He goes to a chiropractor who has been a great help.

Rick Parker Loc: Walnut Creek, CA

Passingbye wrote:

Especially since the last back surgery I had I've been more like Humpty Dumpty with this surgical damage neuropathy and diabetes neuropathy I don't walk with the same stability I did even 10-15 years ago and the silliest little thing gets my way or get moved or putting in my path, my clutzy feet seems to find it and down I fall. I'd laugh but it's not funny getting banged up. 🤣

Damn, You described me to a T. Had heart failure, in the hospital and some how a blood vessel burst and it took them 8 hours to discover it. The bleed out caused my left side to look like it was bruised. Blood is toxic to nerves and I ended up with with Neuropathy on my left side especially my leg. Already had the diabetic but was living with it.
Had several bad falls trying to go fishing. My friends now call me Rickety
Funny but not laughing either.

Rick Parker Loc: Walnut Creek, CA

I finally found a PT that knows how to help with the neuropathy in my leg. Before it was like some one hooked 110 volts up to my leg. Now its only about 50 volts. Still causes some stumbling but at least some relief.