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In reply to the discussion: I fell on my head again last night [View all]

ReRe

(11,477 posts)
32. Someone needs to come up with
Fri Dec 27, 2024, 09:17 PM
Dec 2024

"lessons for being old". The way it is, we get here and have to figure it all out ourselves, sometimes alone with no one about to call to for help if we need it. That's why those emergency devices are important to have. I don't have one yet, as I live with family. If I need help, I just call them on my cell phone (which I always have in my handy dandy 3-pocketed apron) and they are johnny on the spot in about 1 minute or less.

I'm the ripe old age of 75. I haven't fallen yet, but I do get on the floor sometimes when I'm doing something on the bottom shelf of a book case or cabinet, etc. I get up like a baby does when it learns how to walk. From sitting position, I pivot to my hands and knees, then hands and feet (one leg at a time), then walk feet forward inch by inch with hands stationary on the floor, and from there you can rise up to standing position.

I lied. I have fallen, but not from a standing position. I am a sleep-fighter. Does anyone have that problem? I go to sleep sitting at the computer in my swivel computer chair. When I fall to sleep, for some reason I fall to my left (though I am right--handed). OK. So when I fall to sleep my body swivels to the left and I don't wake up until I'm half-way to the floor and can't stop the fall. Haven't broken any bones yet, especially my left arm as it is the body part that takes the brunt of the fall. It is frightening, though. I learned to not try to get up immediately. Just lay there and don't move for a few minutes until the shock has passed. Like I described above, get up like a baby, first getting to sitting position. Haven't fallen like that in about a year, and I hope I never do it again.

I tell myself "ReRe, do your neb, take your meds and go to bed!

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I fell on my head again last night [View all] cyclonefence Dec 2024 OP
I too am a "faller." It's awful, and yes, scary. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2024 #1
No, you're probably not the most decrepit 'senior' here, and likely not the only 'faller.' elleng Dec 2024 #2
There are some great tips here Betty Boom Dec 2024 #3
All these maneuvers require strong abdominal muscles that many of us do not have question everything Dec 2024 #6
See how she tips her head FORWARD when... Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #22
I am a faller, age 78. My falls are generally attributed to problems brer cat Dec 2024 #4
I'm steady but live alone, far even from neighbors. usonian Dec 2024 #5
can you do this Skittles Dec 2024 #7
My ex had a stretch with vertigo. rubbersole Dec 2024 #8
Oh dear... 2naSalit Dec 2024 #9
Might I suggest getting a walker, and a cane if you dont already have them. CentralMass Dec 2024 #10
i used to trip a lot when i was faster + tumbling helped me always land on my ass. pansypoo53219 Dec 2024 #11
CALL 911 AverageOldGuy Dec 2024 #12
Good advice. There's a reason I'm asked about falls at every medical appointment underpants Dec 2024 #31
a rechargeable timms139 Dec 2024 #13
Why are you using night lights? A night light bulb is about 7 watts Figarosmom Dec 2024 #14
This is a compensation that can become a big problem. Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #21
Lift chairs are horrible Betty Boom Dec 2024 #26
you might be dehydrated? IbogaProject Dec 2024 #15
I fall a lot. I have taken to wearing knee pads, and I'm AnotherDreamWeaver Dec 2024 #16
I'm scared about falling too. irisblue Dec 2024 #17
I've never had a good sense of balance Siwsan Dec 2024 #18
One of the best fall prevention strategies is to change your environment to support your safety. Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #19
The most common cause of falls ... Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #20
100% this Betty Boom Dec 2024 #25
Link on how to use a "rollater" (walker with wheels) CentralMass Dec 2024 #23
So sorry you fell and had a scare. It is scary. Hoping you heal quickly. 58Sunliner Dec 2024 #24
I have developed a habit of falling asleep on the toilet. LakeArenal Dec 2024 #27
I asked for and received a toilet seat with side handles No Vested Interest Dec 2024 #33
My husband is a faller SARose Dec 2024 #28
My dad just uses a urinal ne t to the bed at night MotownPgh Dec 2024 #30
I'm a 78 yr old faller Submariner Dec 2024 #29
I've been using Hurrycanes for several years. No Vested Interest Dec 2024 #34
That's the ticket Submariner Dec 2024 #35
Someone needs to come up with ReRe Dec 2024 #32
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