Struggling With Stability

By Devin Garlit

3 min read

As I stroll into my local brewery, I’m greeted by a ton of friendly faces. I stop and say hi to many of them, going through the usual pleasantries and getting that social interaction that I so desperately need. However, as I run the gauntlet of friendliness and social responsibility, there is part of me that is counting down and screaming in the back of my head, 'GET TO A SEAT'. While I look like I am standing and even walking with no difficulty, that’s far from the truth. Despite my appearance, my body is struggling with stability.

Unsteady as he goes

When it comes to walking and standing, I’m pretty good, but only for short distances and periods of time. If I can’t sit or lean against something, I feel very unsteady on my feet. I pretty much always feel like I might fall over at any moment. There isn’t any single symptom that causes me to feel this way, rather it’s several of them combined that make me feel unstable on my feet:

Weakness - From my very first exacerbation, I have struggled with weakness in my legs, particularly my right leg. I have many days where it feels considerably weaker than my left leg which, in addition to feeling like it may give way, makes my walking feel unbalanced.
Numbness - I also suffer from numbness in my legs, which makes me feel like I don’t have a real grasp for the ground below me. I’m taking a step, but it doesn’t quite feel like I’m taking a step, which causes me to feel like I’m not really on solid ground.
Pain - I often experience burning nerve pain in both my legs; when it comes to walking and standing, this mostly makes me feel uncomfortable. It also causes me to lose focus on what I’m doing.
Spasms - I occasionally experience spasms in my legs - jolts of uncontrollable muscle movement which at times have caused me to fall.
Spasticity - I will often have one or both legs become extremely stiff, which ends up with me walking like Frankenstein’s monster. At least that’s how it feels to me.
Foot drop - A very common issue for me is drop foot where I have difficulty lifting the front part of my foot. Despite my brain telling my foot to lift off the ground, it will often stay down or only lift partly.
Balance - I tend to suffer from a lot of balance issues, which, as you can imagine, makes it difficult to stay on my feet.
Fatigue - The everyday lassitude I experience with MS makes every movement a struggle like I’m walking through wet cement.

Fighting for stability

While I am supposed to walk with a cane, I rarely use it. For my cane to be most effective, it requires me to use it with my left hand which is affected by symbrachydactyly, making holding the cane extremely difficult. As you can see though, even using a cane or other assistive device wouldn’t necessarily help me feel stable because of the types of symptoms that I experience. So I’ve adapted the best I can.

I minimize the distance I walk and the time I spend trying to stand. I’ve actually become used to feeling unsteady on my feet. Honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m walking on the deck of a ship being tossed and turned in heavy seas. Like an experienced sailor, I’ve gotten used to it, but occasionally a big wave will still land me on the deck.

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Another invisible struggle

Feeling stable while standing on your own two feet is something that I think most people take for granted. As so many issues with MS tend to be, this lack of stability is something that people can’t really see. It’s something you would never suspect if you saw me in person, but it’s there and it’s a huge issue for me. With so many different symptoms playing a part in feeling stable on our feet, this is an issue, not only for me but for many people who suffer from MS. So please remember no matter what someone looks like, or how they act, they may be struggling below the surface.

Thanks so much for reading and feel free to share! As always, I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Devin

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kimberlybthatsme Member
Devin! Another SPOT on article my friend....EVERYTHING you said was so me (except for the holding of the cane, I get back and neck pain using my cane too often). It's sad that we have to pretend to be ok when inside we are screaming and people just think we are ok, or faking our disability when we are forced to use our cane or wheely. Thanks for always making me feel "normal" in our un-normal world!
1. Lori Foster Member
 Hi <inline-mention username="Shan77" user-id="6919031"/>. It is hard not to be afraid of falling when you have experienced it before and you know it can happen any time. Have you considered asking your therapist to help you learn how to fall? There are ways you can protect yourself against broken bones that might at least help you feel a little more at ease. A new diagnosis can be pretty overwhelming. I hope your MS stabilizes over time, giving you some time to come to terms with it. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member) 
2. Lykos Member
 <inline-mention username="kimberlybthatsme" user-id="3958502"/> I love everything you wrote. You put into words what I've been feez& dealing with. Thanks for writing this
Harry1968 Member
Devin are you still exercising ? Do you follow any certain diet ? 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Hi <inline-mention username="harry" user-id="4053774"/>, I do try to keep up with exercise. It's not always easy, particularly with stability issues, but I feel it's very important and helpful. A stationary bike can be helpful. I actually have a treadmill that I still try to walk on (with a mattress next to it for when I fall). As far as diet, I try to simply have a balanced and healthy-ish diet. Everything in moderation with some splurging I guess. I'm not really big on fad diets.
giova Member
Hi Devin Yet again you have nailed it. My balance can be poor and I have all the symptoms that you listed. It’s as if you are reading my mind. I walk with a stick or crutch and if and when I walk into a bar or restaurant it’s as if I have a big stage light shining on me. Getting up after sitting down for a while affects my balance, spasticity and stability meaning I will need the support of others around. I do not feel safe or able to go anywhere alone. I do not feel part of the world anymore. 
1. chucksue Member
 <inline-mention username="giova" user-id="4012038"/> you both speak as if we know each other. I find it so hard to do anything I'm numb and burning everywhere. I do however have an electric wheelchair that I use for long distances and I guess if I went into a bar I would use it there too Ms has taken all my pride away I'm just living the best I can. And I too feel like I'm not part of the world anymore I just exist in my bed most days I have one friend and he's having problems with his heart and stuff and doesn't look good for him and then I'll be totally and absolutely alone I worry for that day. And my fatigue is I can't find words for it really it's more than overwhelming it's taken my life along with the pain of course and the burning and the numbness and the unstableness and the pain I have and I also have a drop foot so the merry-go-round goes the Merry-Go-Round goes I wish I knew all of you we can meet to it all come to my house and we could just talk I'm a very very lonely person I'm 65 and totally alone except for my friend I mentioned earlier. But it was good to read about you guys not good I'm not happy for it but it was nice to see that other people go through the same thing and you do look you do look normal I mean I mean a wheelchair but when I'm not in the wheelchair I do look normal but there's nothing normal about it at all what I'm feeling inside well it's too much I'll let you guys go thanks for telling your truth okay. Bye-bye
2. lupe Member
 <inline-mention username="giova" user-id="4012038"/> I totally get the stage light reference, I go through that too. However I think living in a state full of retired elderly people who either walk with canes or use walkers and scooters to get around, I fit right in. The exception being that I'm usually the youngest one in the room with a cane. Non the less I've noticed that "stage light" reference. Usually people will step aside for me. I call that "parting of the sea". Lol @
JanO Member
Thanks for a great post, <inline-mention username="Devin Garlit" user-id="3978256"/> . I loved your analogy to being on a ship. Just this past weekend, my husband and I were again telling someone about the cruise we took in 2019. There was a storm and the ship was tossing and turning. I loved it because for the first time, everyone else was walking just like me! I suffer from pretty much the same issues as you do. When I walk into a room, most people have no idea that I am scanning the place for a chair. I can stand and talk for awhile, but when it is time to sit, it is definitely time to sit!
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you <inline-mention username="JanO" user-id="4012883"/>! Picturing a ship tossing and turning in a storm feels like such a perfect example when trying to explain to others. It'd be a good MS simulator!
2. Cnthneal6 Member
 <inline-mention username="Devin Garlit" user-id="3978256"/> Hey Devin. I know how you feel. I just went to a concert in amphitheater with friends and I stood up to do a little jig to the music but glad my rollator was in front of me. I’m also one of those unsteady ships you speak of. Great analogy. For the last 2 days it has been a slippery slope for me even with my favorite walking shoes on. Standing at the sink in bathroom brushing teeth and for God’s sake don’t look up and hold my head back to gargle things get a bit dizzy. It’s crazy. My infusion is in July and I know when things are wearing off. I do feel the progression of my disease in spite of all the PT and home exercising. Stability is a big issue for us. Thank you so much for bringing to forefront. Always a pleasure to read your stories. Full of insight.
yoshitail9 Member
Hi Devin Another on point article. If I wasn't 75 years old I'd say we were twins so I'll just say we are brothers by different mothers !
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thanks so much, <inline-mention username="yoshitail9" user-id="3938886"/>! I appreciate that!
jenniem Member
Devin, once again you've eloquently expressed things so many of us are feeling. A few of your challenges aren't symptoms I've dealt with to date, but a whole slew strike off unpleasant 'yes' boxes for me. Spastic, fatigued, weak, foot dropping dizzy bint - that's me! Walls are my friends, and I always feel I'm at sea. "Truly, friends, family, strangers, doctors - the ground IS listing...even if you can't feel it & even if you can't always see me swaying. I can feel it dog-nammit! I hear ya re the Halloween worthy Frankenstein's monster walk: alternately referred to at my place as the zombie, stiffie the robot, or tin man's "oil can?!" For the most part I approach it with my general silly person ridonculousness. Until the fatigue and frustration slaps the happy off my face. Then cog fog witch kicks in and I shut down...sometimes with a regrettable snap at loved ones 😟. Ugh...stability, physical and mental: it's a fine balance with MS. It is, but it isn't "all in our heads", nor just what folks can see on the surface. Thank you Devin. It's good to feel we're not alone...even if it's a mixed 'blessing' of fellowship. 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thanks so much, <inline-mention username="jenniem" user-id="4009132"/>! While I'd never wish it on anyone, it truly is comforting to know you aren't alone!
mikeh Member
Devin, 
1. mikeh Member
 Devin, sorry about your loss of Ferdinand. Losing a companion like that is hard….
2. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you very much, <inline-mention username="mikeh" user-id="3999587"/>
lifeisnotfair Member
You did it again, you proved why I follow your stories! That's because you are so similar to me and my MS. I admire the way that you explain what you are going through, so I don't have to, haha! All kidding aside, you really are that one person that is more similar to me than any others that I have read. We are still on our feet, but just barely. We can see, but at times we struggle. Our legs burn most every day. We both have drop foot. We both have spasms and spasticity. Fatigue is our tag-along friend, everyday! Now, I'm afraid of what could be next, even though I'm on an MS medication called Mayzent. I hope you are doing as well as could be, considering the disease that we have. I also hope that you enjoy your day where your evening! 😀 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you so much, <inline-mention username="lifeisnotfair" user-id="4066967"/>! Appreciate you taking the time to comment!
2. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="lifeisnotfair" user-id="4066967"/> stay on your feet as long as you can just want to go to the chair it's another special learning experience where you're only safe in water therapy🙏
Roger Hellard Member
I have a lot of the same symptoms. I have some weakness in my right leg, along with some drop foot, too. I have balance issues, and fatigue as well. It makes my job pretty difficult at times. I work third shift in manufacturing. Kinda like maintenance work. My doctor has me under the restriction of not being to go up and down industrial ladders due to my fatigue and balance issues. So, that limits me on what I can do. My work has been pretty good in working with me on this. So far.
1. Roger Hellard Member
 <inline-mention username="Lori Foster" user-id="4035613"/> I'm not sure. The only things they have would be forklift drivers or office job.
2. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="Roger Hellard" user-id="4073962"/> it really sucks when you can no longer work🙏 but say safe
maxie Member
Devin, So spot on. I totally understand the situation of looking for a seat as soon as I am in the room wherever I might be going. I have such a short time to be able to stand and look "normal " but I need that chair quickly. Didn't know anyone would understand that or express it so eloquently. Thanks Devin .
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you <inline-mention username="maxie" user-id="4052523"/>! I'm comforted a bit to know that others have that same feeling and concern, that same looking around and being worried. It's tough, especially when you don't look like you should need a seat!
2. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="maxie" user-id="4052523"/> I was at a airport in Denver Colorado and I went to use a handicap accessible bathroom when I went in there I found a person who could walk come out of the handicap bathroom and I went in with my wheelchair where I had to grab onto the bars which it was missing the perpendicular bar, so I just kept bashing my face on the wall when I held onto the bar but yeah, I finally made it to the toilet without falling
asapcynthia Member
Devin. I am a ‘falls risk’ so I use a wheelchair when i’m alone. My kids are home for the holidays, I hate being so needy. I’m not walking, no room for four adults, two dogs (theirs is a Malamute.) a wheelchair and a walker. This sounds terrible, but husband has Covid and is self-quarantine. He’s big and loud and he creates drama. It's his family has a gold medal in drama, but their visit so far is uneventful. He comes out tomorrow. I’ve spent a small fortune on food, the younger one now has gluten issues. Nobody will go to the store, and I need oh never mind. I just hate this, all of this. I asked for none of this, yet the symptoms keep a-comin’. That's all. I just wanted somebody who understands this confounded disease. That is all. Happy holidays, all.
1. Lori Foster Member
 That does all sound stressful, <inline-mention username="asapcynthia" user-id="3947208"/>. Are your kids staying with you? I hope your husband recovers fully from COVID, but loses the love for drama permanently. You just do your best and let that be enough. Please feel free to hop onto the community during the holiday weekend if you need to vent again. Several of us will be checking in. Sending loads of gentle hugs your way. - Lori (Team Member)
2. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="asapcynthia" user-id="3947208"/> it really sucks to lose your independence. Unfortunately that's where I am here at the young age of 50.
wma1979 Member
Hi Devin, Like other commenters here I think we are identical with symptoms, or very similar, and mine maybe just a bit more, and I always wondered if our group of signs/symptoms were common with others as a whole. I've always had trouble describing these things to doctors and physical therapists, etc. They all probably thought I was just a poor medical historian. But your story is near perfect to my MS and one I'll have to plagiarize when talking with doctors, etc. (just kidding, but seriously) Like I said my signs/symptoms are very much the same, and I'm on the path now of ppms. I'm extremely scared of falling. I do fall frequently now. Some days I can walk short distances, like to my sidewalk, but then the ship really starts rockin'!! So now, it's time for that wheelchair. It was time a couple years ago. I've been custom measured and fitted and it's ordered. It was hard to accept this. I realized it would be much safer for me and allow me much more freedom and independence that I don't have now. Due to our similarities I actually stay close to home and don't go places or venture out anymore. I miss that. I believe with a chair I'll get a lot of it back. Be able to go places with family and friends. I just wanted to thank you for sharing your story and it's nice to hear from others in the same boat(God I can't believe I wrote that pun !! Really!?!) Robin 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thanks so much for sharing that <inline-mention username="wma1979" user-id="4107158"/>! I understand how you feel! I'm also glad you are looking at a wheelchair as something that will give you more freedom because that's exactly what it will do! 
2. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="wma1979" user-id="4107158"/> I am sad to read that there are many people that are on able to move without the use of a wheelchair and have the numbness and tingling and you lose your penmanship. When you have that going on with your hands, you lose your legs and your hands it's awesome and nonstop pain.
daniel66 Member
<inline-mention username="Devin Garlit" user-id="3978256"/> Spot on for me too. I’m using a cane all the time but sometimes the spasticity and spasms make moving a real challenge. 
1. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="daniel66" user-id="3972536"/> what do you take for specificity?
truthseeker Member
Many people are not that bright, as in, lacking intelligence, and falsely assume I am homeless, for pushing a manual wheelchair with groceries, bags, recycling, and laundry, as I cannot afford to buy, and maintain a motor vehicle. Their stupidity is even quite scary, at times, if not totally assinine. I have had a couple of men ask me if I could SELL them my wheelchair!!! They had no idea that I am even disabled. I realized they are obviously NOT right in the head, for even asking. Crazy!!! 
1. deegeb Member
 <inline-mention username="truthseeker" user-id="3954057"/> lucky them that they don't have what goes along with this condition. There's so lucky they can walk and probably drive and probably have penmanship and write on paper but once you lose that you truly have had a wonderful learning experience.
CommunityMember4e38ac Member
Thank you Devin for all of your articles, I am 64 with MS I have accepted that I have it. As a young girl in high school you never heard anything about MS but I am finding out that there were others from my High School that came down with MS not just students but also a teacher I know. One of my doctors I had suggested we got it from the environment we all lived in. I hate the things that are happening to my body, things that I can't help. "I tell people that I have MS but it doesn't have me." I am a fighter and a survivor and hopefully a cure will be found but until that time the fight is on. After reading your articles I know that I am not ALONE in this fight. God Bless! Theresea
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you so much <inline-mention username="CommunityMember4e38ac" user-id="4739938"/>!
2. Tammyjomojo Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember4e38ac" user-id="4739938"/> I also found out that others in school diagnosed. Our bus stop was next to a cotton field. I’m not kidding, a crop duster sprayed pesticides while we stood there. It was very sticky and had sweet taste. We were 12-14yrs old and clueless. Adults told us it was safe, maybe it was. This was in Peoria,Arizona, circa 1975. Would you mind replying what state you went to high school in? Thank you for sharing and I hope today is a good day for you!
CommunityMemberbc89c4 Member
So many similarities, I am just beginning to accept I need a mobility scooter that I can fold myself, to ensure that I can drive somewhere and know I will no longer need my husbsnd to drive me. I have regular acupuncture and feel that really helps with my mobility. Thank you for writing my story! I feel lucky when I read all the symptoms you have, which are the same as mine. I also suffer with an itch on my scalp, whenever there is cold air in the room, assuming it is linked to my MS! Take care and keep moving @Devin
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberbc89c4" user-id="6701719"/>! I hope you find a suitable scooter! Having something like that can really open things up for you! Mobility aids really can be a great source of freedom, if you allow them to be!
Nancy J Member
I totally get all of what you are saying. When went on a cruise with my family I told them that this is how I feel when I walk all the time 😀 I use my can "in the wrong hand" not on the stronger side to help the weaker side move better, I use it on the weaker side to use as a guard against falling. I finally broke down and got a rollator. It gives me lovely memories of walking smoothly with one foot in front of the other. I hope that practice will help but as you know, there will be moments when even with a rollator my legs freeze up and I walk like a wooden puppet. it is nice to share even if it the legs are still my enemy. 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="Nancy J" user-id="6885416"/>! I'm so glad to hear things are going well with the rollator! They can give you a real sense of freedom. While using one may seem scary to most, I don't think I have ever met anyone who regretted using one. They can make life much easier!
qpkay1 Member
Thanks Devin! Instead if a cane, I found trekking poles make me feel steadier. Cracks me up when people ask where I’ve been hiking- and I get to respond ‘all the way across the parking lot’ 😉
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 <inline-mention username="qpkay1" user-id="4067739"/> Oh, that is something I should consider trying, I am sure those poles are super helpful!
jesskundert Member
WOW I also have PPMS and I feel the exact way you do, I might actually use some of this to explain things to my neurologist, even though there isn't too much they can do for PPMS. Thanks Devin for explaining this so well !!!
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="jesskundert" user-id="4010064"/>! I hope it helps! Finding a way to better describe our experiences is something I am always attempting to do. It's so hard to explain MS to someone who's never experienced it!
dase1953 Member
I concur with these people on the effects of MS on your abilities to be constantly interfered with on a DAILY, HOURLY, EVEN MINUTE BY MINUTE BASIS. The symptoms are the same, but the occurrences differ time wise. Hence all the things that make MS what it is, makes it mentally incompatible with each & every individual that it has infected. One person has balance issues while another has muscle stiffness, and weakness in several if not all extremities. Stress in marriage, family, and personal relationships is by far the monster of all we struggle to deal with on just a daily basis alone. The pandemic itself was a huge separator in life crisis that caused many, many people to just give up. Why? That's based on individual responses on dealing with living or wanting to "just disappear" to either run away or to someone else out of the sheer terror of feeling like Covid just pulled all the stops of any and all hopes of being happy in survivor with MS. Luckily, my answers came in the form of kittens and cats!!! Most people during the pandemic were just too busy to help. I also have to large dogs that were not friends & protection. I have a Care Giver who looks out for me like a Mama Grizzly. I have some neighbors that wanted to help when they could but sadly, their issues were also in some ways as bad as mine. I'm not exactly what you would call, "human friendly" because I don't tolerate invasive "stupidity" to people who think I'm an easy target, that's an issue for a later date. I had a stroke on my birthday last year & I did my own therapy & exercised on own. I'm now walking, more or less on my own instead of being in a facility, and I am 69 years old. My life IS my life, and I make my own path, and I always obey my instincts.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="dase1953" user-id="4024055"/>! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts!
CommunityMember2717 Member
Oh my gosh Devin wonderful words you explained it beautiful! Wish my phone would print lol! Totally feel you and those sea legs. Wonderful article.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thanks so much, <inline-mention username="CommunityMember2717" user-id="5460383"/>, I appreciate that!
kimber.airman516 Member
I feel your struggles. I walk (best non alcoholic sway ever), I drive, and work 40 Hrs a week and I push myself to the breaking point way more often than I should. I feel like if I am sitting down, there is something I am not getting done so off I go to do something else. If I need help or simply someone to do what they disturbed, I will ask it to be taken care of. If after the 2nd request, i will do it myself! Only to be met with I was gonna do that. Well, should have been done the 1st time I asked, better yet never been left where it didnt belong to tart with! Get severe anxiety/anger attacks but they never learn no care. Somedays I want a house all TO MYSELF an my 11 chickens and 11 year old rabbit then all I have to care and clean up after is us. Spouse and son live in the house I live in but help is very minimal. So I walk til I am almost crawling and carry on. Feel your struggles.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="kimber.airman516" user-id="6792438"/>! Whew, I know exactly how you feel!
sedavila Member
I use my cane all the time now, I'm in my 60's and can't afford a broken hip!! I was starting to walk in a crooked line due to leg weakness.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="sedavila" user-id="4080468"/>! Yep, using a cane or other aid is much much better than the alternative of what can happen if you don't!
lizschneider5051 Member
The is ME to a T!! I use a cane tho especially if it's a longer walk to where I need to go!..
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="lizschneider5051" user-id="4033632"/>!
Tammyjomojo Member
Great article and great comments. True community spirit. My neurologist told me about this site. I’m so grateful. It is a needed breath of fresh, I’m not alone, air. The cruise comments! I had a different response. Went whale watching and people were struggling to walk holding on to rails. I didn’t. I was not only ok, I walked normally, without aid. It was amazing to both me and my family. 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="Tammyjomojo" user-id="4690574"/>! So glad to hear your neuro suggested it!
cherip Member
Devin I never mastered control of the cane. I use a walker and it really helps my confidence. 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thank you, <inline-mention username="cherip" user-id="3996303"/>! You are certainly not alone, a cane can be difficult and I'm sure there are many folks who would benefit skipping a cane and going right to a walker!
tinalockett Member
Devin, the topics you mentioned in your article that affect your walking - weakness, pain, spasms, etc. After 22 yrs with MS, I have all of those symptoms as well. I still walk without a cane or anything else, but it gets more challenging each year. This DAMN disease truly is take the good with the bad, and one day at a time. Thank you for your articles and this forum that provides it. 😊❤️🙏. Tina. 
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 Thanks so much, <inline-mention username="tinalockett" user-id="4096607"/>! Thanks for sharing some of your experience as well, hang in there!
qazwsx17 Member
Hi Devin, your symptoms seem very similar to mine, I have foot-drop on my right side, and use a roll-ator instead of a cane.
CommunityMember8eff71 Member
Devon, I really hate to say this but everything you described in this article it's only gonna get worse. Everybody with MS should prepare for their future of fading away. I don't like being the messenger of bad news but we with MS seem to be part of god's cruel joke.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember8eff71" user-id="4077858"/> For some, no doubt, however, there have been many many advances over the years. My abilities are already much better than my grandfather's abilities were at a similar point in his life with MS. People diagnosed in the last 10 years or so, those with access to the more effective treatments earlier on won't necessarily have the same or worse issues. They're already doing much better. I'm sure I will continue to struggle, but other folks may not have the same issues.
CommunityMember3813 Member
Crazy huh! It's maddeningly difficult at times! I use a U-step walker for neurological difficulties. So, it's always brakes on, and you hold the handle on either side to unlock brakes. It helps me to walk with stability. I thought I would hate having a walker, but I love the U-step!
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember3813" user-id="4806368"/> Oh, I'm not sure I have heard of a U-step, I will definitely go look that up! Thanks for mentioning it!
CommunityMember3c5671 Member
When covid first started I had to go to the hospital to pick up some records. They used to have people who would take you where you needed to go in a wheelchair. Someone did that for me. I put in my order for what I needed. Then I had to go to the restroom. I made to the bathroom but on my way back to the wheelchair I was walking on the wall. I found it so funny. We were told don't touch this or that and most definitely don't touch your face and here I am touching everything to get to where the wheelchair was. 
1. kayleighhill Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember3c5671" user-id="7027048"/> That's a really interesting observation you made. I have to imagine that when it happened, it had to feel a bit stressful to make that realization while also acknowledging that you needed the wall to help you at that moment. I appreciate you sharing that. If I may ask, how have you been doing with your stability lately? 🧡 Kayleigh, <a href='http://MultipleSclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> team
vshell58 Member
I too suffer from this. I fall quite often. When I try to use a cane, I feel even more unsteady. I start PT tomorrow to try and help with my balance. Hope it helps. I have tried PT for other problems and it never has helped. Hope this at least helps some.
1. Devin Garlit Moderator
 <inline-mention username="vshell58" user-id="4104547"/> Happy to hear you are starting PT! I will say, I was very bad at using a cane until I learned proper methods in PT! It can make a big difference and I hope it does for you! Best of luck!
tgcarthel Member
This is the first article I’ve read that describes what I feel exactly. I’m going to show it to my husband, and hope he reads it and grasps some knowledge of what I feel all the time. Thanks for your article. 
1. Doreen H Community Admin
 Hello <inline-mention username="tgcarthel" user-id="4098732"/>, We're so glad it resonated with you. We hope your husband will take the time to read the article. Always know we're here (for both of you) for help and support. ~Doreen (Team Member)
CommunityMembere0f527 Member
Thank you I appreciate your words. They are so much hard of my life also.

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