One of my least favorite side effects of MS is the increased risk of falling. Balance issues are quite common for a number of reasons. My biggest challenge is getting off-balance when I’m using my ankle foot orthotic (AFO) because I can’t compensate for the extra weight on that leg. I find that when I’m walking down a slight incline and I trip (even slightly) with my AFO leg, I’ll stumble forward quickly and not be able to stop myself from falling down. My hands and knees usually bear the brunt of the impact, so my palms are bleeding and scratched up more often than I’d like.
It seems like every time I fall, it’s witnessed. Don’t get me wrong, the people who see my fall are kind, caring, and helpful. As much as I appreciate their help, there’s a part of me that wishes they did not know I existed, that I could have just blended into the crowd. After my most recent fall, at least four people asked me if they could help. It helps restore my belief that people are basically good, since they consistently offer help and concern. But it still doesn’t keep me from feeling embarrassed and cursing the stupid condition that makes a clumsy person fall even more.
It really helps when I’m reminded that I’m making mountains out of molehills. Everybody falls. Some people are injured during falls. Some people fall in front of witnesses (and, like me, I’m sure they wish no one had seen them). I was reminded of that this weekend, when Texas A&M won the Cotton Bowl. One of the referees had one of those I wish all of the people who saw that would just vanish moments. And unlike me, his fall was not only witnessed, it was the subject of many news stories and saved on YouTube.
I know, sharing the video could be interpreted as rubbing salt in a wound. But I appreciate this video as a reminder that falling is a part of life for everyone, not just people with MS.
Yes, it is true. I must say, for some reason I fall more than most people and I do not have MS. I can’t tell if I am not paying close enough attention to my surroundings, or my depth perception is off, but I tumble, and it is true, it is always witnessed it seems. Most times people offer assistance, other times not. I have had a group clap for me once. Kid you not. All the best to you!
I started calling my falls with a flare of style. Because not one is the same as the next. Sure you can try to prevent falls as much as you can but even the most careful days will end with a stumble or near fall. Grace is my best friend. I’m teaching myself graceful movements mid fall to show I will be ok because someone is always looking. You don’t have to look around because I know someone saw someone always sees.
I take great comfort in knowing these people that come to my rescue are there. I may or may not need the occasional help up but I welcolm it. And just once I’d love to have someone clap because I’ve practiced my falls whether I’ve want to or not!