jbrady33
04-24-2007, 01:53 PM
Hello All,
My wife has MS and would like to know what some other people go through with Balance issues. All of the literature describes dizziness and vertigo as "spinning sensations" but that doesn't quite describe what she has. she decribes it as being almost pulled to the floor, not spinning. It can happen while walking, standing still or even sitting. She can be sitting at a table and will grab for the edge of the table as it feels like she is being pulled to the floor. This doesn't seem to be a weakness issue, it is the actual sensation of being pulled even if her body doesn't move. Does anyone else go through any sensations like this? What are your balance issues?
She does also fall to one side sometimes, but it doesn't always happen with the sensation described above.
Thanks,
JB
My wife has MS and would like to know what some other people go through with Balance issues. All of the literature describes dizziness and vertigo as "spinning sensations" but that doesn't quite describe what she has. she decribes it as being almost pulled to the floor, not spinning. It can happen while walking, standing still or even sitting. She can be sitting at a table and will grab for the edge of the table as it feels like she is being pulled to the floor. This doesn't seem to be a weakness issue, it is the actual sensation of being pulled even if her body doesn't move. Does anyone else go through any sensations like this? What are your balance issues?
She does also fall to one side sometimes, but it doesn't always happen with the sensation described above.
Thanks,
JB
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duttin
04-24-2007, 04:17 PM
JB,
I exactly understand what your wife is going through.
I have had periods of time where I have experienced what seems to be a gravitational pull to the side for no explained reason.
I have literally fallen off the computer chair with no for warning.I have fallen down stairs,boom sense of balance gone.
I do have occasional vertigo and the ringing in my ears,but never do I have both symptoms at the same time.
The symptom of falling over and losing my balance has subsided and mostly gone for the most part.
Hopefully for your wife this is just a wacky symptom that will be short term.
I exactly understand what your wife is going through.
I have had periods of time where I have experienced what seems to be a gravitational pull to the side for no explained reason.
I have literally fallen off the computer chair with no for warning.I have fallen down stairs,boom sense of balance gone.
I do have occasional vertigo and the ringing in my ears,but never do I have both symptoms at the same time.
The symptom of falling over and losing my balance has subsided and mostly gone for the most part.
Hopefully for your wife this is just a wacky symptom that will be short term.
jbrady33
04-24-2007, 05:00 PM
Thanks for responding, unfortunately this is a very persistant symptom for her and is with her all the time.
Would love to hear from more people what your experiences are.
Would love to hear from more people what your experiences are.
unclesam612
04-24-2007, 08:01 PM
Dr. use words like vertigo and dizzy in the same sentence. Sort of redundant being that they mean the same thing vertigo is Latin for dizzy. It isn't the same all the time as . kind of lightheaded weak on one side but the other is OK bounce off things some time fall sometime not It is just the body wanting to be difficult. MS is a strange thing it makes the body do things that is just not normal and that you would never believe it could. I use a Cain for just that reason it hurt my feelings when I had to start with one but not as bad as the ground. Mine went away but it still comes back every now and again. Just one of those things we have to deal with daily. My nero gets mad at me because I joke and play with it he said it is a serious thing and I should show more concern. I ask him if I were more concerned will it go away? We all learn different ways to cope with our problems Mine is humor(most of the time) Hope your wife feels better soon
tiredbunni
04-24-2007, 08:24 PM
Hi, I have MS and have delt with balance problems for a long time. Since 1991, I have tried to keep my balance. First it was a swaying motion so severe I had to hold on to something so I wouldn't fall. My doctor said it wasn't true vertigo but then what was it. Klonopin is the only thing that helps it. I know an ENT had me to the Romberg test and I failed. I fell over in a few seconds.
When walking I can be feel fine and the next thing I am on the ground. I just lost balance. I have to deal with drop in blood pressure and dizziness and then balance sometimes all at once. I have breakthrough with the swaying motion and then my neuro increases the dosage of meds. I now deal with double vision which brings new problems to keeping balance. However, not ever time I losing balance is double vision involved.
A couple of days ago, I was fine and talking to my son and next thing I couldn't stand. It wasn't dizziness but I couldn't stay on my feet. He helped me into my room.
When I fall I fall to the right side most of the time. I can't afford to fall anymore as I was dx with Osteo at the same time as MS. I use a walker it helps but not when dizzy or losing balance. I don't know if I would say it's a sensation but I really never thought about it but I will just lose balance and it can be so severe where I have crawled to my room (no one at home). It does feel like I been held to the carpet.
The Klonopin keeps that swaying motion in check. I think in a way that is a balance problem because ever try to balance on those carnivals sliding floors. Well, that is what it feels like.
I hope this helps. And I hope you wife feels better soon.
Bunni 53yrs in SC
dx 12/06 RRMS
Avonex, Klonopin, Flexeril
When walking I can be feel fine and the next thing I am on the ground. I just lost balance. I have to deal with drop in blood pressure and dizziness and then balance sometimes all at once. I have breakthrough with the swaying motion and then my neuro increases the dosage of meds. I now deal with double vision which brings new problems to keeping balance. However, not ever time I losing balance is double vision involved.
A couple of days ago, I was fine and talking to my son and next thing I couldn't stand. It wasn't dizziness but I couldn't stay on my feet. He helped me into my room.
When I fall I fall to the right side most of the time. I can't afford to fall anymore as I was dx with Osteo at the same time as MS. I use a walker it helps but not when dizzy or losing balance. I don't know if I would say it's a sensation but I really never thought about it but I will just lose balance and it can be so severe where I have crawled to my room (no one at home). It does feel like I been held to the carpet.
The Klonopin keeps that swaying motion in check. I think in a way that is a balance problem because ever try to balance on those carnivals sliding floors. Well, that is what it feels like.
I hope this helps. And I hope you wife feels better soon.
Bunni 53yrs in SC
dx 12/06 RRMS
Avonex, Klonopin, Flexeril
Gracie88
04-25-2007, 10:24 AM
jbrady33,, Just you let you know your wife is not alone I have been going throught the same thing with the dizziness and loss for balance, been checked for vertigo doc said I dont have it.(I dont have a pulling sensation) the dissiness is very difficult to live with, I have to drive to work and sometimes its so bad I cant go in, works not that understaning when you call in dizzy LOL, my doc put me on Anivert I have not stared it yet pick it up friday, I will let you know if it works, I hope your wife feels better.
Gracie88
Gracie88
dawnies
04-25-2007, 11:10 AM
:wave: Hi, I know exactly what your wife means i can be sat on the sofa watching tv and all of a sudden i feel as though i am falling it is an awful feeling and i have to reach out and find something to hold onto. Also when i am walking my mind knows which way i should be going but my feet take me in a totally different direction it is fun when going round corners. I hope this will pass soon for your wife i know how unerving it can be.:dizzy:
MSNik
04-25-2007, 05:23 PM
HI there. I just wanted to mention that I too, have MS and balance issues. I may not have them quite as extreme as some of you mention here, but at times, it is bad. One of the things which I have found helps me- is using a balance ball. One of those huge Yoga type balls which you can sit on. I sit on it while watching TV sometimes, just to work on my balance. I also use it along with a video tape to do strength exercises- both sit-ups and dumbells for my arms. ITs not the most difficult workout, but because your feet are on the floor and you are using your core to hold you steady, your body does learn to adapt to that falling feeling, and counter it..
I hope this might help someone...it did help me.
nikki
I hope this might help someone...it did help me.
nikki
kimpossible67
04-26-2007, 07:48 AM
jbrady33,, Just you let you know your wife is not alone I have been going throught the same thing with the dizziness and loss for balance, been checked for vertigo doc said I dont have it.(I dont have a pulling sensation) the dissiness is very difficult to live with, I have to drive to work and sometimes its so bad I cant go in, works not that understaning when you call in dizzy LOL, my doc put me on Anivert I have not stared it yet pick it up friday, I will let you know if it works, I hope your wife feels better.
Gracie88
Me too. I was officially given my "I can't go back to work" note on Tuesday. Seems, they don't like school bus drivers that are dizzy and off balance, lol.
I started on Antivert but it didn't do much now I have Scopace and it doesn't do a whole lot either. I just stay down as much as possible when I'm dizzy.
Does anyone notice a headache before or during the dizzy spells?
Gracie88
Me too. I was officially given my "I can't go back to work" note on Tuesday. Seems, they don't like school bus drivers that are dizzy and off balance, lol.
I started on Antivert but it didn't do much now I have Scopace and it doesn't do a whole lot either. I just stay down as much as possible when I'm dizzy.
Does anyone notice a headache before or during the dizzy spells?
jbrady33
04-27-2007, 10:59 AM
My wife (and I!) thank all of you for your comments. I copy and pasted them into a document for her to read and she feels better knowing that she isn't the only one feeling this. You may see me posting more for her, thanks!
kimpossible67
04-27-2007, 02:42 PM
Can I say that I think it is wonderful that you want to be informed for your wifes sake? I can not imagine how scary it is to be the spouse or the children because I'm the patient. Kudos to you for supporting your wife like you are. When my family comes to terms with this, I hope they will be as involved as you are. Way to go!
bella67
04-27-2007, 03:34 PM
I'm still in the dx process, but I read your post and just had to reply. Today I was out to lunch with my sister and the VERY same thing happened to me. I was getting out of a booth, and I had to yank myself up to get to my feet. Then I felt as if my legs wouldn't move as I wanted them to.
The kicker was that I was walking past a table of two men and I didn't even know I walked right into this guys elbow where he was taking a sip of cofee, and then it spilled all over (luckily not much on him). OMG, I was mortified!! He looked pretty angry too, but I just kept apologizing, and then I went and got some napkins to clean up the mess. I have never had this happen in my LIFE. Then I was sitting there with my sister and my left leg did a spastic jerk and kicked her. I am so getting tired of not knowing what is wrong with me, but tell your wife she's not alone! :(
The kicker was that I was walking past a table of two men and I didn't even know I walked right into this guys elbow where he was taking a sip of cofee, and then it spilled all over (luckily not much on him). OMG, I was mortified!! He looked pretty angry too, but I just kept apologizing, and then I went and got some napkins to clean up the mess. I have never had this happen in my LIFE. Then I was sitting there with my sister and my left leg did a spastic jerk and kicked her. I am so getting tired of not knowing what is wrong with me, but tell your wife she's not alone! :(
Bearygood
04-27-2007, 03:52 PM
I was diagnosed partly on past history -- and my history with vertigo was about 17 years ago! I think it was over a period of about a year that I was hit HARD with intermittent spells of vertigo. At this point can't recall exactly how long they lasted. (It could have been longer but I think it was half a day to a day.) Antivert did not help me either. The only thing I do clearly remember is that EVERY time it happened it was right before I got my period. It's all wild to me now, thinking that all these things might well have been MS related and of course, the neurologist who diagnosed me certainly seems to think they were.
datgrlstef
04-27-2007, 04:05 PM
(Today I've been having frequent bouts of dizziness upon standing.. and a little bit ago, it happened again.. only this time i could feel a wierd sensation in my ears. Almost like I'm in a fishbowl. Is that vertigo?)
Bearygood
04-27-2007, 04:12 PM
Don't know exactly what the clinical definition/difference would be but when I think of vertigo (at least as I experienced it) it's a weird spinning thing that puts the world completely off kilter -- literally makes you nauseous.:eek:
ing57
02-25-2008, 06:51 PM
I too am on antivert for vertigo. It has been since before Christmas . I got so nauseated I got sick . I have been sleeping sitting up for about 3 months. I didn't know it could be a symptom of MS.Is that true? I am also frustrated with all the pain and coordination problems. I always feel like I have the flu.I was told I have a B12 defeciency and take cerefolinNAC twice a day. It brought down my homocystiene level, but had done nothing for the vertigo, pain, numbness and cold ,too hot ,headaches and weight loss. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thank You
kjackcrum
03-02-2008, 04:19 AM
For most of my life I have had a "staggering" problem. I just start leaning in one direction or another and stagger around until I get my bearings or fall. I've had all the symptons of MS all throughout my life but I just thought I was sickly. I was not diagnosised until 2003. I have had MS for most of my life and just didn't know it. It was caught too late to really do anything about it, I'm now considered to be Primary Progressive. And the falling, I know it sounds strange, but you learn to live with it and you learn how to fall to do the least damage to yourself. After awhile you even learn enough to control the falls that you even stop them. God bless you both.
stormonto57
10-28-2008, 02:43 PM
I agree with kjackcrum, if you have balance probs you just have to learn how to live with it. I was diagnosed with PPMS 12 years ago and my balance along with other things, has slowly gotten worse, I now walk for short distances with crutches but still have to concentrate on every step I take or I can end up on the floor. In the early days I found that walking with a stick helped and I never moved my head quickly as I found that made me dizzy and I'd fall. Good luck and keep thinking positive.xx
glamour girl
10-30-2008, 01:03 AM
I went through a stage, where i would walk down the hallway at home and walk into the walls. Those feeling come and go.
Gone are the days of going on rollercoasters with the kids. My head spins on its own. Were heading off to the carnival next week. looks like i'll be the bag and drink holder for eveyone. No more rides for me.
Gone are the days of going on rollercoasters with the kids. My head spins on its own. Were heading off to the carnival next week. looks like i'll be the bag and drink holder for eveyone. No more rides for me.
loralei
11-06-2008, 04:00 PM
wow I have this exact same sensation. I was diagnosed with inner ear damage a few years ago and now I have a potential thyroid problem.. but I was never quite diagnosed with anything definite. This scares me...
I'll be sitting at my desk and then I have to GRAB it so I don't fall or float away or something.
I'll be sitting at my desk and then I have to GRAB it so I don't fall or float away or something.
cknmbbl
12-15-2008, 11:19 PM
I am so glad I read these posts. I have the same problem. I do not have a dx yet other then Migraine Assoc Vertigo. I also have spasticity among some other things. I have had this for 3 years this month. It is very debilitating. I too have taken the klonipin. It helps to some degree. I wondered if anyone has had the feeling that they had been "pushed" and then quickly regained their balance? Again, thank you for sharing.
CK
CK
jkdavid99
12-20-2008, 07:18 PM
Wow everyone is feeling the exact same thing I am with the pulling effect. Funny how I could never describe it to anyone until now. You are exactly right, I could be sitting at the dinner table and get the feeling I am falling off the chair. I take meclazine daily but that does not help at all. I do a lot of driving for a living and this does not make it easy, that for sure.
Has anyone found anything that helps this feeling, I heard that using the balance ball could help. Is anyone taking a different med for this. My next move is to see a ear,nose and throat doc just to be sure there is nothing that can be done.
My Neuro says it is due to a lesion on my brain and it will never go away. Isnt that nice. How can a person function like this day to day. I dont even drink, I am thinking about starting that way I will have a reason to be off a little. Just kidding.;)
Has anyone found anything that helps this feeling, I heard that using the balance ball could help. Is anyone taking a different med for this. My next move is to see a ear,nose and throat doc just to be sure there is nothing that can be done.
My Neuro says it is due to a lesion on my brain and it will never go away. Isnt that nice. How can a person function like this day to day. I dont even drink, I am thinking about starting that way I will have a reason to be off a little. Just kidding.;)
Richard12
12-22-2008, 05:20 PM
:confused:hey! i have the same issues like balance problems lol! i know it sucks but i have been excersizing to get my strengh up and having a good diet and im fine anyway! i get that feeling where im falling or i cant walk its crazy it kinda sucks evan i feel like my legs does not move but we just have to cope with it :(