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cyclonefence

(4,913 posts)
Thu Dec 26, 2024, 11:45 PM Dec 26

I fell on my head again last night [View all]

For some reason I didn't turn on the bathroom light when I came up to bed. I felt along the sink to the toilet and then bent forward, feeling behind me for the toilet seat (we have a nightlight in there, but it's not bright enough). I overbalanced and pitched forward right into the shower, head first. Our shower has no curtain or door, but it does have a lip about two inches high to keep the water in.

I lay there a few minutes, feeling stupid, then started trying to push/pull myself up to hands and knees, My arms were suddenly very weak, and I couldn't get my hips out over that lip. I started wedging my hips up by putting my elbows behind me--anyway, it was hellish.

My husband is a heavy sleeper, and the door to our bedroom was shut. I butt-walked myself out into the hall until I could start kicking the door. He got up, and we just couldn't get me to my feet. Then it occurred to me that if I could get myself to the stairs, I could sit at the top with my feet a couple of steps down, and then he could pull me up, with me pulling on the banister.

I've ordered a Help I've Fallen set, which has a sender for me to wear around my neck and two receivers, one for upstairs and one for down, that he can carry around in his pocket if he wants to.

Am I the most decrepit "senior" here? Is anybody else a "faller?" Are you scared shitless, like I am?

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