Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people who’ve been there
  • People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
North Carolina stokes
January 10, 2018
 · 
Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes. I have difficulty "walking" and "standing" as both legs are weak.
In my case I have spinal problems and nerve damage in the Lumbar region.
Had one surgery and due more.
I have a complex set of health issues that are treated individually by the various specialists.
None treat the whole and all seem determined to avoid any crossover.
Frustratingly I use a walker and or wheelchair mainly but very very occasionally I can get away with sticks.
I use a solid pole heavy type stick on right side and a lightweight fold up stick on the left side.
My right being particularly weaker than the left.

All the issues with lack of strength in legs cause other issues in many parts of the upper body where you try to support and compensate to prevent falls.
My right foot will often drag rather than lift. It can drag on its toes/upper and or even sideways via inner foot. This depends a lot on how physically tired and weak I feel.

It is a great effort to stand and even greater efforts to throw legs forward when physically and even mentally worn out.

I have two walkers, one on ground floor and one on 1st floor, the spiral staircase between floors can be a challenge but I've found it easier to negotiate than straight flights as I can put my arms and hands through the steps/treads to help pull myself up.

On the way down I use an upturned stick to hook under the right foot and try and keep that leg straight and out as I descend slowly using my left to limp one tread at a time.

I was instructed to break all movement into smaller sections.
Instead of just "getting up" from a chair as we all did when "normal", I was told to break it into ... shuffle forward until knees were readily bent... get support from sticks and or arms on chair or desk/table top... use upper body and head to readjust weight and forward momentum. ... use arms and hands and shoulders to lift the body as well as legs where possible..... stand up slowly and pause before any next movement of hips and legs.... swing body and leg each side and concentrate on landing each foot before shifting weight to move the other.

Strangely it is like learning to walk and move in a very different manner than I used to.

I have tried to use music for rythm and although it can help it can also distract if you shift your body weight too much.

Falling is always a likely outcome. I plan my "walk" around soft furnishings and or waist height furniture like dining tables and chair backs etc so I've more of a chance of getting other supports or landing on soft sofas and armchairs.

Leg weakness is a constant worry and falling a constant fear.
Anyone who has this issue too has my full empathy and sympathy.
It's debilitating and an embarrassing loss of "dignity" when performed in front of others but I have become used to it now, sometimes I feel the onlookers embarrassment more and try to joke about it so they can relax more.

January 13, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

It's not useing stairs it's anytime

January 12, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

yeah, I do too. Usually at night and, unfortunately, on the stairs. Bob freaks out but helps me get to bed. Thanks for asking and God bless. Gail

January 11, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My husband has Parkinson's. He gets weakness in his legs after walking about 10 feet. always has a walker or wheelchair handy.

January 10, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Has anyone ever been on Abilify or been diagnosed wrong and hasss Parkinsonism?

June 23, 2019

Related Questions

View All
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Slidell, LA