Friday September 3rd - Mums legs are so weak!

2 minute read time.

Just as I'm about to return to work after the summer break my mums legs seem to have got even weaker.  When we went for her wig yesterday she decided she would walk to the shop from the car.  It was only across the road.  As we got to the pavement on the otherside she took a rather large stride onto the pavement and her leg just gave way.  I had to pull her up onto her feet and she was quite shaken.  I thought it was just because she had taken too long a stride and thought no more about it. 

Tonight I went upstairs to watch the footy and I heard mum shouting on me.  When I went downstairs she was kneeling on the floor.  She had got down to plug a lamp in and just couldn't get back up.  I told her off as she knows if she gets down on her knees she can't get back up.

5 minutes ago I heard a bang and set off down stairs again.  I found her on her hands and knees in the kitchen.  She had been trying to get something out of a cupboard which is quite high and she overbalanced and fell on her backside.  She had got onto her hands and knees but just couldn't get up.  I had to lift her up just as I'd had to earlier.  I could see she was going to get upset so I just gave her a hug and we had a laugh about what I was going to have to do with her, maybe tie her to the chair!

Although I had a laugh with her I'm now really worried about when I go back to work.  I'm sure the fall wasn't caused by the weakness in her legs, but because she leant back to avoid something that was going to fall out of the cupboard, but the fact remains if she falls she can't get back up.  I'm so worried that if she falls while I'm out she'll lie there all day.  Anyone any ideas about how I could prevent this happening.  I thought about her keeping a mobile phone in her pocket.  Am I over-reacting?  I know I'll worry all day on Monday.  I just don't know what I can do.  We actually went for a walk round the block earlier and she had managed really well and thought her legs felt a bit stronger!

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Caroline

    No, you're not over-reacting, of course you're going to worry about when you're not there as you've had several episodes in one day. The mobile in her pocket sounds a great idea because even if she can't get up right away at least if she rang you she'd know help was on its way rather the alternative of being stuck there indefinitely.

    Love and hugs to you both

    Maxine

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Caroline,

    Sorry to hear about your mum's falls today.  I'm glad that you could both manage a laugh about it; I can relate with that and find mum and I do the same thing, one example, when I nearly find myself nearly falling on top of her when I put her to bed!!

    Seriously though, I think a mobile phone would be a great idea, and to keep it in her pocket, where she always has access.  If nothing else, it would give you peace of mind, she may never need to use it, but it is there for her if she does.  I don't think you're over reacting at all, I think you are being sensible and caring.  

    Take care and hope you both have a good weekend.

    Nic xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Caroline,

    Your not over reacting why do you ask the neighbours to keep an eye on her while you are at work. or phone now and again during the day when your working.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Celiswan, think the phone is a great idea,but its going to be hard for you until you know its ok to be away, hope that it goes smoothly and you dont get to stressed out, does your mum like tv or boooks as time can go quicly for her, if something to do, and a sitting down job would be good, my mum liked sewing but was not so good at when she was poorly so used to take buttons off things and ask her if she would mind sewing them on as I needed it when I got back, kept her busy and bless she thought she was helping.My dad loved cricket but he had altzheimers as well but a match recorded, he watched every day and never remembered the score.Talking books are good or radio 4, can waste some time. Take care.. xxx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi chrisie.  My mum was a great knitter and also loved to read until she got cancer.  Since then she has tried knittling and couldn't get into it and has also started to read numerous books and given up saying she just can't get into them.  I've considered talking books before and may investigate that again.  She watches TV from the minute she gets up until the minute she goes to bed and is always complaining there's nothing decent on!  We have every sky package going and she can't find anything decent!  I really wish she could get into her knitting or reading again but it looks unlikely.  She used to love Catherine Cookson and writers of that ilke so I'll definitely investigate the talking book thing as I think she would enjoy listening to a good story.  Thanks for the idea.