Balance problem
Discussion
I'd be grateful for any suggestions about my problem, which is a poor sense of balance. I've retired, at least for the moment,
from cycling and horse riding.
I'm 59, medium height, slim, non-smoker, light drinker.
About three years ago, I noticed that I was sometimes a bit unsteady on my feet - a feeling of being off-balance. I do NOT feel
dizzy. My GP referred me to a neurologist. As well as hitting me hundreds of times with a hammer, he got me to try a few balance
tests - walking a straight line; standing on one leg and shutting my eyes etc. I found these tests very challenging, and I struggled
to stay upright.
The neurologist said I had some neurological symptoms, but nothing definite enough to give a diagnosis.
My GP then referred me to an ear specialist. I was impressed wit this chap - thorough and informative. He said my symptoms
were nothing to do with my ears, but he was shocked that I had not had a blood test. As a result, my blood was tested by my GP.
I had very low iron levels. GP gave me some iron tablets, but she wondered where my iron was going. I love food, I'm a decent
cook, and I eat a broad diet.
I have an appointment now with, I think, a gut specialist, and my GP is thinking in terms of a colonoscopy. Whilst I can think of better
experiences, I'll do it if it's going to be useful.
Meanwhile, I'm still wobbling about, and I often use a walking stick, especially at night. If you've got any ideas, I'd like to hear them.
TL;DR
I'm unsteady on my feet, and there's nothing wrong with my ears or joints. Suggestions please.
from cycling and horse riding.
I'm 59, medium height, slim, non-smoker, light drinker.
About three years ago, I noticed that I was sometimes a bit unsteady on my feet - a feeling of being off-balance. I do NOT feel
dizzy. My GP referred me to a neurologist. As well as hitting me hundreds of times with a hammer, he got me to try a few balance
tests - walking a straight line; standing on one leg and shutting my eyes etc. I found these tests very challenging, and I struggled
to stay upright.
The neurologist said I had some neurological symptoms, but nothing definite enough to give a diagnosis.
My GP then referred me to an ear specialist. I was impressed wit this chap - thorough and informative. He said my symptoms
were nothing to do with my ears, but he was shocked that I had not had a blood test. As a result, my blood was tested by my GP.
I had very low iron levels. GP gave me some iron tablets, but she wondered where my iron was going. I love food, I'm a decent
cook, and I eat a broad diet.
I have an appointment now with, I think, a gut specialist, and my GP is thinking in terms of a colonoscopy. Whilst I can think of better
experiences, I'll do it if it's going to be useful.
Meanwhile, I'm still wobbling about, and I often use a walking stick, especially at night. If you've got any ideas, I'd like to hear them.
TL;DR
I'm unsteady on my feet, and there's nothing wrong with my ears or joints. Suggestions please.
Push you GP to send you back for further neurological examination now that you've excluded related systems. Clearly they identified some symptoms which could be a number of different things. If you have the option and want the reassurance you could consider a private referral to expedite the process. You may also ask if they think you need a CT or MRI scan. You may also want to discuss with your GP his thoughts based on feedback he should have received from the referrals and what he thinks it maybe, and this may push them to re-refer you.
My wife has similar symptoms, went back and forth with specialists: ear, neurological etc.. and eventually with an MRI they found an Acoustic Neuroma. It was operated on to prevent further growth, but she still has the symptoms unfortunately.
Subscribed. My dad has very similar symptoms. Nurse coming to the house tomorrow for bloods. Had this on and off for a while and had to rush to his today as he collapsed. He's 82
Accoustic neuroma sounds possible. Deafness, tinnitus and vertigo all present.
Interesting thanks boxst
OP hope you get resolution and some comfort with whats ailing you
Accoustic neuroma sounds possible. Deafness, tinnitus and vertigo all present.
Interesting thanks boxst
OP hope you get resolution and some comfort with whats ailing you
Edited by Beato on Tuesday 9th October 19:05
Update.
Had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy the other day. The consultant said I've got a mobile colon and diverticulitis.
The mobile colon, from what I understood, is just a personal characteristic. Diverticulitis is very common, and is
not usually a problem. He also said that I haven't got cancer. I didn't think this was an issue, but it's chilling to
hear the word spoken so dispassionately.
The colonoscopy wasn't as bad as I'd feared, but the gastroscopy was very unpleasant.
Meanwhile, I'm still unsteady on my feet, so I'll be returning to my GP to ask for another appointment with a
neurologist, as was suggested earlier in this thread.
Had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy the other day. The consultant said I've got a mobile colon and diverticulitis.
The mobile colon, from what I understood, is just a personal characteristic. Diverticulitis is very common, and is
not usually a problem. He also said that I haven't got cancer. I didn't think this was an issue, but it's chilling to
hear the word spoken so dispassionately.
The colonoscopy wasn't as bad as I'd feared, but the gastroscopy was very unpleasant.
Meanwhile, I'm still unsteady on my feet, so I'll be returning to my GP to ask for another appointment with a
neurologist, as was suggested earlier in this thread.
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