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.
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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