Aa
fell down went boom
Well, I took a bit of a spill this morning, fell right out of the bathtub, backwards.
One minute I was showering, the next minute I was falling backwards though the shower curtain onto the floor.
Luckily I broke my fall by striking the back of my head on a door knob on the cabinet (bent the knob).
I got a scrape on my head, red marks on my shoulder and back where they hit the floor, and a very sore neck.
My wife took me to the drop in clinic to get checked over. No serious injuries, sore neck will persist for a few days but I'll most likely live.
I don't know if grab handles would have helped because it happened so fast. Maybe taking a bath would be safer than showering, but I preffer to shower.
My wife wants me to get some kind of seat to put in the tub when I shower. She also wants to put in a pole outside the tub to hang onto when getting in and out. I said OK if we can call it a stripper pole.
We've got to travel to Vancouver tomorrow for a scan at VGHospital Mon morning (a 5 or 6 hour drive each way). Should be a fun ride down, I'll be feeling rough after tonights Rebif shot, and now I'll have a very sore neck to go along with it.
Anyway, I just thought I'd come on here and whine a bit. Thanks for reading.
Mike
One minute I was showering, the next minute I was falling backwards though the shower curtain onto the floor.
Luckily I broke my fall by striking the back of my head on a door knob on the cabinet (bent the knob).
I got a scrape on my head, red marks on my shoulder and back where they hit the floor, and a very sore neck.
My wife took me to the drop in clinic to get checked over. No serious injuries, sore neck will persist for a few days but I'll most likely live.
I don't know if grab handles would have helped because it happened so fast. Maybe taking a bath would be safer than showering, but I preffer to shower.
My wife wants me to get some kind of seat to put in the tub when I shower. She also wants to put in a pole outside the tub to hang onto when getting in and out. I said OK if we can call it a stripper pole.
We've got to travel to Vancouver tomorrow for a scan at VGHospital Mon morning (a 5 or 6 hour drive each way). Should be a fun ride down, I'll be feeling rough after tonights Rebif shot, and now I'll have a very sore neck to go along with it.
Anyway, I just thought I'd come on here and whine a bit. Thanks for reading.
Mike
Aw heck, Mike.
You need more enclosure. Since you can't mount (well the door knob was prob. a 10 on dismount, haha) without a major re-model, just put in a portable "something" with suction cups on it for the base. At least to grab onto.
I'll not overload you on advice, but yard sales are great for 25+ yr old stuff, hope you find one. And, if not, take the whole durn thing off and put in a new one from appliance store. Those holes fit most.
Tell your wife we said, good find! Isn't it amazing how things can be re-purposed.
-shell
You need more enclosure. Since you can't mount (well the door knob was prob. a 10 on dismount, haha) without a major re-model, just put in a portable "something" with suction cups on it for the base. At least to grab onto.
I'll not overload you on advice, but yard sales are great for 25+ yr old stuff, hope you find one. And, if not, take the whole durn thing off and put in a new one from appliance store. Those holes fit most.
Tell your wife we said, good find! Isn't it amazing how things can be re-purposed.
-shell
I have a walk in shower with built in seats, so that is safe. Walking around the house in the dark is what kills me. I guess I have gotten to the point where if I can't see my feet, there is no telling where they are. I guess the Drs call it a loss of proprioception. I have a tendency to fall on my chest and slam my face into the floor or FOOSH (Fall On Out Streached Hands.) Be careful. I have gotten to the point of keeping a flashlight near the bed.
Bob
Bob
That's not a bad idea! I've been thinking about just tiling the enclosure and putting in a door, but they do have molded plastic shower stalls with handles... hmmm...
We have a shower stall but you have to be careful in them as well! I have fallen over (oops, closed my eyes) and fallen right out the closed door of the shower and really only realized what happened when I looked up at the now open door and me on the floor!
So if you get a shower stall eventually, you should look for one that has handles and things implemented in them already so you 'won't have to worry about them after it is installed. Just a word of advice to us that have trouble with balance!
Rena
So if you get a shower stall eventually, you should look for one that has handles and things implemented in them already so you 'won't have to worry about them after it is installed. Just a word of advice to us that have trouble with balance!
Rena
Hey, Mike - until you find a safe way to shower, try leaning against the shower wall. Especially when your eyes are closed!
Whenever my eyes are closed, I go over. I go over when my eyes are open, but at least I can tell when that's happening and catch myself. When I'm washing or rinsing my hair, I definitely lean.
We'd like to make our shower safer. I'd prefer to take out the tub and put in a shower stall, with doors, handles, maybe even a seat that would fold down. Right now we can't afford it.
Hey, I think the MSAA offers financial assistance for shower benches and other assistive devices - check them out!
http://www.msassociation.org/programs/equipment/
Whenever my eyes are closed, I go over. I go over when my eyes are open, but at least I can tell when that's happening and catch myself. When I'm washing or rinsing my hair, I definitely lean.
We'd like to make our shower safer. I'd prefer to take out the tub and put in a shower stall, with doors, handles, maybe even a seat that would fold down. Right now we can't afford it.
Hey, I think the MSAA offers financial assistance for shower benches and other assistive devices - check them out!
http://www.msassociation.org/programs/equipment/
Well, we survived the trip to the coast, my wife does the driving (dr's orders) so I could lay back and rest my neck.
My neck wasn't as sore as I expected it to be, until 2 or 3 days later. Then it got sore, and is still bothering me today.
The scan was just a chest ct ordered by a respirologist as a follow up to check on what they think is old scaring on my lungs (checking to see if it looks the same as 6 months ago), nothing to do with the fall. I go back down in 2 weeks to see the lung specialist for the results.
Twopack, nope, no new knob yet, it's hard to find replacements for 25 year old hardware.
The seat we got is no good, too low and you can't close the shower curtain because it rests on the tub edge....duh..we're going to get a 4 legged one that stands on the tub floor.
I wanted to put the stripper pole by the bed, but my wife made me put it by the tub. It won't prevent falls, but i guess I can use it to help get off the floor the next time I do the quick exit out of the shower :)
I would like a grab bar, but it's a one piece fiberglass tub unit, and the back is molded in such a way that not does not sit tight against the wall, so there's no way to mount one.
Still planning to get a hose type shower head.
Thanks for all the great ideas. Safety in the washroom is a serious issue to me now, and I apreciate all your input.
Mike
My neck wasn't as sore as I expected it to be, until 2 or 3 days later. Then it got sore, and is still bothering me today.
The scan was just a chest ct ordered by a respirologist as a follow up to check on what they think is old scaring on my lungs (checking to see if it looks the same as 6 months ago), nothing to do with the fall. I go back down in 2 weeks to see the lung specialist for the results.
Twopack, nope, no new knob yet, it's hard to find replacements for 25 year old hardware.
The seat we got is no good, too low and you can't close the shower curtain because it rests on the tub edge....duh..we're going to get a 4 legged one that stands on the tub floor.
I wanted to put the stripper pole by the bed, but my wife made me put it by the tub. It won't prevent falls, but i guess I can use it to help get off the floor the next time I do the quick exit out of the shower :)
I would like a grab bar, but it's a one piece fiberglass tub unit, and the back is molded in such a way that not does not sit tight against the wall, so there's no way to mount one.
Still planning to get a hose type shower head.
Thanks for all the great ideas. Safety in the washroom is a serious issue to me now, and I apreciate all your input.
Mike
COMMUNITY LEADER
Mike,
You lucky punter, lucky you broke the door knob and not your head or arm or hip lol the list is endless. My mum fell backwards out of the bath/shower, with soap in her eyes she stepped back with out thinking, fell hard and broke her arm in both bones, she managed to get dressed with her hand a floppy mass because the idea of anyone seeing her in her birth suit was too much to bare. It doesnt take a neurological issue to fall out of a bath/shower and do some damage to your self, so you were lucky indeed!
I fall over as soon as i close my eyes, use to hit the back of my head and slide down the glass wall of the shower, arms doing the robot flapping around trying to save myself, its probably lucky that my feet dont respond. Never any real damage to both the shower or me, just bruises and looser plumbing lol i've been using a seat in the shower for a long time, better than risking another fall.
I also bath in the spa instead of the normal bath, if i lay back in the water i cant get up, the spa has grab handles which makes it all easier but i'm not sure if a grab handle in the shower would make a difference, when i go its so fast i'd think it would be just pure luck if I did manage to get hold of it but having said that i still think they are a good idea, though i think its much safer with a seat.
Seriously never thought of a stripper pole, hmmm where to put it? First thing that popped to mind was smack in the middle of the lounge room, give people something to talk about whilst your running around rubbing the back of your head, not sure that was the answer you were looking for though lol!
Cheers........JJ
You lucky punter, lucky you broke the door knob and not your head or arm or hip lol the list is endless. My mum fell backwards out of the bath/shower, with soap in her eyes she stepped back with out thinking, fell hard and broke her arm in both bones, she managed to get dressed with her hand a floppy mass because the idea of anyone seeing her in her birth suit was too much to bare. It doesnt take a neurological issue to fall out of a bath/shower and do some damage to your self, so you were lucky indeed!
I fall over as soon as i close my eyes, use to hit the back of my head and slide down the glass wall of the shower, arms doing the robot flapping around trying to save myself, its probably lucky that my feet dont respond. Never any real damage to both the shower or me, just bruises and looser plumbing lol i've been using a seat in the shower for a long time, better than risking another fall.
I also bath in the spa instead of the normal bath, if i lay back in the water i cant get up, the spa has grab handles which makes it all easier but i'm not sure if a grab handle in the shower would make a difference, when i go its so fast i'd think it would be just pure luck if I did manage to get hold of it but having said that i still think they are a good idea, though i think its much safer with a seat.
Seriously never thought of a stripper pole, hmmm where to put it? First thing that popped to mind was smack in the middle of the lounge room, give people something to talk about whilst your running around rubbing the back of your head, not sure that was the answer you were looking for though lol!
Cheers........JJ
QUOTE: " Luckily I broke my fall by striking the back of my head on a door knob on the cabinet (bent the knob). " .... as opposed to being unlucky, which would have been breaking your fall by what alternative method or body part? Wait, I don't want to know. I'm just glad you are here telling us about it.
Here's a picture of a shower chair I use. It folds up when not in use, has no exposed metal parts to scratch or rust, and is affordable. It fits sideways in the step-in shower we had installed in the former tub space. The seat is 17-18" high. There are seats that allow height adjustment but this one doesn't.
http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Chair-Handles-Drainage-Holes/dp/B000SZXNPQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1284956864&sr=8-7
Of course I'm late to this party and you already have one. I hope this helps someone else or (maybe) the one you have could be used as a great beach chair next summer???
Just make sure that grab bar is VERY secure. Pass on the ones that attach by suction (OMG, someone must have been kidding to market that thing.) and try to get one that won't corrode. We chose a well known and respected brand with a lifetime replacement guarantee. Luckily that's in our lifetime. Although we wipe them dry after each shower, we've killed three grab bars with corrosion in as many years. We may have to forgo another 'freebee' and pay for something more durable.
Hope the drive and scan went well. Was the scan pre-planned or related to the lucky break?
Mary
Oh yeah, did the wife buy a new knob too? Just askin'.
Here's a picture of a shower chair I use. It folds up when not in use, has no exposed metal parts to scratch or rust, and is affordable. It fits sideways in the step-in shower we had installed in the former tub space. The seat is 17-18" high. There are seats that allow height adjustment but this one doesn't.
http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Chair-Handles-Drainage-Holes/dp/B000SZXNPQ/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1284956864&sr=8-7
Of course I'm late to this party and you already have one. I hope this helps someone else or (maybe) the one you have could be used as a great beach chair next summer???
Just make sure that grab bar is VERY secure. Pass on the ones that attach by suction (OMG, someone must have been kidding to market that thing.) and try to get one that won't corrode. We chose a well known and respected brand with a lifetime replacement guarantee. Luckily that's in our lifetime. Although we wipe them dry after each shower, we've killed three grab bars with corrosion in as many years. We may have to forgo another 'freebee' and pay for something more durable.
Hope the drive and scan went well. Was the scan pre-planned or related to the lucky break?
Mary
Oh yeah, did the wife buy a new knob too? Just askin'.
It's always fun when you fall through the shower curtain and pull the rod down in the process. Never fails, the rod will find some part of your body to strike that you'll wish it hadn't.
I was fortunate; nearly all of my several falls were in better circumstances, such as falling in grass, onto the bed, uphill on a ramp, etc. Falling in and out of the shower was always the worst. I am thanking God today that I have the balance back, and can scrub the bottom of my feet!
Glad to hear you're recovering, Mike, & that you're taking proactive preventive measures hereafter. Others, take note.
I was fortunate; nearly all of my several falls were in better circumstances, such as falling in grass, onto the bed, uphill on a ramp, etc. Falling in and out of the shower was always the worst. I am thanking God today that I have the balance back, and can scrub the bottom of my feet!
Glad to hear you're recovering, Mike, & that you're taking proactive preventive measures hereafter. Others, take note.
I have a walk in shower. I took out the tub as soon as I started having balance problems when trying to get out of the tub. The seat is about the same height as a normal chair. I also have a grab bar for when I want to stand up from the chair, just in case.
Dennis
Dennis
Hey Mike...maybe you were thinking too much about having a pole put in the shower and the possibilities?? tee hee Glad to hear you are gonna make it though this catastrophe but feel for you having to do that drive tomorrow! Good luck and I hope you feel better soon honey!
Lots of Hugs,\
Rena
Lots of Hugs,\
Rena
Sorry you fell but glad the injuries were minor!! I have had a grab handle in my shower for several years now. You learn instinctively learn where that little lifesaver is, fast. I have used my handle countless times.
My neuro told me the first time I fell it could have been my last ,,,so do be careful! We are in the process of selecting a grab bar for the wall next to the toilet now.
Glad you're okay and hope the scans go well also.
REn
PS Smart move to get checked out after your fall!
My neuro told me the first time I fell it could have been my last ,,,so do be careful! We are in the process of selecting a grab bar for the wall next to the toilet now.
Glad you're okay and hope the scans go well also.
REn
PS Smart move to get checked out after your fall!
Hi Mike
Ouch! That sounded like one nasty fall and I am so glad that you are Ok and I guess you have to count your blessings that it was not worse although I expect you will rally feel it in the morning when you wake up. The bruises will start coming out then adn arnica cream is excellent for helping bruises! I really hope that your drive to Vancouver goes Ok...it is a very long way to go when you will be feeling sore and tender.
Very impressed that you have already got the bars, pole etc so don't go doing too much pole dancing!!
Love Sarah x
Ouch! That sounded like one nasty fall and I am so glad that you are Ok and I guess you have to count your blessings that it was not worse although I expect you will rally feel it in the morning when you wake up. The bruises will start coming out then adn arnica cream is excellent for helping bruises! I really hope that your drive to Vancouver goes Ok...it is a very long way to go when you will be feeling sore and tender.
Very impressed that you have already got the bars, pole etc so don't go doing too much pole dancing!!
Love Sarah x
I am glad you were not hurt too bad, I did the same thing once but I grabbed the shower curtains and it slowed down the fall....its scary !! It wasn't my only fall but the worse one i have had. I do have a shower-head-on-a-hose....and a chair, it gets slippery.
I like showers too, when i take a shower I end up getting up anyway...and its hard for me to stand up once I am down. I think a stripper pole sounds good..and it might add some spice to the shower/bath.
I think its tough in the shower because we close our eyes so much....I have baby shampoo i use once in awhile too. And when you are dizzy, closing your eyes at the same time you make a move, it could be fatal !!
hugs, meg
I like showers too, when i take a shower I end up getting up anyway...and its hard for me to stand up once I am down. I think a stripper pole sounds good..and it might add some spice to the shower/bath.
I think its tough in the shower because we close our eyes so much....I have baby shampoo i use once in awhile too. And when you are dizzy, closing your eyes at the same time you make a move, it could be fatal !!
hugs, meg
Thanks everyone for the replies.
My wife bought a stripper pole and a seat from a care home that is shutting down (both brand new, never used)
The seat rests on the sides and the actual seat part is about 8" lower than the sides. I'll try it, but I think it's too low.
I'm not sure where to mount the pole, trial and eror I guess, it's meant to be moved or removed.
Baby shampoo...good idea Ess
Hey John, maybe I could have pulled off the Super Mike thing a few years ago, but I don't think my tights will fit anymore :)
What kind of seat did you get Denis? Is it lower than the tub edge?
Thanks everybody else for the tips and supportive words. I gotta get packed, we're heading out pretty soon.
Mike
We are going to get a shower head on a hose. Thanks Lu.
I'll look into grab handles when we get back from the coast.
My wife bought a stripper pole and a seat from a care home that is shutting down (both brand new, never used)
The seat rests on the sides and the actual seat part is about 8" lower than the sides. I'll try it, but I think it's too low.
I'm not sure where to mount the pole, trial and eror I guess, it's meant to be moved or removed.
Baby shampoo...good idea Ess
Hey John, maybe I could have pulled off the Super Mike thing a few years ago, but I don't think my tights will fit anymore :)
What kind of seat did you get Denis? Is it lower than the tub edge?
Thanks everybody else for the tips and supportive words. I gotta get packed, we're heading out pretty soon.
Mike
We are going to get a shower head on a hose. Thanks Lu.
I'll look into grab handles when we get back from the coast.
Whoa, Mike! Scary!
I know how fast those falls can happen (BTDT). A seat and/or grab bar is essential!
I know how fast those falls can happen (BTDT). A seat and/or grab bar is essential!
Mike, that backward fall can definitely be a sign of neurological malfunctioning. But it can also be a simple klutzy move.
Be cautious in that shower. A seat might be useful for you and also consider one of those hand-held shower head attachments. Do some homework about the seat before you buy one - there are many variations and you want ot get the one that will work best for your situation.
The stripper pole idea paints quite the mental picture ....
be well and be safe, Lu
Be cautious in that shower. A seat might be useful for you and also consider one of those hand-held shower head attachments. Do some homework about the seat before you buy one - there are many variations and you want ot get the one that will work best for your situation.
The stripper pole idea paints quite the mental picture ....
be well and be safe, Lu
I just finished getting a seat for my shower and it does make it a lot easier to shower. Not only for the fall issue, but also for washing the lower part of the body. That is were I was having most of my falling issues before the seat.
Dennis
Dennis
I agree you need to take some precautions in the bath room.
Glad your o.k. besides it being a stripper pole, then you can use it to leap in & out of the shower..in a single bound... then we can rename you Super Mike.
John..
Glad your o.k. besides it being a stripper pole, then you can use it to leap in & out of the shower..in a single bound... then we can rename you Super Mike.
John..
Phew! That must have been really scary, falling over backwards. I'm relieved to hear that you did not hurt yourself seriously.
You're probably right about the grab handles. Not only did it happen fast, you also were falling backwards which would make it harder to grab on top of the fact that you were wet, so your hands probably would not have gripped the way you needed.
I do have fears of falling in the shower and think that your wife offered good advice with the seat and rails. The seat is probably the more important one.
Ess was also on target with not closing your eyes, especially if balance is the issue. When I'm having a bad spell, I won't take a shower because I know that closing my eyes can increase the risk of a fall.
Hope you're not too sore tomorrow and that your dignity is still intact.
Does Old Spice make a bubble bath foam? LOL
Audrey
You're probably right about the grab handles. Not only did it happen fast, you also were falling backwards which would make it harder to grab on top of the fact that you were wet, so your hands probably would not have gripped the way you needed.
I do have fears of falling in the shower and think that your wife offered good advice with the seat and rails. The seat is probably the more important one.
Ess was also on target with not closing your eyes, especially if balance is the issue. When I'm having a bad spell, I won't take a shower because I know that closing my eyes can increase the risk of a fall.
Hope you're not too sore tomorrow and that your dignity is still intact.
Does Old Spice make a bubble bath foam? LOL
Audrey
Try to be extra careful in the shower. Don't close your eyes, as in many of us a fall will be next on the agenda.
If you need to, use baby shampoo, which will not sting your eyes. You're a real baby-doll after all, aren't you? :-)
Grab bars are an easy and very helpful solution.
Keep us posted.
ess
If you need to, use baby shampoo, which will not sting your eyes. You're a real baby-doll after all, aren't you? :-)
Grab bars are an easy and very helpful solution.
Keep us posted.
ess
OMG Mike!! I'm glad you are ok. I fell not long ago just sliding my butt out of the back of a pickup truck. It wasn't that far of a jump, but I still bit it!
I landed on my feet, fell forward, and slid right into our garage door, like a baseball player, only not as cool. I tore up my knees and hand and cried, mostly because I was worried the neighbors had seen.
I guess I didn't think I couldn't do the stuff I used to do, but now I am very careful.
I think its a great idea to have something to sit on or hold onto while showering. Be sure to take ibuprofen or something for tomorrow when you are on the long drive. You'll be sore.
Take care!
Kristi
I landed on my feet, fell forward, and slid right into our garage door, like a baseball player, only not as cool. I tore up my knees and hand and cried, mostly because I was worried the neighbors had seen.
I guess I didn't think I couldn't do the stuff I used to do, but now I am very careful.
I think its a great idea to have something to sit on or hold onto while showering. Be sure to take ibuprofen or something for tomorrow when you are on the long drive. You'll be sore.
Take care!
Kristi
Mike,
Wow, how scary that must have been, falling backwards. I think your wife is right about the seat and poll to help .
I fell down my steps not too long ago and for me at least the part of my forhead that hit the wall was the numb part lol
I am glad you are ok and I am sure you will be sore for a few days. But please do listen to your wife about the seat and poll.
Take care and be well,
Paula
Wow, how scary that must have been, falling backwards. I think your wife is right about the seat and poll to help .
I fell down my steps not too long ago and for me at least the part of my forhead that hit the wall was the numb part lol
I am glad you are ok and I am sure you will be sore for a few days. But please do listen to your wife about the seat and poll.
Take care and be well,
Paula
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