small vessel disease. Three little words that explains a lot.

[alfredo]

Since radiation and chemo I have had issues with balance. Today I am seeing my mental health provider for a course going forward. There is medicine for it, and exercise.

There is no dementia, just the unsteadiness. I guess If I had the choice, I'd rather have to use a cane. There's no cane for dementia.

I knew there would be a price to pay to cure my cancer, so I'm not bitter.

BTW, I still haven't fully recovered my ability to taste salt. I've adjusted my cooking. Lemon juice, vinegar, herbs and spices, and hot peppers make eating enjoyable.

There is life after cancer.

[TNNurse]

1. I had serious balance issues after chemo. I fell a few times.

Yoga was recommended and it was a big help. I took private lessons for awhile since I could not function in a regular class even with other beginners. The private lessons became too expensive and I did not continue but am sure it is worth what you can afford even for a few lessons.

[alfredo]

18. I was thinking Tai Chi, but even that could be risky.

I can't look at anything above my head.

[TNNurse]

24. Oh, I did Tai Chi later and it is great.

You need to find a yogi who understands your limits. I hope it works out.

Also Tai Chi for arthritis taught by Paul Lam on YouTube is worth your time. It is slow and easy. My Tai Chi instructor was certified in his method. She rehabbed after a stroke with Tai Chi. I think either is worth looking into.

If it were not for idiots extended this pandemic, it might be better.

I hope you can find something soon.

Please let me know.

[elleng]

2. HAPPY there is life for you.

This one's for you, through kitchen window:

P.S. Balance issues with hydrocephalus, and 'taste' issues due to ??? Nothing tastes as it did in the past.

[alfredo]

17. I like your smile

[Wicked Blue]

3. I posted about balance problems in another thread this morning

I'm so sorry for what you're going through.

https://democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1018&pid=1553512

Don't know if any of it would help you, but who knows. I've had balance problems for more than 35 years, not from chemo thank heaven. Things like more supportive shoes and physical therapy help some people.

Ginger tea and ginger capsules can help with dizziness and nausea some times.

Good luck and I hope you feel better.

[alfredo]

12. Good sleep helps, and paying attention helps too.

[Solly Mack]

4. You'll look dapper with a cane. :)

[Turbineguy]

9. My Uncle needed a cane

But a cane is for old people and he was only 82.

I bought him a telescoping mountain stick with a compass on the knob from REI.

I ended up receiving the longest letter he'd ever written. Longer than he ever wrote to my Aunt. It was almost a family scandal.

The stick saved him from breaking his hip and kept him moving until he had to go with the wheeled walker.

[Solly Mack]

10. I love that story! Especially about the letter. Families are a wonder!

You're right though - alfredo needs a special walking/mountain stick to take with him on his photography rounds.

[alfredo]

11. I made my own cane out of a Bradford Pear branch. I have others made out of Bamboo.

For photography I have an aluminum cane from the VA. It has a lanyard, so I use that for photography. I have a yellow wood walking stick.

[Solly Mack]

20. I have a few. All wood. Got one in Ireland and the other is very old, from Germany.

Another handmade in Georgia.

[alfredo]

22. Storms provide me with the wood I need.

[Solly Mack]

25. Lot of free wood down this way these days.

[alfredo]

26. A nasty bit of survival of the fittest going on this summer.

[alfredo]

13. All my clothes hang off me. Dapper I am not.

[Solly Mack]

19. Fine. You'll look comfortable and armed.

[alfredo]

21. If I tried to swing the cane, I''d fall. Not dapper at all.

[Solly Mack]

23. OK. You win.

[flying_wahini]

5. Yes, canes can be what keeps us at home. Think most of us would be good with one.

Glad I can get up and move about, cane isn’t much to ask.

[alfredo]

16. I love making canes. I'm not a wood worker, a poor whittler but they do the job.

[Lonestarblue]

6. Good luck with your continued recovery.

I have been doing yoga classes for years and can attest to the fact that my balance has improved. If you have a senior center near you, many of them offer classes, though they may not be fully open yet. I have also done classes through Amazon Prime video (free classes). I would also suggest strength training for seniors, which generally use bands and light weights but also focus on a balance element. And, finally, as you gain energy, just walk, even if it’s only a few minutes a day for awhile.

I’m glad you’re able to enjoy food again. That will help get you back to normal! Take care.

[PCIntern]

7. Many years ago

My mother at age 62 was having cardiac symptoms which sounded exactly like angina. A much more primitive diagnostic procedure than we have today, demonstrated that her coronary arteries were clear, and the doctor then at Hahnemann hospital, which is now defunct, informed her that she had a condition which had not been quantified at the time and this involved her capillaries and smaller vessels. He termed it Small Vessel Disease and treated her with a cocktail of meds. When she would attend another physician or an emergency room virtually none of the physicians had heard of this and we’re very skeptical. Meanwhile she lived 26 years longer than the other doctors thought she would and fooled everyone, living longer than many of the physicians which is that rich irony.

I wish you nothing but the best for a long and healthy life.

[alfredo]

14. My doctor told me there is no cure, and no treatment. One good sign, there is no sign of dementia.

[talking-liberally]

8. Eating a plant based diet will open your arteries and capillaries.

"Game Changers" and "Forks over Knives" are good documentaries.

Dr. Greger has some good information as well. https://nutritionfacts.org/video/flashback-friday-from-table-to-able-combating-disabling-diseases-with-food/

Be well.

[alfredo]

15. I follow Michael Pollan's advice, "Eat food, mostly plants, not too much."