I toddle towards the hallway bathroom, up on my tiptoes and go in to brush my teeth. I'm leaning up against the waist high vanity because it's easier for me to reach the sink. To exit the bathroom, I need to move my left foot over my right foot, like doing the Vine dance step, which I used to do without thinking in my dancing queen days. But I stumble and almost fall.
Note to self: that doorknob I bumped into is going to leave a bruise.
I toddle towards the other bathroom to get in the walk-in shower which has multiple grab bars. Wonderful Husband, bless him, always stays nearby; in case I fall or need help getting out of the shower. Only after I'm dressed for the day, will Wonderful Hubby get his shower.
We head to the kitchen to get breakfast, I'm walking flat-footed, taking what I think are normal length steps when Wonderful says STOP and LOOK at YOUR FEET. My left foot is pointed straight ahead but the right foot is pointed outward at almost a 90° angle! I am shocked to see this. I didn't have a clue. No wonder I can't step over the right foot with my left without stumbling.
As the day goes on, I pay close attention to how I walk, and am surprised how often I'm up on my tiptoes and taking tiny steps. My feet are getting stuck to the floor more and more often especially if I'm carrying anything. I find myself grabbing doorways, the counter tops or the back of a chair to keep from stumbling when my body pitches forward as if the floor is slanted downward. The worst is when I walk into the kitchen corner or go to look out a window, I can't back up! I really have to try to figure out HOW to get turned around without falling. If Wonderful Hubby is near, I can just reach out my hand and he will come rescue me.
The only consolation is that IF I can get OUT of the Parkinson's Fun House, out in the open, I can generally walk just fine. So, is it all just a visual optical illusion, like the hall of mirrors in the carnival fun house? I don't know, my Parkinson's specialist doesn't know, does anyone know?
In the meantime, I'll try to keep moving forward while staying upright. Adapt, adapt, adapt.
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