I thought it was a good idea to write another entry about falling since I do it so often! I always strive to be witty, charming and elegant but MS does not make this easy! Well, I can still be witty sprawled on the floor after falling over nothing again.
Well, since we last visited this topic, I have had a few new experiences with floating to the ground. Trust me, there was definitely no elegance there! Each time I land, I curse (whilst usually completely forgetting my surroundings) and try to think “onwards and upwards”! Though mostly I just curse.
Well lets start with the foolish fall that I should have seen coming. I had just finished a lovely shower. I was feeling warm and relaxed as I climbed out of our shower cubicle and began to dry myself. I was a bit tired after standing on the shower so I placed the little hand towel on the closed toilet lid so that I could have a seat to finish drying. I sat down on the towel and promptly slid off the toilet seat landing in a heap on the floor, though not before I caught my ass off of the little bin by the sink.
I cursed (told you) then decided to finish drying where I was. It took me a good few minutes to figure out how to clamber to me feet again but I eventually managed. My poor ass was a little tender by this point and I had a huge bruise to deal with every time I sat down for the next few days because of that wee bin! My baboon bum was back!
I told you all recently about the marvels of the FES system – a fantastic machine for those with drop foot like myself. In some instances however, it is far from helpful! Having returned from work, I noticed we had some mail. I bent down to retrieve this which caused my heels to lift from the ground. This is the signal for the FES system to send electricity to my toes to lift. Toes are a fundamental part of balance so when mine are being told to lift when I am in a crouched position, there really is only one thing that I can do. Yep, you guessed it, fall! Luckily, there was no evidence of this fall on my body, just my pride!!
I thought I had been doing so well and I prided myself on the fact that I had not fallen at work. Well, I have now successfully dashed this dream! I was innocently strolling to the loo, I always see if the disabled toilet is free first as the door to the ladies is quite heavy and rather than me pushing it, it pushes me. On this occasion, as with many other times, the disabled toilet was occupied. Not to worry, I thought, I will go to the ladies. So I promptly turned round to embark on my journey to the ladies. In the effort of turning round, I caught my foot on my walking stick and sprawled out on the floor! A kind woman helped me to my feet again and with a red face, I continued on my journey. Remember people, think twice when you go to use a disabled toilet as someone may literally fall over trying to get in there! And I was worried about the door to the ladies pushing me over…
I have saved the most painful and embarrassing story until last. Many of my friends and relatives will have heard this story already however it is an epic fall and must be shared! I was on my way to the gym that I attend at Ocean Terminal. I often use the escalator and I have had no issues in the past however it was different on this day. I was standing at the bottom of the escalator ready to step onto it but I had a moment of doubt. Well my left leg did but my right leg confidently stepped onto the escalator.
All was well until I realised that my left leg had not come with me! Now, I didn’t know that I could do the splits but on this day, I managed it. What a picture it must have been watching a wobbly lady doing splits of the escalator. I very quickly realised that I could not maintain this position and started to fall to the side. The only problem is that the side of a escalator does not move but the steps keep going! I was going to topple! But to be honest, this was the least of my problems as I realised that we would soon reach the top! I had Itchy and Scratchy images flash through my head of the only thing left at the top of the escalator were cartoon eyes as the rest of me went round again!
Thankfully, a very kind woman stopped the escalator which allowed me to curl into the faetal position for short while until Super Sarah, who had been behind me the whole time trying to top me from toppling, hauled me to my feet again and injuring her shoulder at the same time. She really is very strong!
After all this, I still went to the gym, but only very briefly to sit and wallow in my humiliation before we decided to leave. I had a step shaped bruise on my thigh, it was a horrific bruise, and a few cuts on my foot. The cuts literally looked like the escalator had bitten me!
From all of this I have learned that I should always carry first aid equipment, to develop a thick skin and to really think things through before I do them. I just need the rest of my body to listen when I give it instructions…
My take on life with MS 
Hi loved reading tour blog ive recently met the love of my life and he has ms so i been studying a Bit to understand. Your blog is very good AMD Also gives info and its fun. If you ever have time pls email me you sound so positive Person xx
Hi Sari, I just saw your message, so sorry for the delay in replying! I am incredibly positive – I spent such a long time hiding everything and all the issues that I had; I completely lost myself. I finally gave in and went to the doctor, with the love of my life by my side the whole way. I can honestly say that since my diagnosis, I have never been happier! I am a glass half full sort of person and I see humour in anything! If you have any questions or need to talk, you know where I am 🙂
Hi again hope no bad falls 😊We was just wondering What type is your ms?
Hope to hear from you soon
Sari
I recently had a fall where I found a pile of old paint pots irresistible – still have some bruises to show for that one though nothing I can’t handle! I have Primary Progressive MS.