Hi there
I hope you’re all doing ok? I have posted a few times about different topics, and received some good feedback, so I’m hoping to get some helpful hints or tips with this latest issue.
Exactly one year ago I had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff injury, which now turns out to have failed 
I am waiting to see my surgeon on what the next step for me will be! Having a painful right shoulder and a limp in my left leg. coupled with mild Asthma I have found walking more and more difficult. I try to do as much exercise as is possible! I used to enjoy waking, it was my main source of exercise, but that is becoming increasingly harder even window shopping is wearing me out within a short space of time.
so consequently I am putting on weight and becoming less and less unfit, which is making me feel more depressed and isolated! Does anyone have any advice on how to improve my mobility. I do try to do a 10 minute exercise video most days, but it’s the walking that I am missing.
Little nanny x
May I ask Littlenanny whether you use any kind of mobility aid?
Tot
Hi Tot, no I don’t use any walking aid at the minute, but I do have to stop and sit, after only a few metres or hold onto someone. Little nanny x
Hello Littlenanny
Thanks for the info. In light of what you have written I would strongly encourage you to go to your GP and request he refers you for a full mobility assessment by a physio (or refer yourself if your local service accept self referrals.) They will be able to assess your mobility and recommend the best exercises and which mobility aids, if any, you need and importantly how to use them properly. Given that you will be seen at hospital re your rotator cuff, it may be worth speaking to him/her about your walking and see if you can get a physio assessment that way which may be quicker.
My concern is that, as you rightly recognise, your walking is being impacted by your other problems and as a consequence you are probably using compensatory movements in order to walk… In simple terms this means you are probably walking ‘lop sided’ to both reduce pain and keep going; in turn you could begin to develop back and other joint problems by putting strain on your spine…
You do sound like you need some form of support but I hesitate to say too much because although sticks or rollators/walkers might seem simple pieces of kit, you will be amazed how many don’t use them correctly - the common issue is they are set too high causing back ache and also poot technique. However if you have a shop near you that sells such equipment, it may be worth going in and trying a few things out. A good shop will have staff who know about heights and technique. However do so with caution given your shoulder problems.
This link may be of interest but your mobility problems are not caused by Parkinson’s alone so bear this in mind when reading it
May I ask if you have trouble standing up/sitting down - bed, chair, wc etc. I didn’t want to presume but i suspect that may be so. If you do and want to know more, let me know.
It must be very hard to stay positive not least because of the length of time you have been struggling but hang on in there,. I am aware that you may find what I have written isn’t the reply you were hoping for but I hope you are able to see it as a positive - as a way forward that enables you to better understand the issues you are facing and then be in a position to make informed decisions based on good information.
Do take care Littlenanny and let us know how you are getting on.
Best wishes.
Tot.
Thank you Tot, for your advice , I will get back in touch with my physio, I will let you know how I get on x
I would love to know how you get on Littlenanny. Try not to get too low about it all, although I appreciate that is not easy. The important thing is that you are being proactive in seeking solutions not assuming they will be dropped into you lap - that tells me you are stronger than you probably think you are and able to challenge whatever obstacles are thrown into your path. Good luck.
Tot