Question about balance issues

[Dawn from MN]

I have noticed when I'm tired, I tend to stagger a bit leaning over toward the left.  I only notice this if I'm really tired or if I've overdone it by spending too much time doing yard work for example.  Would this be considered a balance control issue?  I have not yet fallen.  I trip once in awhile.  It was very noticeable Thursday evening.  I did some lawn mowing for about an hour.  I was walking pretty wobbly when I was done and I was pretty shaky.  My entire head felt like it was going to explode.  I had a headache and my head felt stuffed up. I'm still new to all of this and a bit confused about some of the terms like "balance issues". 

Thank you in advance for your help. I've already learned this is the only place I'm going to find truthful and honest answers. I see a neurotologist late in June so I don't yet have a treatment scheduled, but am hoping to do gamma knife.  I am wondering if what I am experiencing is truly a balance control issue because I am assuming it will likely worsen at least temporarily after treatment due to tumor swelling.  I am not opposed to getting a cane if I should need one if these issues worsen. 

[bfoley]

Good morning Dawn - I wish you were closer so we could meet for coffee.

Yup, these sound very similar to my balance issues. Its tolerable while I drive, because I can sense the movement coming, but as a passenger I was constantly nauseous. Bumps make it BAD. I still have to shut my eyes occasionally. Unable to tell which way way up in the dark. I felt (and still feel) like my eyes bounce around sometimes.  Its hard to explain.

I went to PT to a balance specialist. She tested me and although I had not fallen I was a fall risk. I was already doing some of the coping mechanisms (widening stance and core engagement with any movement), but she gave me some exercises. Daily walking with head turning movements are things I keep up with (while walking my dogs). Looks weird but oh well! There are others I should be doing, I can tell when I have slacked off a bit. I am not great with balance, but mostly no one notices. Problems happen when I try to move too fast without engaging my core. 

If you have a max out of pocket, will your insurance cover balance PT?  That may be the silver lining to the MRI. And please call the insurer to discuss what that is per year.  Once you meet it try to get as much done that year as possible! I am married and was (fortunate?) enough to have my spouse having serious heart issues when my tumor was discovered.  So we met the family max out of pocket quite soon after my diagnosis.

My tumor is on the right.  I lose balance both ways, so my thought is if it got bad enough I would need a walker.  I'm not going there without a fight so I keep working on it.  I can confirm mine got worse after treatment (around 6 months was the worst) but just keep with the exercises.

Here is a video that covers some of the ones that were recommended to me.  I needed to stand in a corner to catch myself on the standing eyes closed parts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Au1Sjx2pH8

There are lots of these out there.  Again feel free to reach out, and please keep us up to date with how you are doing!!

[bfoley]

Sent you an email!!!