Neuropathy and balance....
Feb 10, 2019 15:21:42 #
Feb 10, 2019 16:00:28 #
billbarcus
Loc: IPNW
Ed Luczak, you are an Inspiration! I am overwhelmed by the amount of postings here on HedgeHog from photographers that suffer daily from the disabling effects of Ataxia/Neuropathy and other disabling conditions. The original poster opened a big door -- so many heart-felt responses.
Feb 10, 2019 22:46:11 #
Bigmike1
Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.
We all have our cross to bear. Not only do I have to tend with the neuropathy but am partially blind in my right eye so have to do my focusing with my left eye. When firing a gun I have to do it left handed. Gittin’ old ain’t fun but we all have to go there.
Feb 11, 2019 01:32:48 #
Feb 22, 2019 13:26:51 #
lamiaceae wrote:
I'm 64 and having balance issues too when looking ... (show quote)
My wife needs to read the Post as well so she'll understand my balance issues better. Especially pages 1 and 3.
Feb 22, 2019 14:31:15 #
Yes I did and glad that I did the post, not the only older guy with balance issues.
billbarcus wrote:
Ed Luczak, you are an Inspiration! I am overwhelmed by the amount of postings here on HedgeHog from photographers that suffer daily from the disabling effects of Ataxia/Neuropathy and other disabling conditions. The original poster opened a big door -- so many heart-felt responses.
Feb 22, 2019 15:36:43 #
brooklyn-camera I wrote:
Yes I did and glad that I did the post, not the only older guy with balance issues.
The great part is realizing that I am not alone with my daily struggles, I am not wishing this on anybody, but happy to say that I am in great company.
Feb 22, 2019 17:00:56 #
Brooklyn! My old home town. Came up in Bet-Sty, Williamsburg, and Brownsville.
I'm 75 and I am thankful that I can still work full time in photography- just a few health issues- aches and pains but nothing that is disabling. I was fortunate enough to survive Viet Nam relatively unscathed- at least physically!
I wish I could help you with suggestions as to medical issues but hopefully, your doctors will find some relief, physical therapies or alternative homeopathic remedies.
My only experience in such matters helping some of my fellow vets and others, who have neuromuscular disease or long term injuries to continue their photographic activities by adaptation of equipment. I have welded camera supports to wheelchairs and walkers, created walking stick/monopods, made custom brackets and grips and enlarged or augmented control knobs and levers on cameras. I have worked with folks who suffer from Parkinson's Disease and similar conditions as well as amputees.
Myself- a few years ago, after some minor thyroid surgery, I found myself with a bit of dizziness, imbalance and lack of my usual surefootedness. I found that a tall walking stick rather than a short cane type, helped me navigate stairs, curbs and avoid tripping hazards- help with the balance as well- kinda lie a tightrope walker. It also prevented me for bending over forward which can happen with a shorter cane or another mobility device. I found lots of active moving around and working out with moderately heavy weights soon got me back in shape. It's not a medical fact, but continuing on in the work is very therapeutic.
Also- Be careful on those stairs. REMEMBER- there is no hurry and nobody is rushing you. Find a camera case that will not put you off balance and perhaps enlist the assistance of someone when transporting heave gear up and down the stairs. Fined some young buck who wants to learn photography and "enslave him"- that how I started out on the business over 50 years ago. My first boss and mentor hired me the load heavy gear and push folks out of the way at wild ethnic weddings- don't ask!
Brooklyn people are tough stuff- keep up the effort and be well!
If I can suggest anything to rig something up for easier handling, let me know!
I'm 75 and I am thankful that I can still work full time in photography- just a few health issues- aches and pains but nothing that is disabling. I was fortunate enough to survive Viet Nam relatively unscathed- at least physically!
I wish I could help you with suggestions as to medical issues but hopefully, your doctors will find some relief, physical therapies or alternative homeopathic remedies.
My only experience in such matters helping some of my fellow vets and others, who have neuromuscular disease or long term injuries to continue their photographic activities by adaptation of equipment. I have welded camera supports to wheelchairs and walkers, created walking stick/monopods, made custom brackets and grips and enlarged or augmented control knobs and levers on cameras. I have worked with folks who suffer from Parkinson's Disease and similar conditions as well as amputees.
Myself- a few years ago, after some minor thyroid surgery, I found myself with a bit of dizziness, imbalance and lack of my usual surefootedness. I found that a tall walking stick rather than a short cane type, helped me navigate stairs, curbs and avoid tripping hazards- help with the balance as well- kinda lie a tightrope walker. It also prevented me for bending over forward which can happen with a shorter cane or another mobility device. I found lots of active moving around and working out with moderately heavy weights soon got me back in shape. It's not a medical fact, but continuing on in the work is very therapeutic.
Also- Be careful on those stairs. REMEMBER- there is no hurry and nobody is rushing you. Find a camera case that will not put you off balance and perhaps enlist the assistance of someone when transporting heave gear up and down the stairs. Fined some young buck who wants to learn photography and "enslave him"- that how I started out on the business over 50 years ago. My first boss and mentor hired me the load heavy gear and push folks out of the way at wild ethnic weddings- don't ask!
Brooklyn people are tough stuff- keep up the effort and be well!
If I can suggest anything to rig something up for easier handling, let me know!
Feb 22, 2019 20:56:55 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Brooklyn! My old home town. Came up in Bet-Sty, W... (show quote)
I use the VA in Brooklyn and that sure helps with the Rx bills. I tried PT for a few weeks and it really didn't help at all. I think for me the best thing to do is just keep moving around and keep shooting. A spring football season semi-pro kicks off on March 30th. and hockey right now.
I shoot for the MTAPD, NYC Dept. of Correction, NYS Court Officers, FDNY-EMS, Suffolk PD, Suffolk Sheriff hockey teams. Also for some semi-pro football teams in the NYC & L area and the NYC Dept. of Correction.
So I just try to watch were I'm walking and be careful. Thinking that I may have to go for hand controls for the car, I have a hard time feeling the peddles now, which really stinks.
I still live in Starrett City now for just about 43 years. Time flies when you are having a good time.
Take care and keep on shooting my friend.
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