“My life has been restored to what it was 5 years ago”
I am an 85-year-old grandmother with 4 grandchildren, living on my own, as my husband died last December with Alzheimer’s, leaving me to look after a 3-bedroom house and rather a large garden.
I am aiming to go to sheltered housing in 2025.
My job as an Occupational Therapist was curtailed in 1993, when I developed polymyalgia rheumatica, lasting for 9 years. I was dealing with setting up a new house with my husband’s change of job and helping to look after elderly parents with big medical problems. All a bit stressful for me. But I did make a little time for garden tidying and knitting and sewing for others.
When I recovered, I tried playing the piano again and got involved in costume-making for a drama group. Exercising was minimal, but I tried!
About 5 years ago, I had an alarming experience in bed – the whole room was spinning around me. The cause was explained to me – vestibular tube malfunction of the left ear! This might sort itself, but In my case, it didn’t. My balance was not immediately affected; only gradually and around Covid time, I was aware my balance had deteriorated. I was using my stick a lot more. (I do have severe arthritis in my left foot.)
I refused to go up or down steps without a rail or someone to help me. My family began to notice and forbad me to climb ladders or go up to the attic. Gardening was becoming very limited.
In 2024, Sue Hamilton, a village friend, showed a group of us at the weekly Church Tea-Room, her new ‘toy’ – the BalanceBelt. I was hooked, as fishermen say!
As soon as I put on my trial BalanceBelt in April, 2024, I knew it was going to help. My walking improved; I felt safer in the house; I could look up and turn my head sideways without feeling dizzy; I realised at night-time I still needed my zimmer, because you can’t wear a balance belt in bed. This is the charging time anyway.
Time to be tested at the Balance Clinic in Edinburgh, before buying this magic belt, which the cat can’t understand – it does hum gently! I was told that my poor balance impacted my life by 46%. I needed the belt.
My life has been restored to what it was 5 years ago. I started to garden properly, stepping over plants, reaching and bending in all directions, carrying heavy things again. I am even quicker around the house.
For anyone needing help with purely balance, try the belt. Get a physiotherapist to test your balance without and with the belt and ask for a written report before you commit yourself to buying.
If flying, you will need a special letter from source to get you thro’ Security. If you have Airport assistance and in a wheelchair, take off the belt for security to test on its own, no bother at all!