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I wouldn't have passed the sobriety test!

(10 Posts)
LR10 Tue 19-Aug-25 13:49:41

I'm in my late 70s, healthy and fit but I can't walk straight! Although I'm very active I don't often walk any distance, but when I do I notice I seem to veer to the right and find it almost impossible to walk in a straight line. I had both hips replaced - very successfully - a number of years ago and I remember the consultant telling me not to walk near the edge of a cliff as during the operation it is necessary to cut a nerve which affects balance. I wonder if it is that? Does anyone else have this problem? I certainly wouldn't have passed the old sobriety test of walking the line!

Retread Tue 19-Aug-25 14:35:10

Crikey LR10 😮 I've not heard that before. I know that ligaments and nerves are cut in order to do a hip replacement but that is quite something.

I have a friend who has had two hips replaced and I can usually pick her out in a crowd from a distance, as she has a rolling gait.

AuntieE Tue 19-Aug-25 14:41:55

Do you have a cataract forming? I do, and it affects my ability to walk in a s straight line if I am tired.

Squiffy Tue 19-Aug-25 14:46:13

It’s a family trait with us! My Aunts, DM, DD and I all wander off the straight and narrow on the pavement, no idea why! 🤷‍♀️😁 We must add miles to our walks!

clorion343 Sat 23-Aug-25 20:06:23

My dad had one hip replaced and he sometimes drifts a bit when walking too, especially if he’s not thinking about it. He says it’s worse when he’s tired. Could be balance from the surgery like your consultant said, but sometimes it’s just muscles not being used evenly.

Farmor15 Sat 23-Aug-25 21:04:08

I have that problem too, and think I may have slight vertigo. Dr appt next week and plan to mention it.

henetha Sat 23-Aug-25 23:18:27

Well, not hips, but I've had both knees replaced, very successfully, and I do walk like an old drunk which puzzles me.
I've had one cataract done and am awaiting the other in a year or two apparently.

Elrel Sat 23-Aug-25 23:24:31

I go to a Falls Prevention class. The various routines include walking backwards and walking heel to toe. There is always support in reach for those who need it.

Whiff Sun 24-Aug-25 09:22:20

LR10 welcome to my world I have a rare hereditary neurological condition and have never been able to walk in a straight line . I have to watch the floor when out walking been using a stick since I was 29. I find myself veering up people's drives until my brain can stop my body. Wall into walls,hedges fences. In the village on Friday walked into giant planter outside a pub . I am tee total . I saw it but my body decided no you have to walk into it😂.

When out with my daughter and grandsons at garden centres I can veer up and aisle I didn't intend to go up . Then I hear where's nannie and one of the boys says she will be back ..When they where younger she said it was like herding cats . No problem with them just me now . But she grew up with a disabled mom .

I am ok with a shopping trolley just have to give corners a wide berth or I hit the shelving .

This might make you laugh last year went to local town huge puddle in the road and tried to decide which was the shallow bit and were the deep part was when next thing I knew I was air board 2 couples where crossing the wife's crossed and the men grabbed my arms and carried me across the road .. Put me down and said ok love and had to shout thank you as they hurried to catch their wives. I did laugh to myself. Plus I am size 16 5' 1' so we'll padded but they lifted me as if I weight nothing .

My husband would have thought it was hilarious 🤣.

I go to 2 exercise classes every week plus exercise at home . We do walking exercises. But because of my neurological condition still walking into things and go places I don't intend to. But it makes life interesting 🤣🤣🤣

Visgir1 Sun 24-Aug-25 11:11:11

I have had both hips and a knee replacements I don't have any balance issues.
However, I ran as lead Physiologist a NHS Pacemaker /Devices clinic. I have been told very frequently by patients that they can occasionally "wobble" apparently this can be caused by the head Arteries getting thickened. Which is normal as people get older. This could also be a reason?