Columns The MS Wire - A Column by Ed Tobias Humpty Dumpty and My MS Humpty Dumpty and My MS by Ed Tobias | May 21, 2019 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link I’ve met Humpty Dumpty, and he is me. I made that discovery the other night when I had a bad fall. It wasn’t off a wall; it was just off a chair, but it felt like I’d tumbled off Humpty’s high ledge. It shouldn’t have happened. I’ve lived with MS for nearly 40 years and I’ve had my share of trips, stumbles, and falls. I’ve even written a column about how to reduce the chances of getting hurt from a fall. So how does a guy fall off of a chair, unless it’s a bar stool? TJ the cat. (Photo by Ed Tobias) I’ll tell you how. The catalyst was a cat named TJ. I was tired. I sat on the side of the chair while getting ready for bed. My butt was half off of the seat because TJ had plopped himself on the floor in front of me, right where I’d usually put my feet. I was trying to straddle TJ while also trying to pull my left leg out of my pants. I leaned a little to my left and, uh-oh, I fell. The chair followed me down and landed on top of me. My head, leading the way to the floor, hit the closest object: the edge of the bedroom dresser. There’s an Italian phrase that a girlfriend of mine used to describe me several decades ago: testa dura. It means “hard head.” Fortunately, she was right. Though the hit stunned me and my scalp was cut, it wasn’t a knockout blow. It didn’t take all the king’s horses and all the king’s men to put me back together again. Direct pressure on the wound for about an hour with an ice pack did the job. TJ, of course, was unhurt and ready to return for another round. Why do I share this embarrassing story? I guess I’m telling you all this to make the point that those of us with heavy legs and dragging feet can’t ever lower our guard, not even when we think we’re safely seated. I’m going to reread the column I wrote about falling, and I suggest that you read it, too. Because you never know … especially if you own a cat. By the way, TJ is still around, but he’s now down to only eight lives. You’re invited to visit my personal blog at www.themswire.com. *** Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis. Print This Page About the Author Ed Tobias People say to write what you know and Ed Tobias knows about MS. He's lived with the illness since 1980, when he was 32 years old. Ed's a retired, award-winning broadcast journalist and his column combines his four decades of MS experiences with news and comments about the latest in the MS community. In addition to writing his column, Ed is one of the patient moderators on the MS News Today Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram sites. He’s also the author of “The Multiple Sclerosis Toolbox: Hints and Tips for Living with M.S.” Ed and his wife split their time between the Washington, D.C. suburbs and Florida’s Gulf Coast, trying to follow the sun. Tags fall prevention Comments GARY SHAMBLEN Been there-Done that, many many times. Reply Traci Easton That's why I have to sit in a chair with arms instead of ones with out. I don't have an elevated sense of self worth, just a non-feeling lower body. I am still ambulatory,just not sure where my posterior is. Reply Carole Collier Ed, I am sorry to hear about your humpty dumpty fall and I am glad you are okay. About six months ago, my six year old granddaughter was in the bathtub and I was sitting on the closed toilet seat talking to her. The next thing I know I'm falling off the seat, landing on my right side. There was no one there except my granddaughter and me. I told her I was okay but was having trouble getting up. She looked at me and said "grandma, get to the bathtub and pull yourself up." I did, after which I thanked her for her good advice and hugged her. She never showed any panic and I did not want to show any either in front of her, but it did scare me. Now, like you, I make sure I am firmly on whatever I'm sitting on. Reply Ed Tobias Carole, That's one great granddaughter you have. Someone taught her well. Ed Reply Caroline Borduin Dude, I'm with you on this. Reply Gerri I haven't fallen lately. My legs are getting heavier by the day. I try to walk around the block with the dog, but he is too strong for me and hurts my back. This dreaded disease is progressing. I was diagnosed with osteopenia and I worry about falls everyday. Reply Ed Tobias Gerri, Good for you trying to walk with the dog. We have a dog, in addition to the cat, and I walk him using my scooter. Ed Reply Donna MacFarlane Sorry you are falling. Move that damm cat, I know you love him and all but not if you are going to fall. I haven't fallen in a little while. I went to the hospital for pysotherapy to help strengthen my back and for balance. Take care girl. Reply Ed Tobias I usually kick him out of the way but, this time, I just sat in the wrong place because of him. He's 17 years old but he can act like a kitten. Ed Reply Mer My falls have come with no injuries and no witnesses. I didn’t think they counted but confessing to my new PT turned out to be a mistake. Reply Kathleen Fulghum Very glad you're OK, Ed. Thank you so much for all your work. Can't say enough about your writings to my MS friends. I highly recommend water exercise. Strengthening that way helped me get through a fall on ice a couple of winters ago, trying to pull my scooter out of an ice patch on the sidewalk that the city hadn't cleared. Hugs to TJ, if he'll permit. Reply Ed Tobias Thanks, Kathleen. I'm glad that you like what I write. I exercise regularly. In fact, my column that will post this Friday is about that. TJ is still alive and doing what he does best when he's not under my feet....sleeping. Ed Reply Jeanine Thiede I feel your pain. Mine started with bounced off the walls and doorways. I figured it was time to get a cane. I fell backward three times, with cane in hand, so decided it was time for a walker, again, falling backwards with walker in hands. Time to get a wheelchair, that didn't work either, my arm muscles are torn due to trying to hold myself up from my cane and walker. I am a happy camper now. I have a scooter! I also got one of those things with handles for my toilet, I can't fall off of it.. Reply Ruth Ed- I’m trying to strengthen my right leg with MS Gym workouts - no huge improvements yet, but still working on it! Reply Ed Tobias Hi Ruth, I've been thinking about the MS Gym since it started but I don't think I'm disciplined enough to follow his routines. Ed Reply Ruth I’ve just joined a “Buddy Group” through the Gym which I hope will help me keep going! Reply Gale Langseth Vester Yipe. I fell a couple of nights ago, and some people might suggest it was off my high horse, but this bruised only me, not any cannabis-smoking equine! Hope you bounce back. Gale. Reply Ed Tobias Thanks, Gale. I'm doing fine, thanks. But please, don't waste good cannabis on a horse! Ed Reply Leave a comment Fill in the required fields to post. Your email address will not be published. Your Name Your Email Your Comment Post Comment