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The question that immediately comes to my mind is why don't you use two poles that are in good condition, rather than one collapsing one? (However, I do realize that you were probably just taking whatever aids were on hand, at the time.) I don't exactly suffer vertigo, but my balance is not what it used to be, particularly when I am tired and am top heavy with a backpack. At those times, 2 walking poles are very important to me. I use folding ones so they can easily be stowed away when not wanted/needed.I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways.
Hi Paladina!Two poles would be my recommendation too though you might have to go through a few to find ones that suit you.
Because I'm unable to cycle at the moment and, in the absence of a beast of burden, my carrying capacity reduces to a pack on my back and various items in my free hand. Had I a traditional ash plant to hand I would gladly have used it! I take your point, however, about the desirability of a pair of poles.The question that immediately comes to my mind is why don't you use two poles
Oh dear, that sounds like a life-sentence, for which you have my deepest sympathy! At my time of life I should perhaps be grateful for not having another 45 years to go. So far, I know only what didn't cause the problem (no head injury; no ear infection etc.); I still have no idea what did.I have had this intermittent form of vertigo for the last 45 years now.
I'm full of admiration for your dedication and determination: you're definitely no malingerer!You have my sincere sympathy and I wish you well. I have a severe balance problem left hand side and been told it is incurable. I fall. Been in hospital 3 times this year. I haven't broken anything yet but gone are my long distances on my own. Now its my love dove as support plus pacer poles and bus , train, taxi, whatever it takes. Sometimes the cure is simply acceptance of the problem and then a fiendish way round it! Keep on truckin !
Walk as soft as you can
and Vaya con dios.
Samarkand.
although my symptoms of vertigo (viral cause) are a lot less than several years back, it can be a challenge.I am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo (n.b. not acrophobia). Although the spinning sensation has abated, I'm still having problems with balance. In need of physical support, I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways. I managed to walk 16km yesterday, but the last stretch on the margin of a fairly busy rural road was scary. I'd welcome suggestions for managing the condition.
I am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo (n.b. not acrophobia). Although the spinning sensation has abated, I'm still having problems with balance. In need of physical support, I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways. I managed to walk 16km yesterday, but the last stretch on the margin of a fairly busy rural road was scary. I'd welcome suggestions for managing the condition.
Swap poles. If you tend to fall to one side imparticular. You would want the strongest one where you need it most. Then most definitely replace it as soon as you can. I work with many orthopedic patients who hike and have had them deal with faulty equipment. Just a suggestion of course. Above all be safe. Buen caminoI am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo (n.b. not acrophobia). Although the spinning sensation has abated, I'm still having problems with balance. In need of physical support, I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways. I managed to walk 16km yesterday, but the last stretch on the margin of a fairly busy rural road was scary. I'd welcome suggestions for managing the condition.
I had the same problem many years ago. For me a large dose of ginger would stop the spinning. any form would work, but the crystallize ginger was the most pleasant to eat. I think it’s worth a try. Good luck.Swap poles. If you tend to fall to one side imparticular. You would want the strongest one where you need it most. Then most definitely replace it as soon as you can. I work with many orthopedic patients who hike and have had them deal with faulty equipment. Just a suggestion of course. Above all be safe. Buen camino
I've had numerous BPPV episodes and Foster's half somersault maneuver works beautifully.Hi Paladina!
I second Corned Beef's opinion.
I began having problems with balance as far back as the mid 1980's after having three consecutive concussions in the space of six months ; due to motorcycle crashes.
After each the effect on my balance became more frequent and prolonged in duration.
I have had this intermittent form of vertigo for the last 45 years now.
Believe it or not it took until 2018 to get someone to listen as all my GP's in various surgeries dismissed it as a problem related to my lack of vision (visual field loss).
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) it is very common and episodes are "supposed" to be short lived from only a few seconds to a few minutes and it hits you instantly;my worst ever spell lasted 6 weeks.
(bit weird but i know from the time i wake up it's going to be one of those days)
Two poles are a life saver as you have support on both sides to stabilise you as you try to recover.
I get a little vertigo when on a narrow ledge or trail and find that closing one eye sureI am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo (n.b. not acrophobia). Although the spinning sensation has abated, I'm still having problems with balance. In need of physical support, I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways. I managed to walk 16km yesterday, but the last stretch on the margin of a fairly busy rural road was scary. I'd welcome suggestions for managing the condition.
Some pilgrims use a pair of wooden sticks, which might be preferable in your situation, I'd say ones with a leather hoop. Walking poles are not really intended to provide the degree of support that a good wooden stick can, and they may be less reliable in emergency cases where you need to suddenly put a lot of weight onto one of them. Collapsible ones sound like a real no-no !!Because I'm unable to cycle at the moment and, in the absence of a beast of burden, my carrying capacity reduces to a pack on my back and various items in my free hand. Had I a traditional ash plant to hand I would gladly have used it! I take your point, however, about the desirability of a pair of poles.
but getting from my house to the road continues to test my balance
Somehow my brain has adapted to rely on my sight to orient me - so I'm normally OK during the day. But this means that I have issues in the dark. I need to walk with a strong headlamp with a wide beam.
I have found that salt, caffeine, tiredness make it worse as well as head movement and sinus/blocked ear issues. In fact any other illness makes me more susceptible. I take Zyrtec daily (which also helped with bedbug bites).
If I have a bout of vertigo I rely on two poles. I've found that walking really fast keeps me upright better than standing still or walking slowly.
Other people I know who suffer from vertigo all say the same thing, head movement is an issue.
I always try not to need the toilet in the night in albergues, be asleep before lights out, I never nap in the afternoon to make sure I'm going to sleep well. I never take a top bunk unless I'm with people I know.
Oh dear, that sounds like a life-sentence, for which you have my deepest sympathy! At my time of life I should perhaps be grateful for not having another 45 years to go. So far, I know only what didn't cause the problem (no head injury; no ear infection etc.); I still have no idea what did.
On the Camino, yes, but on my way to and from work while carrying bags of books — and to quote another thread, ‘books are heavy’ — I’d need a third hand for a second stick.A single walking pole is not advised because it leads to a bad posture of the body. Try walking with a pair of poles.
I've had short episodes of BPPV on and off for about ten years. It is most noticable when laying down on my back without supporting my head, turning my head side to side in bed, or tilting my head back to look up. Thankfully it only lasts for several seconds, then the crystals adjust and the dizzy sensation goes away. I have a prescription, but have thankfully never felt the need to actually use it.If it is BPPV avoid looking up or tilting your head back for any length of time, at least for me, that causes the crystals to move into the wrong part of the inner ear - hence vertigo.
I am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo
Hi Paladina, the reasons for vertigo are many from minor to not minor. One common contributor is dehydration. This is a very real danger on the Camino. Rather than relying on the experience of forum members, however well meaning and widespread, you should discuss it with your regular GP and then make your own informed decision. You really need to know the reason for the condition before you can manage it.I am currently learning by trial, more often error, how to cope with vertigo (n.b. not acrophobia). Although the spinning sensation has abated, I'm still having problems with balance. In need of physical support, I've retrieved the single walking pole previously used only when climbing and especially descending Croagh Patrick. Unfortunately, the locking device on this telescopic pole has a tendency to collapse beneath me whenever I lurch sideways. I managed to walk 16km yesterday, but the last stretch on the margin of a fairly busy rural road was scary. I'd welcome suggestions for managing the condition.
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