Slower walk - see below - how to regain confidence? (ankle, eye)

[Bette]

Back in 2017, I attended a baby shower at someone's home. I had never been to the home and there was a hallway ahead - all white tile - right near the step which I did not see was a table piled high with the gifts and the gifts blocked some of the step.

I have no depth perception since I'm blind in one eye and poor vision in the other. Well, I walk in at normal speed and wham, fall flat on my face. I don't break the ankle but close enough. I'm in a soft cast for weeks and it takes about 2-3 months to heal.

We work a lot and I started just going to places I knew. I made sure no steps and walked fine.
Usually, we're at the office or at home. We don't go too many places.

My husband is really good at holding my hand and helping me so it doesn't look like I'm unsure of where I am walking. God bless him really.

Tonight, we went somewhere new for a lovely dinner with our children. Just the 4 of us. Our daughter is in town for a quick business trip. I know they thought my steps were very slow and unsure. It was just that I felt unsure.

Then, I came home and walked around the house and I feel I'm walking more slowly. Is there a way to regain the confidence I once had?

Otherwise than the vision, I feel fine. I need to work and really earn some money to prepare for a future where I'm not working as much. I can't have any hinderances like this.

[Williepaws]

physical therapy. they do a great job with balance and strength issues

[Bette]

I did get physical therapy after the fall.

This seems to be fear built in somehow.

Just wondering if others got over this.

[Williepaws]

Originally Posted by Bette

I did get physical therapy after the fall.

This seems to be fear built in somehow.

Just wondering if others got over this.

what about if you used a cane? some of those are beautful. maybe it would give you some security. You dont have to use it but you would know it was in your hand if you needed it.
I took a very bad fall off my horse about 5 yrs ago. Lucky nothing was broken but severe bruising. It was hard to get on again. Finally a friend said get on your horse and Ill give you a pony ride. We did. she was walking on the grd I was riding. we did it a few times and one day she says to me, keep on going cause you dont need me. I did but it was scary. Every day she would say get on your horse and go take a walk. Slowly the fear disappeared. Do you have anyone that you can walk with? do more walking.Someone once said you cant run a marstheon if you cant walk down your driveway. Keep walking, every chance you get. The fear does go away and there are also sport psychologists who deal with fear if you cant do it yourself.

[Bette]

If I'm at work or at home, I seem to be fine.

It's just if I go someplace new or kind of new. I must have this built in fear.

I'll keep your story in mind about the horse. Similar in ways.

Thank you for sharing that.

[Parnassia]

What about bringing a folding cane along in a bag or purse if/when you know you'll be walking in an unfamiliar place? You wouldn't need to use it in places you know well. It could be a confidence-building backup just knowing you have it.