It’s just like riding a bike…
Discussion
I’ll try‘ and keep short and to the point
In the summer I was diagnosed with low sodium levels in the bloodstream which, together with a possible inner ear issue, has led to a loss of balance.
Whilst I wasn’t actually told not to cycle to do so would have been rather stupid.
Fast forward, sodium levels are under control, I‘ve thrown away the walking stick I was using but the inner ear trouble is still under review.
The problem is I’d really like to get back out on the bike again but I’m not sure I’ve got the confidence to so. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar situation
and has any bright ideas.
All I could think of doing was lowering the saddle a little so I can get my feet flat on floor, my bike is a GoCycle so a step through frame.
I live opposite a park so could do slow cycling figure of eight work on grass
There is cycle path round the park so I could try that outside commuter hours.
Any other thoughts ;
In the summer I was diagnosed with low sodium levels in the bloodstream which, together with a possible inner ear issue, has led to a loss of balance.
Whilst I wasn’t actually told not to cycle to do so would have been rather stupid.
Fast forward, sodium levels are under control, I‘ve thrown away the walking stick I was using but the inner ear trouble is still under review.
The problem is I’d really like to get back out on the bike again but I’m not sure I’ve got the confidence to so. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar situation
and has any bright ideas.
All I could think of doing was lowering the saddle a little so I can get my feet flat on floor, my bike is a GoCycle so a step through frame.
I live opposite a park so could do slow cycling figure of eight work on grass
There is cycle path round the park so I could try that outside commuter hours.
Any other thoughts ;
Not directly related, but I was knocked off my bike in May, fractured my skull and have post concussion syndrome leading to some balance issues..
I am back on my bike now, and find it surprisingly ok. Maybe due to a fixed horizon and no sudden turns.
All I can really say is give it a go. Sounds like you have the perfect test track to try.
I am back on my bike now, and find it surprisingly ok. Maybe due to a fixed horizon and no sudden turns.
All I can really say is give it a go. Sounds like you have the perfect test track to try.
lancslad58 said:
I’ll try‘ and keep short and to the point
In the summer I was diagnosed with low sodium levels in the bloodstream which, together with a possible inner ear issue, has led to a loss of balance.
Whilst I wasn’t actually told not to cycle to do so would have been rather stupid.
Fast forward, sodium levels are under control, I‘ve thrown away the walking stick I was using but the inner ear trouble is still under review.
The problem is I’d really like to get back out on the bike again but I’m not sure I’ve got the confidence to so. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar situation
and has any bright ideas.
All I could think of doing was lowering the saddle a little so I can get my feet flat on floor, my bike is a GoCycle so a step through frame.
I live opposite a park so could do slow cycling figure of eight work on grass
There is cycle path round the park so I could try that outside commuter hours.
Any other thoughts ;
I can’t offer advice on getting back on the bike / gaining confidence but have you had any physio for helping to help your brain compensate for the lack of balance provided by the ears?In the summer I was diagnosed with low sodium levels in the bloodstream which, together with a possible inner ear issue, has led to a loss of balance.
Whilst I wasn’t actually told not to cycle to do so would have been rather stupid.
Fast forward, sodium levels are under control, I‘ve thrown away the walking stick I was using but the inner ear trouble is still under review.
The problem is I’d really like to get back out on the bike again but I’m not sure I’ve got the confidence to so. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar situation
and has any bright ideas.
All I could think of doing was lowering the saddle a little so I can get my feet flat on floor, my bike is a GoCycle so a step through frame.
I live opposite a park so could do slow cycling figure of eight work on grass
There is cycle path round the park so I could try that outside commuter hours.
Any other thoughts ;
My wife has had many episodes with balance issues for the last 25 yrs initially caused by a passenger ride around Silverstone in a Caterham 7.
After many years of suffering we found a superb NHS consultant and physio team at the National Neuro hosp in London (Queens Square) who taught her a straightforward set of exercises to help her compensate. It allowed her to come off meds and only occasionally now has any issues. Whilst the cause may not be the same for you, the decompensation sounds very similar.
I can’t recall the name of the exercises off the top off my head but if you want to know, I can dig and find out. Best wishes with your recovery
Great to hear OP!
It’s very hard to guage how good/ bad your balance is, and the safest recommendation given that.
As others have stated there are balance exercises you can do, and doing it improves balance (the old one foot stand, close eyes, to add difficulty move head etc… ) doing them will improve your balance, at any age. So I’d do that anyways for general health/ body conditioning
In terms of the bike, a trike is a very sensible idea if you have concerns here.
If you feel like you have good enough balance to ride then as you say to begin with Id lower the saddle and just run along like a child does on a balance bike, to get the feel. All children learn with balance bikes now, way before they start peddling, it stops them having a big accident like we always used to have to when we learned when young, so used their trick.
Also, unlike children learning to ride, if your user name numeral correlated with your age of birth out I’d put you as not a whippersapper. Kids heal quickly, we don’t. So I’d also be
Helmet / gloves at a MINIMUM. I’d also go for
Hip pads & Elbow pads too!
Then if you do drop it, you’ll likely not hurt as much/at all, compared to having no protection.
Whatever you do wear gloves and a helmet.
And start the physio balance exercises whatever you do
It’s very hard to guage how good/ bad your balance is, and the safest recommendation given that.
As others have stated there are balance exercises you can do, and doing it improves balance (the old one foot stand, close eyes, to add difficulty move head etc… ) doing them will improve your balance, at any age. So I’d do that anyways for general health/ body conditioning
In terms of the bike, a trike is a very sensible idea if you have concerns here.
If you feel like you have good enough balance to ride then as you say to begin with Id lower the saddle and just run along like a child does on a balance bike, to get the feel. All children learn with balance bikes now, way before they start peddling, it stops them having a big accident like we always used to have to when we learned when young, so used their trick.
Also, unlike children learning to ride, if your user name numeral correlated with your age of birth out I’d put you as not a whippersapper. Kids heal quickly, we don’t. So I’d also be
Helmet / gloves at a MINIMUM. I’d also go for
Hip pads & Elbow pads too!
Then if you do drop it, you’ll likely not hurt as much/at all, compared to having no protection.
Whatever you do wear gloves and a helmet.
And start the physio balance exercises whatever you do
I can sympathise with your situation.
I was riding 200 miles a week then suddenly had a medical issue, and could barely walk and stand.
My biggest fear was not being able to ride again.
The advice and help I was given got me back on the bike and although I still have issues I can enjoy cycling again.
Have faith, take it easy and good luck.
I was riding 200 miles a week then suddenly had a medical issue, and could barely walk and stand.
My biggest fear was not being able to ride again.
The advice and help I was given got me back on the bike and although I still have issues I can enjoy cycling again.
Have faith, take it easy and good luck.
thepritch said:
I can’t offer advice on getting back on the bike / gaining confidence but have you had any physio for helping to help your brain compensate for the lack of balance provided by the ears?
My wife has had many episodes with balance issues for the last 25 yrs initially caused by a passenger ride around Silverstone in a Caterham 7.
After many years of suffering we found a superb NHS consultant and physio team at the National Neuro hosp in London (Queens Square) who taught her a straightforward set of exercises to help her compensate. It allowed her to come off meds and only occasionally now has any issues. Whilst the cause may not be the same for you, the decompensation sounds very similar.
I can’t recall the name of the exercises off the top off my head but if you want to know, I can dig and find out.
Best wishes with your recovery
If it's no trouble to you then yes please all informtion bfMy wife has had many episodes with balance issues for the last 25 yrs initially caused by a passenger ride around Silverstone in a Caterham 7.
After many years of suffering we found a superb NHS consultant and physio team at the National Neuro hosp in London (Queens Square) who taught her a straightforward set of exercises to help her compensate. It allowed her to come off meds and only occasionally now has any issues. Whilst the cause may not be the same for you, the decompensation sounds very similar.
I can’t recall the name of the exercises off the top off my head but if you want to know, I can dig and find out.
Best wishes with your recovery
dcb said:
magpie215 said:
Trike
Adult stabilisers
Tandem ? Adult stabilisers
You go on the back and someone else does the steering at the front.
https://youtu.be/5ISTlQYWGmE?t=5
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