How would I cope if when alone I had a fall while out and about?
Here’s how I try to resolve the issue and improve my confidence and independence.
This is very much a work in progress three years on from having a stroke.
Stroke has been an experience which made me look for my own answers.
I eventually find a way, usually by hardnosed stubbornness.
I feel I should share my journey.
If it isn’t useful you might at least find it amusing.
keep on keepin’ on
Here is a video from a lady whose instructions I find are very helpful
Her place on you tube has all sorts of very relevant material:
https://www.youtube.com/@bodytracefit
thank you
Ouch @Bobbi that sounds very painful. Not surprised it knocked your confidence.
You did remind me of an occasion when i was a child when i rushed to the toilet and managed somehow to shut my toe in the door. I too lost the urgent need to go. It was much more important to squeal and cry for help at that moment.
I remember the first time I ended on the floor post stroke …i had intentionally got down without any thought to how I would get back up. Much huffing and puffing later I eventually got up. The furniture was very helpful 
i did then spend a lot of time practicing getting up off floor just in case i was daft enough to end up there again.
It’s still not pretty but I think I’ve got it now 
That getting up thing had not crossed my mind. Getting up indoors had never been a problem, there was always something to grab hold of and somewhere to climb onto.
As for daft enough I have never lost the ability to get myself into all sorts of scrapes. It just comes naturally.
That fall outside my front door turned the outdoors into a frightening, dangerous place. I now know I’ve got to fight fear of floor and tune up my skills so standing is a cinch.
I’ve got the slogans now I just need to turn them into reality.
Who cares whether it is pretty or looks smooth as long as it works?
Bobbi, in the better weather, maybe you should have a few practices outside in your garden for instance or even from your front step. Just make sure you plan it out first 
But this is an excellent way to reduce some the fear of falling.
Its also good to remember, if you do fall, to assess yourself for injuries first/breaks, before you attempt to get up.
Lorraine
Stroke Improvement Group
@EmeraldEyes
Thanks Lorraine, useful advice,
We have sandy beaches a few miles from here and it is tempting to practice there, I have ambitions to try metal detecting there also. Now I have a car it is withn range.
British summers are not predictably dry but I should be able to get a few fine days. Roll on summer.
@EssexPhil shared this with me, adding that it would advisable to have a solid support to hold onto.
I started doing this 10 minute bit of yoga during my recovery. My OT suggested yoga might help my balance improve, it wasn’t bad but much more trembly/wobbly when concentrating on my left side. I showed her this and she felt it would be a useful short exercise for me.
Started this with a chair in front, one hand on it and progressed from there. Eventually made it through the second part which is more difficult. That might be too much for some with more significant mobility impairment.
Now three years on I’m still doing this 3 times a week, I find it useful and do feel a difference of I don’t do it for a week or so. I definitely do not have the same flexibility or body position as Alessandra but it has helped train my brain and improve my outcome.
Note i am not an medical expert, occupational therapist, physio or yoga master. If you want to try it but are unsure do check it’s appropriate for you first.
Today you’d have a job finding a sandy beach in this raging wind
Roland
I wonder what she’ll look like when she’s 60 and 2 years post stroke?
I suppose still better than me.
Sand will definitely test out those skills and also provide a softer landing. Here’s to plenty of sunny days for metal detecting & getting up practice 