Hi Lauren, I just found your channel. A friend told me about you. I have was diagnosed with RRMS in 2011. Yes, I always look at my surroundings. You have to be careful for steps in and out of store that aren’t painted with warnings, tree limbs that raise sidewalks, stoned paths, and too many to name. I feel like I miss out on a lot because I worry about my surroundings. I hope you are feeling well. 🙏🏻🧡

Hi Lauren. Yes when I was walking I had to be aware of every step I took. Now with being in a wheelchair I have to be observant of everything. Sorry to hear of your falls. That does make you watch each step you take. Falling is not fun 😒 Yes I agree you have to be aware of all your surroundings. Something others don't even think twice about we have to over think it. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!! I have been dealing with this for years. Have you noticed since having covid that your symptoms have gotten worse. My level of fatigue & strength has worsened. I had covid in 2020. Yes the war in Ukraine is terrible. I feel for the people. It is so sad what is going on. Yes turning the TV on you do hear about all the deaths & destruction. I'm so glad you reached out to everyone with your feelings. I hope you start doing better. As I wish for myself. Hang in there & keep fighting the horrible disease! We all are warriors! Better days ahead😁

Situational awareness is a fantastic skill to have. I am very aware of surroundings and such. Most people I know are not so aware. I chalk it up to a personality trait. Great to see you!

yeah I have to focus on the ground to make sure I dont fall so I can miss what is going on around me

I’m observant. I always need to visualize what I'm going to do before I decide to do it. I'm in a wheelchair so if I have to do a transfer I take my time. I go over the transfer in my head before I actually do it. Same thing with cruising around outside. I plan out my path before I go. I'm always thinking ahead. I've learned to be patient and take things slow.👨🏻‍🦼

I am always observant of where I'm walking, looking down to avoid a crack or an uneven sidewalk. If I'm on stairs or stepping down from a curb I am sure that I clear the step. Though many times I can be with friends for hours and I have no idea what anyone was wearing, not the color, pattern, short/long sleeves, etc. But I can tell you where the dangers are 😆

I love you Lauren!!!

Hi Lauren, good to see you, and I am very glad you got through your Covid. I haven't noticed much change in my powers of observation, but you can only focus on so many things at a time (I believe 7 is the magic number). It affects everyone. We sometimes focus on different things to others, I would say. Generally we would be far more cognisant of our immediate path than most others. Have a great day.

Yes, I totally get what you are saying. But lately I have realized I notice details, but not the whole picture. For example, I'll notice the details of a piece of furniture walking into someone's house, but not notice where the stairs are (when they are right next to that piece of furniture!)

I have no choice to be observant because of severe vertigo (It never stops for me… probably because I had everything removed from my left ear… in an attempt to correct my vertigo) I miss a lot of things, an example: while driving down the road (my wife drives, I turned in my drivers license) my wife will ask “Did you see that?” 9 times out of 10 I will say no because it’s very difficult to look around while moving that fast, but in my wheelchair, that’s a different story, I’m constantly in “high alert” just like your example of crossing the street, I look around and am very alert then!

Lovely video ❤️

Hi Lauren. Yes, I am. It's common amongst us MS folk with foot drop such as you and myself. We have to be, so is not just you. And don't worry so much about the crap going on overseas, lol!

I hear you. I have been down in the dumps too. I am trying to not watch as much tv, and avoiding social media a bit. I was once observant but lately I can't focus on anything. I try to pay attention to where I am walking to avoid yet another fall but I still manage to walk into a wall in the house.. lol Crazy, right? My neuro always says I have more bruises than any of her other patients. I'm covered in them.

This is a very interesting topic Lauren, I do take falls or trip over my own feet from foot drop. I took a different approach to the risk of falling , I just learned how to fall more safely. I purposely relax when I am walking over our pasture or even when there was slippery weather conditions so if I do fall I can just go with it and not hurt myself by being so Stiff. Boy did I fall a lot this winter too. Taking care of our farm animals has given me a unique opportunity to lighten up about my disease and just embrace my inner Space Cadet 😇. Love and health to all 🥰!

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Hi Lauren, I notice that alot when focused via modafinil. I see things differently and everything is in my face so close. Do you get side effects where things get blurry and you are more off balance though the focus is great. Glad to know you have gotten off covid :)

ok girl so I've been on Tysabri for 8 yrs and a few weeks ago I tested positive for the JCV for the 2nd time , so now I have to pick another treatment and it will be ocuvus But When I'm walking I sometimes look down then look up then look down

I know I'm very observant about my path, any obstacles, and often visualize how I'll fall to minimize pain. Like you, I'm worried about the people of Ukraine who are being murdered, and pray that God grants an early resolution. Nice to see your smile. Thanks for the interesting topic! -Joe