Dropping things-part of getting older?

[shaylyn]

I'm not THAT old, lol, just turned 38, but for the past 2 years, I've been dropping things.

For instance, I'll go to get a drink. I have the cup with ice in my hand, start walking over to the counter and the cup will slip from my hand because my grip loosens.

Yesterday I had the curling iron in my hand, mid roll with it in my hair, and my hand opened and let go of the iron. That one frightened me It was as if my hand lost the signal from my brain.

I'm not sure what's going on. Could it be part of getting older? We have a $3,000 insurance deductible, so I'm turning to the DIS doctors first

 

[Sadie22]

Go see a doctor right away. Don't wait for advice from an online forum. Something dangerous happened yesterday when you could have been burned. Suppose something happens when you're driving a car? For your own safety and that of others, you need to find out what is going on. No, everyone does not beginning dropping things for no reason as they age, unless they have some condition causing it. Accidents happen, but fingers don't just let go when you don't want them to. Get a diagnosis so you can start a possible treatment.

I wish you well. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

[sunnyday123]

Dropping things is not a sign of old age, and I also suggest you go to the Dr. It could be nothing, but why chance it.

 

[palmtreegirl]

No, go see a doctor

 

[MariDisney]

Definitely agree with the others. Get to a doctor ASAP. Best of luck!

 

[MIGrandma]

It's been going on for 2 years? Go to the doctor!!

 

[yoopermom]

I developed similar symptoms at 41 and was tested for m.s. Thank God the MRI showed no brain lesions, but it was still very scary to think about. I know it's hard to think about your deductible, but knowledge is power, and it's important to rule out what it's not, so the doctors can figure out what it is.

Good luck!

Terri

 

[PrincessKsMom]

Wow, guess I'm with OP. Not dropping hot drinks or whatever, but I'm constantly dropping paper on the floor, missing the waste basket right next to me, going to put something on my desk and "missing". I thought it was just a lack of coordination thing that happens when you get older. BTW OP, I'm 44, so in the same age ballpark.

BTW, if this is something medical, it could very well be something as simple as carpal tunnel syndrome, doesn't necessarily mean she has MS or a brain tumor.

 

[daydream32]

Does your insurance cover an annual physical for free? If so, you might be able to go that route, get check for routine things, and at least a basic chat with the doctor about it.

 

[mommasita]

Wow, guess I'm with OP. Not dropping hot drinks or whatever, but I'm constantly dropping paper on the floor, missing the waste basket right next to me, going to put something on my desk and "missing". I thought it was just a lack of coordination thing that happens when you get older. BTW OP, I'm 44, so in the same age ballpark.

BTW, if this is something medical, it could very well be something as simple as carpal tunnel syndrome, doesn't necessarily mean she has MS or a brain tumor.

No, it does not mean something serious, but it does IMHO require a Dr's visit. You are quite right.

 

[DizBelle]

If it does happen as you age, 38 and 44 are certainly not the ages at which it would happen. Maybe 78 and 84. You're off by 40 years. I would go see the doctor too.

 

[indimom]

Wow, guess I'm with OP. Not dropping hot drinks or whatever, but I'm constantly dropping paper on the floor, missing the waste basket right next to me, going to put something on my desk and "missing". I thought it was just a lack of coordination thing that happens when you get older. BTW OP, I'm 44, so in the same age ballpark.

BTW, if this is something medical, it could very well be something as simple as carpal tunnel syndrome, doesn't necessarily mean she has MS or a brain tumor.

PrincessK, Have you had your vision checked? My daughter had some recent issues with one eye and it caused problems with her depth perception. As an example, when trying to put the mascara wand back in the container, she would miss. Just thought I would throw that out there.

OP, I agree with the others, go see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Mermaid02]

I have that problem- I have arthritis in my thumbs so sometimes (even if it's not a painful day) I will drop things, just lose my grip. I also have a hard time opening jars etc... I'm 43.

 

[PigletsPal2]

Loss of grip and weakness in muscles are two signs of a stroke, which is not age biased. DH dropped a knife in a restaurant two years ago and we laughed it off as his general klutziness. He woke up the next morning w/no feeling on his right side. A CAT scan determined a stroke, the symptoms of which could have been almost completely avoided if he had gone to the ER within two hours of dropping the knife. As it is, he has very little strength or control in his right hand. Get to the doctor or ER ASAP, please!

Queen Colleen

 

[Disney Doll]

If you were my sister I would be brining you to a neurologist because what you describe is not normal for a 38 year old.

 

[PrincessKsMom]

PrincessK, Have you had your vision checked? My daughter had some recent issues with one eye and it caused problems with her depth perception. As an example, when trying to put the mascara wand back in the container, she would miss. Just thought I would throw that out there.

OP, I agree with the others, go see your doctor. Better safe than sorry.

I actually haven't had my eyes check in about 2 years, so I need to get that done. And last time I got bi-focals, so maybe it's just that?

I have recently had a complete physical with my doctor, including an EKG. I will mention to my doctor it at my next visit. Stupid question, but how do you test for a stroke?

 

[LuvOrlando]

I'd get checked to see whats up. The fact its been a few years would make me think its nothing devastating but its not something to ignore either. whenever I can't decide what to do I imagine what I would do if it happened to my DH or one of my kids, if I say to myself I'd go for them then I go for me. Funny how that always puts things into perspective for me, and it's always interesting how much more I am willing to tolerate for myself then them

 

[Magpie]

I actually haven't had my eyes check in about 2 years, so I need to get that done. And last time I got bi-focals, so maybe it's just that?

I have recently had a complete physical with my doctor, including an EKG. I will mention to my doctor it at my next visit. Stupid question, but how do you test for a stroke?

Wonky eyesight will make you miss a wastepaper basket, or knock something away instead of grabbing it. It'll make you klutzy. (I've got experience with this!)

Wonky eyesight will NOT make your hand open suddenly, even though you intend to keep it closed. Your description makes me worry that your symptoms could be a sign of a neurological problem. I'm guessing you forgot to mention it to the doctor at your last visit?

In any case, unless your next visit is VERY soon, I'd recommend calling your doctor and asking for a consult. Don't put this off any longer. And hey - if it's just something like carpal tunnel syndrome, wouldn't you like to get it treated so you're not at risk of burning yourself when you curl your hair or drink a cup of coffee?

 

[Bonnie151]

Are you feeling run down when this happens? I drop things whenever I'm overexhausted/burnt out/have been running around like a headless chicken for too long. It's a sign for me that I need to slow down!

 

[laurie31]

When I clicked on your thread, I thought you were going to be 70 or 80. Goodness, you're not even 40 yet!! Even if it were a part of aging (which is isn't!) you are WAY too young for any signs of aging! Lots of people your age and older are still having children! You are young!

Hopefully it's something like carpal tunnel that can be easily fixed, but you need to find out!