Mr. Bynum indicates that he sometimes uses a wheelchair and sometimes a walker. His previous physical therapist ordered a standard walker last year, but his balance has been getting worse.  He realizes that his balance problems must be resolved but is unsure of what has to be done.  He may need a rolling walker for safety concerns.  As a matter of fact, a rolling walker with a slightly larger height than a standard walker was recommended to him.  One of the main reasons that he fell is his forward head posture. 

It is very difficult to discern from Mr. Bynum exactly what his health situation is or why he’s in a wheelchair. He indicates that he has sinus problems and high blood pressure, but neither of these would explain his mobility problems.

Mr. Bynum tells roughly this story: About a year ago, “something happened” and he fell to the floor. A month later he regained consciousness in the Veteran’s Administration Hospital to which he had been taken. He is not clear about what caused this, although he says he was on “rat poison” (Warfarin) for his blood pressure. He reports that when he regained consciousness, his knees and legs were weak and that he needed a wheelchair. He did not have problems with his upper extremities.

At some point thereafter, his Warfarin dose was increased. Three days later he couldn’t talk and was taken by ambulance to University Hospital, where he was told he was on too high a dose of the medication.

He clearly distrusts physicians, and would sue except that he also distrusts lawyers. It is not entirely clear what would form the basis of a lawsuit.

In an independent living situation like Mr. Bynum’s, the expectation would be that Mr. Bynum would be able to manage his own medical situation.  His confusion about what has happened with regard to his health suggests that he may need some intervention with regard to improving his level of understanding.  Recent literature has focused on the problems of health literacy.

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