doing exercise

[gillianm]

Hi I have just been diagnosed with lymphoedema in both legs, can anyone suggest a suitable gentle exercise as I am over 70 and cannot do anything too hard

[Hidden]

Gillian...I am 65 and have lymphoedema in both legs...for exercise I walk every day for 30-45 minutes...and sometimes walk on my treadmill.....I also hear swimming is very good.. but I haven't done that as yet....

[Lynora]

Hello gillianm - have you done any form of exercise before? Something you really enjoyed? I'm not suggesting you start training for an Ironman, but find something that appeals to you and makes you feel good. Pool work is brilliant - you don't need to swim - just walking in water can have huge benefits. Aquarobics (exercise in water) are fantastic for all ages. Dancing in any form is great fun. A good old fashioned walk is a start - if you haven't been out for a while, set yourself little goals - 10 minutes one day, 15 the next - increasing to 30 - 60 minutes a day. Could you borrow a dog to keep you company ???

Have you asked at your health centre for details of exercise classes specifically for retirees? There are lots of activities out there - but you have to have fun doing them, to gain any benefits.

[veriterc]

IF you are lucky enough to have a Hydrotherapy pool in a hospital near you, get referred there. There may be more private hospital pools than NHS.

I go to King Edward VI hospital in London; this is private, and costs £75 for a half-hour session in the warm pool with 2/3 patients all under charge of Physio in water with you giving you exercises, and HCA watching from pool-side, spinning your wet costume, helping you get dressed and handing you warm towels. It's pure bliss! And the exercises really help.

I did go to NHS hospital, but it was always closing for various reasons, there were seven in same sized pool and no-one to give exercises - you are on your own. Cost was around £10 a session. Helpful, but nothing like ahving physio checking you are doing right exercise to help your LE.

[kHP22]

Hi . I'm 64 and have had lymphoedema in both legs for the last twenty five years . The most important thing to remember is that everyone's lymphoedema is different and my strongest advice is to listen to your body . In my own experience I have to carefully manage the amount of excercise that I do and the amount iof rest that I take . It will also depend on whether you have one leg larger than the other which will really affect your balance . As with all excercise especially if you are in bare feet you have to be careful not to damage your skin . This I find is quite important in swimming pools where you can get caught by people's passing feet .

Swimming is a nice gentle excercise but of course many people with lymphoedema feel embarrassed about showing the odd shape of their legs especially if they are large and I sometimes feel this is underestimated . You can feel exposed even if it's just in your own mind but if you can get over this I'm sure it's something that you would find soothing and as people have said in previous posts you can always just do walking or excercises in the pool . One thing that I hadn't anticipated was that I couldn't float properly as my much larger leg kept tipping me side wards !!

Don't forget also that there are simple excercises that you can always do whilst you are resting such as flexing your feet , circling your ankles, clenching your buttocks etc and interests such as gardening also give you excercise without you realising that you are doing anything !!

Our lymphoedema support group in the past applied for a grant and this paid for an instructor to help us to do tai chi which many people found to be beneficial .

I hope you find the excercise that's suitable for you .

[craftinglady]

Circle feet at the ankles 5 each way-tap toes and heels on the ground 5 times -I do this every timei sit on the loo. On rising from the loo circle hips 5 times each way and these will keep you supple.

Your Lymph will get worse if you dont keep supple and also creaming your legs at least 2 times a day will keep the skin in good condition.

Your Docter should refer you to a Lymph nurse and she will give you exercises. I have been told to always have my compression leg wraps on when i exercise.

I am just on the end of my first year diognosed in both legs and at 72 years there is a lot you can do to help yourself.

[lovesradio]

I have nothing more constructive to add to all your fabulous posts so gillianm, hope it's all helpful and that you find some gentle exercise that lets you keep moving and keep young at heart.

[chris47]

You may be interested in the move it or lose it site you can find dvd's for seated exercise. If you contact them they will advise what dvd would be best. I have arm lymphoedema and i love there exercises as i am 67 years old. Here is the link

moveitorloseit.co.uk/

[Rebec]

Many people have mentioned swimming as being very good for lymphoedema but at the same time another member mentioned that one might feel a bit uncomfortable with larger legs, but you can ask when the swimming pool is less busy and also, if there are specific times for elderly people to swim there. I can't imagine a better exercise than swimming as the water massages the legs and at the same time, the legs don't seem to carry the same weight as on dry land, so the swelling will hopefully get reduced.

[Sundance]

Hi there. I've had it in both legs as a result of cancer treatment, for almost ten years. I exercise and find it if great benefit, but I have always been active and did teach PE for over 30 years. Enough about me. You are never to old to exercise. Swimming is excellent as the water supports your weight. If you can't swim I suggest you see if your local leisure can help. Our council run centre offers in expensive sessions for people with health issues / people over 55. I use the gym and there are always people aged 65 plus in there using the bycles, walking on the treadmill, or rowing. Back in the summer my friend and I learnt to Nordic Walk with Age Cymru. It is a fantastic activity for any age as you use very lightweight poles to walk. I found that the poles and the techniques learnt really help to steady and strengthen my ability to walk. Plus you meet other people and it improves other aspects of fitness. Book your place through Age Concern.

Good luck.