Sitting long periods of time : Does anyone have... - LUPUS UK

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Sitting long periods of time

randa_lupie profile image
16 Replies

Does anyone have trouble sitting in one spot long periods of times? For example I concepts, work, traveling etc. I've had trouble with my body getting stiff and aching for hours. Is there anything I can do to lower the stiffness or the pain after the stiffness?

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randa_lupie profile image
randa_lupie
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16 Replies
littleeffie profile image
littleeffie

Have always had that problem but unsure if it is to do with Ehlers Danlos, Lupus ,RA,or fibromyalgia.

I have to plan several stops when traveling and get up and stretch,move around and generally not keep in one position for more than twenty to thirty minutes or I will definitely pay later.I explain to others and sit at aisle end or anywhere it won't uposet others too much with my otching and stretching but unfortunately I have had to rule out a lot of places and hobbies because of it.

Hopefully someone else will be along soon with better advice.

Keep strong and have a good afternoon.

Bebe76 profile image
Bebe76

I have the same problem. I work on a computer all day which makes it worse. I am not sure if it is due to lupus or not but I experience this even when not flaring (at lower levels). I am also slightly hypermobile, and this in combination with weak muscles from past lupus flares can cause problems according to my physio. I am trying to regain muscle strength, along with stretching out very tense hip and back muscles, and I think I am very slowly making progress. Alternatively, I think I read somewhere that stiffness after not moving for a peroid of time can be a symptom of arthritis (for example, if your knees hurt). It might be worth going in for an evaluation by a physiotherapist.

randa_lupie profile image
randa_lupie in reply to Bebe76

Thank you. Are you doing any physical therapy

Bebe76 profile image
Bebe76 in reply to randa_lupie

I initially went to the physiotherapist for chronic back pain (have had it for 10yr, worse after I got lupus), but also had a lot of tension and stiffness all over, especially in the hips and legs and neck. So, many problems going on at the same time. In my initial visit she did an evaluation, which basically looked at my posture, flexibility, muscle strength/weakness, muscle imbalances, and range of motion in my joints. For me, it seems that weakness in my hips and glutes are causing a lot of issues, including the back pain. I also have a very 'wide range' in my joints (but not enough to classify me as hypermobile), so I tend to hyperextend me knees (which causes more problems in the hips, back and neck, like chain reaction). So, my physio gave me some simple exercises and stretches to do, and along with those I also try to keep loose by walking every day (unless I am flaring). I will go back to be re-evaluated and then given different exercises to address other problems.

randa_lupie profile image
randa_lupie in reply to Bebe76

OK, thanks

Bebe76 profile image
Bebe76 in reply to randa_lupie

I should add, the stiffness could also be due to lupus activity as well, so you might want to mention it to your rheumatologist at your next visit. Good luck!

I turn into the tin man. Far better up moving. Get achy after lying in bed.

Pumpkin72 profile image
Pumpkin72

Me too very stiff and hobble and limp after sitting in one position too long I do find sitting in talks or lectures in conference type seating uncomfortable and I find myself shifting frequently to stay comfortable

Barnclown profile image
Barnclown

Great discussion, randa. Am 62 and have been managing my version of these probs since my early 20s. You've got some great replies describing things that work for me too. So, I'll not repeat that stuff.

But I'll just say that body work techniques are key to managing my version of this...my favs are:

Alexander technique

Pilates

Tai chi

I've studied all 3 and sort of taken the best bits of each to make a daily routine that helps me a lot. Now I'm on a good lupus treatment plan, my version of this prob is in less need of time dedicated daily to this routine, but even so I find that I'm using these techniques all the time to undo the stiffness that comes with the typical static positions of every day life: standing, sitting, leaning over etc.

physiotherapy techniques have & do help me too, especially the deep tissue dry needling called IMS which is only practiced by licensed therapists who are often physios. My Pain Consultant referred me to physiotherapy for IMS after each of the procedures on my spine (bilateral facet joint Denervations). This link explains a bit:

physiouk.co.uk/courses.php?...

But I do think being on the right systemic lupus meds is key to managing stiffness & aching....and, along with the right meds, my feeling is that an antiinflammation diet + high dose vit D & omegas help a lot

Hope you'll let us know how you tackle these probs & what helps most

Take care

🍀🌻

Looby profile image
Looby in reply to Barnclown

HI there BC....I do not get on here as often as I used to. It is lovely to read you being so positive and proactive in the management of your symptoms.

I am having a minor op in the next few days (when they can fit me in!) to have the trapezium bone removed from the base of my thumb, along with carpal tunnel (4th time for this!). Not looking forward to the surgery, but at least it will be one less painful joint!

Another excellent "tip" for those of us with creaking, painful joints is to cut out all citrus and citric acid (in vinegar and many sauces/preserves as well as lemons, limes, etc) I have also started to have glucose powder (with Vit C) in water first thing after I wake up - it gives me an instant energy "kick start".

Living "out in the sticks" has made it difficult to attend physio-led courses, because they invariably start early in the morning and sometimes I do not properly surface until mid-day. I rarely sleep overnight as that is the part of the day when I am able to tackle things in the home or on the PC. I do have a PIlates dvd pack though, so will give this a try!

Cheers for now, and thanks for the link.

Barnclown profile image
Barnclown in reply to Looby

Wishing you 🍀🍀🍀, looby, with the op: every less painful joint is a plus. Am very glad of your tips. hope the pilates DVD proves useful! Take care🌻

Looby profile image
Looby in reply to Barnclown

Thanks for reply ....I have to ring the hospital tomorrow to arrange a day to go in (soon). Building up courage for this, as I know the recovery will be painful.

We had neighbours round this eve to share the Strictly Come Dancing results. In my misspent youth, I did a LOT of dancing and gymnastics, but could never master Ballroom - so I really admire the celebs who have a new challenge every week.

I try not to think about all the things I USED to be able to do...and am just glad I still manage to do SOME physical tasks on the "good" days. It is "the spoons" thing....if I have a day of achieving several activities, I ALWAYS pay for it the next day!

Here's wishing you some really GOOD days...despite the fog!!!

Cann profile image
Cann

Yes, this is a really bad problem for me. I went to a launch the other day and had to sit for 2 hours - I felt really bad and won't do it again. I had to go and walk when everyone else was eating lunch to get rid of the pain and bad feeling.

I have to keep moving, but then I was diagnosed with thrombocytosis in 2001 as one of my many problems. Aspirin prescribed caused bleeding in my stomach which was a problem I found with other drugs, too.

I feel sorry for anyone with this problem who has a sitting job such as working on a computer all day.

I don't travel often, but if I do I have to stop every hour and move. I can't sit too long on the computer either. I also find I am better for being outside intermittently during the day, too, rather than inside all day. I feel as if I am so different from others around me who don't have these problems - someone referred to me a 'fussy' a couple of weeks ago and I could have smacked them. I have no chose unless I want to feel ill; they just don't understand.

Looby profile image
Looby in reply to Cann

WE understand Cann....and that's what matters! When people are insensitive like that, it reflects badly on THEM, not you. For those people who care enough, I have referred them to a Web site (or this one) on Lupus - because many folks (including medics!) seem to know very little about it. Gradually this will change. We can only hope so!

Cann profile image
Cann in reply to Looby

Yes, we have to keep positive and hope so and there seems to be an ever-increasing number of people with lupus and immune system problems, so it has to change.

BellaIndie profile image
BellaIndie

Yes, I get the same way at work. I get up and stretch as often as I can. I even brought a 3lb dumbbell to use once and while to work out my arms to keep the circulation moving! Every little bit helps.

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