Strength

[palomino27]

Has anyone here ever been able to gain strength with MS? I have PPMS, I still walk with a walker, but barely. I can do exercises or whatever to not lose strength for a while but I've never been able to gain strength virtually no matter how hard I try. My PT who specializes in MS, suggested I get a stepper machine like the Teeter FreeStep. The one at the PTs office cost $4800 so that wasn't an option but she has recently heard off MS people having success with the Teeter Freestep so I took a chance and got one as it's more for home use and while still expensive, it is atleast possible at $800.

Have not used it yet it's coming this week....

Thanks

[anaishunter]

Yes, I have. After starting treatment it took about 1 year of 2 to 3 times week of yoga to rebuild strength, flexibility and balance. I also practice daily many basic balance exercises - stand on 1 leg, roll a ball under my foot and more. whatever you need to practive for where you're at. It's only when the treatment started to suppress fatigue that I was able to do a bit more.

Don't give up, you'll gain back a tiny, tiny bit at a time. It's all worth it.

[palomino27 in reply to anaishunter]

Do you have chronic pain issues? I have POTS, dysautonomia and Small Nerve Fiber neuropathy. I think this is more the reason I cannot gain strength. MS isn't my only autoimmune condition unfortunately.

I rate my pain a 9.5 out of 10. They say 10 is a trip to the ER. I tell them I'd rate 10 but the ER can't actually do anything....

[anaishunter in reply to palomino27]

I do - it comes and go, but nothing like what you describe.

By far, the worst pain is from hip osteoarthitis, not ms. My hip is another reason for me keep moving and workign out. If I don't, it gets worse. I'm not always sure I can distinguish between MS pain in my leg and pain comign from my hip. Just know that if the regular painkillers don't do anything then it's the MS pain popping up.

[rjoneslaw]

Yes I gained strength. I’m working out five days a week. I have my core program then I have my exercises that tag on to the core program. The meds that I’m on helps as well. I have RRMS

As for the machine I looked at it and knew I was never going to get it, it’s too costly and big for my house