Educated Queen

[HipHopQueen]

Since my original center is temporarily closed. I have started the process with another center and received education today. My biggest take away that the educator said was you must take your meds when you have your transplant and I need to get my BMI down. I'm no stranger to taking meds and being diligent about it, so I think I can do that part. I previously said that I wanted to exercise well now it's time to get off the throne and exercise. (I guess that could mean many things). I'm going to start doing something tomorrow. I use a wheelchair daily and I use to think that I couldn't do anything that would really produce weight lose, but I need to change that attitude. I believe I can do it. Exercising and changing eating habits is hard work! But maybe it will help my overall mood too. I was a little down yesterday thinking about the things I don't have, but I'm not going to go down that road. I talk to my therapist tomorrow and hope I can get everything out in an hour. I really learned a lot today, this educator was better than the previous center's educator or I was more awake. It's a ton of info and somewhat overwhelming. But education is key

[Bassetmommer]

Your majesty,Don't let the "you have to's" get to you. The weight thing is something I fight every day. I see a dietician who keeps taking more and more food groups away from me. Now I am down to veggies, fruits and some carbs. Weight loss??? not at all.

Do it for you though. Water exercise is fabulous. Even a little movement is something. I started with physical therapy in the water and now I am addicted to my very tough water aerobics class twice a week. I love it, even if it is hard. Well worth the outcome.

[HipHopQueen in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks Bassetmommer. I appreciate the encouragement and knowing someone else is out there trying is helpful too. Now to just begin! I got this!

[drmind in reply to HipHopQueen]

I'm with you, too, with the weight. I have lots of problems with my back and use a Walker. I used to walk about a mile a day, but I stopped citing all kinds of excuses why I couldn't do it. Your post has me motivated again to get back to walking. If you can do it, so can I. I start today. Hope you do, too. Best to you.

[CKD_SMK]

My prayers n wishes are with you Ma'am.

You seem to b a motivated courageous lady.

May I know why r u on wheel chair?

Is it forever or temporary?

Also, share about your transplant, if possible.

I am new user here and also a 2 months old CKD patient. Hv done 15 Haemodialysis so far. Trying to learn about my disease and it's future scope.

I hope interactive people like you will reinforce me with more knowledge n info.

Thanks in advance!

[HipHopQueen in reply to CKD_SMK]

Hi CKD_SMK, Yes I have been in a wheelchair over almost 20 years from a fall. I have a T12 spinal cord injury. I haven't had a transplant yet, just at the beginning stages of being listed with a center. I am definitely not the best person to education anyone, but the people here are great. Hope to see you here!

[CKD_SMK in reply to HipHopQueen]

What is the eligibility criteria for doner ?

[Hidden]

Hello Queen. I am glad to hear that your educational meeting went well! Last year, I went on intermittent fasting and used Cronometer (a free online version) to document what I ate and which also helped me tune into what foods were offering me the nutrients I needed. I honestly thought that I would be in diet hell, but I am pleased to say it was easier than I expected. The first two days were the most challenging. I used an 18/6 window, meaning that I ate meals limited to a 6-hour window only. I lost 30 lbs. Consider looking into this approach. The most significant things to eliminate or significantly reduces are sugars and processed foods. I also walked regularly. I am sure you will come up with what works for you. God bless you on your journey!

[HipHopQueen in reply to Hidden]

Thanks BlueSkyAngel. I was definitely thinking that I needed to log my food. And processed foods and sugar are what get me every time. I know that I can lose and I just need to start. Once I start it's game on! Your 30 pound lose is amazing. Great job! Thanks for the tips. I'll have to look up the app.

[horsie63]

I think you have the right attitude. Changing any habit is hard. There are seated exercises you can do just do a google search. Get some hand weights, start small with 3lb and then move up slowly. I've not had any trouble with weight other than losing too much and I'm not on dialysis so can't really say.

[HipHopQueen in reply to horsie63]

You know that's one thing I'm wondering about is doing arm weights with my fistula. Seems like a no. But you are right I can do seated exercise. I need to get on that. No time like the present. I'll let you all know how I do.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I started doing both chair yoga and dance and a fitness class online with Zoom while I was on dialysis. You can sign up for these classes on RSNhope.org. They are both geared to chronic kidney disease patients and are fantastic! The leader of the chair yoga class (now called Be Fit While You Sit) also uses a wheelchair since a spinal cord injury, so she adapts the movements to be done either seated or standing. She is so inspirational! Those classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The fitness class leader does use handheld weights to develop upper body and abdominal strength and she may be able to help you adapt the exercises. She is also a certified Pilates instructor so she uses some of those movements for balance and range of motion. Oh, and yes you can use weights with a fistula, just start out slow with 1 to 2 lb weights. I used water bottles instead of buying weights. I'm not up to date with that class since my hip replacement and kidney transplant in 2020, but she used to do upper body exercises on Mondays and lower body on Wednesdays. And both classes are a lot of fun, too!

[HipHopQueen in reply to cs65]

Thanks for all the great info!

[Jayhawker in reply to cs65]

Excellent information! Thanks for sharing!

Jayhawker