Ra sufferer

[Rocky07]

Hi everyone I know that my bones are very weak does anyone know of a quick way to strengthen them sometimes tablets take a long time to work I am going for a bone density scan soon and want to see if there is a quick way to strengthen them I can't exercise due to mobility issues maybe I need a miracle

[Sweetpolly2016]

Have you tried taking vitamin D? My primary physician put me on it to keep my bones strong

[sandylo in reply to Sweetpolly2016]

Mine did you none density scan hasn't changed since last one but put me on vitamin d3

[Sweetpolly2016 in reply to sandylo]

Yes, vitamin D3 is what I take

[helixhelix]

Unfortunately there are few quick fixes in life. Looking after bone health is not really that much different from looking after your health overall. So eat properly, with good levels of calcium, get your Vit D and thyroid checked, sleep properly, and exercise. Exercise is critical for strong bones and even in a wheelchair you can exercise effectively, and in fact it's even more important for you. If will be tough to start if you really don't do much right now, but it will make a huge difference in time.

[Ali_H]

Hi Rocky,

One way forward re getting some exercise in might be to see if you have a MS centre in your area because they often have wheelchair user friendly exercise machines. They would probably want you to sign up as a member which is usually under £40 per year and then you can use the kit. You do not necessarily have to have MS to join (I dont and I use the Notts centre regularly - they are a great friendly bunch).

It's resistance exercise you need so simply tensing muscles and pushing down on the footplate may be a starter (if the chair will take such pressure!!) or having a long towel or sheet wrapped around your legs (not tight) and pushing out against the fabric might be a starter. Lying on your bed tensing and relaxing muscles or sat lifting knee at a time would be another starting point. Unfortunately destruction can take place at the flick of a switch but rebuilding in a long harduous task.

All I can say is start somewhere small and have the courage/resilience to keep going. Little and often will get better results than overdoing it once a week!

All the best

Ali

[weathervane]

I got my father in law a mini cycle machine in argos . He can sit in the chair and use it and its very gentle.

[Hidden]

There is also something I am getting ready to look at called "chair yoga" (not really yoga for chairs, ha ha, but...). Since I can't get up and down from the floor (for many reasons - knees being the primary ones), my best friend who is also a P/T told me about it and said she thought it would help just to keep my limber (or help me get more limber). So that might be something to look at as well..