so going to get shot down again but i am NOT A BELIEVER in exercise for athritis i think it brings it on i know we need movement but its got to b minimal or all hell breaks loose i am looking for painkillers rite now back shoulders aches HAD TO SIT DOWN TO MUCH doing sunday dinner good job it was all panned up failed with the yorkies get some stick when they come back there here best go EDIT maybe if proper diagnosis this might not happen
sorry to seem to have gone backwards since walk back ... - NRAS
sorry to seem to have gone backwards since walk back stiffening up those lite exercises they give no no no thats me and my opinion folks
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No one shooting anyone down .. we will do what we feel is right for ourselves, but I would always want to try encourage anyone to try exercise when they have RA/OA. Exercise builds muscle which supports the joints. To not move or exercise can be more harmful for many people with RA and OA. You need to get the blood and oxygen flowing round the joints if you can. Seizing up is worse for some people than the exercise. I would say to be very careful unless instructed by a rheumatology physiotherapist on what you try do yourself. I am meaning anyone in general here. When someone is very compromised with their mobility and pain often the way the rheumatologist/physiotherapist likes to recommend is to begin gentle exercise with hydrotherapy, building stamina and movement week by week. You are very unlikely to damage anything in a warm pool at 35 degrees as the water supports your joints and the buoyancy you have in the pool helps you move, relax and do exercise in the water that you can't do on land.
Sound advice Julie. Exercise is really important for the reasons you give. I've nothing other I can add except if I sit too long in the chair in the evening I stiffen up, OA telling me it doesn't like too much rest! x
hi nomore i do go on dont i but still getting info thats good simbas post very interresting
Yes NMH I am the same .. after a hour I must move or I have turned to stone!
So true nmh....I think when you are newly diagnosed you just want relief from the pain......& usually joints hurt less when you don't move them, so you grab either the HW bottle or the ice & just sit!!!
Down the line - when everyone from your physio to fellow sufferers try to convince you to do a little stretching & eventually some light exercise you "get it"....moving gets easier, & you are on your way to less painful joints.
Those who won't/don't accept this know how painful it gets.
You can only do what you can,very light then try a bit more each day, everybody's different some can do more some can't, 4years ago I couldn't get out off bed for a month when this RA started I've had dark days still do had to retire medically at 54 and it took me a year to adjust and get my head straight but slowly and surely after trying different meds I got a biological drug that works Humira and alongside Methetrexate and pushing myself each day and totally changing the way I eat I can finally say I'm coming out the bubble but I realise there will be pit stops on the way, I'm lucky I was diagnosed early before too much damage was done to my joints but there are a lot off people on this site that are worse off than me so we're all in this journey together and we all help each other when down xxx
Sorry meant to say I retired at 52., just the brain fog👍
I was bedbound in summer 2015 and had many ups and downs between meds too so understand what long term immobility is like but I'm proof you can come back from it and get stronger and exercise and I've several damaged joints that need replacing. You find your level that you can do and build steadily.
Great to hear you are also in a good place with your health ! 💕😁
excellent reply you indeed must have in a bad position bed bound for a MONTH no grim i was chair bound terrible all sorts of thoughts coming and going through head as you say but you sound up and things are working i am just on pain killers not had a proper diagnoses except for osteo went to rheumy last week they were a bit umming and aring about me decided on full body scan so still up in air as to what i got but its more than osteo my body tells sos if it sound daft thats me
When you know more where you are with your joints and health your rheumy and Physio can help you more. For now its all rather uncertain so it's a case of trying to sit it out until you know more and that is hard too. Good luck.
Hmmm I’m 51 and need less than 3 years to get full benefits from me job when I retire. I finally was diagnosed with Ankylosis Spondylitis and just had a flare. Medical Marijuana does not work for me only opioids or else trying to exercise is impossible. I agree a bit with the original poster that exercise may cause more issues. I have to say opioids are the only thing that gives me mobility pain free. I was on Enbrel for a bit about a year and a half ago and it really helped but I lost 23 pounds on it for some reason. It was still a healthy 185 lbs for me ( I was 210). At 18 years old I was 152 so 185 felt great lol. I must move or I stiffen up but what that means can change day to day. I have a 13 year old and an 11 year old and they help keep me moving maybe that’s why we need lol
i had them and 3 g/kids which daughter dumped on us she will regret it in later life but i know the gene and we had em till he came back on scene well its another story still come see us so i am happy and they bin no troubs so i did all the football swings holidays with them and then thats where it happend on hols with them they were in camp club house and i went for them across a big field half way across field clunk click and couldnt move and no one about waving like a lunny till security come took me back to chalet and had to get son to come and get us so did plenty as you can see i think i asked for it never been able to manage weight since teens
Paul I really feel for you I do but every time you go to an a appointment and get told something you really don’t seem to believe what they say to you, it’s just the way I’m reading some of your posts. I’m pretty sure that they know what they are doing (Hopefully). I’m not nit picking or trying to be funny in any way at all, but not every doctor you see can be wrong surely?
0kerrio its an open forum you have your say yes i am sceptical i think a lot of us who have not received a decision are i go off my body and had few missed diagnosis 5 to count at moment last one was while i was chair bound doc came to take blood but didnt get it checked for arthritis factors now when consultant told me i was really ready to blow but she calmed me down and said sending me for scan so i except that but need diagnosis b4 getting worse
But you have said numerous times they have told you osteo but you seem to be adamant it’s not?
no okerrio i have said i know i have osteo but had that 10yrs this whats comes on aches/pain /stiffness sleep for england is something else the doc who took blood whilst it was roaring that could have proved a lot but didnt back to square one but have now been told when attack happens get to docs for bloods and steroid jab
I don’t understand how they can just say when an “attack” happens just go to the doctors for a bloods and a steroid jab, they don’t like handing out steroid jabs when you have a full blown diagnosis as they come with so many long term side effects over time.....
And if your doctors are anything like mine by the time you have had this “attack” and bloods are done you will probs be symptom free...... It makes no sense at all....
I hope you find what your looking for.
I feel your pain the process is a snail pace. It can be one to 3 years down the road until they get to the point. I use to see Dr’s in the big city (NY) and things would happen instantly I was amazed. Now back in my rural area and it takes 6 months to make the same progress that would takes a day or two in the city.
Exercise is crucial for people with Arthritis Paul. Osteo and/or Rheumatoid. It's been explained why in previous posts from other members. Of course, if you have a heart or lung condition or any other health problems then an assessment from GP before exercising is sensible. If one is overweight, it's harder to get motivated and we can find ourselves in a vicious circle. Osteo is a painful condition too. In order for us to help you in the correct way, it would be helpful to know if you have Rheumatoid as well as Osteo. Your GP can ask for a referral to Rheumatology where they will do blood tests to determine what illness you have. After results, they will decide on appropriate treatment for you. It's procedure which we all go through. That's it in a nutshell. Maybe refrain from exercise until you get your diagnosis to avoid any further anxiety. There shouldn't be any problem in getting facts re your health like the rest of us have. Is the scan to check for synovitis? If your unsure, ask your GP! X
Our local leisure centre has exercises for people with mobility problems. I go to chair yoga, this class is only half an hour long and very good at helping with breathing as well. They have another chair based class called young at heart, also Aqua mobility. All good fun, great people and designed to build up your your supporting muscles in an gently way, you do what you can. X
yep been meaning to ring and find out or i bet its online wanted to go i cant swim so would loved to get into it but weight a bit restrictive at moment trying to lose sum so will try then
There are swimming lessons available Paul. Early morning if you don't want to get into pool with too many others. It doesn't matter if you can't swim, jog or whatever else. People have to start somewhere! We have a huge extinct volcano with a beauty of a park that surrounds it in Edinburgh. People of all shapes and sizes, with all health conditions walk, jog, take baby steps, whatever suits them! No one judges anyone. It's next to a large swimming pool/gym where folks can do a bit of both. Not everyone has those facilities but the thing I'm trying to say is, don't be put off by weight or sore knees or can't swim etc! Everyone has to start somewhere! Like a boardgame! You start at the beginning and move on till you win haha! It can take a year maybe but whatever you do is better than losing! Go for it and be proud of every little step you take! X
in my healthy days i walked up those steps to castle never ending also that hill opposite arththurs seat used to going uphill at a pace no more but i have accepted my lot not despondent just no further thats why i dont trust them
Understood the first part. What don't you trust?
i have had so many missed diagnosis shaif main one was when i was stuck in chair and doc took blood but never had it tested for flares or is it rf factors whilst it was raging inside me i could not believe it when consultant said that the smoking gun and never used it so now more tests and it was all calm at app/ment never mind
It doesn't work like that Paul. People don't just get diagnosed with RA during a flare! Refer to my previous post. Would it make you satisfied if you were diagnosed with RA ?
no i dont think its ra its something with the inflammatory side i am 99% certain and have not been wrong with most of my probs in fact consultant foe tum was fascinated with me but he said i have a lot autoimmune probs and i am complicated
I would never accuse you of being complicated Paul 😂 - only joking! Well maybe there are lots of things going on but still refer to my previous post regarding what to do! I didn't diagnose myself and even if your sure, you shouldn't either! GP first!! Ok! I'd be pulling my hair out if I was you! I would HAVE to know what's going on with my health!!. I have been nothing but gentle and kind to you Paul but I need to say this for me and on behalf of other members, PLEASE act on what has been advised to you from myself and many others. Reason being, it's not fair on everyone else as it's confusing. Once you and we know what Autoimmune condition you have then we can speak on the correct track. As it is just now, the train is all over the place! I'm not blaming you for delays of doctors but please see things from others point of view. Thanks. Xx
well you dont have to kind and gentle to me shaif say what you want its a open furom to me if am being a pain say so its my health thats first and foremost and if i see things differently than most well best thing is dont take me on just doing what it says WHATS ON YOUR MIND this is on my mind all the time i dont throw towel in easy if i think i am right and i proved myself more times than wrong then i hold hands up and shut up but not with this its taken to long this as gone on more than 5yrs now sos not falling out just saying how i feel
Well I do actually because that's the way I am. The other option is to ignore. I don't want to do that because I'm trying to help. If you know best, then all the best to you Paul. X
all i can is i like you shalf and wouldnt want you to get iggy with me so all i can say thats the way i am
What's Iggy? I like you too. You know full well I'm trying to help. The help is clear. I'll like you more if you act on it. Because it's good advice from everyone.
i used to go on yahoo messenger and you were iggyed if you talked crap or they didnt like you i do excersies but for some reason i think they can bring on a flare and then i get mad
I can't swim either, they also have a hoist if getting in the water is difficult. Anyway, worth considering when you feel ready. X
When you have inflammation, low impact excersize, often enough is the way to go. I have done a bit of research on the subject lately and have learned to understand why this is so, in AI. We have a dysfunctional glucose metabolism which in many ways decreases our ability to get rid of lactic acid wich we already have too much of and which disrupts normal production of energy from mitochondria in our cells. When we excersize too hard the amount of oxidative stress and lactic acid increases to a destructive level, this is why we get so sore after excersize, even though it may not seem like a lot.The key is to find the level of impact that is just right, do repetitions and often enough. This is how you get the antiinflammatory benefit as well as get ridd of endotoxins and your strength will increase slowly but surely.😊
nice piece a bit to much to take in quick but you seemed to hit the nail on the head thanks a lot
Wise words from Simba. Many of us don't realise how the lactic aid affects us. I remember my partner telling me as he is into weight training and running as I once was! I felt shattered after my return to hydrotherapy in April after a long absence but I had started walking in the countryside again in January so I had got a little fitness, but the next day after hydro I thought someone had starched my entire body. After 3 weeks I felt less ouch and fitter and at the end of the 7th week I joined a rheumy/physio patients' hydro pool group which meets each week for an hour hydro session. I've been going since May. I can do aerobic exercise in the pool now. Yes I have been an athlete and have that strong mentality, but I dipped down very low and really had start again. It can be done. I swim like a brick so the non-swim exercises are best for me! I also joined a gym with pool/sauna/steam room (steam room .. best bit!) and my hubby comes with me for the aqua and steam room on Sundays. I will be going in the gym soon but I wanted get fitter than I was before I take that on. You must never get disheartened as it takes time to build and we do have certain limitations .. just the way it but we can still try our best and keep as mobile as possible. Even you aren't seeing a hospital physio their department will know where the local pools are and they are often in special schools. They have easy steps to access the pools usually or ramps or chair lifts.
well you have tried maybe putting me to shame i think its the weight if i shift another stone or two should work better for me
No I would never wish to put anyone to shame, just to encourage, and give someone the confidence as I know it can be a life changer going to hydro and it is where you start getting getting fitter from and gain confidence. Don't have to wait to wait to lose weight .. the exercise in the pool will start to do that but check with your doc/consultant you are ok to go do it if there's any doubt.
i am going to a special weight team in a week i think that hydro as been mentioned
Hello pauluk60 ,
My sincerest advice is don't be afraid to begin moderate , gentle exercises now. Please trust yourself to start before you have lost more weight? You are probably worried about being judged and have a fear of coping with any additional pain that exercise might cause?
Take it slow and try to focus on the possibility that any exercise you manage should help you to lose weight.
For myself, I find it hard to motivate myself to get out to the gym but always somehow feel more positive and " happier after a gym session. My routine was given to me following an exercise referral from my gp at my local sports centre. I do a 20 minute programme. However little you manage , every little bit helps. I also go to hydrotherapy and do a weekly chair exercise programme most weeks.
I fully understand fear of change and the sense of being trapped by health issues that seem beyond your control. If you are worried about being judged outside, their are plenty of chair exercise programmes for seniors/mobility impaired on youtube.
keep trying even if you doubt it's benefit. It's good to give new things a go when you have a better day?
Best wishes x
Paul , I've igg- ied back. That is very good advice from spzgirl. I understand your concerns and fears regarding your mobility. Listen to this... I spoke to one of my mums carer's yesterday. Her mother has Rheumatoid and Osteo Arthritis. She is in a wheelchair most of the time but uses crutches too. She goes for hydrotherapy and does exercises 3 X per week at physio. Her daughter told me if she didn't exercise she could lose her mobility altogether. It's important to keep muscles strong to support joints. Also important to move for circulation. Great idea re YouTube. Also there are Occupational therapists to help. There is support out there Paul. You simply have to channel your thoughts in the right way, get into the frame of mind to want to do it and you WILL do it. X
You poor old sod you, it's a vicious circle isn't it - if I don't move, I feel terrible but there are days when I feel too terrible to move! I find that seated exercises help keep things from seizing up. Here's a link to some basic ones from the NHS:
nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...
thats it anne its not that i dont wont to exercise but dont want anymore damaged
I think everyone different I had OA in my knee but kept going to gym using the treadmill and walking thru the pain. Then one week it was really bad but still kept going and then the stiffness started in other knee. Within a few weeks other joints started to get worse. Took six months to be diagnosed with RA often said I should have been a couch potato but too late now.
thats what iam scared of they dont seem to realise you can end up worse off i think dangerous to some i only have weight bearing in right knee that goes well not worth thinking about
Morning Paul. You don't weight bare in the swimming pool. X
yep shalf i know i am going to try and as i have said i would love to learn to swim but i think weight will be restrictive to me but going to a new weight physio thing next week and i think there pool and gym at hospital so under physio there so should be doing london marathon next year thanks for help
Fantastic Paul! Sorry if I'm being nippy! Just want to see you well xx
Not everyone who goes to the hydro sessions is a skinny person! No one should wait to lose weight!
When things start getting painful it's time to stop, at least in my books it is.
I guess it depends the level of pain re excercise . Im able to go 3 xs a week mostly light gymwork...
No one with any type of Arthritis should go to a gym without the 'go ahead' from a GP and/or Physio. I've been exercising for years before my diagnosis and familiar with gym equipment but I never went near with my RA until my GP and Physio gave me instructions to do so. I also got written information from Physio to give to Physical Trainer on equipment to use and not to use. Sensible exercise. Swimming pool also gives lessons.Great help.out there nowadays for people with disabilities.
Same for me .. I was very athletic and ran and walked in the hills and went to gyms for years before I got RA and I know what would be dangerous to attempt since RA and the joint damage I have, but yes a great Physio will ensure you are taught to do exercises an easier way to avoid joint strain. Just floating for example with a foam board relieves back problems. The rheumy physios are so expert at tailor making a programme of exercise for patients with joint problems. I saw someone mention chair yoga classes. Sounds a great idea. I also saw someone post a link a while ago for chairobics which was brilliant. That was from You Tube. Again, what seems easy for those without RD/OA isn't always possible for those who have it. Need to ascertain with a Physio what is possible and achievable without setting yourself back.
Absolutely!
i do do excercise i should edited my post a bit better its the knees i am worried about i lost about 2st so not iused to all the walking in the world myself steeper the hill the better fishing river up and down banks all day with dog but sadly no dog and no knees for that i think they said the left knee is a tkr job but they wont touch me because of weight and infections with leg might explain things better
So you need to get your body into better shape. You need to lose some pounds and calm inflammation. Excersize won't do it alone, it's a good part of feeling better but it is not the answer, especially as far as weight goes. Best way to lose pounds is to eliminate oils all but olive oil and coconut oil, eliminate gluten, be careful with starches, good carbs like in fruits and also suger is ok. Limit red meat. Cook your vegies, no fermented foods, no youghurt, cheese and milk ok, no processed foods, coffee is ok. Supplement with D3, K2, vit C, magnesium, pregnelone, Niacinamide (B3).
So why all this?
Excess weight actually feeds inflammation. Too hard excersize does the same. We need to decrease stress in all its forms. We have a metabolic dysfunction which is an internal stress. There are things in our diet that has shown to have distruptive effects on cell metabolism. When we try to eliminate these we give a better chance to our body to function, we get rid of stored endotoxins. We energize our mitochondria and metabolism. And we lose weight!
The supplements above are all central players in normal metabolism and we are often deficient on these, always good support.
As your new appointed consultant, this is my advice.😉Good luck. Simba
brilliant piece simba you know your stuff i am loosing weight by fasting but i also have a condition gastroparasis frozen gut where i cant eat solids just mush soups drinks so its my friend at the moment but all what you said seems correct to me i suppose what needed to be said is the differance between heavy exercise and lite cause really i dont call knees up and twists and the like exercise i was into it big time 50s 100s of this that and other plus runs fit as the butchers dog but them days are gone anyway what you say makes sense to me
Be careful with fasting. May help with your gut symptoms but fasting is an additional stress that actually supports the existing stress metabolism that is causing many of your problems. The low impact excersize is shown to help with gut problems as well.
Reading some more of these I have to point out how beneficial being around other people with the same issues is. The exercise classes etc... really help mentally as well because you are stimulating that mental aspect of your brain that can push the intensity of the pain to the background. I use to play slow pitch softball for 8 years prior to a year ago. I suffered some pretty bad injuries along the way but my mental state from being around my friends and getting exercise was a huge plus. PT is soooooo boring lol. I always feel better when my kids or wife distract me with just conversation. I now go on two to three campaigns big trips a year to reset myself and it helps big time. Getting away from the stress and eating better where things I realized from camping. I would feel great by the time it was time to go home.
Totally agree .. The feeling of wellbeing from exercise is so good. Also the fact you meet people.
I agree!
I find exercise very difficult and too much walking or even trying to bend makes me worse. However I do get out of the chair about every 20 minutes to half an hour just to stop seizing up and being too stiff because pain due to inactivity is just the pits. I say try to do a little walking or even stretching every day. Listen to your body and I’m sure most of us with RA or similar autoimmune diseases can definitely say that we’ve had the odd day or two when we’ve kind of been ok and overdone it and suffered as a result but I try not to find excuses not to do a little something.
Victoria-NRASPartnerModeratorNRAS
Hi Paul
You are certainly not alone in feeling that and a lot of people are fearful of starting exercise because they worry they will do themselves harm or they notice that they feel more stiffness or pain shortly after exercise. There was a time when people with inflammatory arthritis like RA were told that bed rest was best for their condition, as resting a joint helps the swelling to go down. However, it had such a detrimental effect on overall health and heart health etc and caused problems such as muscle wastage (and if your muscles are less strong, they are not supporting the joint as well and fatigue is often worse, as everything takes greater effort when muscles are weakened). It also of course helps you to burn calories, and can therefore support weight loss, and that puts less strain on joints. It is therefore very well documented that exercise is best for all types of arthritis, and there is strong evidence for this.
I often say to people that any exercise they can do is better than none, and that they are better off building up gradually, to avoid feeling so bad after exercising. For some people, they can build up from a starting point of being able to walk a mile a day, whereas for others, they may only be able to walk to the end of their road, or the first lamp post, and some will need to start exercising from a chair. Whatever your starting point, it's worth doing, and over time you will hopefully be able to do more.
Victoria
(NRAS Information & Support Manager)
hi vic what it is with me and i suppose many others and i have it now is an all over ache that seems to stop me doing anything or i have to REALLY try its all major exertion and soon blow my top now last week got up out of chair and toddled off up and down street i wouldnt say no probs but quite elated with it tried again ok next time cut short body shaking/hurting so you i do try but i know when and where to do it and i wary of bringing back the flare from hell hope you get my drift
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