Mixed metaphors and the mysterious case of the disappearing razor blade....

Fearing to tread where angels dread to go... or something like that. I have the opportunity to go to the over 50's Swimming session at a pool not a million miles away from me (but far enough!)

When I mentioned this to the OT the other month, I thought she would be pleased I was going to try and do something to get the old muscles built up. But it was just the opposite. She told me to 'Whoah' down because being newly diagnosed (last October 2010) I probably wasn't aware of how far I could go and how much my body could take. She was probably right as she is been in the business longer than me! But I am itching to do something even though I suffer awful with fatigue. Exercise can help fatigue as well. But my biggest fear is slipping over or just slipping and wrenching a joint and then suffering, because this is what used to happen to me before.

I would go out on t'farm, and would have to, say, lug heavy gates about, then the next morning, I would have such pains in my shoulders or wrists, or elbow and then I would be laid up for days not able to move the joint, and I never really knew how I did it! It used to get my goat (not the real one, her name was Tillie - yes we had a goat). Or sometimes I would jump over a 5 bar gate (yeah well climb then) and just pull a hip joint, or twist a knee joint. Once again the pain used to be so "out of tune" with the activity... I was really only doing what everyone else seemed quite capable of doing, but it would lay me up for days.

So.... although I can't wait to get into some water and waggle me limbs around, I fear the possibility that I might slip, or just pull a muscle or something in an effort to stay upright. I am not ready for sticks.

Any road up - RH came up with a good idea, (I knew he wasn't completely useless) he said, go and watch first! See what it's like, what they do, and talk to the instructors, or whoever, and then decide. He's wasted being a farmer you know..

So that is where I am off to today, to the swimming pool, for a recci...

And the disappearing razor balde - well, I had had this "razor blade" feeling stuck down the inside of my throat for days, and it really hurt to swallow. I had decided to see if I could see doc on Monday when I went to the nurse for my monthly blood test. Monday morning dawned. I opened one eye (as you do) and tried to swallow, thinking "this is going to hurt". Have a guess what. Yep, gone! Razor blade removed. Just a bit of a lumpy feeling. Now today I can heardly feel a thing. So hopefully my immune system willl have some time off and lay off me limbs too! I did wonder if it was something to do with the copious amounts of honey, lemon and whiskey? Nice.

Well, I had better get my botty into gear and go limber up in the shower and go and do my observation, watch this space. So tatty bye for now.

Take care

Julie xxx

[emandedmum]

I'm desperate to do some exercise too (got asked if was expecting again which has done now't for my morale) and my Physio has suggested trying an exercise ball (big bouncy ones often used during pregnancy/labour) as she felt rebounding could do more damage than good...and they're cheaper to buy for a start, so I go tomorrow morning - I'll let you know how I get on and if I'll be investing in a ball. I was referred to my local hydrotherapy pool by my Physio which was wonderful, the water is warm and they run exercise classes too. Sadly I don't go any more as times and child care don't mix but it was nice while it lasted! Hope your binoc's didn't get steamed up! x

[Hidden in reply to emandedmum]

Hi Jo. Hmm well that went well (not). Makes me realise I am a long way off from the pilates and stretch class! How did you get on with the bouncing ball . Pilate instructor suggested lots of easy sessions in the pool first (they do the aerobics) but he said just stay on the side lines and do what you feel able.

No steamy binocs, but wished I had taken the swimming cozi because I was itching to get in, only prob is the ladder looks awful to use to get out... so I am not so sure at all.

[emandedmum in reply to Hidden]

I have just returned...it was really good and def something I'd like to have a go at at home. I have discovered my tummy muscles are well and truly shot but she's suggested some exercises to help tighten me up, hopefully that'll help my back pain too as my posture is pretty bad...and might end the comments about me being preggers! Just need to get myself a ball now. Swimming pool ladders are a nightmare, I would suggest you think carefully about it before getting in the pool - unless they have a alternative route of entry and exit - you could get stuck and I'd worry about you turning into a prune xx

[Hidden]

Hi Julie, yep good idea to go and watch at least you will know then what it's going to be like. Swimming is one of the best exercises for us with RA has it's none weight bearing so it's a good all rounder!

Glad the throat as eased, must be that honey and lemon not to mention the whiskey!! sounds very nice.

Lovely Blogg again Julie.

Take care

Mandy xx

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Hi Mandy, See above! I think the pool would be great but I am worried about getting out, the staff say I would have to feel able to do it myself, they can't take any responsibility of course...

[Hidden]

hate whisky but it can have medicinal. benefit. aneasthetic effect wink wink x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Whiskey tastes fine with honey and lemon...

[Tricia-P]

Hi Julie,

Good blog as ever,

The swimming is good I did go at first when I was diagnosed, I carried on the aqua fit, just letting the instructer know I had RA, normal response was whats that. The swimming wasn't the problem as I said its the getting in and out. Hope RH learns a bit and please dont push yourself too far and hard.

xTx

[Hidden in reply to Tricia-P]

Hi Tricia, yep you hit it on the button, the ladder would be a bugger to get out of. It's like the tractor steps, so I might try on those, it's been such a long time since I climbed into the tractor. So will practice on those.

Although I woul love to go and have a puddle about, I am not sure I am ready for that, I am so weak in the arms...

[Hidden]

my first though reading blog title and first few lines was razor blade was for the legs re swimming lol !! x

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Well Yes Ali, I shall need a razor blades to tidy up the body hair (especially on me chest) and other "bits" No blooming brazillians for me thanks!

[Tiasteph]

I do look forward to your blogs Julie

I am wondering how you got on?

Water is wonderful for us RA-ers. We can do in water what we can't on land. Oh & by the way I actually happen to think that you know fairly well what your limitations are already. My motto is try it & see, we soon find out hey…

I tried aqua aerobics a couple of years ago & had to get out of the pool, not far into the class, my knees were not having it at all

So if & when I go (& I must go more!) I take my noodle & do my own thing. I used to be self conscious as I can no longer do a proper stroke (knees again!) but I go when its quiet & do my exercises

Glad your razor blade disappeared. xx

[Hidden in reply to Tiasteph]

Hi Steph again.... see above!

Yep I think I could take RH (He used to be a lifeguard in a previous life) to the over 50's swimming only sessions, on a Thursday, then he can help me in and out - I could then just have a waggle... and do my own thing. It's just getting him organised really. He is coming with me to the Physio session of the RA Ed today so that might stir him into action?? Bless him!

[cathie]

I really empathise about the ladder in the swimming pool. We moved to our previous house partly to be near to the swish new pool the uni built in Oxford. It was v quiet on a sunday, everything you might want. BUT ladders to get out. When I approached the disabilities people there, they offered me a hoist - I imagined like cars being loaded onto a ferry in the 'old days'. So I stopped.

Hydro pool wonderful. They ought to arrange it so that child care doesnt clash.

Here in Edinburgh our local pool has proper stairs, but there have been a series of misadventures, the glass roof fell in and they had to replace it, then the big commonwealth pool was closed so all the neighbouring pools are overcrowded with zealous swimmers until its finished - soon I hope. Then I discovered through a friend that there was a teaching pool in a nearby town, Portobello, so I started going there. The instructors were brilliant and insisted that I learn to swim with my head in the water, which I'd always avoided. So I'm all ready to go when the pressure is off our local pool.

I hope you find somewhere near you, Julie, it is such good exercise. Better for us than walking.

X Cathie

[Hidden]

Our pool has a hoist at the side which lifeguards use to help people with mobility difficulties. have you checked if your pool has one? I keep meaning to start swimming but the over 50s session in in the day time and I work. I hate going when it is crowded and splashy.

Sue