pmr

[KathleenJohnson107]

Hi . I am just wanting to know if anyone can help . I'm suffer with PMR and fined it hard walking around outdoors when having bad days . I feel my pain reduces a lot if I am leaning and pushing a pram along . I am thinking of buying myself a walker for outdoors but just a bit worried that when using a walker I will be able to walk a lot longer distance . Just Worried by doing this I might pay for it later with more pains or would more exercise help my condition . Thanks .

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Gentle exercise like walking is very good if you can manage it and a few people use rollators to be able to get out more. Then you have to learn to pace things - but with a rollator you always have a seat!

But if you have so much pain - are you on a high enough dose of pred?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi Kathleen ,

If you would feel more secure with a walker, then do you have a local mobility shop where you could do a "test run"? or a friend that has one you could try for a walk before you actually invest in one.

If it means you can walk a bit further -not too ambitious to start with - then I think it's an ideal choice. With my arthritis I find it easier walking round a supermarket when I've got a trolley to push so know where you're coming from.

You could always try a gentle exercise class - I started Pilates about 2 years ago because I found my leg muscles were getting weaker. I used to do Yoga pre GCA days, but now find Pilates is better for me, many more exercises are doing lying down rather than standing. Tai Chi is good as well.

But in the beginning you do need to go to a smaller class rather than say one held in a village hall for a lot of people. It costs a bit more, but the instructor can concentrate on individuals more. Do you have somewhere local where you could try a "taster" lesson. You need to let the instructor know you have PMR, and if they're any good, then they can tailor exercises for you. Sometimes Age UK hold them if you have a centre near you, or maybe ask your surgery.

You won't do any harm so long as you don't overdo it!

[Hindags]

I am or to hear about your pain and your bad days. I'm unclear whether it is pain, fatigue, weakness or instability that makes walking around outdoors difficult on bad days. What is easier about moving around indoors?

Also, how long have you been on Pred and what dosage now? Any correlation between tapering and "bad days".

Have you considered whether the shopping cart changes your posture and relieves stress on an irritated/painful joint? That is what I found.

I felt uncoordinated and wobbly. I diagnosed myself with Pred. Muscle wasting.I was also in pain, lower back, SIJ. Got new muscle building exercises, core building exercises. They have helped with the feelings of weakness and the wobblies and the pain is largely gone.

[isabella2015]

I have a rollater and used it a lot, It was very useful. I am using a walking stick now when out. But as you say I don't seem to need it indoors I think because the distances are so small and furniture I can hold onto if need be. Good luck!

[baileys57]

Kathleen I am exactly the same not sure if getting a trolley type thing will help.. it is so good to hear that someone else has the same as me. Although I don't wish you pain.

[linda49]

Kathleen, if you are in the UK, it might be helpful,to ask your GP for an assessment by an occupational therapist. I had a very helpful OT assessment last year, ( she came to my home) and talked through some useful aids. She ordered a rollator ( mine is a 4 wheeled version but there are many different types, measured me for walking stick, arranged to have support rail on the turn of the stairs and suggested a stool for the shower. All of these items were delivered to the door by the NHS and are on a free long term loan. If I no longer need them I can arrange to have them collected. A further item I am considering for indoors is a perching stool. For use at the sink or worktop when doing tasks where standing is very tiring.

I know you specifically mentioned outside walking, but think the OT assessment could be helpful and inform you of what is available..

Linda