What are you doing differently?.....

[Pongo13]

Is a question I ask the folk at work during January ....goals....Baby steps, SMART! Blah blah blah. I was pretty impressed with my own list! Here goes.... My lounge has been redecorated - I moved out furniture with hub! I use my new fit bit (8-10'000 steps a day, records hydration and sleep - or not!). I've walked four days with my new weighted vest (7kg) on shorter of two dog walks. I'm trying new varifocals (one week in). I've learned how to make paper stars. Finally... The PMR bit - tomorrow I go down to 7.5 pred! I've tapered very slowly and hope to cope this, second, time around. I'm trying to stay positive and keep it fresh! Wish me luck at 7.5! Sending positive vibes to anyone struggling (and I'm hoping that's not me next week!) Pic of my pup, now 2, but thought it would cheer everyone up x

[Maisie1958]

I love this post Pongo13 and the photograph of your little dog as a pup. Well done.

Onwards and upwards -apart from prednisolone tapering. Good luck at 7.5mg x

[Marijo1951]

It is good to be feeling better, isn't it? When I first became ill, I was angry with myself for having taken my previous good health for granted, not realising how precious it was. Now I think that if/when I am really well, I shall value and make the most of every day. I've managed a few things in January, joining two fitness classes as well as Slimming World and resuming some brain training games that I abandoned over a year ago. I feel much better for achieving these things, however trivial they might seem to others.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Marijo1951]

Great points, xx

[Pongo13 in reply to Marijo1951]

Slimming world worked for me prior to PMR. Good luck! Their little book of soups was my favourite purchase. And a soup maker makes it all so much easier! X

[Marijo1951 in reply to Pongo13]

I've bought their 'Meals for One' book and will look out for the soup book. I find their system, which encourages eating lots of veg and doesn't involve counting calories, easy to follow. It's also easy to combine it with the advice for steroid takers to avoid sugar and white carbs. Most importantly I am losing weight steadily and I don't feel hungry.

[Pongo13 in reply to Marijo1951]

I have followed quite a few different eating plans in my time and agree sw make it so much easier and user friendly but more importantly - healthy! X

[Marijo1951 in reply to Pongo13]

I was a bit concerned at first about the 'syns' as so many are types of confectionery. However they do have a page on 'making the switch to savvy syns' which encourages people to use their syns for nutritious options. I tend to go for a few walnuts, a couple of sardines or some dried apricots.

[Pongo13 in reply to Marijo1951]

A meringue with fresh fruit and yoghurt used to be my fav. And cocktail stocks with fresh fruit and a tiny marshmallow on the end! (Went well at food tasting!) x

[Yellowbluebell]

Good luck and beautiful puppy picxxx

[Blearyeyed]

You have definitely built up your strength and seem to moving from strength to strength.

Hope 7.5 is a breeze , although you may want to ease back a little on the exercise on the day you drop . Good luck you are doing so well xxx

[Pongo13 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks! Yep. Off to church in a mo. No weight belt today. One walk and plenty of rest. Last taper I found I was having to nap in the afternoon of the first week so will listen to my body.... X

[Blearyeyed in reply to Pongo13]

Good , listening to the body and have lots of vitamin and mineral boosting foods with any taper it helps to increase your energy and decrease any inflammatory spike .

Sing loud from the pews for me , hugs Bee xx

[Jackoh]

Really positive post Pongo13. Hope the taper goes well. X

[bunnymom]

I have a goal of walking everyday. Makes a huge difference in my mood. Was able to be on a ladder painting my closet. Now at 7.5 feel I'm getting some muscle strength back.

[Daisychain12]

My word for this year is ACCEPTANCE. It’s the hardest thing for me to accept PMR and even my fibro. So I boom and bust all the time.

No more

I am getting the hang of letting go of my defensive stance. Working on accepting and adapting

Anyone heard of THE WU WEI!?

Chinese philosophy on the path of least resistance. It’s wonderful

[isabella2015 in reply to Daisychain12]

Daisy chain 12 I haven’t heard of THE WU WEI but I have afew incidents where I have surprisingly accepted and have had a “aha” moment, going further in a way than just accepting more surrendering trying to explore it and understand it - any thoughts? Probably I should have sent this privately!

[PMRCanada]

How wonderful for you to celebrate your achievements!! Good for you!I was hoping to drop another 20 pounds before my knee surgery, but seem to be “stuck” at my current weight (have lost 30). Due, I’m sure, to my snacking and intro of more carbs as of late. I have started incorporating one more day in the pool each week (now up to 3 times per week). I’ve also dedicated time to have Bowan Therapy treatment, and investigating ways in which to lower the wait time for my knee replacement surgery (2 year wait!!). So still focused on improving my health and advocating for myself.

I’ve also started getting to know more people in our new community and made friends with a wonderful woman.

So that’s it for me....a mixed “report card”. Sending you good luck and well wishes with your taper down to 7.5! Thanks for checking in and posting the question.

[isabella2015]

Pongo 13 well done I admire your perseverance and strength I find it difficult to push myself . Good luck!