Exercise.... not only does it make you feel better.....

[Soraya_PMR]

I’m not feeling so good, for a myriad of reasons probably, and I’m teetering at 5mg. I know from past experience that my daily walk ‘improved’ me, I feel better psychologically, I get less pain and stiffness, my bones benefit, my energy improves, I sleep better.

Family commitments for the past 2 weeks have had me scurrying about with ‘things I must do’ and everything else has gone by the wayside. My house is a mess; housework v rest = no contest! I’m missing the outdoors, fresh air, even the dogs are bored! My diet has become ‘grab what I can’, whilst feeding everyone else healthful food, I just can’t be bothered when it comes to me. I’ve sat here this morning pondering an increase to 5.5 or 6, but I’m reluctant to increase as we all are over such hard won reductions. Plus I want to reserve an increase for my holiday in 12 days time. Yes I know a flare will ruin the holiday, but I’m going to hold off for a few days and see what I can do by other means.

Which is why I was interested to read this this morning bigthink.com/surprising-sci...

“cardiovascular exercises for 30-60 minutes three times a week for six weeks. Short-chain fatty acids — in particular, butyrate, which promotes healthy intestinal cells, reduces inflammation, and generates energy — increased ....Short-chain fatty acids in general are formed when gut bacteria ferment fiber in the colon. In addition to butyrate's specific role, these fatty acids also improve insulin sensitivity and protect the brain from inflammation....”

Ah-ha! Kefir and exercise (a walk) here I come! I could do with some butyrate reduced inflammation and boosted energy! I’ll let you know if I avoid an increase.

[Hidden]

Please do. But you know you shouldn't let your niggles grow. Especially with hols approaching.

I have for the second time in 3 weeks accidentally taken an extra 5mg. I adjusted meds so I could go back split dose of 5mg at night (coated) and 1mg (uncoated) at 8 to 9am. Of course I took my usual 6mg this morning forgetting I had taken the 5mg last night. I will see if I feel.better fatigue wise today. 3 years in and still mixing up doses. 🙄

Fingers crossed kefir and a walk help...and nice food tonight(??)👍🌻

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

Not so much niggles, as that post acute ‘flu feeling. It might be a post viral thing. My OA thumbs are unhappy. It could be adrenal, 17 days at 5mg so far. Night before last I forgot bedtime dose and took 5 at 04.00 plus 1 plain to bolster it. I think I missed the boat for cytokines. I’m doing too much. Any or all of the above.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Cake and chocolate!

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Good enough. Going out myself to see if more pred equals easier walking.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

Enjoy!

[Mary63 in reply to Soraya_PMR]

As you say...any or all!

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

It didn't make it any easier but like you say....feel better for the movement and fresh air. 🐩🐩🐩🐩

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

My left thumb refused to hold my phone in my hand earlier. I was like a chimp holding it with my fingers. My right thumb seems to be reasonably ok but I am.practising using chopsticks with my 3 to 4 veg stir-fries a week and think it has been stopping that thumb being "protected" by my pain brain.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

My thumbs are moving ok, but they blooming hurt. Trying flexiq, so far no better. Might slap some voltarol on tonight.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Mine are being a pain too - usually a sure sign of a PMR flare but this time I'm not sure.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to PMRpro]

Well just maybe this was my flare sign this time! A new one for me. Thumbs first, then wrists, then fingers.

Thursday night I suffered with ‘pace the floor’ indigestion. Friday, needed to do an evening visit to Dad, back late. Saturday early start for dog to vet, Saturday 5pm crashed and burned 🔥🤬

Extra 2.5mg plain pred Saturday evening; extra 2mg Saturday night for Sunday, just woken, it all feels a bit better. Less painful fingers crossed!

(Had been on 5mg for 19 days, obviously a squeak too low, a slow build. A few days at 7 then back to 6 I think. Then 5.5 again after holiday.

Last time managed 13 days at 5 before more typical (for me) thigh fizzing. This just must be my current level.)

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

It spasmed I think. I cried when I tried to open the door 2 days ago. I know that sickly pain. Voltarol for pre hol getting ready I should think. I do tape them in a comfy position for 30mins with the stuff the nurse gave me or put a brace on. It just reminds me not to bang or touch them 🤝 🤢

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

How did the extra 5mg pan out today?

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

High blood sugar and not much of anything else. 😂😂😂

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

How disappointing 🙁

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Yep. I was on that edge of falling over today again. 😴🤑😴😴

[PMRpro Ambassador]

A change in the weather this morning has been enough to make me feel almost human for the first time for 3 weeks!

[bunnymom in reply to PMRpro]

My knees and hands have been stiff and painful. A new occurance for me. We've had lots of cloudy weather and rain. I'm wondering it that's the answer. Always trying to explain these aches and pains. Hope it's not permanent.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to bunnymom]

It would be for me - but this year has been far worse than any before. Must be getting old or something

[bunnymom in reply to PMRpro]

This year the weather has been unusually cloudy and damp. Here's to sunshine and heat Dr. did say I was young to be getting a hip shot. I'm not sure if that's good or bad. Helped tho.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to PMRpro]

Good!

[Constance13 in reply to PMRpro]

Ditto! What a relief!😎 You/we'll be our old selfs soon.

[yogabonnie]

I LOVE this post. THIS IS exactly how I am too. I am joining you today. off for a big walk. Just what I needed. Keep us posted.!!!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to yogabonnie]

Well I didn’t do a big walk. 1.24 miles at a little above dawdle pace. Diverted to the flower shop as I’d forgotten I was out for lunch with the girls. Ate healthy food, avoided the wine, clarified holiday plans and was distracted by conversations and laughter. I came away looking forward to our holiday rather than dreading it. They’ve requested airport assistance for me (the youngest of the group) as they recalled my difficulties last year, and I’ll accept it as they’ve arranged it, but would never have done so for myself.

Whilst I was out my DiL scrubbed my bathroom so I gave her hugs and kisses when I got back. How thoughtful and typical of her. She said I’d spent a lot of my time with Grandad and thought it might help. Ahhh, love her!

All in all feeling much better than 7 hours ago.

Hope it does the trick for you too YB. Now to keep it up!

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

That sounds like a good day so far. It's so exciting when your brain makes that shift about a holiday.

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

I might even get the suitcase out!

[Hidden in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Whoooo hooooo packing!!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

And my holiday flip-flops arrived (Skechers, yoga foam). All systems go!

[Joydeck]

If lean individuals produce more butyrate than obese individuals, skinny me should do well. Besides, I have just restocked my kefir and I'm addicted to exercise.

[Pirnilla]

I heard about science and statistics last week saying that you can improve your memory, well being (avoid depressions), creativity, logical thinking and keep tour stress levels down with walking as well. He recommended 45 min 3 times a week.

We can do that, can't we?🤗

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Pirnilla]

Who was that Pirnilla?

[Pirnilla in reply to Soraya_PMR]

His name is Anders Hansen, a swedish psychiatrist who has done some serious research about it and has written a book in the topic. I warmly recommend it!

adlibris.com/se/bok/the-rea...

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Pirnilla]

I might give that a go, thanks.

[HeronNS in reply to Pirnilla]

I read in a book, I think it was Germaine Greer in The Change, that many middle aged women walked a lot. So I started walking. I was in my forties. I think walking saved my life. I used to walk and make up poems in my head and write them down when I came in the door. It got me paying attention to things around me, took me out of my miserable self. I always advise walking, or at the very least getting out into the air, under an open sky.

[Hidden in reply to HeronNS]

I went to a book reading of that book. She was very funny and projected well, shall we say!