Walking normally: Today I feel that I am walking... - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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Walking normally

Gary1310 profile image
59 Replies

Today I feel that I am walking like a normal person. I am so happy to feel I can navigate without bumping into walls and hanging on to furniture. At least for today, I feel well. I started 4 mg Prednisone for the month of Oct. I also quit taking my statin after 15 yrs. I was diagnosed with PMR last January. I still have a couple more months of taper. Not sure why I am able to navigate but hope it continues..

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Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310
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59 Replies
SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I’m happy for you! Do you think that quitting the Statin has contributed to this? They have been linked with PMR I believe.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to SheffieldJane

Thank you, I think it may contribute to my well being...just not sure. I just hope it continues.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13

Well done Gary. It's great to hear 'good news' on here. It gives everyone hope.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to Constance13

Thank you, “I can see the light at the end of this tunnel”.....

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay

Funny you should mention bumping into wall. I cannot for the life of me walk in a straight line. Maybe I never could be definitely worse now. I always worry this is linked to Alzheimers in later life so if this is pred and PMR related I would be happier.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to whitefishbay

You aren't the only person to say they struggle to walk in a straight line! One lady was stopped in the street by a policeperson!!!

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro

LOL

scats profile image
scats in reply to whitefishbay

Have you tried Nordic walking poles? They're the only thing that keep me on track. Doorways are my main problem, I keep bashing my arms on door frames, my arms are a picture sometimes!

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to scats

Great idea but I don't even like the idea of an umbrella.

scats profile image
scats in reply to whitefishbay

I haven't yet got beyond the garden gate, (feel that I ought to be in lycra and walking boots or it looks odd) but I will do. They are useful as they exercise the arms as well. My physio thinks they're a good idea too.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to scats

Loads of older people use them here with ordinary clothing - though most local people do wear trainer-type footwear even in town. You can identify the Italian tourists ...

scats profile image
scats in reply to PMRpro

At least there are mountains where you are. No chance that I've just strolled in off the slopes here! I am very pleased with them though I am much more stable.

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

But you walk a lot steadier with them. Even bending down for the conkers didnt faze you today so they obviously workx

in reply to whitefishbay

I would never deny myself a walking aid. My mantra is use ANYTHING that allows me to remain mobile without falling or stumbling. Mobility does not take account of pride. Moreover, I have retained muscle memory that would be lost or impacted by a stumbling gait that goes on for a while.

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to

Well you are right. Gotta keep moving. Most important thing.

in reply to whitefishbay

Exactly and for pmr people it's not forever.

scats profile image
scats in reply to whitefishbay

Be careful with an umbrella too, they slip and are not as strong as a stick!

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to scats

Well tomorrow I will be sleeping with an umbrella perched over my head (unless Lorenzo take it away).

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

But they are brill for prodding annoying people or doctors

in reply to whitefishbay

I use what they call trekking poles when I'm on dirt hiking/walking trails. Got them from my daughter when she heard I was having a hard time with balance and muscle weakness a couple months back. It only lasted a few days (no idea why!). Still, the poles are great on trails. Not expensive either. I can look around at the scenery much more, rather than looking at the ground for uneven spots, tree roots to trip over, and other hazards. Reminds me...haven't been moving enough with all of this crappy weather. Gotta get going! 😁

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to

My daughter said she wouldn't be my friend if I started walking around with Nordic poles. She wants me to be young. haaha

in reply to whitefishbay

We never want mums to get older but they do.

in reply to whitefishbay

Oh my. My poles are stylish! They're what bonafide hikers use. Suggested first by a 70+ yo friend who had seen young and old using them everywhere. Even while walking in the neighborhood! Arms muscles are being used more as well. Tell daughter it's cool now. 😂

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to

Nice...what brand do you have?

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to

I will tell her.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to

No different from using a pair of specs when your eyes aren't perfect is it?

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to PMRpro

True and I hate to say the next thing on my list is hearing aids. What you say!

in reply to whitefishbay

🤣🤣🤣

squashie profile image
squashie in reply to whitefishbay

I refused to accept that my hearing loss was real or a problem. Started wearing headphones to listen to television and realised just how much assistance I needed. Have now had hearing aids for a couple of years and can't believe the difference they make for everyday living. Real bonus is just how good live music really is - not only hear the top notes of the violin, but can even make out the triangle - never could before. And they even help on the squash court - you don't tend to think about the effect of hearing in that context.

Don't delay - it's a journey well taken.

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to squashie

I have made a GP apt for Monday. I work in two schools and always have to say ‘what?’ too often. Thanks for that.

in reply to whitefishbay

You might be surprised bu how many young people you see picking out their hearing aids. Aids are SO much smaller and colorful than they used to be. Can even get clear ones. Barely noticeable. Hubs has some and wears when we go out and about, but not here where I am. Argh. The ear sweats some and he doesn't like that...uh-huh. 😂

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310

Hi...I am sure mine is related to PMR or Prednisone. Whitefish Bay.....Wisconsin.??

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to Gary1310

Yes.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to whitefishbay

I was born in Kenosha on Lake Michigan, live in Escanaba, Mi....on Lake Michigan. My Rheumatologist is at Marshfield Clinic.....love him.

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to Gary1310

I grew up in Whitefish Bay but have lived mainly in London (and Greece briefly) since 1983. Wisconsin is a great state.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to whitefishbay

Yes it is, Michigan, too💕

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to Gary1310

Midwest - so underrated. People normal and lovely. Not entitled.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to whitefishbay

Agreed

in reply to Gary1310

Hi Gary... I loved visiting Escanaba several years back. I live downstate in the small town of Houghton Lake. 2 hrs south of the Big Mac. 😁

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to

Escanaba is a lovely town...only winters are troublesome. I hope to get to the beach this coming winter🌴😎..if I am 100% well and can walk.

in reply to Gary1310

We tried the Snowbird lifestyle last winter for a few months, just 2 mos after my diagnosis. It was SO much better than expected! I knew I had to keep my body moving and doing so here would mean walking on snow and ice. Funny, met a “Gary” from S Ste Marie who was also there to keep moving during winter. He ended up buying a winter place before he left. We stay in a small 55+ RV park with activities for all. Not an expensive park, thank goodness!

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to

All I want to do is sit under a Palm tree with sun on my face....no ice, except in my Margarita. I love the Gulf of Mexico. Hope to leave late Nov....till April. But need to feel 100% and able to walk. Gary was my late husband.

in reply to Gary1310

Oops...so sorry for your loss. Can’t imagine THAT pain. 😢 We have Tequila Tuesdays w/potluck and music. Tampa is 1/2-1 hr away depending on traffic. FL state of mind. 😉

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to

Thank you....miss him. We met when I was 13 and he was 16, best person I ever knew.

in reply to whitefishbay

Go Pack!! 🏈 Yes, football fan here. 😉

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to

Yes, we are Green Bay Packer fans, too.

nickm001 profile image
nickm001 in reply to whitefishbay

Ha, lived in Milwaukee, Waukesha actually for number of years. Then I moved to California and never looked back. My ex and son are still in Wisconsin. Winters and snow can be overwhelming.

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay in reply to nickm001

In London snow is a rare treat. Only damp here which you get used to.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

That is great news and you have done well to be at 4mg after such a relatively short time. But don't be misled - 4mg is plenty to manage PMR, 1mg is enough for some people.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310

My Rheumatologist just said to taper 1mg per month. I forgot to ask him what do I do after 1month at 1mg......do I quit or do I continue on 1mg indefinitely? Thinking I will continue......at least till I see him again.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply to Gary1310

I don't think when I get there I will stop abruptly. I'll do a Dead Slow Nearly Stop taper with zero as my "new dose". You could try something like that.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310 in reply to HeronNS

Thank you. I will call him to see what he wants me to do...if it to stop, I will do the slow taper.

Prednisone is a life saver.. when they given it to me for my asthma, my chronic pain goes away while taking it..

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Good to hear your good news.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310

Thank you, hope it continues.

Louisepenygraig profile image
Louisepenygraig

That's good to hear. I don't think I have too many problems walking except for the odd wobble and sometimes a strange feeling that my legs don't quite belong to me! It's good to know that things might improve one day.

in reply to Louisepenygraig

Me too! Strange feeling indeed.

Louisepenygraig profile image
Louisepenygraig in reply to

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It is strange isn't it, I can't quite work it out.

Gary1310 profile image
Gary1310

So far...2days🎉

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