What lockdown has done for my PMR and arthritis!! - PMRGCAuk

PMRGCAuk

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What lockdown has done for my PMR and arthritis!!

Constance13 profile image
77 Replies

Except for my 10 minutes bursts every hour in the mornings I am afraid I find myself sitting/reclining for too long for the rest of the day. The result is "I have FAR less pain than I have had for ages"!!!

They say "exercise, exercise, exercise"! I can't win can I??

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Constance13 profile image
Constance13
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77 Replies
Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell

Where does it say exercise, exercise, exercise? Too much exercise or the wrong sort isnt good for your pmr so maybe thats why you are getting less pain now you are doing less or maybe more of the right sort?!!

We are sheilded due to OH (this could lead to murder in the not too distant future) but decided we do need to take slightly more exercise than our garden can give us so we are now very occasionally having a little stroll over a bit of the old airfield in our village which is mostly deserted. If it was used a lot we wouldn't do this but as it is spread over 1000's of square meters we are fairly sure we are not going to see anyone let alone go near them!!

Hope you continue with less pain but maybe when you can take more exercise you can look st what you are doing and how much. Either that or have pro tell you off!!🤣🤣

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to Yellowbluebell

The times you have "threatened" your poor OH!?! Shame on you!😂😂😂

I think relaxing is what I will be doing more in future. What better future than less pain?

Pro only tells me off if I try to reduce. I'm in her good books at the moment!😇

scats profile image
scats in reply to Constance13

She is dreadful, and he's such a nice man, I don't know how he puts up with her.

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

Hes been telling his friends hes dug a hole for me so he deserves to be threatened!! Love him dearly really, sometimes!!

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to Yellowbluebell

Don't you think we recognise that??

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to scats

I would love to know what he thinks of her comments. I suspect silence would be the answer - but note he is digging a little more often lately.😂

Thelmarina profile image
Thelmarina in reply to Constance13

😂

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

The same reason you put up with me!! I am all soft and cuddly really!! Just like a rottweiler puppy🤣🤣

scats profile image
scats in reply to Yellowbluebell

Are we talking about the same person?

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

Probably not.!! But then again you thankfully havent tried giving me a belly rub or played with a tennis ball near me!!

scats profile image
scats in reply to Yellowbluebell

😱

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to scats

Horrible thought isnt it? Well that's my fun for the day, leaving forum members wishing they hadnt questioned how cute I was🤣😂🥳🥳

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to Yellowbluebell

Ummm!🤨

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to Constance13

I am a cute gentle quiet unassuming individual who just happens to give the impression that I can be a complete bitch with no provocation!!xx

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to Yellowbluebell

YBB 😇??

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to Constance13

A saint!! At last my perfection has been recognised.

Thelmarina profile image
Thelmarina in reply to Yellowbluebell

Welcome to the club! 😅

readingbooks profile image
readingbooks in reply to Yellowbluebell

You too, eh ?

Yellowbluebell profile image
Yellowbluebell in reply to readingbooks

Seems to be a few saints around here.🤣😇😇😅

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

While exercise may prevent some aspects of arthritis, there is a balance, And in the case of PMR, exercise, exercise, exercise is NOT the way to go...

And yes - what better future than less pain?

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

‘They’ may tell you to exercise for your arthritis - but you probably have been doing too much for your PMR..... it a very fine balancing act trying to keep both happy!

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to DorsetLady

And me! Happy!😂

maria40 profile image
maria40 in reply to DorsetLady

I'm trying to do fifteen times up and down my stairs each day as I'm not supposed to go beyond the front door. Seems to be doing my arthritic knees some good. I do space out the times - every couple of hours or so. I shall have to venture beyond the front door tonight as bins are collected early tomorrow morning.

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to maria40

Wow! Freedom for a few minutes then. 🤣😂

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I totally know what you mean. I have managed to reduce to 3 mgs Pred mainly because my physical demands are less and my OH is now trained in the art of thorough bathroom cleaning etc. It flies in the face of all that is drummed into us.

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to SheffieldJane

3mg? Oh im so jealous! Thats great. Would it be pain or fatigue that would stop you normally from reducing?

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to powerwalk

Pain and stiffness. The fatigue I deal with by sleeping. I imagine that might outlive PMR until the Adrenal function properly gets going and we rehabilitate properly. Mind you I still have the little matter of large cells in the armpit, which will probably upset the applecart completely. One day at a time.

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to SheffieldJane

Yes absolutely. Well done though!

Arflane97G profile image
Arflane97G in reply to SheffieldJane

After 10 days I finAlly seem to be adjusting to 4.5 mg. fatigue has been a major issue (again) but am so fortunate that I can nap during the day. I have a hospital appt in May which I guess won’t happen or will be a telephone conversation. By then I should be at 4 / 3.5 mg and I assume that any test on my adrenal glands won’t be possible. Both my gp and rheumatologist seem confident that I won’t have a problem because I started on a relatively small dose and have tapered slowly without any problems so far. Have to say that I am keen to avoid hospitals for the moment but I guess what will be will be

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply to Arflane97G

It is by no means part of this disease to be given a Synacthen Test, routinely. I asked for one partly because I had, had Thyrotoxicosis in the past and partly because I was astonished by the fatigue of autoimmune diseases. In some ways I regret it as unnecessary and it interrupted the steady progression of my treatment with my very skilled Rheumatologist. My Adrenals have the potential to work normally, I am on 3 mgs. I would not be worried if I had your advice. I suspect time alone will deal with our fatigue.

Arflane97G profile image
Arflane97G in reply to SheffieldJane

Thank you, that is reassuring to hear

jinasc profile image
jinasc

I have a timer, which hangs around my neck - I put it on when I know I am going to be sitting down for a while..............then when it rings, every hour..........get up and walk around the 5 mins.

This tip was given to my Mam about 30 years ago by a District Nurse. I remembered it and so the oven reminder, which I use when I am in the garden so it is now dual purpose. ⏲⏱⏰

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to jinasc

My Mam was a bit different. She was up and down all day - it sent

me mad when she was older!

Slowdown profile image
Slowdown in reply to Constance13

My mum was the same, we called it 'justing' as in 'I'm just going to ...' Dad was of an armchair nature and could read peacefully all day with his little wife popping up and down. 'Yes, dear' he'd say.

nuigini profile image
nuigini in reply to jinasc

I think I just might give this timer thing a try. :-)

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to nuigini

Did you get your pred sorted out? I owe you a reply, will do it asap. xx

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to jinasc

Who was the question to jinasc? sometimes they are apart from the one you wish to speak to!!

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply to Constance13

It was nugini Constance she posted previously about being in Panama and was talking about getting her pred sorted out as her home country is Canada.

xxx

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to jinasc

I'd run out of Lodotra so ordered 100 tablets (as usual) just to find out I had an unopened box in my medicine box.

Do you think it might be age creeping in twin😂)???

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Constance13

It does usually say who the person is replying to - like this:

Constance13 in reply to jinasc

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to PMRpro

Ooooer - does it usually? Not on my iPad it doesn't! Surely I couldn't miss a thing like that - I'm not that senile! No I'm not!!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Constance13

I wonder why they have to make the different apps different - if you see what I mean!!!!

in reply to PMRpro

It does seem to completely change the platform in every guide!

nuigini profile image
nuigini in reply to jinasc

I'm not worrying about the pred for now as I have an 8 month supply at my current dose. If we can't get out of Panama in the next 3 or 4 months, I'll discuss the issue with a GP we know here and/or the Canadian Embassy.

Looking forward to your reply. xoxoxox

in reply to nuigini

That's a good stash. 8 weeks would be a problem for me but at least (supposedly) I can get prescriptions easily.

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada

I have the opposite experience....the less exercise I do, the worse I feel (and the more weight I gain back I worked so hard to lose, sigh). Doesn’t help that I’ve been baking (and eating) more, in part for treats for OH, and out of boredom.

Time to get back on track with the eating habits and do more dancing inside when the weather is awful. Playing cards, ping pong, and singing just isn’t cutting it.

Hope you continue to have far less pain....that really does contribute to a better quality of life.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to PMRCanada

Weight has never been a problem for me. I am one of the lucky ones that 'lost' weight from Pred. 1 1/2 stone (10 kilos). I've even lost a couple of kilos more just lately. I'm never hungry. Probably age!

powerwalk profile image
powerwalk in reply to Constance13

Lost weight from pred? Goodness. Thats one less thing for you to bother about! Keep well.

maria40 profile image
maria40 in reply to Constance13

Wish age was doing that for me! My appetite seems undiminished at almost 80! The digestive biscuits have been taking a hammering in the past couple of weeks.

Thelmarina profile image
Thelmarina in reply to maria40

Hope they were chocolate ones 😋

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh in reply to PMRCanada

Yes unfortunately that’s what I’ve been doing - baking for husband and family members but certainly eating what I’ve baked when it’s stayed here!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to PMRCanada

No such problem in the UK it seems - empty flour shelves makes baking a bit difficult!

PMRCanada profile image
PMRCanada in reply to PMRpro

The grocery run yesterday revealed no flour on the shelves either here in Ontario, Canada. I had bought a huge bag back just before Christmas, so still have lots on hand.

Whitner profile image
Whitner in reply to PMRCanada

Funny, flour and yeast has been a problem in US too! I agree with most of the group that I find that this stay at home stuff is certainly playing havoc with my weight too (probably because I eat too much, you think?)! If I stay in sweatpants, I hardly notice :)

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB

I find that the more I sit down the worse I feel, aching all over and stiff. If I go out for a walk which involves hills, I feel really achy, but somehow manage to walk it off. I am achy again when I’m back at home. One of the problems for me is that I have to question whether it’s the polymyalgia or the osteoporosis.

Confession- My physio gave me exercises to do, and at this point only have the good intentions.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to ClarkB

I suppose it depends a little on age. I used to be the same when I walked too far or exercised too much. As I have now reached the age when one slows down anyway I feel better with more rest than movement.

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB

I’m 79, ( how did I get here!) but my partner is a few years younger, and I find myself walking to places I wouldn’t venture to alone. I often ask why we can’t walk on the paths like other people. I always take my trusty pole to help in keeping me upright! Anyway as I said, if I keep moving I’m ok, but have to prise myself up after watching TV. Still don’t know if it’s the poly or the osteoporosis 🤔

in reply to ClarkB

I always think, and this past month has shown me, that having some uneven paths on a walk does keep more muscles flexible. I can feel I am not getting my little muscle sets going and everything stiffening up. 👣🌻

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to

Most of the paths I walk on are uneven, but I have to keep looking down because of loose rocks and stones, and no good for posture!

in reply to ClarkB

Yes posture does suffer. But I have found £40 over the years by having to look down. I walk a few steps then.stop and have a good look round. Walking and looking up inevitably leads to disaster!

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to

I have never found more than sixpence.

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to

The worst was the other day when I wanted to return home across the field. But no, we had to walk down the very steep and stony path through the woods. The flooding had loosened them even more, and washed some of the path away. I don’t think I looked up once. Better the field of cows.

Didn’t see any money, but I bet nobody else is daft enough to walk down.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to ClarkB

Think you need a serious talk with your partner. He may not be too happy looking after you with a broken hip/knee.🤔

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to Constance13

That’s what I keep saying, but he’s usually too far ahead to hear me!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to ClarkB

I agree with Constance - I hate walking down steep smooth surfaced paths - uneven on the flat is bad enough. Uneven, steep and wet - no!

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to PMRpro

I tend now to find out where he’s going in advance. If it’s the edges where the climbers go, I let him go alone. There are paths at the top, but if there’s a hard way.....

With the social distancing walking/exercise we have tended to go together, more locally now.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to PMRpro

We have flat smooth walks as well but loads of cobble stones too. Why they put cobble stones in the middle of a Spa park that has five clinics for rheumatism and orthopaedics I don't know.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to Constance13

I really struggle walking on cobbles - and I wear solid, flat shoes.

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to PMRpro

You should see me with my rollator. I have to keep steadying IT instead of the other way round.😂

Constance13 profile image
Constance13 in reply to ClarkB

If ever you find out let me know. 😂

I've had PMR for 8 years and Polyarthritis for longer than that - and I haven't found out either!!

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to Constance13

I don’t know about polyarthritis, because I only discovered I had osteoporosis after a scan. Likewise with Polymyalgia, had never heard of it until I had the typical overnight symptoms. I am down to 1 mg again, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference on a higher dose like 4mg, so just carry on.

If I ever find out, will let you know, that’s if I ever get to the doctors again!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to ClarkB

Osteoporosis is rarely painful unless it has cause spontaneous fractures. What were your t-scores?

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to PMRpro

I don’t know off- hand. Memory like a sieve. Will have to look through my medical file! I wonder why people aren’t checked before they reach the osteoporosis stage.

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to ClarkB

Don't get me started!!!! My husband had the machine in his department - it needed replacing and he had a donor to fund the capital cost, it was already been covered in his budget for maintenance and technologist etc etc. The CEO said no - he was later done for fraud and a few other delictions. Will never know if there was connection there - but he was determined to wipe out the entire department which extended across several hospitals ...

ClarkB profile image
ClarkB in reply to PMRpro

Not good for the blood pressure, every time you’re reminded of it I imagine!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply to ClarkB

Dunno - was part of what persuaded OH to retire early :) Nothing is all bad ...

artfingers profile image
artfingers

It is the opposite for me...My husband and I are confined to the inside as well but that was so much easier when we were in Florida before all this hit. We walked twice daily, swam, but mid March lockdowns started in our home state and we had to return home to Michigan, I have found even the once daily walking here is making me stiff, sore knees and barely able to climb the stairs after. I got a knee brace for now (can't get in to see my orthopedic surgeon he cancelled all appointments) but I find this freezing, snowy "spring" weather isn't helping either. I'm at 4.5 mg prednisone split dose. "Saw" my rheumy over the phone and of course she always counsels dropping the pred but I just got down from 5 to 4 1/2 so I won't lower it or up it unless i feel a flare is approaching. Stress from this pandemic is what sets me back as I'm sure it does all of us! I do get out and carefully walk amongst the deer in the woods surrounding our lake...rarely encounter a person and if I do I move far far away...mask on as well for walks. I love the idea of getting up moving every hour!

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