Do any of you worry because you can't exercise as you wish?
I have polyarthritis and, because of the very damp, cold weather I just can't get outside (I haven't been out of the house for five days). I do walk around the flat, stretch, bend when I can - but 'walk'?? Do you "push" yourselves or just wait for better conditions? PMR isn't worrying me too much (shoulders, upper arms) but the arthritis?!
Hi Constance13. Yes...I absolutely do! Prior to diagnosis (approx just over 18mths ago) I was very active and fit...at the gym most days and swimming. All that was knocked on the head when PMR struck and was a real shock to the system to not be able to maintain that level of exercise anymore. I walk every day for at least 30mins but always mindful of my capability on each given day and if I have to ease off, I do. I've also started doing yoga at home and you'd be surprised how much it improves your health and well being. Anything that maintains muscle and bone health and supports good balance is worth doing but mustn't overdo it as the consequences will be far reaching and set you back. Don't be disheartened....there's still much you can do ......you're not trying to be the fittest and strongest person ever...you just want to be the strongest and fittest YOU can be right now.
I think as long as you keep up the exercise and stretching indoors, then the walking will have to wait until better weather.
It might be frustrating for you, but no point in trying to go out in cold damp weather - it could prove dangerous especially if you fall.....quite possible with arthritis!
As with lots of things, just accept it is what it is! 😊
"Acceptance" - SUCH a hard thing to conquer!!
Thanks DL! Hope you have a comfortable/pain free transition into the new year.
When I wasn’t able to do anything I tried to incorporate exercise into what housework I could do. I also made a point of not using the downstairs loo. Having watched countless people over the years I think much loss of function is a gradual lack of upkeep of maximum possible range of motion. Then bodies seem to forget what maximum is and reset to the new reduced point. For example, sitting for long periods shortens various muscles so if they are never stretched everything is off line with the knock on effects that has on other structures. Another problem is balance due to weakening of the little muscles that keep joints stable during the side to side movements that tend to occur on uneven ground. Many exercises use the large muscles only. So, keeping up exercises like balancing on one foot is useful to keep these going. Walking is great but if you can’t get out, you can’t get out and it sounds like you’re doing well keeping things going.
I usually balance on one foot when preparing food (one foot after the other - of course)😂 or when I'm unpacking things (like the mass of online orders)🤪.
I suppose I just can't get used to my age?? You'd think you would just adjust yourself, wouldn't you - but it comes on so suddenly!!!!!!
My mother's voice came into my head when I read about "balancing" in the kitchen. I know you're not a silly woman, but Mom needs me to tell you this:
Just don't be balancing on one foot while wielding knives or hot pots and pans.
Even though she's been gone a long time, now, I sometimes feel compelled to voice her concerns and warnings.
😇
😂😂😂 Even I am not that stupid!
I know. But as I said, sometimes Mom's voice compels me. Some of my favorites are when she's telling me not to park the car in a pile of leaves, put your wet shoes in the boot tray - not on the floor, don't take the lid off the popping corn until it stops popping, and make sure to turn off the water supply to the outside spigot right after Halloween.
I must remind my son about the outside taps! Thank you! 🤣
That makes so much sense, Snazzy - never thought of the little muscles helping to maintain balance being neglected; I do daily walks, up and down sand dunes, rocks etc**. and am so wobbly lately I have to take a stout stick (which I usually leave in the porch, the brain could do with more of a work-out, too 🙄) ** that sounds much more energetic and worthy than the undignified scramble and wavering it really is!
My daughter laughs at my solution to make brushing my teeth and staring into the mirror less boring as I walk around the house on tiptoes doing one-handed little jobs such as putting dishes away.
With you there Constance. PMR not a worry on 2.5 now, but feel so guilty I am letting muscles weaken by not being able to go out even if only to mooch around shop holding onto a trolley. Indoor exercise must suffice.I had an second appointment for hip replacement beginning of Jan., previous one booked for Oct.. now that has also been knocked on the head.
Will just do as much as I can and fingers crossed I am offered the Pfizer vacc soon, at our age the higher the efficacy the better.
No doubt living in Germany you will get Pfizer anyway.
Pecker up, eyes on ground don’t trip up🥺
Thanks Marymom.💥 At 81 (and OH 85) I suppose we should hear soon about when and where we will get the vaccine.
Yes, i worry about being able to do enough to keep my bones out of the "bone med" threat, which my rheumy was banging on about last visit. Because of a mixture of conditions i can only do very limited walking, etc. I would think you are not alone!
Hello Constance. Here's simple exercise to do to strengthen your feet, ankles and calf muscles and also improve your balance.
Heel raises:
In bare feet stand with your feet 8-10 inches apart and feet facing forward.
Place your hands at shoulder width lightly on the back of a chair or on the worktop.
Raise your heels so that you are on your toes and hold there for 5 seconds.
Lower your heels slowly so your feet are flat on the floor.
Repeat this 10-15 times once a day.
Try to make your movements smooth and your back and neck straight so that your body and head don't lean forward ( I had to practice this!).
Yes. I noticed the other day that I've lost noticeable muscle mass from the calf of the leg with the bad knee. This is despite managing a little hobble outdoors every day, plus physio twice a day including exercises to strengthen leg muscles and using a pedal exerciser for an hour every day. It's scary! I went out one day although it was very windy, and when I got back near my door and turned to go up a walkway the wind was coming from the side, against my weaker leg, and I couldn't walk. I thought I'd be blown over. Was imagining getting down on hands and knees to crawl to the entrance when another resident in the building noticed me and he and his wife came to my rescue. That was embarrassing enough but at least I was spared further humiliation!
Very apt question at this time of year. Surfaces outside here are lethal and definitely not worth the risk. I am trying to do some exercise/stretching indoors but it does not feel the same. At least with walking you don't have to get up off the floor (hopefully!)
Last time I collapsed (two weeks ago) I had to call 112 (999 in England) because - after trying to get me up for 1/2 an hour my husband was tachycardic!! I must admit the paramedics were marvellous.👏👏👏
I know I am in a very unfit state...been in on and off over the years, fatigue prevents me and OA pain in spine. Osteoporosis too. The sun was out today so walked down my road very slowly and back again.....all of about 5 mns...but seemed forever!.....OH asked if I want to go out tomorrow for a walk!...well, he can take me to my favourite place (you might remember) Ranworth....he can walk and I will watch the swans.....😕
We can only do what we can do......keep positive the weather can't last forever..
Having polyarthritis and PMR together are often unbearable. This cold, wet weather will be the death of me! (It's being so cheerful that keeps me going).🤪
Every day I've said to myself "buck up, go for a walk" only to collapse on the couch a quarter of an hour later.
This too will pass.🤶💥🍀
Sorry to sound silly but what is the differences between the to .
PMR affects the muscles and arthritis affects the bones.
Can't say I remember Ranworth but I suppose we must have gone through the broad as we spent weeks on end in our boat.
I'm so jealous!.....would be nervous just getting into one....I always feel relaxed by water..Ranworth is a broad that you branch off from when on a boat from Wroxham....the Mississippi showboat tours round there......lovely old cottages...unspoiled
Our mooring was in Horning so we were 'neighbours' of the Mississippi.
Yes, very popular....
Hi Constance:
When I first started, I didn't wander too far from places where I could sit down or duck indoors if necessary. That's a bit of an issue in the pandemic, I realize, but maybe just a walk around the block or down the road and back is worth a try. I commuted to work everyday by walking, bus, ferry and sometimes subway. But I knew people all along the way who would help me out if I needed anything, so I never really felt alone or in danger, although sometimes I got tired. So I'd find a place to perch and gather myself to go on. I only stayed home, or stayed in, when there was ice or snow on the ground.
Around the house, I tried to use 2 pound wrist and ankle weights when I did a little housework or cooking or gardening, or just sitting on the couch lifting and stretching my arms and legs. It took quite a while before I could do more than 5 repetitions and then 10 repetitions, building up at a rate of 5 reps a week until I got to 100. And if I wasn't feeling it, I did half of what I did the day before, or took a break for a day or so until I felt better.
I also "did the stairs", like in step class, just going up and down the bottom step to get some cardio. When I hit my limit, whatever it was that day or that time of day, I was done. I didn't worry about how may steps I took. I just went on till I was done, but I never let myself get to the point where it hurt, or couldn't control my air intake.
Mostly, right now you want to emphasize range of motion- stretching, moving your arms, legs, even fingers and toes very slowly and stopping before you reach the pain point. Think about the wrist and ankle weights, but you want to keep it light. You can work on balance by grabbing the edge of the kitchen counter and standing on one foot, concentrating on standing as still as you can. Your hands gripping the counter will steady you. As you get more comfortable and build strength, you can try stretching and/or swinging your legs front, side and back. Again, you're looking to keep range of motion, not building muscle, but keeping what you have flexible and slowly getting stronger and building stamina.
Look online for "chair exercise" videos, yoga (you don't have to do anything that seems too hard), or Tai Chi. Tai Chis is one of my favorites because it doesn't require a lot of space, you can do it on any level surface, and you don't get dirty. Maybe sweaty of you're outside on s summer day, but not dirty. There's no floor work.
You will get better, and stronger and stay flexible as time goes on. Remember that too much, too often, without sufficient rest breaks is not good for you now. Take it easy. Do only as much as feels good, pushing only in tiny increments on good days. You meed to save some energy for ordinary tasks as well as for whatever fun or unexpected events arise. Tomorrow's another day, a different day.
Been there, done all that - but believe me with polyarthritis (7 main joints - well I suppose 14 as it is symmetrical) and being 81 years old, most of what you suggest is just not possible.
I have been a bit lazy lately but ?!!!
Enough Constance! You'll get there.
The point is to do what you can, when you can, and no more. Can you get a teleconference with a Physical or Occupational therapist for some guidance?
I've had physio time and time again but no more. I'm past that, and the strain of getting there would knock me out before I reached the clinic.
I was hoping you might have access via Zoom.
I must apologise to you all but I confess reading this list of woes makes me feel so much better. Misery loves company.
Glad to cheer you up.😂
🤣 You have no idea!
I used to - not any more!!
This is something I still struggle with - badly to the point I'm having counselling to attempt to come to terms with my new found situation.
When diagnosed, I was running half marathons, 10k once or twice a week with a 5k parkrun thrown in. I did a full 10 mile tough mudder with 4 days notice.. my life revolves around my friends who are all runners and fit (other half included) and it's a constant reminder.
Worry doesn't help however and I honestly think we can only do what is possible. Keep moving in whichever way you can within your limits. If you are doing this then you are doing all you can.
CB
Yes, I completely understand the comparisons between then and now and they really aren't helpful. It really is about framing new opportunities as you move forward but this takes a bit of practice doesn't it.
Like you, I've discovered open water swimming is something I can do. I still hark back to the past though although I find recognising and 'catching' the thought as it arises and changing it is helping.
I'm glad you've found new activities. I value your thoughts on this and whilst I hate that someone else feels the same, it's reassuring I'm not alone.
Good luck getting them back.
Running.. I'm currently signed up for next year's Great North Run again. I suspect I'm going to have to re-adjust my time expectations by a long shot.
Walking is good.. we can't run without walking first. Don't you find you notice more at a walk? I do for sure.
Constance for your poly has any medic offered Methotextrate, which the Rheumy Nurse told us was the gold standard treatment many years ago. Might be worth asking.
I tried MTX some years ago - upset my stomach big time, so rheumy tried another, similar, med - that did the same so he said "you'll have to carry on with just Pred then" (which I was actually pleased with).
Doing alright on pred and cocodamol though.
Feeling more the thing now (especially when you read the stories of some other poor folk).
Hope life is treating you well, dear friend. Happy New Year (??) and all that.
C. 💐🍾🍸🍸🍸🍸🍀🍀💥
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