How I reinvented myself after PMR

[Koalajane]

I have sat here and thought to myself I haven’t reinvented myself at all, I then thought again and realised that yes I have.

Before my symptoms started I worked part time in a major supermarket and would take overtime.

I started the symptoms and carried on thinking everything was okay and would improve until on our annual German market trip when my legs kept giving way and were so stiff and achey. I spent the four days of that trip in the hotel room and had to have assistance on the plane.

On return I rang up work to say sorry I won’t be in and was in fact off for 6 months while my doctor did tests. I was getting worse and had bilateral pains and weakness and couldn’t get downstairs or up again! I struggled to turn over in bed! Eventually I was diagnosed with PMR and continued to not work so was off for a total of 6 months.

I wanted to return to work but my doctor would ask my husband what he thought. I think she knew he was probably more honest than me about how I was.

I had a phased return and before my return I had a phone interview with occupational health. This set out my return and that I may have to have time off due to my condition. Also that I was to operate a checkout rather than self scans. I said to my manager that I may not be able to do any overtime and stuck to this until I retired.

I decided at that time that I was going to change my diet to a low carb one which was good for me as I was also diagnosed about 3 months after my PMR diagnosis with type 2 diabetes. I did get this into remission in 6 months by diet change and exercise. I started trying to walk further and further and now walk over 10,000 steps a day.

So I have reinvented my body to be healthier and over 3 stones lighter. Apart from my PMR I feel a lot healthier. Unfortunately I had to donate a lot of my clothes to charity shops and buy a new wardrobe.

I worked for another 6 years after my diagnosis and just before my 70th birthday decided it was time to retire.

[Pollyanna16]

well done you after such a debilitating time. You really kept motivated & must feel so much better in yourself! I’m really impressed, as a person who thinks she’s doing all the right things but never quite does enough to make a real difference!

[Koalajane in reply to Pollyanna16]

Thank you. I do feel good that in some ways PMR was a kick up the backside to get and eat healthier.

[Miacaro45 in reply to Koalajane]

As they say “ you did good”. lol. Congrats

[Koalajane]

thanks