Hello,
Just recently been diagnosed, and was at Doctors to-day. He said physical exersize would be good, whatever I enjoy. To be honest I don't enjoy much physical excersize, so would be interested to know what other people do, and how much it has benefitted them.
Many thanks Anne xxx
Hi Anne
Yoga and water therapy worked best for me. Your doctor can give you a referral to do aqua therapy I dont remember where you live but if your close to a YMCA they often have classes and heated pools. Remember to start out slow and take it easy.
I walk around the neighborhood. I walk with my neighbor and we talk about our day. It helps me.Start small and increase a little each week. If I'm alone I Take my ipod. Hope you find something you like.
I used to swim laps a lot but right now that is too much for me. I do get in the pool but have to go slow, a lot less than I used to. I also use my treadmill a few minutes for each day I can, on the lowest setting. I put on favorite music and try to zone out. It does seem to help a little, as long as I don't overdo it. The goal is just to increase a little at a time. I have had to revise my expectations as I was wearing myself out and causing more pain than good. But exercise does help produce healing endorphins, makes you feel better.
I believe the key is to get up and get out. Whatever you do be sure it is low impact...get an exercise ball, ya know the big ones...for me it makes sit up easy and you can do all kinds of exercises on it. I got me a set of bumb bells...2lbs...and work the arms... you can sit in a chair and do leg raises... You cannot think of exercise as all physical, sweat and pain...Fobro.Folks have to think out of the box and do slow movements. maybe Ti-chi...not sure I spelled that correctly... I heard that is good for us but I myself have not tried it YET!!! Just remember to keep moving. Once we become idle the pain sets in.
I hope you find something that will work for you and that you enjoy. Huggs, Belinda
When I can I walk as well and sometimes I use a stationary recumbent bike. The bike seems to help my knees and with all exercise, I do it for short periods as not to over stress my body. I had a physician recommend adding one minute to my bike riding each time I do it, until I got to the goal of 30 minutes a day. That system worked as I didn’t feel overwhelmed physically or mentally. My knees felt so much better and I felt emotionally better in accomplishing something that was good for me. I have since fallen away from that as my arthritis is flaring, but when I return to my bike riding I will do the add a minute process again. Wishing you the best in whatever you try. HUGS!!!
Hello Purplebutterfly,
Many thanx for your reply. I think I could do something like that. Have enjoyed yoga in the past. I live in Portchester, England so dont know if YMCA offers those sort of facilities, but will certainly ask my Doctor.
Take care Anne x
Hello Susan,
Many thanx for your reply. I do try to walk when I can, so it is good to hear that other peole find that useful.
Take care Anne x
Hello Auburnm.
It is good to hear that it does make you feel better. I could not imagine it would when I feel so much in pain. I am thinking that swimming is the way to go. Many thanx for your advice.
Take care Anne x
Hello Belinda,
Thanx for your advice, lots of things to think about! Much the same as the Doctor said, do not become sedentary.
Have the exercise ball, so will give that a go.
Take care Anne x
Hello Singingtrees,
Thanx for taking the time to reply. I am just worried that I will feel worse after exercise and not be able to deal with the demands of everyday life. But your advice is good, adding one minute each time. Appreciate your advice.
Take care Anne x