Decided on physiotherapy.

Posted , 9 users are following.

I have been making valiant efforts to improve my conditioning. I did three formal classes in TaiChi, walk on my treadmill for 35 min(holding on), and balance and upper body exercises. My hips are still weak and walking any distance is a real effort. I feel like my body is made of balsam wood. No pain though and on 7.75 mg pred. Would love to walk outside but allergic to pollen.

I had my first session today and, fortunately, this therapist has extensive experience with scoliosis/hardwared spines. So I'm hopeful. Will be 77 next month; not ready to give up yet.

3 likes, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • Posted

    You are doing something to be proactive with PMR not letting it get the better of you....you rock....goodluck in your journey...

  • Posted

    Sounds good. Take your time, slow and steady, and before you know it you'll be looking back on these days and seeing how far you've come! 💗

  • Posted

    All the best with it - 35 mins on a treadmill is a lot. They terrify me!

    • Posted

      EILEEN, a home treadmill can go very slow; this is my only way to walk because I AM SO ALLERGIC TO TREE POLLEN AND MOLD. I live in the forest on a lake. Now walking in a treadmill can be terribly boring but I record my favorite shows and the time goes by. There is an emergency stop which is clipped to my clothing. IF I fall it cuts the power.

    • Posted

      Can you vary the speed and angle while walking too? It's the very stable action that always bothers me - ordinary walking varies how which muscles are being used, treadmill doesn't. I do appreciate the problem - doesn't sound an ideal place to live with those allergies!!

    • Posted

      Eileen, the speed and incline can be modified at will . MY nEIGHBORHOOD IS vERY hilly.

      Even if I GOT THE allergies under control my hips are too weak to tolerate more than 200 feet at a time.

  • Posted

    Can you take something for your allergies. I too have bad tree and pollen and many other allergies but was taking something for it before PMR. Then when I got on steroids, I didn't need anything anymore as the prednisone handled my allergies for some odd reason. I think back then I was on a steroid nasal spray at night to breath and a pill during the day so I could get outdoors but I forget what my allergist gave me back then. Oh, then I got to using breathe right strips so ditched the nasal spray. Anyway, I commend you for keeping at it! In winter, I like to ride my stationary bike while reading a good book. Keeps my mind busy so I forget I'm exercising! I'm glad to hear you are staying active. Interesting to take 3/4th's of a dose along with the 7. I hadn't thought of that.

    • Posted

      ARTFUNGERS,

      Ive tried different therapies. This pred dose doesnt really help. My breathing is affectd by allergies : I have reactive airways disease which is not really helped by asthma inhalers- OR STEROIDS. I also have that thick mucous post nasal. I am trying lower dose cetirizine and nasalcrom spray. Thats helping plus high dose VIT D. MY eyes get so dry from pred it drives me nuts- yes I use special eye drops.

      We each have to find a way to deal with this cage called the human body.

  • Posted

    I admire your efforts. I understand the feeling of your body being made of balsam wood. I find that I am so up and down that each day is different. Some days I can do some exercise other days I cannot. I am wondering now if perhaps some of the fatigue I experience is a result of the Prednisone and not just the PMR. I am on 15mg prednisone and have difficulty decreasing. I also have problems with shortness of breath. Recently started on a new inhaler specifically for COPD and it has been helpful. I have never smoked a day in my life, but have been exposed to a lot of 2nd hand smoke. I am 72, do not want to give up, but some days feel like it. My husband and I went out today and I purchased a small mobility scooter. I am tired of not being able to participate in activities with friends and family because I cannot walk any distance. I will keep on trying to increase my walking but what with the PMRa, the prednisone and also back problems related to back surgeries I am not overly optimistic. Keep up the good work and attitude and of course NEVER GIVE UP!!

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