Posted , 5 users are following.
Inactivity can be the enemy of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Get off the couch and get moving. Unlike typical back pain, the pain of AS improves with activity. - AS1 Facebook Page
Anyone disagree?
0 likes, 11 replies
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mel77 edward61102
Posted
Hi Edward: I haven't been around here for awhile but look at my badge, I was quite active a few months back. I have this disease and I try to do what I am able to. I don't sit much on the couch but instead I am on my computer, always learning. I do realize inactivity will cause you to eventually not being able to move. The problem is my right leg doesn't wan't to behave because of my pain. Now, my left leg is starting to feel bad with pain. Bending or lifting my legs are harder now that a few years ago. I am retired but try to keep active as much as I am able to.
ridley edward61102
Posted
Today, though not really anymore stiff than normal, I have been exhausted and spent most of the day asleep.
Anyone else like this?
mel77 ridley
Posted
Hi ridley and edwards:
?That is the problem when you try to exercise. You do it one day and the next you have to recuperate. It happens to me all the time. Me being 78 years of age, you guess it. We start to wear out like an old car. I know the most important this to be social and walk. Exercise is very important; even stretching. I finished a course on line about sleep and I also have another course in beginning meditation. There are a ton of courses on this web site but I don't know if I am able to list it here. It won't be like promoting it but just sharing something. Maybe I need ask the moderator to see if could do this. It is not just spondylitis I suffer with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, edema of the legs, problem with my veins in my legs, memory, skin condition, stage 3 kidney disease, and oh, ED. I'm a mess but I am still kicking. Oh, I forgot to say COPD and emphyasema. What more can I get?? Now, I am focusing on a holistic approach and my doctor believes in it. I know I will have to walk but when I start to, my back stops me from continuing. I know I have to force myself to continue. I have been to physical therapy and helped some. The problem is when you are on medicare, you only have a few weeks of this and cost of 90 dollars a week is way too much and then the doctor has to write another scrip for you to continue. My coach told me if I feel any pain while exercising, STOP. I am looking at accupuncture, meditation, warm water pool, jacuzzi, lose some weight, and possibly chair Yoga and Tai Chi. I am not sure of Tai Chi though as you have to balance and I fail at that. It's damn hard to have all these conditions and the doctor doesn't even know where to start. I have been told you got much going on and we just have to take it one step at a time. I use a cane, and eventually I might need a walker. I just don't want to end up in a wheel chair. That would suck to no end. well, I am here again talking to people who hurt and can share our hurts and some of the good days. Take care, be well and you will see me here more frequently.
Mel
edward61102 mel77
Posted
Yes we need to find that balance where we can get our exercise but not to the point of being out to bed the following day.
I've found massage and aggressive stretching to be very helpful. I know that many people with AS have serious problems with massage. I consider myself lucky.
Mel, you're right. Getting out of the house and staying active and social is most important. I spent a few years at home in bed. Not only did I feel worse physically, but my mood also became as dark as the Seattle clouds. Mostly I was feeling sorry for myself. I was allowing AS to beat me down. One day someone told me I looked like I'd given up. That's all it took for me to turn it around and take control of my life.
Let's stay positive fight back!
ridley edward61102
Posted
I just do not know why I get SO tired so easily I did not used to be like this even a few years ago.
gloria55119 edward61102
Posted
Hi Mr. Ed...good to hear from you. I have recently returned from a trip to Australia where my family got me sight seeing and into family reunions..it helped me so much. My mood was lifted and I was happy. I think this helped me so much. Being so active for two weeks was just what the doctor ordered. Such a blessing for me.I'm still unable to walk unassisted...but feel so good inside. Thanks to my family..love you all. G
edward61102 gloria55119
Posted
Hi Gloria! We need to catch up!
I'm happy you got to visit the family. I too just returned from a three week trip to the U.S. and Canada to visit my kids and siblings. Actually, I went for my Grandkids, but we won't tell that to the rest of them. 😁
As your and my rainy season is beginning, we need to find ways to keep our hearts and minds busy as well as our bodies.
My wife is close to giving birth, so my heart, mind and body are about to go crazy. Ha ha ha
ridley edward61102
Posted
" One day someone told me I looked like I'd given up"
That could be me.....
edward61102 ridley
Posted
If you feel that way, It's time to do something about it. Only you can find what it is that will make you happy. The nice thing is, you have a lot of people here who know some of what you're going through. Private msg any of us if you need to talk about things. Gloria and I are both good listeners.
Yogee edward61102
Posted
I totally agree with you. When I was diagnosed, I luckily was in physically good shape....exercising 6 days a week, taking various exercise classes....high impact/aerobic, pump, core, spin, yoga. I was also doing brisk walking. Two years post diagnosis, I have had to cut back tremendously on the classes. Because of AS and psoriatic arthritis, I have had tendonitis in the quads, elbows and shoulder impingement. Two weeks ago, a bulging disc in the neck occurred....while I was in week 7 of physical therapy for the impingement and AS issues affecting legs. I did not do anything out of the ordinary and do not know what caused the bulge. I have am upcoming appt with a rheumatologist and I will ask if my spine will be more prone to injury than those who are age 65 without AS. I am able to practice yoga, spin and do pump with modifications. Eventually, I will probably have to join a different gym that offers water aerobics. Yoga has been my saving grace because it has kept me flexible. However, I feel some of the yoga moves might have precipitated the bulge....I don't know. I have never felt any discomfort while practicing yoga. Anyway, I am grateful I was active prior to diagnosis and hopefully this will slow the progression of this unchosen path with AS.
edward61102 Yogee
Posted
I was an office worker when I got my diagnosis. That was the worst possible job for me. It wasn't until after I was forced to quit working and the subsequent years of depression and self pity that I finally relative found fitness.
A few years ago I was doing hot yoga. I really enjoyed it. Even though I've become 100% fused, I still have some forward and side mobility. That is the yoga and now my PT stretching me.
Its amazing the different stories we all have. I find each one interesting and comforting.