Lazy or scared? Exercise....yes or no?

I stopped taking Prednisolone about 4 months ago after tailing off. At first it was fine although a bit scary expecting it to flare up again. I had suffered too much with weight gain and stomach agony as well as personality changes. I have lost a lot of weight, especially on my face. I know I still have PMR symtoms which my doctor insists is arthritis which I also have(pre PMR) and that is why he insisted I came off Prednisolone and just used NSAIDS. I use a tricycle raised on ramps in my garden with the ost spectacular views accross Oxfordshire and am never bored of using it. I am going to raise the seat this week as I feel stronger.

The one thing I have had since the beginning of Pred is sever water retention. putting a strain on my already stented heart. I take two water pills a day but my legs were still like ballons full of sloshing water. Four days ago I started to wear my husbands lymphodema compression stockings (he has MS) these were full length stockings that he didnt like so brand new... My legs are down to the size they were when I was a fashion model 50 years ago and my breathing has improved so much.I have now ordered full length arm comression sleeves and will let you know how they go.

The strength in my legs has trippled and improving daily. I wear the stockings 24 hours a day at present because my legs would swell even in bed. I have enough pairs to change them and have bought the same number for arms. Even the jhodpor thighs that had developed have shrunk considerably ! although they are not covered by the stockings.

I would certainly recommend these for those awful orange peal dimpled thighs because for the first time in ten years they have also gone ... in four days !

I have no qualms wearing these things for life....my feet have gone down by two sizes. I told my doctor I felt as if I had elephantiasis and he laughed and said it was age! and of course the innevitable arthritis.

I also have moments of fear of moving...or my body not responding to my mind. I juast accept it and put on an exciting video, Vikings or Game of Thrones...after that I feel well enough to get up and get on with things.

I have pain but can bear that, more then the side effects of Prednisolone. Some afternoons I have to sleep for a couple of hours especialy after shopping. I work one day a week for a very nice and understanding client and cook all their meals for the week.

I still have a bit of trouble lifting my right arm but am hoping the compression garments will help as much as they helped my legs.

I have a lot of water retention and dimpling around the upper arm where the stiffness is.

I know it sounds impossible but dont give up...work around.

If I feel I have to lie down i peel potatoes or shell peas. anything to not feel guilty and useless.