hobbies and interests

gypsy14

hi All

Since getting RA 2 and a half years ago i am still looking after and riding my horse. I now ride western as it is more comfortable and do sometimes need help to tack up etc.

I experience a bit of pain afterwards however the rewards are worth it. Nothing makes you feel less disabled than cantering/ galloping along a beach faster than you could ever have went on two legs.

I have had to give up distance running and get madly jelous when i see other runners out and about however i have not given up hope of a cure one day!

How does everyone else stay active as i have put on a lot of weight since stoppong running partly due to low mood and boredom at times and i am looking for some new inspiration.

get back to me guys as i am currently following good dietary advice however i need to up my activity levels.

Gypsy

gypsy14

hi Delboy
I hate swimming as well. I think it is because you don't actually get anywhere the scenery doesn't change and i cant talk and swim at the same time!
Interesting about the toning tables i have never tried them maybe i will give them a go

Gypsy X

speedalong

Hi,
do you cycle? You could still go at speed, the scenery changes and it is low impact (I think?!)

You say you don't like swimming as the scenery doesn't change - so I presume you mean in a pool. Do you swim in the sea when the weather is warmer or is too cold for you joints?

I'm now very reduced on my keep fit options - due to waiting for an op. My range of movement in my hip is very limited and I'm in a lot of pain.

However before it got so bad I have walked loads, gardened, worked (my job is active - always on the go,) swam, done Tai chi and yoga and played with & entertained my foster son ...

I'm sorry you can no longer run, I hope you find something else you enjoy instead.

Speedalong

cthornley

I never really enjoyed exercise much before I got RA so I finding the incentive to do stuff very difficult now

I do jog - but at my own pace through pretty bits of the neighbourhood so i can enjoy the scenary and take my time if I had to - a very expensive pair of trainers has helped too

I do exercise videos but mainly stick to my post pregnancy one as this has exercises specifically aimed at being low impact on joints (you can get damage after pregnancy due to changes in your hormones making your joints looser)....I also take comfort from the fact that i'm always slimmer than the pregnant woman on the video

I have been recommended to do cycling on an exercise bike (always done in front of a telly so i don't get bored, i used to time my gym visits with showings of films or shows i wanted to watch) as this is relatively low impact and you can adjust the resistance to suit your joints
Otherwise my main exercise nowadays is chasing a very active toddler around (god thats knackering)
Chrissie

dachshund

Hi Gypsy.
i used to have my own horse and i rode for over 25 years.
i now have a thr and tkr and i think i would have
a problem getting on and off.
i walk my dog and i go to the gym and i go to the hydrotherapy pool.
i'm 69 this year
joan xx

elnafinn

Stretching exercises daily around 20 - 25 minutes
15 minutes (hula) hooping
10 minutes on exercise bicycle
These are all done daily except Friday as I have a 2 hour cleaning job, up and down stairs in 4 blocks of flats. Enough exercise there methinks.
Use my bicycle for all my supermarket shopping but that is not far to go. Mainly cycle locally on the flat.
Looking after my grand daughter at least once a week.
Walking much more now because am 10 week post op from my second TKR. Looking forward to long walks later this year.
Gardening, mowing the lawn with a hand mower (always been my job) cutting the edges with short handles shears, helping hubby at the allotment.
I do all the cleaning, tidying, cooking in the home, sweeping up the sawdust in the garage when hubby does wood turning etc. which is most weekends and some evenings. :roll:

Elna x

gypsy14

Hi All
Thanks for all the reply's you are all very positive and informative.

Speedalong- I was thinking of cycling and have started taking small steps towards gardening. We have recently moved to save me travelling as much to see my horse. we now have a very large garden which to two non gardners is v scary but may become new hobby
cthornley-i am really interested that you can still run. Is your joint pain mainly upper body? Do you experience flare ups i am desperate to know more as i would love to get back to it again.

Dachshound-you have gave me hope to continue riding for as many years as possible. I too struggle to get on and off mainly due to poor range of movement and pain in my feet when dismounting.

however on getting RA my pony completely changed from a very flighty mare who was off as soon as my foot went into the stirrup to one who stands at a mounting block for as long as it takes for me to get on or off-which is sometimes quite a while!

I know i am really lucky to have her and she and the dog seem to know when i am flared up and go easy on me as well as being extra attentive.

i will start exercising with a short walk today and gradually add in new activities as my current "flare up" disappears

Thanks again guys

GypsyXX

gypsy14

Elna

What can i say i will have to build up to your routine!
You go girl!!!!!!!!!!

elnafinn

gypsy14 wrote:

Elna

What can i say i will have to build up to your routine!
You go girl!!!!!!!!!!

Aw Gyspy! We are all different in how bad our arthritis is. I have OA and I am one of the much luckier ones, so far, for which I am eternally grateful. You are doing so well. Like you have said on another thread we do need to be positive and try not to give in to it, even if everything is a real struggle. I have my really tired, washed out days too. I rest/slow down and then get on with it all again.

This forum has helped me too - am a little addicted - love to try and help others as that helps me. That is another interest of mine, this forum. At least I am sitting down then!! I have been on here over three years usually every day .....many times!!

Luv
Elna x

woodbon

Hi, I used to walk a lot and and go play badminton & tennis. I still walk as much as I can and even though I get quite sore the next day, its worth it! I have a bike and I cycle sometimes, but it hurts my neck and also these country lanes around here don't have a lot of traffic on them but, what their is, seems to go quite fast and not be expecting to see anyone on a bike, I still do it on a nice day, though. The physio was talking about hydrotherapy, which I would like, but their is a waiting list. I can't swim, so a proper pool is too much for me :shock: I feel embarressed and silly! :oops:
Love Sue

dachshund

Hi i've walked strange all my life being born with cerebral palsy you get used to people looking at you and thinking you cannot do things.
it's arther thats changed my life.
i cannot stand for as long and i cannot walk as far as i used io but i have my mobility scoota.a thing i thought i would never need. but it gets me where
i want to go and back.
i've been going to the hydro for 14 years and i cannot swim but the waters lovely.
joan xx