I'm sure someone said swimming was good exercise for arthur

PollySid
PollySid Member Posts: 343
edited 7. Feb 2013, 13:37 in Living with Arthritis archive
So why, after 15 mins in the pool on Monday am I still in agony.
I didn't even swim for all that time, I stopped each end and rested between lengths (it's only a small pool).

I was fine and felt great when I got home, and have started to lose some weight too. Everything was going great until the sciatica and nerve pain started all down my leg that feels as if someone has shoved a burning poker down the side of my shin bone.

I have been taking full dose of Co cod 4 times a day and it is wearing off after 3 hours.
Alan had to do the shopping alone today and I am struggling to walk much of the time.

OK, you idiots from Atos and Esa - let's see me get and keep a job if I can't even do a few minutes in the pool.

Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi yes swimming can be great but well as you have found out it does not take much to cause pain. and we often over do it with out even knowing we are doing it. as we feel no pain at the time i hope it settles soon val
    val
  • elainebadknee
    elainebadknee Bots Posts: 3,703
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    PS

    Is it a normal pool or hydrotherapy? The diffference is in a hydro one they would give you exercises to do to suit you, make sure you dont overdo it...also the temperature of the water makes a difference....Dont know what your ailments are but they say if knees/hips dont do breastroke....

    Good luck

    Elainex
    PollySid wrote:
    So why, after 15 mins in the pool on Monday am I still in agony.
    I didn't even swim for all that time, I stopped each end and rested between lengths (it's only a small pool).

    I was fine and felt great when I got home, and have started to lose some weight too. Everything was going great until the sciatica and nerve pain started all down my leg that feels as if someone has shoved a burning poker down the side of my shin bone.

    I have been taking full dose of Co cod 4 times a day and it is wearing off after 3 hours.
    Alan had to do the shopping alone today and I am struggling to walk much of the time.

    OK, you idiots from Atos and Esa - let's see me get and keep a job if I can't even do a few minutes in the pool.
  • lindalegs
    lindalegs Member Posts: 5,396
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Polly,

    Probably it should be said that exercises done in warm water is good for our joints. The trouble with actually swimming is that your joints are doing an extensive range of movements which won't help joints if inflamed or sore. In fact they could probably make them feel worse.

    The exercises I've done in the water are ones given by a trained physiotherapist and perhaps this is what you need. Could you ask your GP or Rheumy to put you in touch with someone for advice?

    If you think it would beneficial you could try just walking in the water, doing a width of first forwards, then backwards and then sideways. The resistance of the water against your limbs is good for muscles and joints alike. I could tell you the other exercises I did but as I don't know the extent of your movement I think you're best asking for professional advice.

    Luv,
    Love, Legs x
    'Make a life out of what you have, not what you're missing'
  • JuliaHod12
    JuliaHod12 Member Posts: 456
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    well i can't swim, but have only done the exercises given to me by physio.......just in the water............keeps me mobile and makes me feel loads better.
    maybe ask your GP or consultant if you should be doing it?

    I know a hydrotherapy pool would be ideal, but there arent that many about, but any good gym or leisure centre should have a heated pool you could use.

    best of luck xx
  • Melrymax
    Melrymax Member Posts: 226
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I just googled hydrotherapy pool Chester (nearest city) and found that AC actually run sessions in a hydrotherapy pool with a physio there...maybe worth looking into?
  • kellerman
    kellerman Member Posts: 741
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    We are all different. I find swimming good for me. Its like everything else just do it gradually. When I started I too was getting payback but now find it soothing although I'm not doing a great deal in the water even floating after I think I've had enough is good for me.
    Its like walking.....I couldn't walk far so I don't much as I'd like to.
    A physio can tell you what you should and shouldn't be doing.
    If you can I'd stick with it. Believe me it gets better. May
  • Colin1
    Colin1 Member Posts: 1,769
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Any exersize is good for you swimming or water erobics is good for you because of the reduced weight of your body in the water. However with people like us the problems can be endless. Perhaps you did to much little pool or not. Give it try again when your feeling better, but take it easy. I was the same as you when i started loosing weight and feeling better and more positive about myself. Then the lung problem took over and i no longer go.
    Colin
    WHEN GOD GIVES YOU LEMONS MAKE LEMONADE
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Swimming is good as the whole body is supported but I remember being told not to do breast stroke as it puts too much stress on my knees. I can only do breast stroke. :oops: When I used to go swimming I didn't do lengths or widths, I would walk through the water, march on the spot, float on my back, hold onto the side and gently kick my legs but that was it. I do remember my knees ballooooooning as soon as gravity hit on leaving the pool so I would then spend 48 hours marooned on the sofa but I must have done some good to me before they rebelled! Mind you, they rebel when I'm standing in the shower. :wink: Rest up, I am sure things will settle down and don't be afraid to try it again. Take care. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Still no better today and I've taken an extra Gabapentin this morning too.
    My main problem is my spine, from thoracic to lumbar.
    I was surprised though that I didn't have the normal muscle pain that usually comes after new excersise. My arms and shoulders are fine. I did gentle breast stroke, I'm not a strong swimmer so was not pushing it and going fast.
    It hardly seems worth it to go to a pool to just walk up and down. I want to use the rest of the months membership that my daughter bought me.
    I will see how I am on Monday then try again if I think I can.
    Atm I daren't push it as it is the same pain as I had with a disc prolapse, but the other leg. I pushed it that time and ended up with a paralysed leg and in bed for 8 weeks not able to even get to the bathroom.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    PollySid wrote:
    It hardly seems worth it to go to a pool to just walk up and down.

    Ah but it is, PollySid. Physios have had me doing that a lot. I think one of the problems is that we all want to combine exercise with pleasure. Unfortunately, the most valuable exercises are usually mind-numbingly boring.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • earthspirit
    earthspirit Bots Posts: 278
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    swimming has always got to be good for you but at a pace and yea breast stroke just kills the knees. i used to do a lot of sea swimming and wow did i feel good and physically strong, now i sink when i try to swim.

    hydrotherapy with physio was brilliant despite the extreme pain after but there was a benefit. now i am reduced to a few leg lifts in a local health club pool and walking up and down with the odd strange look from the very few people who are in the pool at the same time. how seriously boring is it to do this lol. the steps in and out of pool and of the single step into the shower are major hurdles.
    i go alone so the taking off and putting on of clothes takes forever and i probably spent 2 hrs to carry out 20 mins of excercise. for a lover of swimming this is the most boring arduous activity i do but its good for me right?

    there is some mild amusement as i climb the very steep stairs up to the car park, seeing people watch me drag myself up the rail, dragging my leg behind me, hardly able to pull myself up to the top. (its a gym and fitness centre too) getting back into car is also like something out of a comedy sketch but yea its worth the £36 a month to put myself through this the few times i am ableto manage to go.



    if you get the chance to use a jacuzzi these really do help the muscles get strong if you just let arms/legs float and be moved by the intensity of the bubbles
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Arthritis causes us to adjust our expectations in all areas of life. Exercise no longer means ten mile hikes, swimming a hundred lengths, cycling fifty miles, doing circuits in the gym etc. It means doing what we can to help ourselves and if that means walking through water then so be it. We need to cosset our painful, ungrateful joints in order to strengthen those poor muscles that support the ingrates. It's not easy. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the tips. I will do as I am told and walk up and down the pool (with a just tiny bit of swimming). That is as soon as my body lets me go anywhere.
  • Harlansmummy
    Harlansmummy Member Posts: 89
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I do an aquafit class specifically for people with arthritis. It is just basic exercise, but done in the water. Might be worth finding a,local aquafit class.
    Twenty-something mother, home educating my wonderful son and currently TTC.

    My particular flavour of arthritis is yet to be confirmed
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    After having read the second post in your thread that you were doing breaststoke it could well have been that that has brought on your discomfort. After reading your first post I wondered if that had been the swimming stroke you had used and you clarified that later on. Perhaps unknowingly at the time, you over did it. It is a lot of work on the lower spine, hips and knees, although it does not actually feel like it.

    I do hope you feel better soon and are not put off trying again.

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello PollySid, how are things feeling today? I hope the pain is easing. I was thinking around stuff in the wee small hours - is there a jacuzzi-type pool there you could just sit in for a while after the swim? That might help to 'massage' the bits that could be sore after exercise. It is a matter of finding what suits and that takes time. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes DD there is a Jacuzzi at the pool.
    I didn't dare go in it last time as there was a huge (I'm trying to be polite here) man in there.
    It would have felt like having a bath with a big stranger.

    No - no better, if anything it is worse.
    I have taken 2 lots of 2x30/500 Coco's and a Gabapentin so far today, the last lot at 11.30 and already it is starting to get very painful.
    After about 3 hours I have to lay down until I can take more tablets, as I cannot stand the pain sitting or standing.

    Luckily laying down eases it off so I have been able to sleep ok.
    I think it will be a trip to the GP on Monday. I'm not expecting him to be able to do anything, but I would like it on my medical records how much pain I am in so that he knows when he has to write a letter for the ESA appeal.

    BTW I had my letter back from ESA yesterday saying I had 0 points, so I have to try to work out how to word an appeal.
  • calcass
    calcass Member Posts: 29
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi PollySid, sorry to hear what should be fun has caused loads of pain - it's no fun when we get, yet something else taken away from us by 'Arthur'.
    I was a great swimmer as a child and encouraged heaps by my Rheumy as a form of physio, so when I tried again a few years ago after regaining my confidence through physio and hydrotherapy I was so pleased that I could still swim quite comfortably (I've always done front crawl and had been warned post TKRs not to do Breaststroke).
    Unfortunately that night I was in agony which continued for days but I went again the following week thinking that my body just wasn't used to it, but again I suffered for the week. My following physio appt I asked why was it hurting so much, she said it was because I didn't have the muscle strength to support the joint movements and I was not controlling the extent to which my joints were moving - hence my body couldn't do it and I had to build the muscle slowly.

    So yet again it is small steps but I am not the most patient of people lol. I hope you begin to feel a little better soon and I know it may seem pointless going to the pool just to walk and do some exercises but it helps so much with relaxation and stretching. If you can get some exercises from a physio that could help you - using floats and other aids to increase resistance really helps as well.

    Good luck and with regards to your ESA get some guidance with that, can CAB? help you out?

    Take care
    calcass
    Be more Panda
    Ccass
  • theresa4
    theresa4 Member Posts: 696
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI

    I loved swimming but unfortunately my arthur (RA) doesnt :x I dont know if its the repetitive movement in my hands (or that they are staying in one position) or the cold water or a mixture of both.

    I have had infections on and off so havent been swimming for a while but the last time I did my hands just dont like it anymore. I do go to the disabled swim at my local pool as they try to turn up the temperature a bit (and my son is the lifeguard on that night so if I need help in and out hes there to help me so Im not so self conscious, I also have to wait for my friend to be available as I cant dress myself very well. When its really cold in the pool it sends pain through my bones, same as if I use an ice pack or run my hands under cold water.
    Im away next week in Tenerife so will see if warm water is any different. Not sure how it will go as im in a nasty flare at the minute but some nice dry heat should improve things at least a little.

    Id love to try Hydrotherapy but my local hospital cant fit anyone in so use the excuse its no good for RA :shock: . I could go to a private one but its miles away I cant drive that far and Im not sure Id be safe on my own on the bus.

    Theresa
    There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart...pursue those. --Michael Nolan



    Theresa xxx
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I find swimming in a pool very difficult so my OH will hold me so I don't get warn out. But the best place by far is a hydro pool, you feel the effects of it very quickly.
  • merri
    merri Member Posts: 190
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Have just noticed the date of the original post, so this may or may not be relevant.

    The way I see it is this. We all want to be able to zoom up and down the pool, or even meander as we used to. Our bodies may not be equipped for this now, but by taking it slowly, step by step we can increase and adjust exercise until both our bodies and brains are happy with what we're doing. The Pain Management course I went on said that AR in general doesn't like exercise, it will flare up to start off with, hence why you need to build it up gradually. They recommend that you time yourself or count widths/lengths. When you feel yourself beginning to get just a tiny little bit achey, stop. Next time you go, you do half of whatever you did before, and then you gradually increase it each 7-10 days and it might only be that you do an extra 1/4 of a length/width each time, but eventually you'll end up where you want to be.

    Even walking up and down the swimming pool can help, as it can help to strengthen the muscle around the joint, which then reduces the pressure on the joint. Also if you swop strokes regularly that can help. I tend to do one stroke up the pool, and another one back down.

    I can say all of this, however yesterday I tried very gentle aqua aerobics, stopping when it was achey and today I'm housebound :lol: So it doesn't always turn out how I'd like
  • PollySid
    PollySid Member Posts: 343
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the late reply Merri.
    Sorry you are suffering for the exercise, it is so annoying when we try to help ourselves and our bodies put their foot down isn't it?
    My only problem with swimming is that I can only really do breast stroke. I had to laugh at someones comments about not being able to whizz up and down the pool. If you saw me swimming you would realise that moving too fast is not the problem :)
    The pool I went to was at a local Health Club and quite expensive to join.
    I decided that if I was only going to be fit enough to go occasionally I would be better if I could 'pay as you go'.
    There is a private pool nearby that seems a good option, and it is reasonably priced, so I may give it another try (gently this time).
  • kentishlady
    kentishlady Member Posts: 809
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Merri. I know that swimming is supposed to be good for you (as my GP kept telling me for years). I kept telling her that in that case why was it that my back was so bad after I had been swimming. Some years later after my OA had been diagnosed, I went to physiotherapy and then hydro-therapy. When I was speaking to the hydro-therapist I mentioned that I loved swimming but that my back was always so much worse afterwards. She asked me which stroke I did and when I told her breastroke, she said that I should never be doing that with a bad back problem because you are swimming at the 'wrong' angle. I was told I should only ever do backstroke if I wanted to swim. However, obviously it depends which part of your body has the problem. Guess it might be as well to get advice (or maybe you already have), as to which swimming stroke is the best for you.

    Beryl.
  • ShulaArcher
    ShulaArcher Member Posts: 174
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi PollySid

    I started having swimming lessons back in the summer in an attempt to help with effects of OA and fibromyalgia. The pool is warm and my teacher is brilliant. I'm not the only one in my class with OA and she makes sure we're using techniques which don't put too much stress on our backs/joints. For example, I used to do breaststroke with "front crawl legs". I'm now able to do backstroke, front crawl and breaststroke and concentrating on improving techniques, eg not holding my head up and causing strain on the spine. I also make sure I have a hot shower before going into the pool, with the water going on my neck particularly.

    Hope this is helpful to you. From being someone who was very nervous in water, I now love swimming and it is very much due to the excellent teaching. This may be useful for you too.

    Shula