Lifestyle choices

PollyM

Hi! I’m a newbie here, just joined, looking for help and motivation to manage lifestyle challenges. I have long-term spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis in my spine and hip. I’m also a carer for I my husband who has chronic kidney disease. I’m increasingly struggling to keep active and looking to. share help, inspiration, motivation even to manage exercise, diet and sleep, pain management and tiredness. That’s quite a lot? Well there’s lots of content here and it immediately feels helpful to be part of a sharing community

PJoanne

Hello @PollyM welcome to the community.

I understand - it is a lot to manage all at once. For exercise I do tiny little bits of stretching or strength training over the course of the day. For example if I get up from the sofa to make a cup of tea I will get up then sit down and then repeat a few times (works the quads), when I am waiting for the kettle or microwave I will do something similar.

I read this book and it helped me a lot - Feel better in Five by Dr Ragan Chatterjee.

Maybe something here will be helpful?

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/april/everyday-tips-for-living-with-arthritis/

Best Joanne

aucuparia

Hi @PollyM and @PJoanne

Thanks for this. I'm a newbie too, joined for similar reasons , and already feel better for reading these posts. It's good to know there are people around who understand.

I was fortunate to have a good GP and got a speedy diagnosis. She recommended a Mediterranean diet, ( mainly fish, veg, olive oil, water and the occasional glass of red wine😊); made a referral to an NHS physiotherapist (who noticed I also had a hamstring injury); and offered a variety of pain relief ( including cortisone injections, which I have deferred in favour of lifestyle changes) I took up Sun style Tai Chi, which has helped incredibly with movement and balance, as well as finding some mental peace. There is a class once a week at my local community centre and I practice at home. Turns out most of my fellow students have "mobility challenges"

That was a year ago. There are, of course, still days when the arthritis pain, stiffness and total misery hits again and I am fit for nothing. But generally things have improved.

I bought a new swimming costume and made some of visits to a local pool which had quiet timetabled slow lane adult swims. I also looked for a pool that was easy access through steps. The first attempt was laughable because my body didn't work. I had no leg kick and nearly went under. Now I have a new costume and although I'm still in the slow lane can cope with full lengths and a ladder entry.

A recent bout of Covid didn't help either physically or in terms of mental attitude. Now time for a reset.

I recently bought a simple second hand exercise bike. Just short gentle bursts for now but it works. Yesterday I signed up for the "escape pain" on line programme (my biggest problem is in my legs) My husband (who has heart failure) has also "had a go" on the bike. So lets see how it goes!

Thankyou again @PollyM and versus arthritis for giving me an extra boost.

Two of my daughters have given birth recently and I now have lovely little grandchildren. That is an extra reason for me to get moving. But not one we have any influence over.😊

PJoanne

Hello @aucuparia

Inspired by your post! Thank you.

best @PJoanne