Help!

[sneezy1956]

Hi I've been reading all of your great stories and plans. But, I honestly don't know if I can lose weight.

Do we have anyone else on here with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) who can give me some exercise ideas? I can't do water because there aren't any door pools near me.

I would like to try if someone can help me come up with some easy low impact exercise. BTW, I do walk 2 times a week, but I have to be careful since my knees are in pretty yucky shape

 

[Lesley]

it does sound like you have quite a challege to come up with a suitable exercise routine...

Have you tried some gentle yoga? Or just some stretching?

maybe look for some suggestions from a physical therapist as to what might be suitable and might possibly help your condition until you reach a point where you can do more walking or something like that?

best wishes to you in finding the right path....just the fact that you're looking for ideas is great!

Oh, and I haven't really begun an exercise routine...I've lost 20 lbs on Atkins without it. Though I do know its an important thing to do, its not something I've fit into my schedule as of yet except for a few times. So don't give up on the idea of losing weight just because exercise is difficult. Perhaps losing a few lbs. will help your mobility to the point you'll feel more able to exercise (I don't have RA, but I know its made a difference for me..energy and bulk wise)

 

[sneezy1956]

Thanks! I think I'll pick up the Adkins book at the Library on Saturday and see how I do! Thanks for letting me know that you've lost with out much exercise

I try to walk a couple of times a week but I can't do like I used to and ohhhhh how the pounds have added up!

 

[nativetxn]

Welcome to WISH. Do you regularly work with a physical therapist? I've read that a stationary bicylce is helpful. Too bad you don't have an indoor pool near you.

I agree with Lesley. You can lose weight even if you can't exercise. You are healthier if you exercise and you lose faster if you exercise but you can still lose weight without it.

Just losing weight may ameliorate your discomfort. What eating plan will you be following? Or will you simply make healthier food choices?

Good luck with this. I hope you decide to join our support group. We a very motivated group.

Katholyn

 

[sneezy1956]

Thanks for all the good wishes. I'm going to start with really eating healthy, my doc will thank me also I'm also going to check out the Adkins diet and see if I think I can follow it.

I guess I've joined the group

 

[Claudia1]

A sports medicine doctor told me once that riding a bicycle without resistance increased blood flow to the knees. That increased flow decreases pain and increases them all around. He had a patient that couldn't tolerate any meds and, as a last resort, tried the stationary bike for 15 minutes per day and no resistance. She increased her mobility and was virturally pain-free. He said the key to to have no stress on the knees but to move them.

If you don't have a stationary bike, you can get a set-up for a real bike that holds the front wheel and makes it like a stationery bike. I think you have to somehow disengage the rear wheel but I'm not sure. My DH uses one occasionally and he got it from a bike shop.

That might help your knees to be able to eventually increase your walking.

 

[glo]

I have arthritis in my knees, shoulders, elbows and hands. I will tell you the best thing that has happened to releave the pain and discomfort was loosing 65 pounds on Atkins. I am still bothered by it and the weather does a job n me, but I can say it is atleast 50% better.

I do the pool, but will tell you I hate getting out of tht pool. It feels like you are suddenly carrying an extra 100 lbs for the first few seconds. I also walk...I do the Leslie Sansone tapes "walk awa y the Pounds". Each one is the equivilant to either 1,2,or 3 miles, and really don't kill me. Try the one mile and see.

I know how much arthritis hurts and can make your life miserable. I was taking Vioxx everyday. I have not used any in the last month or so, on a regular basis. I just do on days where I need it.

Good luck and welcome to the WISH board

 

[TigH]

Hi, sneezy!

Wish I could help you out with advice about exercising with RA, but I don't know anyone who has it (well, now I know you!) I will make a bunch of wishes for a great indoor pool to be built near you so that you can enjoy the benefits of a watery workout! How's that?

Just wanted to welcome you! I hope you stick around. Good luck with Atkins if you try it. Lots of people here have seen amazing results with it. A friend of mine who has no idea that the DIS exists just started it last week. We are having a competition (to help keep him motivated) and so far he's stuck with his plan for the week. I will find out Sunday or Monday if he's lost. I'm sure he has! He's in his mid 70s and has tried every diet plan under the sun. If he can do it, you can do it!

Hugs and hang in there!!!!

 

[sneezy1956]

Thanks all, I started this weekend so I'm working hard at losing. I have tried a stationary bike and my knees and hips scream. I guess I'll have to stick with light walking and diet.

I'm sure I'll find as the weight goes off my knees will do better.

I really appreciate all the support