Keep on Moving Club: August 2018

[Sunshine]

MS creates some real challenges to keep on moving. It helps to inspire each other on how to find ways to move.

Did you stretch in your bed, swing your arms, roll side to side today? Or perhaps you did housework? Or exercised in a pool? Tracked your count of steps? Chased your cat around the home? Pushed the wheelchair wheels with your arms at the store? Post them here and we can support and egg each other on.

[agate]

I just noticed you mentioned pushing wheelchair wheels. That can be a bit of a workout, to put it mildly.

I've become very keenly aware of the surfaces wherever I go. I automatically scan the area looking for the smoothest route because pushing the wheelchair over carpeting can be a challenge. Some carpeting is much easier than others though, and I've found that I should always give carpeting a try before giving up on it.

[stillstANNding]

I had PT yesterday. If I can do anything well (and I can) she changes it up so muscles work harder or to include another muscle group. (0h, nooooooo!)

I did the ergonomic stepper which works legs, thighs (needed) and arms for 10” first thing. I did the slant-sled thing on the Total Gym for three sessions. They promise rewards but the only rewards are a tiny break or water, not an all day sucker. Or chocolate. ;-(

After that was the box thing that you do different combos of steps on. I was cruising on the 5” so she made it 10”. We also did some balance work, between the bars, on solid and unstable ground. Not good w balance. I don’t think that’s fixable.

Last was low table work on my back working my abs w a 65 cm ball and I was good at it as I have been doing it since May, so she made it more difficult to.

It’s a jammed 45”. Very little small talk but cordial. All work. Leave exhausted. Payback in spasms at night. The PT thinks that’s good. We are building muscle and making others stronger.

ANN

[Sunshine]

That’s a grueling work out!

Not sure the spasms are a good thing. I would be inclined for a slower stepping up of activity, so that you have gains, but not spasms, say. a 10% increase, not a 100% increase... I am not one to subscribe to the theory of no pain, no gain. In fact, research debunks that.

But good job sticking with it!


Yes agate, I think wc give your arms and heart a workout, especially on rugs.


Today I swam 20 minutes, 1/3 mile.

[Virginia]

Straight As for Ann and Sunshine. Such perseverance for both. Agate, also deserves straight As for same reason.

[stillstANNding]

And for you, Virginia, for amazing amounts of house work and “running” around town. Running, who remembers that?

One time when I started PT at a local place, they had a Medicare form. One of the questions was, “Can you skip?” Really. I can’t even think how to skip. Fortunately, that pre- PT form is gone as it should be!

ANN

[Howie]

I remember years ago, finding out I could no longer run. But here at the 20 year mark of having MS, I can still walk, and still drive. That feels pretty good to me.

[stillstANNding]

That’s a grueling work out!

Not sure the spasms are a good thing. I would be inclined for a slower stepping up of activity, so that you have gains, but not spasms, say. a 10% increase, not a 100% increase... I am not one to subscribe to the theory of no pain, no gain. In fact, research debunks that.

But good job sticking with it.

She only went to the 10” because two 5” steps were the only combo available as the Rehab gym was crowded.
ANN

[Sunshine]

Today I swam 606 Yards 20 minutes. Over 1/3 mile. Then I waxed my board for 10 minutes and then packed up a carton.

Shoes now feel heavy which means the shin muscles are not pulling their weight.

[agate]

And for you, Virginia, for amazing amounts of house work and “running” around town. Running, who remembers that?

One time when I started PT at a local place, they had a Medicare form. One of the questions was, “Can you skip?” Really. I can’t even think how to skip. Fortunately, that pre- PT form is gone as it should be!

ANN

Skip? Oh yes. I did a lot of skipping at one time, mainly skipping rope. It's been a while. I couldn't skip now. Or play hopscotch.

Pedometer step-counts:

7/24/18 - 1484 steps
7/25/18 - 949 "
7/26/18 - 840 "
7/27/18 - 1204 "
7/28/18 - 841 "
7/29/18 - 1322 "
7/30/18 - 1153 "

[Sunshine]

Those are great numbers Agate :)

[Sunshine]

At 4 a.m. I had an ankle spasm, turning ite foot inward. It settled down after about 15”. Scary cuz you never know if it will spread.

So, intrepid, or stupid, I swam at 7 a.m. for 20 minutes, 606 Yards, and waxed my board for a few minutes. Ran an errand and a doc visit. That should be it for the day, other than packing for surfing in the morning.

I get so overwhelmed in the early morning with weakness, and just end up feeling the futility of it all. It dissipates after the exercise.

[stillstANNding]

I think you are doing miraculous things, Sunshine, and with MS, SPS, and the other immun problem. I may have missed something. You’re awesome, truly.

ANN

[agate]

Those are great numbers Agate :)

Not so great when compared with what normal people do but comparisons shouldn't be made.

Still, when I was at the diabetic shoe place, I was a bit concerned that they might not take my shoes very seriously since there I'd be in my wheelchair, and so when the guy said, "You obviously don't walk much at all, do you?" I bragged about my step count. He was actually genuinely impressed, I think.

JULY STEP COUNT AVERAGE: 1282, just a little better than any of the 11 previous months

[Sunshine]

As well he should be. And chastened. A more polite comment would be, “are you able to take steps.”

That’s great news on July! How do you account for you ur progress?

Yes, do not compare yourself to others. YOU know, and WE know it’s a big accomplishment.