Peripheral Neuropathy - Stretching and Exercise

Hi Chris (@artscaping) - that's pretty much my mindset also, one day at a time, one step at a time. I've been thinking of getting an Apple watch to remind me to get up once an hour...too much sitting at the computer. Hope you are safe from all the fires out there...was thinking they are west of you...right?

John

Good move, @artscaping, I have gog myself a calm and lifely little dog, who loves to discover nature and meet the neighbours dogs. I try to join my kids and grand kids on sports events or musical activities, playing card or chess with them -  rather than running behindtennis, ping-pong or squash balls. When they go skiing, I may sit in the nearby terrace and enjoy the sceenery or watch them race.Such activities can reduce pain levels remarkeably.

@artscaping

Thanks, Chris. I have days when I just sit and do things online like this group. Depression has a way of shutting me down some days. Often, we go to town, which is usually for church or doctor appointments - and shopping. I used to out shop my wife, but neuropathy pain in my feet has put some limits on the number of stores I'm willing to browse. I sometimes resort to the electric shopping carts in big stores, but my service dog doesn't like them. But those are good days for strengthening my legs and knees.

I've been through CBT sessions several times over the years, and I'm just beginning to give ACT a go. I'm noticing that the pain isn't bothering me as much lately. No complaints there. My wife has benefited from the exercises she's learned from PT. I should try the yoga moves you described. They sound like they'd be helpful.

Jim

Thank you for writing so beautifully about two points I have difficulty expressing. The grief - and that is the right word - over the loss of our beloved physical activities and the search for replacements. I have difficulty even watching a movie or video set in the mountains (Lake Tahoe was my favorite hiking spot.) I have discovered photography is particularly effective at focusing on people,plants,animals OUTSIDE OF MYSELF AND MY ILLNESS. I will kept this posting with me as a guide.

@keeptrying I so hear what you are saying. I miss hiking/birding/horseback riding/-the list goes on. I can find a happy place in painting the things I so love. Mostly nature and the creatures dwelling therein. @kevinking Yes, exercise does help. The more muscle we lose the weaker we become. I do the best I can and had to slow the pace :(. No particular exercises. Some stretching, mild Tai Chi and walking.

@johnbishop Thanks for thinking of us with the fires. We actually have been and still are experiencing the Santa Ana winds. The gusts were so high over the weekend that the power was totally shut off to all of our mountain....several communities, for 2 days. This is a preventive measure to keep downed power lines from setting off sparks when hit by falling trees and branches. So....we hunker down, light candles, and snuggle up. We actually spent several hours at the Idyllwild Brewpub as they have generators and great craft beer. Because it is so dark with no lights for 50 miles or so in any direction, we also get more coyotes around the yard so have to be careful with Roxie, our little Cavalier. We survived, of course, but feel so sorry for all the devastation to the West and South of us. We head for San Diego this weekend and hope all remnants of that fire have been extinguished. Have a joyful day!

Good evening @keeptrying. Thanks for your response. It is sometimes difficult for folks to accept that grieving is a process and takes time and attention to resolve. A loss of any significant and loved part of our life can lead to depression if we don't address it. I love Tahoe also as I grew up near Yosemite. Now I live on top of a mountain in the San Jacinto range of Southern California. Be safe and joyful.

Greetings @swiss, thank for your reply. I, too, receive great comfort from my Roxie, a little Cavalier who is just a love sponge and the perfect companion (as long as she gets treaties of course.) I have always enjoyed sitting around the fireplace at ski/winter resorts. Couldn't risk any more back injuries and that was in my 20's. I did make it down the course in the 4 man Olympic bobsled while in Innsbruck but that is the extent of my winter sports. Sounds like you are having some joyful moments. Good for you!!!!

I saw this free webinar offered by the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy and thought I would share it here.

FPN Webinar: Physical Exercise and Peripheral Neuropathy
https://youtu.be/4TBKbUWE7N4