Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Feb 19, 2020

Many of you living with cancer or an autoimmune disease, like me, deal with daily fatigue. You know that exercise is so important to your health, but it’s so hard. There’s always an excuse: it’s too cold or hot, it’s going to rain or it’s raining, or it’s snowy and icy, or I just don’t want to. I, too, have all these excuses, but I have a new rescue dog who wants to go out and who doesn’t care about my excuses! And I’ve got traction devices for my boots.Now I just need a walking group who will keep me accountable. People who say, ‘let’s go for a walk.'

And I thought: What about my virtual friends on MayoClinicConnect?

Mayo Clinic has an easy 12-week walking program to get us started! Here’s the link:
- Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/get-walking-with-this-12-week-walking-schedule/

So let’s form a virtual walking group. We can agree to walk every day and encourage each other through Connect. We can walk outdoors, in a mall, or in the red center, or in the hallways of our apartment building.

Who’s in? Who’s going to join me?

Come on, Let’s Go Walking!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

@gingerw

@becsbuddy I have been doing more weed pulling and yard work than walking. My knee is really bothering me, and ortho appt has been cancelled until further notice. At least being here on the property, if there is an issue, I have a chair nearby.
Ginger

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@gingerw I haven't been doing many stretches recently because of my knee. the pain keeps moving around but I can tell it's coming from my knee. It's so frustrating that we can't see our Drs or our physios at the moment. I did have a good video appointment with my dermatologist last week. It was kind of neat. I had to connect to the medical video 10 minutes before my appointment and when I had connected, I was put in 'the waiting room' . I didn't have to wait too long and then my Dr's face appeared. It was like face time. It doesn't work too well for examining a knee. I think your knee maybe worse than mine but I would like some therapy. Good luck with yours. I am trying to avoid moves that hurt but I am still walking. I am 80 on Thursday. I can't believe it. Keep up the good work everybody.

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@yakki

I’m in. Definitely need some structure for exercising.

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@yakki, Good Morning and Welcome to Mayo Connect! I understand a need for structure. I can be easily thrown off course anytime, but most especially on days when I am 'free' from adhering to my normal routine. For example, if I don't walk in the morning, I'm not likely to do it later in the day. I am an outdoor walker, especially now that the gyms have closed. I am enjoying the gentle persuasion and coaxing that I get on this Let's Go Walking discussion.
@becsbuddy began this discussion as a 12 week program and it has attracted a very devoted following! As she shared yesterday, this is the beginning of week #9 of a 12 week week #9 with 23 minutes of walking. However, Anyone can join in at anytime.
Glad you are joining us!– Get walking with this 12-week walking schedule. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/walking/art-20050972

Yakki, Would you share a little about yourself? Are you currently engaged in a exercise activity? Are you experiencing physical limitations?

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@yakki

I’m in. Definitely need some structure for exercising.

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Good Morning, @yakki Welcome to Connect.
I think in these days of isolation we all need some structure. I tend to delay exercising until late in the day but I do push myself to get moving then. There are many online video exercise classes that I have been using, plus walking outside on pleasant days, and/or riding my recumbent bike on days when I do not walk. I also had some exercises given to me by my physical therapist. They are good for core and balance. I try to do the balance ones daily, and the core ones every other day -- they really do work your core so I need a break rather than doing them daily.
Have you tried online classes? The ones I have been using are free and very good in my opinion. There are many that are 30 minutes or less which I like.

@gingerw I hope your knee improves. Maybe you need to not do as much daily. My knees and thighs hurt if I walk outside daily so I try to skip a day. We also changed from walking in our neighborhood to walking on the outdoor track at the HS and being flat and having a surface not as hard as pavement did help. I realize yours hurt from weeding but try doing it every other day, that may help.

@pollyanne I had a video appointment with my PCP a couple of weeks ago and he looked at my R leg and foot during it because I had had some swelling there! It was odd having him examine it via video.
It sounds as if you are doing great, I hope you keep up the good work also.
JK

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@contentandwell

Good Morning, @yakki Welcome to Connect.
I think in these days of isolation we all need some structure. I tend to delay exercising until late in the day but I do push myself to get moving then. There are many online video exercise classes that I have been using, plus walking outside on pleasant days, and/or riding my recumbent bike on days when I do not walk. I also had some exercises given to me by my physical therapist. They are good for core and balance. I try to do the balance ones daily, and the core ones every other day -- they really do work your core so I need a break rather than doing them daily.
Have you tried online classes? The ones I have been using are free and very good in my opinion. There are many that are 30 minutes or less which I like.

@gingerw I hope your knee improves. Maybe you need to not do as much daily. My knees and thighs hurt if I walk outside daily so I try to skip a day. We also changed from walking in our neighborhood to walking on the outdoor track at the HS and being flat and having a surface not as hard as pavement did help. I realize yours hurt from weeding but try doing it every other day, that may help.

@pollyanne I had a video appointment with my PCP a couple of weeks ago and he looked at my R leg and foot during it because I had had some swelling there! It was odd having him examine it via video.
It sounds as if you are doing great, I hope you keep up the good work also.
JK

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@lilypaws I can't find anyone that has the same problem that I have. I am going to be having a fusion on my low back from T-10 to my pelvis. They have to open up my front and back. It's a big surgery. I have degeneration that has caused a scoliosis and also have stenosis in my 4-1, 5-1 and S-1. I think I got the 5th and 4th incorrect, but I cannot remember, I don't think 4 and 5 are not considered 4-1 and 5-1.

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@becsbuddy

I don’t believe it! We’re starting week #9! It calls for 23minutes of walking but I think we’ve all been doing way more than that! I’m so glad that you all have been staying so dedicated to exercise and moving around. Real troopers!

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With my back problem I cannot walk or do exercise,except for my neck. I am going to have a big surgery at Mayo for my low back. I have degeneration that has caused a scoliosis and 4, 5, and S-1 has stenosis. I'm in pain every day and have to wait till they open up elective surgeries, which the governor has to decide. The Covid-19 will hold my surgery back. Right now I'm injecting Tymlos everyday to increase my bone mass. I will have to continue after surgery up to two years.Can't wait till I can start walking after the surgery. I have gained 10 lb's from not being active. I was only 112 lbs before, now I'm 121 and 1'2. So Becky I will let you know when I have my surgery, but it won't be until after May 13th. I did hear from my surgeons assistant yesterday and he was going to confer with the surgeon to plan out my surgery, so when they open elective surgery I can get in sooner.

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@lilypaws

@lilypaws I can't find anyone that has the same problem that I have. I am going to be having a fusion on my low back from T-10 to my pelvis. They have to open up my front and back. It's a big surgery. I have degeneration that has caused a scoliosis and also have stenosis in my 4-1, 5-1 and S-1. I think I got the 5th and 4th incorrect, but I cannot remember, I don't think 4 and 5 are not considered 4-1 and 5-1.

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@lilypaws That sounds like a pretty big surgery. When we know the date I will be thinking of you and hoping for the best. You are going to one of the best hospitals so I am sure the outcome will be good.
JK

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@pollyanne

@gingerw I haven't been doing many stretches recently because of my knee. the pain keeps moving around but I can tell it's coming from my knee. It's so frustrating that we can't see our Drs or our physios at the moment. I did have a good video appointment with my dermatologist last week. It was kind of neat. I had to connect to the medical video 10 minutes before my appointment and when I had connected, I was put in 'the waiting room' . I didn't have to wait too long and then my Dr's face appeared. It was like face time. It doesn't work too well for examining a knee. I think your knee maybe worse than mine but I would like some therapy. Good luck with yours. I am trying to avoid moves that hurt but I am still walking. I am 80 on Thursday. I can't believe it. Keep up the good work everybody.

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@jude07 @pollyanne and @contentandwell It is osteoarthritis plus bone spurs in my right knee. The arthritis was first diagnosed at least 10 years ago [I recall the orthopedic surgeon telling me I was too young to have it, and also it affects my hands]. There have been steroid injections that don't work. Recent x-rays now show floating bone spurs, which really explain a lot! Some days it is fine to walk and move, other days, not so good.

@becsbuddy, I am trying to get my walking in and keeping to your topic! This quarantining is good to help refocus on healthy habits like walking and taking care of ourselves.
Ginger

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@yakki

I’m in. Definitely need some structure for exercising.

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Welcome @yakki ! I’m glad you’ve joined us. We’re a very friendly group which talks about everything when out walking! We’re in hot and cold climates and some exercise indoors and others out. But we have a good time and keep moving!

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@lilypaws

With my back problem I cannot walk or do exercise,except for my neck. I am going to have a big surgery at Mayo for my low back. I have degeneration that has caused a scoliosis and 4, 5, and S-1 has stenosis. I'm in pain every day and have to wait till they open up elective surgeries, which the governor has to decide. The Covid-19 will hold my surgery back. Right now I'm injecting Tymlos everyday to increase my bone mass. I will have to continue after surgery up to two years.Can't wait till I can start walking after the surgery. I have gained 10 lb's from not being active. I was only 112 lbs before, now I'm 121 and 1'2. So Becky I will let you know when I have my surgery, but it won't be until after May 13th. I did hear from my surgeons assistant yesterday and he was going to confer with the surgeon to plan out my surgery, so when they open elective surgery I can get in sooner.

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@lilypaws I really feel for you and I wish you all the very best of luck when you have your surgery.

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Yes, I am hoping for a successful surgery for you as well. Be kind to yourself! We care!

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