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← Return to Working out with PMR
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Before PMR, I was riding my bike for some good distances, two or three hours out on the road, a hard hour + on my indoor trainer. My stamina has gotten knocked back with this condition: I can’t generate the watts I used to, and I haven’t been able to ride with my usual Saturday group. I’ve become aware of a lower limit where pushing myself feels more like injury than training.
But my PMR seems to be subsiding after a year, and I’m feeling stronger again! Hoping to join that group ride again this spring. I agree with the others that exercise is critical, but you do need to be aware of your limits.
One last observation I’ve had reading comments in this forum: so many of us come from very active lives, and great fitness, into this unfortunate condition. I haven’t seen any studies, but I do find it curious.
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I find this curious, too, Leeta, but maybe it's because with other conditions that don't involve muscles, we don't think about physical activity.
I had a similar experience to yours. Hit with PMR symptoms big time in Dec '23. Had been working out since my 20's, now in my 70's, doing both strengthening w/free wgts and cardio (usually step). Stopped all activity due to pain in legs and shoulders. Someone described it as "rigor mortis." I agree. Also developed Baker's cysts.
In about 8 mos, the legs got better. I was thrilled and astounded. Shoulders still an issue but improving greatly. Never took steroids. I don't know what will happen now, but we'll see. I'm just grateful. Started walking for 1/2 hr this summer every other day and strengthening work in between.
I did notice my overall cholesterol number shot up right after I'd ceased exercising for about 6 months.
I owe my life in many ways to working out. It has had disadvantages too, for sure, but the good greatly outweighs the bad.
I want to have an ultrasound done of my shoulders to see how much I can/should be doing. Do have torn rotator cuffs, but worse in dominant shoulder. Last US showed surgery not needed....yet.
Unfortunately, just as I was getting up to speed, I decided to do a step routine for the first time in over a year and fell off.
Broke my wrist, so in a cast now and very upset. Really setting me back again.
I have about 2 more wks to go and it's been really tough. But....onward!
May you stay in full remission for the rest of your long and healthy life!!