Thanks @johnbishop. You have provided some great info! Teresa

Thanks so much for your response, John. I think a lot of my problem is that I am getting frustrated because I have done soooo many of the 'right' things, and I feel I am still not where I should be! I have been on a number of heart medications - treating all kinds of heart related issues, including high blood pressure, fast heart rate, slow heart rate, weak heart, fluid reduction, and I'm sure others. I had gastric bypass in 2009, and lost 80 pounds. I've gained some of it back now, because I don't eat 100% right and my shortness of breath prevents me from getting exercise. Like I said, I'm not eating totally right, but I'm eating more right than wrong. Mostly fresh fruits and vegetables, some chicken, very little processed foods. So, I've already tried or been through most of the things one 'should' do. Even though I've been trying all these 'different' things over the years and don't seem to be making any progress - I'm at the point where I just need some new directions. I do a lot of internet based research, so I feel I am fairly knowledgeable about my condition. I'm seriously considering looking into going to the Rochester Mayo Clinic. I live in East Texas, so it will be a long trip. I don't want to make the trip if I'm not real hopeful that something really positive can come of it.

@bergordon, your frustration is understandable. I have to force myself exercise even if it's a little each day. I bought a recumbent exercise bike and use it for about 30 minutes each morning four or five days a week. You're sitting so it's not doing much for the upper body but it does keep your legs moving and doesn't impact shortness of breath a lot. I've struggled with shortness of breath over the years myself and it does limit what you can do. I recently bought some therapy bands to see if I can build up my arm and upper body strength. They are easy to use and you can build up a little at a time. I always make it a point to stop when I'm doing anything and get a shortness of breath...especially in the winter when I'm playing with a shovel in the snow.

I used to have a sister that lived in Taylor, Texas and have made that journey on I-35 many times so I know it can be a long one. In my younger days it was a really long one day drive and eventually turned into 2 days with a stop just south of Oklahoma City. Like you I've struggled with weight. I got to around 330 lbs when I was in my late 50s. I joined Weight Watchers and was able to get down to 250 lbs for awhile but then bounced between 260 to 280 and thought I could lose weight on my own. I didn't do a good job at it until I was looking into my peripheral neuropathy and ran across a book by Dr. Terry Wahls - The Wahls Protocol. I try to follow her basic diet but am not always that great at it. Her story on body nutrition and the part it plays in your health inspired me to give it a try. I have been able to get my weight down to 235 and keep it within 3 or 4 lbs for the last couple of years. She has an amazing story of getting rid of her symptoms of MS and going from a wheel chair to riding a bike. It's a short read if you've never heard about her - http://terrywahls.com/about/about-terry-wahls/

I'm hoping some others will chime in and offer some insight. If you would like to seek help from Mayo Clinic, the contact information for Rochester Mayo Clinic can be found here http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.

If you have never been to Rochester there are a lot of short YouTube videos you can watch that will help you find your way around.
http://bit.ly/2o3jvMj
Please keep asking questions. You really are your best advocate.

John

@johnbishop Thanks for all of the practical suggestions you have offered, John. The recumbent bike is a good one. You have made a lot of adjustments in life style and I suppose that is what coping with chronic illness is all about. You have offered some good insight! Teresa

Thanks Teresa - sigh, I haven't exercised in 3 days and I'm paying for it today. I upped my prednisone a few mgs this morning because I knew it was going to be a long day - 3 hour drive up north to Cambridge, MN and 3 hours back and a lot of standing around looking at old cars at the North Central Chapter of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Car Club. Fun day with the wife's relatives looking at old cars with old people ☺ I'm definitely doing my exercise first thing in the morning when I get up.

Hope you had a Blessed day!

John

@johnbishop Yes, I started the day at the pool and walked in the water for about 15 minutes. It was needed. I'm sure that you will back into your exercise habit soon. Glad to hear that you had a good time with the cars and family! Teresa