Looking for others experience with exercise and movement.

Posted by jum13 @jum13, Mar 10 9:18pm

When I first got my symptoms, the physical and sensory issues made walking impossible so I basically stopped accept for the bare minimum. This led to things getting worse and also obesity. I had no choice but to force myself to walk. It was painful at first. Eventually I joined a gym. Five years later, I do 20k steps a day, I bike , I lift. My symptoms are very manageable and now with Pilates I can move my toes separately. I still have sensory issues but I ignore them or have adapted.
I am now older and thought maybe I should cut back, take days off so I did . However, I soon found my symptoms getting worse and less manageable. I soon had difficulty walking. So I decided to go back to what I had been doing and immediately things calmed down and my symptoms were better. At 60 , I’m not sure I can keep up the 20k steps forever.
Just wondering if anyone had the same experience? Also do you find moving some throughout the day is better than just exercising at one time?

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stallen | @stallen | Mar 11 6:23am

I think movement is very important. I walk everyday…2-3 miles. …split between morning and afternoon. It keeps muscles active and blood flowing. I can say however I’m slowly losing the battle…the past few months I’ve noticed more difficulty in my gait. I’m 63 and have had this for nearly nine years. I also have some autonomic involvement. 20k steps a day is a lot….I wouldn’t take days off as much as try lessening the steps per day…and splitting up during the day if your schedule allows.
Steve

raiocco | @raiocco | Mar 11 6:56am

I need to catch up with you on the ob the steps. I am 74 but only doing 16k steps per day. My daily behavior is to get up early as i have done my entire work career, go to the gym and do the tread mill at 3.8, 5 miles then stretching exercises, a few weights then finish in the sauna for 20 minutes.

ajax76 | @ajax76 | Mar 11 7:16am

Yeah, exercise has been the only thing that has helped (along w/ trigger point injections every 2 months). Similar story, could barely walk, barely get dressed, barely stand, etc., forced myself to start exercising... I try to walk 2-3 miles a day, usually wearing a weighted vest, currently 30lbs.

klingebretsen | @klingebretsen | Mar 11 8:54am

I’ve exercised 5-7 times per week since I was around 18 (I’m almost 63): aerobics/boot camps, biking, hiking, strength training, yoga/pilates, pickleball…even with my chronic L5/S1 nerve injury and resulting left leg & foot neuropathy, hyper mobility in my L3/L4, and just recently diagnosed with a spinal cord issue in my T-spine, plus age-related total spine degeneration, I still maintain a 5-day/week exercise schedule and make sure to balance a cardio class, which I significantly modify (no jumping), with yoga or Pilates and just incorporated a balance class. I still experience pain during exercise, at times shooting, and more so after, when I’m “resting” or trying to sleep. My philosophy is if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. Also, exercise helps with my mental health immensely. I’m scheduled for a spinal cord stimulator trial soon and hope that helps with my pain and allows me to enjoy exercise and life with less pain. I’m not sure what the treatment for my constricted spinal cord issue is going to be as I’m waiting to see my doc. Hope this helps.

arcuri24 | @arcuri24 | Mar 12 7:04am

In reply to @klingebretsen "I’ve exercised 5-7 times per week since I was around 18 (I’m almost 63): aerobics/boot camps,..." + (show)

@klingebretsen
I did most of the exercise regimens you have done. No doubt about it--exercise does help neuropathy as well as mental outlook but now, after having a shin shave biopsy which resulted in either an irritated nerve or scar tissue issue, I do get pain in the area of that surgery. I do not have a weight issue but I do have celiac disease so I must be careful with what I eat. I have been to several doctors and none seem to want to do any imaging of my leg to really determine what is going on. They only offer gabapentin, cortisone shots and say with my age I must give myself more time to heal. For now I will keep on exercising which now includes Classical Stretch, physical therapy, strength training with light weights and walking. I have an appointment with a physiatrist next week and am hoping that he can help'

mikead63 | @mikead63 | Mar 12 8:45am

A lot of great suggestions! I'm 79 and have worked out pretty much all of my life. Diagnosed with IPN 2 years ago. I also find that, when I take a day off of cardio (I walk and/or stationary bike) my feet will bother me at bedtime. I always believed that motion throughout the day is important but don't always follow that rule! I have a workout room in my house and always start out stretching with my dog by my side! He's a little guy who, when he hears "It's time to workout!", jumps off his chair where he's been sleeping and runs downstairs to the room!
He loves rolling around when I'm on the floor stretching and getting all over me! This get's me in a real good mood and preps me for my weight lifting (lighter weights and more reps at my age!). Work your muscles - very important! That and my cardio has got me to, almost 80!

solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | Mar 12 10:06am

I’m 82 & have had neuropathy in my feet for over 15 years. I was always active but now I’m a dedicated e-bike rider. I ride 25-40 miles 3 to 4 days a week. Pedal assist- no throttle.
My mantra is I can ride 30 miles but I can’t walk 30 feet. Riding soothes my nerves mentally & physically & I always feel better after I ride. I supplement it all with active PT (twice a week) - soft tissue massage, stretching, strength & balance exercises. It’s working for me…I love it. 🚴🏿‍♂️🚴🏿‍♂️

uisge | @uisge | Mar 12 12:43pm

In reply to @solobeee1 "I’m 82 & have had neuropathy in my feet for over 15 years. I was always..." + (show)

@solobeee1 - I just got an email that says it's from you, saying you sent me a private message under 'ride and e-bike and enjoy'. Was that really from you? If so, is it something you cannot say in this forum? and if so, why? I have not and will not open it, due to so much malware and viruses going around

solobeee1 | @solobeee1 | Mar 12 1:36pm

It is from me & it was a response from your kind hug that you sent me regarding my E-BIKE riding.
Just to recap ~ I appreciate the hug but more relevant would have been a simple thumbs-up. I love ebiking & appreciate your kindness & I’m in great shape because of it. Enjoy & have a great day!

alwynne | @alwynne | Mar 12 7:15pm

Hi I am new to the group and have had neuropathy for a number of years. I dont have pain so much as numbness in my feet and legs making it difficult to walk and balance so having to use a walker most of the time. I am due to go into hospital for a 2 week rehab program to see if that helps. Hope I have posted in the right place.