Looking for others experience with exercise and movement.

@arcuri24 I can’t sit still either, glad I live across the street from the Y and on a park with a lake to walk. I think without neuropathy, I would be an obese old man with a cane. The illness forced me to get off my but. I just realized how true what you said about doctors being more pill pushers than exercise pushers is true. I even got silenced in a forum for suggesting it.

Hi, jum13 (@jum13)

I've had my share of falls, too, but so few I have a fleeting feeling of embarrassment when a doctor asks if I've fallen and I have to answer yes, but not since the year before last. I'll suspect the doctor is not believing me, as when a doctor asks how many drinks do I have in a week's time and (since I quit drinking 35 years ago) I have to answer none, suspecting once again he's not believing me. 🙂 From what you tell me, you're more active than I am. I meet with a PT once a week, and he expects I'll be doing some of our exercises on the other days of the week. I do, or at least I try to be good about doing those exercises on my own; some days I'm motivated, other days less so.

Cheers!
Ray (@ray666)

@ray666 don’t be embarrassed, who cares what they think. I tell my doc everything, at this age so what? Ha ha

@jum13 I, too, live about a block away from a Y. Unfortunately, their fees have gone up and although they have a Silver Sneakers program, my health care plan does not pay for it. But I am happy to exercise here at home with my dog watching from the sofa. I do Classical Stretch but modify it according to my needs. I also incorporate free weights. I believe we were born to move and that can be part of the healing process for neuropathy and other health issues. Yet, we must be patient with ourselves both in what we do and the outcomes we are aiming for. Of course, the pills might work almost instantly but they might complicate things down the road. You are lucky to be near a park with a lake as nature can be restorative.

@njed Thank you for your reply, I had the gel shots and they helped for a while. I am fortunate to have a recliner that helps me get up however it is very problematic when I go anywhere such as a cafe or restaurant etc the seating is usually too low for me to get up without help. (Although you do meet some lovely people that way!)

I’m 82 & have had PN for over 15 years. I ride an e-bike about 20-40 miles 3 or 4 days a week. It’s great for my feet & for my head. Plus PT for balance & strength.

I agree, @jum13, who cares what they think? But with a doctor who has a good sense of humor (of whom I've two or three) I love holding back. When asked have I fallen recently, I like to say, "No comment. I want a lawyer." (Maybe I've been watching too many British murder mysteries. 🙂 ) –Ray )@ray666)

@arcuri24 YES
Not too many doctors out there that will encourage exercise--they are trained nowadays to push medicines and shots. Exercise builds stamina, strength and a healthy outlook--priceless! No pill will give you that. Keep at it and your 60 will turn into 50!

I go to Planet Fitness 5 days a week and use about 50% of the equipment. I’m a 86 yr old male. When I meet a new person they are surprised at my age. Eat right, exercise, don’t smoke. I’m a retired pilot of 36 years and I always took care of my body. Just get off the couch and exercise, your body will thank you.

Keep moving, not always an exercise. Just getting up and down. I purposely go downstairs every morning to the bathroom just to exercise my legs and feet. I still work but find I need to sit down several times as I do walk alot, not fast as my legs don't like me anymore. I have struggled with cramps alot. I have done weekly massage just to help my muscles. I have lost alot of muscle all over. I just turned 70 and figured some was age but I think there is more going on. I mow my yard even though I don't have too. I look for things to do. I have drop foot so exercise is challenging anyway. I try not to focus on anything but moving. I am recovering from colon surgery and I still sore, but I know that I need to move anyway. Let us know how your rehab goes. I have done physical therapy and with a good therapist it can really help. My neurologist suggested physical therapy.