Guest guest Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Welcome Sophia, That is so wonderful that you are trying to help your Mom, I know that means a great deal to her. I am sorry to hear about her Cancer, what type of treatment is she doing in Asia? It is hard for people with RA, or any chronic disease have problems exercising. Some do exercise, but I don't think the RA is too severe. The water exercise is the best for RA, and stretching is good for RA, helps keep the joints moving. As for the extra weight, it is so hard to lose. She is going through so much right now. But, it takes one day at a time to lose weight. I will keep your Mom in my prayers. I hope she is able to come home soon. Keep us posted, Tawny > I'm new to the group and I'm writing for my mother who's been > suffering from RA for the last 5 years. She's done everything from > medication to eastern accupunture and for awhile was able to control > the pain. Please bear with me as this is a little long. > > Three months ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and currently > she is in Asia undergoing treatment. Because of the chemotherapy and > surgery in 1.5 weeks, she's gained a lot of weight and the pain has > substantially gotten worse. She's stiff the entire day, her knees and > hands are swollen, has no strength to lift herself out of bed, etc. > > I don't know what to do to help her. She's currently taking MDX, > Celebrex and Sulfasalazine. Swimming is not an option because of the > high risk of infection in public pools in Asia. She can't walk more > than 30 minutes and at a very slow pace. I'm afraid she's not getting > enough cardio and the additional weight is a big factor. > > Does anything know of a resource for stretching or exercises that she > can do? or has physical therapy helped anyone? any information that > might help would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks for reading. > Sophia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Welcome Sophia, That is so wonderful that you are trying to help your Mom, I know that means a great deal to her. I am sorry to hear about her Cancer, what type of treatment is she doing in Asia? It is hard for people with RA, or any chronic disease have problems exercising. Some do exercise, but I don't think the RA is too severe. The water exercise is the best for RA, and stretching is good for RA, helps keep the joints moving. As for the extra weight, it is so hard to lose. She is going through so much right now. But, it takes one day at a time to lose weight. I will keep your Mom in my prayers. I hope she is able to come home soon. Keep us posted, Tawny > I'm new to the group and I'm writing for my mother who's been > suffering from RA for the last 5 years. She's done everything from > medication to eastern accupunture and for awhile was able to control > the pain. Please bear with me as this is a little long. > > Three months ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and currently > she is in Asia undergoing treatment. Because of the chemotherapy and > surgery in 1.5 weeks, she's gained a lot of weight and the pain has > substantially gotten worse. She's stiff the entire day, her knees and > hands are swollen, has no strength to lift herself out of bed, etc. > > I don't know what to do to help her. She's currently taking MDX, > Celebrex and Sulfasalazine. Swimming is not an option because of the > high risk of infection in public pools in Asia. She can't walk more > than 30 minutes and at a very slow pace. I'm afraid she's not getting > enough cardio and the additional weight is a big factor. > > Does anything know of a resource for stretching or exercises that she > can do? or has physical therapy helped anyone? any information that > might help would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks for reading. > Sophia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Hi Sophia & welcome! I find going to physical therapy 2 times a week and focusing on range of motion, strengthening as tolerated, working on my balance and using the stationery bike or new step have really helped me. When I was first diagnosed--I swam slowly for a half hour 4-5 days a week. I hated to go but a pool was handy and like with any other exercise, it sure helped my depression & and overall mobility. The most important thing is to encourage your mom to do something, whether it be yoga, " curves " , etc. Even walking is great. But remember, your mom has other problems right now. Don't push too hard and talk with her MD to see how much s/he feels your mom can tolerate. Maybe he can set her up with a good physical therapist. I hope this gives you a bit of info & I'm sure others will soon be posting their suggestions too. This groop is really here for you so post as often as you like. They are supportive, loving & caring! Hugs, Lori, from IL > I'm new to the group and I'm writing for my mother who's been > suffering from RA for the last 5 years. She's done everything from > medication to eastern accupunture and for awhile was able to control > the pain. Please bear with me as this is a little long. > > Three months ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and currently > she is in Asia undergoing treatment. Because of the chemotherapy and > surgery in 1.5 weeks, she's gained a lot of weight and the pain has > substantially gotten worse. She's stiff the entire day, her knees and > hands are swollen, has no strength to lift herself out of bed, etc. > > I don't know what to do to help her. She's currently taking MDX, > Celebrex and Sulfasalazine. Swimming is not an option because of the > high risk of infection in public pools in Asia. She can't walk more > than 30 minutes and at a very slow pace. I'm afraid she's not getting > enough cardio and the additional weight is a big factor. > > Does anything know of a resource for stretching or exercises that she > can do? or has physical therapy helped anyone? any information that > might help would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks for reading. > Sophia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Hi Sophia & welcome! I find going to physical therapy 2 times a week and focusing on range of motion, strengthening as tolerated, working on my balance and using the stationery bike or new step have really helped me. When I was first diagnosed--I swam slowly for a half hour 4-5 days a week. I hated to go but a pool was handy and like with any other exercise, it sure helped my depression & and overall mobility. The most important thing is to encourage your mom to do something, whether it be yoga, " curves " , etc. Even walking is great. But remember, your mom has other problems right now. Don't push too hard and talk with her MD to see how much s/he feels your mom can tolerate. Maybe he can set her up with a good physical therapist. I hope this gives you a bit of info & I'm sure others will soon be posting their suggestions too. This groop is really here for you so post as often as you like. They are supportive, loving & caring! Hugs, Lori, from IL > I'm new to the group and I'm writing for my mother who's been > suffering from RA for the last 5 years. She's done everything from > medication to eastern accupunture and for awhile was able to control > the pain. Please bear with me as this is a little long. > > Three months ago she was diagnosed with colon cancer and currently > she is in Asia undergoing treatment. Because of the chemotherapy and > surgery in 1.5 weeks, she's gained a lot of weight and the pain has > substantially gotten worse. She's stiff the entire day, her knees and > hands are swollen, has no strength to lift herself out of bed, etc. > > I don't know what to do to help her. She's currently taking MDX, > Celebrex and Sulfasalazine. Swimming is not an option because of the > high risk of infection in public pools in Asia. She can't walk more > than 30 minutes and at a very slow pace. I'm afraid she's not getting > enough cardio and the additional weight is a big factor. > > Does anything know of a resource for stretching or exercises that she > can do? or has physical therapy helped anyone? any information that > might help would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks for reading. > Sophia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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