Re: Off methotrexate/back to Biologics-I'm new too!

[Guest guest]

Debi, your story sounds all too familiar. It is good to hear that you are

putting up such a fight. Can you find a pool? Swimming and water aerobics are

a terrific way to keep flexible and burn calories. If there are no public pools

near you try local motels. Sometimes they will let the public use their pools

for a fee. Cheri in cold & snowy Washington :-))

[Guest guest]

Debi, The doctors say that weight lose lessens the pain - some. But

the inflammation and degeneration are not improved by weight loss.

Hope the new meds come in and work for you.

I have discovered that if I start flexing everything that will flex

before I get out of bed in the morning, I get better results. It's

not the same as exercising in water (where the water supports your

weight but also gives resistance) but it gets me moving. I think

everyone on this list can relate to morning stiffness.

Hope your doctor can get you on a course of meds that gets the old PA

stopped in its tracks for you. Each of us has our own helpful meds

and non-helpful meds.

Welcome to our group. Read the archive of messages as you can ansd

learn to know more about us and PA. JudiRose

-

[Guest guest]

Debi,

I see you live in Florida, do you know a good

rheumatologist?

from Aventura

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/2/2004 6:10:46 AM Eastern Standard Time,

debidebi22@... writes:

> Does anyone use any specific flexibility regime or have any

> suggestions? I'm not a fitness nut by any means but I am

> frightened

Hi Debi,

When I was first diagnosed and really miserable, I did PT 4 days a week...one

for my hands to regain strength, one for my back to improve strength, and 2 days

in aquatic PT. Once I was strong enough, I started doing pilates, and continued

with the water exercise. Pilates keeps me flexible, and also keeps " the core "

strong, which relieves pressure on the extremities.

You can ask your doctor to prescribe PT...when you go, tell them that your

objective is self-management, so they know to instruct you on how to help

yourself. I get miserable when I don't keep up with the exercise...

Where in Flordia are you? I am in Orlando and can recommend a great rheumy, as

well as good physical therapists, aquatic program, etc.

Take care,

[Guest guest]

> Debi, your story sounds all too familiar. It is good to hear that

you are putting up such a fight. Can you find a pool? Swimming and

water aerobics are a terrific way to keep flexible and burn

calories. If there are no public pools near you try local motels.

Sometimes they will let the public use their pools for a fee. Cheri

in cold & snowy Washington :-))

Thanks Cheri. I'm embarressed to say I have a pool but even in

central Florida it's too cool now to use it! I'll look into the

public heated or indoor pool options. Thanks!!