22 replies to this topic

[kathy_S]

Thank you for the new thread, I am hoping to hear how others that are disabled in some way deal with being at home and the JC experience. Thanks

[sare]

Thank you for the new thread, I am hoping to hear how others that are disabled in some way deal with being at home and the JC experience. Thanks

hi ,
i have an auto immune disease . i have good days and bad as far as energy.
my legs are strong so walking is the exercise for me. i'm trying to do light weights, but my hands are iffy at best.
i find that when i have a 'sick' day that's when i head for the refrigerator out of frustration.
being home so much is a challenge too. it's hard to find things to occupy my mind, and time.
i hope to hear from you.

[Babybing2002]

Hi Kathy & All - I also am "disabled" and would be interested in how ya'll find ways to add physical activity to your overall weight loss plan. For the moment I am limited to do upper body strengthening with small weights but I am open to hearing about anything that will provided additional movement! I am fortunate that regardless of my inability to really burn some calories I continue to somehow lose weight. Eventually, I know that I must find a way to augment the food reduction with a physical plan!

Thanks in advance,

suzanne

[kathy_S]

Hi there, smile, I have a tape to do chair exercises, shhh, but I haven't dragged it out yet. Same as you, I have been working on food struggles first and lost 25 so far, but yes, will have to work on it soon i'm sure. Hope you all are doing well.

[Slone]

Hello everyone... I've been in a wheelchair for 20 years now. And am now on my 4th week with JC. There are some interesting tapes out there to help with getting you moving. Chair Dancing is one of them... and they have different styles of chair dancing available. Also, Tai Chi in a Chair... is one that I do. You can either order it online or visit the company's store in San Francisco (if you live near there). Personally, I have started boxing, as well. It's a really good upper body workout (and that's pretty much all I work with).

Anyway... those are some ideas. And I must say, I am so happy to see a section for those of us dealing with, one form or another, a physical disablity. It does seem that alot of "groups" or organizations really show any kind of interest in opening up to us (for a lack of better way of putting it). I hope you all understand what I am trying to say.

Take care and I hope everyone has a great week.

[kathy_S]

I didn't know there were different kinds, ty, i figured once i started my tape i'd get bored pretty quick, now i have options. Welcome to the boards.

[Slone]

I didn't know there were different kinds, ty, i figured once i started my tape i'd get bored pretty quick, now i have options. Welcome to the boards.

Thank you for the welcome, Kathy S. I hope some of those suggestions help.

[JPDS]

My daughter is 24 and has Downs Syndrome. Typical 4 foot 9 and weighed 170 lbs. Happens to a lot of folks with Downs.
I have her eating like she is on JC with the right food, calorie intake, and exchanges and she is doing great. She is down to 157 and looking good. HER goal is to weigh 130 lbs. Still a lot for her height but she will look and feel great!
Her only exercise currently is walking about 30 minutes a day 6 days a week. She grumbles a little bit but she does it. She loves clothes so that is her reward.

Take care all!

[raven2feathers2003]

I didn't know there were different kinds, ty, i figured once i started my tape i'd get bored pretty quick, now i have options. Welcome to the boards.

I have a cpl of tapes but can't use any until I lose 18 pounds more, that's frustrating as well as not knowing if I'll even be able to use them because of all of my disabilities. Not feeling sorry for myself, I don't believe in that, just a bit worried is all. Guess I'll just have to lose it and see if I can use them. Right now I ride my indoor bike 3 times a week, I'm really working hard on trying to fit in 2 more days a week for the bike, it's really helping my legs even though during the ride it hurts like a son of a gun.

I'm also doing upper body strengthening with 2 lb weights in each hand and I do feel a little bit stronger, not much but a little and I'm greatful for that, it's an odd feeling not being able to be as strong as you once were. But you deal with it.

Anyway I'm glad this forum is here it's very comfortable. Take care and I look forward to reading and posting even more, .

[mommybear]

hi, my name is ronnie (girl with boys name) and i'm disabled too, and one big limitation for me is physical exercise. so many things are too hard for me. i've decided to try to do some exercises from the sitting position, maybe lots of bending and leg and arm lifting, i think i can use some lighter weights and work up, and then i can get maybe into the stationary bike or limited walking. right now i'm under "house arrest" by my doctor because my immune system is so low from chemo that he's afraid i'll get sick, so everything i do now must be from home. and that is a real bummer. but it's good to know that we're all in this together and we'll all get there eventually.

y'all take care,
mommybear

[raven2feathers2003]

hi, my name is ronnie (girl with boys name) and i'm disabled too, and one big limitation for me is physical exercise. so many things are too hard for me. i've decided to try to do some exercises from the sitting position, maybe lots of bending and leg and arm lifting, i think i can use some lighter weights and work up, and then i can get maybe into the stationary bike or limited walking. right now i'm under "house arrest" by my doctor because my immune system is so low from chemo that he's afraid i'll get sick, so everything i do now must be from home. and that is a real bummer. but it's good to know that we're all in this together and we'll all get there eventually.

y'all take care,
mommybear

Hi Ronnie, I have a sister by that name, cool. I've seen a show on tv called, sit and be fit, ever heard of it ? Was just thinking that maybe that might help ? Just a thought. I'd go slow if you do anything at all, don't wear yourself out take it easy and I believe everything else will come into play for you. Take care and hope to see you in the Forums somemore.
Alison

[kathy_S]

I saw stretch bands on tv the other day on the 700 club show they said would be as good at weights, maybe that is another choice for us.

[st. albert dieter]

Hi there,

I have chronic pain and for the most part, I have a fairly good set of "tools" to keep the pain under control. At one time, my back pain was really crippling (result of a car accident) but I have found that pilates and a stretching program have really helped. I went to private pilates sessions for 6 months because I wouldn't have been able to keep up with a beginner's class (and this is after I have spent my life as an active person so I was fit when I had my accident). I do believe that a pilates DVD can help a lot and if you get some initial instruction with a certified pilates instructor, the exercises will be more effective (its amazing how much you have to do at the same time because its very much about precision). I've been doing it for 3 years now and I can't begin to say how much its done for me. I can walk without a limp and have put my cane away. I can sit for longer than 1.5 hours (important if you want to go to a movie!)

Also, you may want to contact your local YMCA (according to an exercise physiologist who helped me, they will never turn anyone away because they cannot afford a membership - they will adjust fees based on income tax returns) and find out if they have somebody on staff who can help design a program for you. I have worked with someone who is a paraplegic and yet, is a body building champion. And gyms often have the device (I can't remember the name) where you "pedal" with your hands and that can improve your aerobic fitness a lot. When you call, ask if they have a certified fitness trainer who is able to design a program for you and don't measure yourself against anyone at the gym - just look at your own progress. And some places offer a gentle Hatha yoga program that is geared for people who have pain or for seniors (which means its gentle and there are loads of modifications to all the poses that take people's condition in consideration.) If you can't get out as much, get a program designed for at home or find out if there is a certified personal trainer who comes to people's houses and get them to design a program for you because proper technique is even more important for the disabled in my opinion). Or maybe you have a place close by that has those vibration trainers, apparently they can really help some people. And I have read that an exercise system called Kinesis is supposed to be really helpful for those with MS or fibromyalgia.

Swimming is a great sport. If you have ever watched paralympic swimming, you know that so many people are accomplishing amazing things in the pool. I'm inspired every time I watch these swimmers. Oh and aquasize is offered at many pools (in my community, the city also subsidizes access to city facilities based on income).

If you can walk, get a pedometer and track how many steps you are taking a day and just try to increase the steps maybe by 100 or as much as 500 steps a week. And, nordic walking is a great activity. I find that the poles really help to stabilize me and I can walk faster and I'm working my arms at the same time! I discovered them in a learn to walk class offered through the Running room and just love it. One of the participants had diabetic neuropathy and could barely walk and was always at the back of the group but once she had those poles, she was much faster than everyone else! Oh, and during the winter season, I walked up and down the grocery aisles or the aisles in Walmart or Costco - they are big places! And a grocery cart can help you walk! (plus, if you are like me, you may have a fear of falling and there are loads of people there to help you just in case).

Right after my accident, my physiotherapist told me to do my exercises 3 times a day and honestly, I was wiped out by that but my endurance built over time. My orthopaedic surgeon told me to swim or run in the pool or use an exercise bike. Pool running was great because the water supports your body and was gentle on my joints. And when I used the exercise bike, I could barely do 5 minutes on it (all of the muscle in my left thigh was crushed in the accident and I had damage to both knees). My physio just told me to work up to accumulating 30 minutes a day at first. She said that doing it all at once doesn't matter. Just to get on and off the bike as I needed to. It took about a month to get up there. And I would walk down to the playground and sit on one of the swings and just swing. After all, that does exercise your leg muscles and there is something joyful in it.

The therabands are a good option (the stretchy bands). They are affordable and they don't take up much room and the exercise physiologist that I worked with told me that they are more effective than dumbells. Buy an exercise ball if you are able to use your legs (they are excellent for developing core muscles - just sitting on it starts to work them!) If you are in a wheelchair, you can ask a professional if sitting on a balance disc is a practical option for you (you put them on your chair). Maybe a mini trampoline or elliptical in the future since they are low impact. Or Wii fit because its fun and it can't all be work.

Most of all, remember, progress not perfection! When I started pilates, it took 9 months before I could "tighten" my lower abs and hold it. Just focus on the small improvements. For myself, I look back on where I was a year ago or two years ago, not last week otherwise I wouldn't be able to see the progress. And journal it so you can see the progression! Oh and there are some days when you just can't do the exercises properly and that's ok. Sometimes, muscles that have been unused or muscles that you are engaging to provide more support to compensate for damaged joints can take a long time to start working - especially the small muscles in your back (I still have problems engaging my left shoulder and I've been working on it for three years!).

If you have medical insurance or extended health care benefits, read your policy to see if you can get an exercise therapist paid for (or talk to your insurer, sometimes they are willing to pay if you talk to them and have your doctor's support because, in the end, your fitness will cost them less money in benefits paid.Also, physiotherapists and occupational therapists can help to get you moving) And, except for therabands (you can buy them at most physiotherapy clinics for a very reasonable price) buy any exercise equipment used because so many people buy it and then never use it. It is much more cost effective. We have a pain clinic here that offers a 6 week program that teaches meditation, has talk therapy, educational sessions on exercise and nutrition and also prescribes functional training and has a gym with exercise physiologists and occupational therapists on staff and there is also physiotherapy and doctors. Maybe, if you qualify, you can be referred to a similar program.

I know this is a really long post but I'm trying to provide all of the information that I have learned from my physiotherapists, the pain program, and my doctors.

[st. albert dieter]

and here is a really great stretching program:

http://www.uofapain.med.ualberta.ca/For%20...retchingPDF.pdf

Remember that there are three components - aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility (stretching).

[adel]

and here is a really great stretching program:

http://www.uofapain.med.ualberta.ca/For%20...retchingPDF.pdf

Remember that there are three components - aerobic activity, strength training and flexibility (stretching).

Thankyou for all this information, it ihas been reallly helpful !!

[kathy_S]

I know what you mean, being home, I'm not really in contact with alot of people, but I do feel worthless alot not working. Even doing things around the house is very hard, as soon as I get on my feet I am in pain so I don't push myself as much as I should. I am also scared that if I do lose alot of weight my disability income will be taken away from me without me having a job and we depend on that. So I am in a catch 22 situation. I have lost almost 40 pounds then could not afford jc anymore, but I am trying to go by what I learned as much as possible, it is not easy, but it does help. If you want to write here and update how you are doing we can keep in touch. One thing I have had to learn is, we do have worth even if we don't have a job, and that is hard to get through our heads sometimes. Good luck, smile.

[TerryM]

Today is my first day on JC and I am very nervous! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) as well as probable Fibromyalgia. I am so tired of being in pain all the time! I need to lose 50 to 60 pounds and I have tried many different diets and programs. I think I have hit bottom and become desperate to lose the weight, sooo here I go again. I know that by losing the weight I will decrease the amount of damage to my joints, my knees and hips are terrible. I was always very active until about 10 years ago so lack of activity has been very depressing for me. I am comitting to one day at a time as well as not giving up when I have a difficult day. Food is often how I cope with pain and depression. Not anymore! I look forward to all the support of those dealing with similar problems.

[TerryM]

Hi!
I have Meniere's Disease, stage IV, (Cochlear-Vestibular). I get vertigo often. I have bad balance and almost total hearing loss in my left ear.
I have good days and bad days. The biggest challenge in my life is the exhaustion. A couple of days before a vertigo attack I will usually sleep for hours and hours. It's a really strange feeling, like being drugged. I hate it. I used to be an RN, but can no longetrwork. My husband is WONDERFUL. my best friend. He supports me and encourages me.
I put on alot of of my weight after I was diagnosed in 2004. My activity level dropped dramatically but my calorie intake did not.....so I gained about 60 lbs in 3 years.
Looking for support and friends.

My biggest struggle: meeting new people. Tell them that I was a nurse but not working at the moment.....and hearing some of them say "so....what do you do all day?"....I want to smack them, but instead I feel like such a failure. Like if you're not productive in society you aren't valuable and worth nothing.
Argh.

Hi Jenniebelle!
Today is my first day on JC and I just wrote my first posting and then read yours and I couldn't believe it. I am also an RN and haven't worked in four years due to RA, OA and Fibromyalgia. I completely understand your feelings related to not working, it's really tough! I miss it! I have 50 to 60 pounds to lose and I know it will make a big difference in my pain levels if I am successful in losing it. I hope to be able to return to work someday, at least part time. I hope you are doing well with JC and my heart goes out to you in dealing with your disease. Know that I will be sending good thoughts your way!;)

[Scully1]

hi Sare,

I'm so grateful to have found this forum, i've teared up. I have RA x 23 years. Every day is a challenge. I've had 8 joint replacements/reconstructive work, and I lost my job too.

I totally understand what you mean about the 'fridge. I'm home all day too; am white as a ghost. i feel very sad. My life was so different 7 yrs ago. But I'm not giving up. No way. I'm trying to put my life back together. One day at a time, even if it's 5x slower than everybody else.

I'd love to chat with you. I'm a JC person several years. It's a good thing.

Looking forward to hearing from you,

Scully

[LuWayne]

Hi everyone! It's so nice to read that we can do this too! I am 38 and have already had both hips replaced, have OA in my back, and live with pain almost everyday. Because of my inability to be active, I have gained weight over the last 7 years. I have to do something about it. This is week 2 for me, and so far so good. I went to the gym last night and rode the bike and did a few weights.

This is tough for me, we all want to see results and lose quickly. I hate the scale! I am hoping to lise weight to help with the pain. I want to be able to do thing with my kids again and not have to use the wheelchair to do so.

This group I think will be the most benificial for me! Good luck to everyone!