Some good advice hopefully.
By MsTickle
@MsTickle (25180)
Australia
October 27, 2012 7:58pm CST
When I was young, I was active, healthy and strong. I played hard and worked hard and thought I would always be the same.
I got to my forties and a degenerative knee problem surfaced and slowed me right down and stopped me doing things I enjoyed like bush-walking, hiking and climbing but also stopped me running up and down stairs or even walking them with any ease. I figured that was OK as I needed to attain some dignity anyway.
I basically stopped my favourite activities altogether because it was uncomfortable and painful and I thought I might do more damage.
I GAINED WEIGHT.
Today, I'm in a lot of pain because yesterday, while attending the markets and carrying my tent and trying to erect it (it's an all in one piece unit) I have hurt my back.
I realise it's because I'm just not active enough and while ever I am alive, I should do whatever I can to be as active as possible...OK. OK. it doesn't have to be over the top but at least do SOMETHING for a little while every day and go for a walk at least 3 times a week for half an hour.
If you don't, your muscles become useless and then when you need them, they won't function properly and you end up in pain.
I'm sure there are many here who can back me up on this...no pun intended.
6 people like this
21 responses
@allknowing (136446)
• India
28 Oct 12
"OK. OK. it doesn't have to be over the top but at least do SOMETHING for a little while every day and go for a walk at least 3 times a week for half an hour. If you don't, your muscles become useless and then when you need them, they won't function properly and you end up in pain. "
You already have the answer to your problem and let me join you in reiterating in what you have said. Regular exercise is the answer!
It may not look so in the beginning but as one goes along the muscles loosen up allowing more flexibility.
You already have the answer to your problem and let me join you in reiterating in what you have said. Regular exercise is the answer!It may not look so in the beginning but as one goes along the muscles loosen up allowing more flexibility.2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Oh for Pete's sake. The discussion is to offer advice to younger people to keep active while they still can rather than thinking they will always be fit and strong like I did.
As you say, I do know the answer to my problem - I'm trying to save others from having the same problem. Sheesh!
1 person likes this
@allknowing (136446)
• India
28 Oct 12
I read through responses here and notice there are many who are giving you advice but they have escaped your wrath. Lucky them!
1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50973)
• Holiday, Florida
28 Oct 12
me to. only mine is emphezema. i didnt quit smoking until way to late in life and now i just can hadly do anything i used to love such as dance and clean my house and play with kids, etc. i try but it takes everything ive got some days just to do a little shopping , cooking, and or laundry.
and thats caused me to get quite fat. @MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Not you too?
I think it's something to do with age too. My Mum and aunties also gained weight once they were several years past the change. I wonder if it's a Western thing or if the Eastern ladies also gain weight after reaching middle age. I reckon it's another unfair thing that happens to us gals.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
28 Oct 12
I think the complaint is, correct me if I am wrong muscular atrophy? I go to the gym and workout four times a week, and given my rigid programs that I set myself, I hate it when the trainers give you programs to work too, I have been to the gym long enough to know what machines I enjoy and those that I don't. It is important with any exercise to limber up first before the exercise and afterwards otherwise your joints and muscles will seize up and you are liable to cramp. I also take cod liver oil tablets to lubricate the old joints. I really notice the difference if I skip the cool down, after 90 minutes I want to rush into the shower, I am a sweatbox! So I do forget to stretch.
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
28 Oct 12
We are supposed to lift using our knees not our back, but you just don't think at the time until you realize when it's too late. I sprained my back when I first started the gym because I kept forgetting to lift with my knees and not my back. I guess we learn the hard way xx
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
You know wolfie, I was thinking that same thing myself. It's one thing to warm up before exercise but you just don't think about it in other scenarios. I've just lifted this stack of metal tent poles with the canopy on, the whole thing weighs about 22kgs and so of course I've strained my back some.
I feel though, that if I had been walking more often, the pain would not be so severe.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
I began getting osteo in my early twenties so lifting with my knees was not possible for me. I used to carry heavy sewing machines up and down stairs, one in each hand and later it was huge bolts of fabric, several of, also up and down stairs. I've always been very strong but now with age my strength is leaving me and on top of everything else, it's a huge blow.
The thing is, if there's is work to be done, you just get in and do the work, you don't sto and think about your body or the consequences of doing it incorrectly. More education is needed in schools for this kind of thing imo.
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
28 Oct 12
I agree that is is a lot rougher. I have gained a lot of weight. I think mostly doing a lot of sitting with my son. I cannot do anything that requires a lot of up steps, as I don't use them at home, as we have a ramp. I have been trying to do more and keep going, as I don't want to be useless.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
That surprises me as you push his wheelchair a lot and you must be lifting him in and out. We know how uncomfortable carrying the extra weight is, so if we just set a little exercise goal that we can easily achieve then go from there...small steps. I've also gone back to snacking too much and sweet foods and that has to stop as well.
I hopw we are able to get better and not worse my friend.
@GardenGerty (160665)
• United States
28 Oct 12
In my mind I have the same resolve. It is a different story though when you try, then hurt yourself, and go back to square one. That is what I did last week. So, back finally quit hurting, and I am trying to be out and about and do more and get more in shape, so I shall join you, and we can cheer each other on as we seek to retain or regain some mobility.
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
I was all dressed and ready to go for a walk this morning GG when I got up from my chair and the pain along with the fact that I could barely walk just made me decide to go back to bed - clothes and all. I will try again a little bit later when I am able to move a bit more easily. I have to catch u with housework over the next few days so...fingers crossed.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
28 Oct 12
I agree doing things to stay partly in shape so ya dont dry up. now after the stoke I am walkingevery day some time 2 times a day and each time I walk (as I live wherehouses are ) one property farther each time rest and come back home soon I will be at half way mark and I will continue on around the full block which is a big one for I live in a circle.
pick your route and try to go farther each time youwalk hoping it will make you feel better
hugssssssssssssssssssss
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Hi Lakota, so nice to see you. The problem I have here is when I have a lot of back pain my balance is not good. I live in the bush where there are narrow roads and huge road trains travelling along. There are no footpaths only rough shoulders so for me, it's really unsafe to walk. The roads around our little town are dirt and I need to be very careful to look where i'm going. After a couple of falls, walking can be a scary thing. I love to walk though so I will think of something else I'm sure.
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
28 Oct 12
It doesn't seem possible that there is nowhere to walk until one finds oneself in that situation. I've nowhere to walk either, even the garden around me is on a slope and has lots of little slippery stones which I am afraid will cause my foot to slide. I live just outside a small village, there are only a couple of roads and no paths, plenty of dogs to bark at me and worry me in case they escape from their gardens. I have to walk looking down too because nowhere is flat, and there dips and holes all around.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
6 Nov 12
Personally for me, it really depends on the amount of pain I have all the time depends on how much I can do from time to time. I have fibromyalga so I know that is part of the reason some days are better than others. And this really includes walking and other things as well. Anytime that I do an event where I need my tables, or a tent, etc. I usually make sure and have my husband along with me if I can as well. But walking is a Great way for strengthening muscles and helping keep the weight down. Start small and then try to work up when you can.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
6 Nov 12
Starting small is great advice Tina...so glad you mentioned it. There's no need to get out and start walking 10 klms or 5 miles a day. Even walking for 10 minutes is a good start. Just remember to start slow as a warm up for a few minutes then do some brisker strides.
I usually walk for half an hour these days and I try to do that often but I have been really slack and summer is here now and I'm melting in the heat. Hope you are doing well.
I usually walk for half an hour these days and I try to do that often but I have been really slack and summer is here now and I'm melting in the heat. Hope you are doing well.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
7 Dec 12
That's easier said than done and quite a trite response. Aerobics and dance you say?? How is this possible when the body is riddled with arthritis and pain and it's difficult to get out of bed or off a chair?
The advice on offer was to people before they get to this stage when they are limited as to what they can do.
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
28 Oct 12
Dear MsTickle
Of course, as one ages, there are illnesses that come to stay. Exercising too needs changes as per the age and the illness and I am glad that you can still do the walk. for me, the walks, cycling are all gone due to the arthritis and other ailments. Though I am still a skeleton weighting only 50 Kilos at 37 with a 5ft 11 in height, doctors say that the knee and ankles are not comfortable with that load on them
So I do try to walk as much, and be physically active as much as my body can handle. Though I do agree that muscles also follow the theory of use and disuse and start getting dysfunctional if they are not properly worked upon.
I think you should consult some good/better therapists who can guide you with the right exercises based on your age, built and current health and following them should do good to you
Of course, as one ages, there are illnesses that come to stay. Exercising too needs changes as per the age and the illness and I am glad that you can still do the walk. for me, the walks, cycling are all gone due to the arthritis and other ailments. Though I am still a skeleton weighting only 50 Kilos at 37 with a 5ft 11 in height, doctors say that the knee and ankles are not comfortable with that load on them
So I do try to walk as much, and be physically active as much as my body can handle. Though I do agree that muscles also follow the theory of use and disuse and start getting dysfunctional if they are not properly worked upon.
I think you should consult some good/better therapists who can guide you with the right exercises based on your age, built and current health and following them should do good to you
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
28 Oct 12
yes its the time to gain weight and after that you can easily trickle it down with some diet pills for sure
@RitterSport (2451)
• Lippstadt, Germany
3 Nov 12
Dear Fran, I am so sorry to hear you hurt your back and I am alarmed. Did you go to the doctor yet to get a correct diagnosis? If you dont feel better yet so please see the doctor as it could be something serious like a herniated disc. Hugs to you
1 person likes this
@WakeUpKitty (8694)
• Netherlands
28 Oct 12
It's kind of hard for me to believe you were just sitting on a chair as the pains came. 30 Minutes of "moving" a day is already enough and muscles will be used in all kind of ways. Perhaps not the (overdoing) excersise you had/did but if you quit with that it also doesn't mean you gain a lot of weight because of that. Although it might mean you have to start eating different or less.
Problems in knees, elbows, bones etc might also mean you have to take some extra vit./minerals to keep it in good shape, to be more aware of the presence of your body and it's pains. Also I wonder if you were without pain while doing nothing anymore. I doubt that. I think your story is a good advice and I do believe you still can start moving again to feel more healthy and to be proud on what you were able to do. BTW back problems mostly have to do with weak back muscles and/or a wrong way of bending, lifting, etc.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
I'm so glad it's kind of hard for you to believe I was just sitting on a chair as the pains came. Because that is not how it was at all. I had been sitting here for a while as I do and it was as I got up that the pain was there. This happens to me all the time. My knees don't work so I use my arms and back to get u from chairs, my bed, the loo, my car etc. It creates a huge strain and I'm often in pain.
I'm pretty much aware of what has caused my aches and pains, my weight gain and various other problems I have. After much research and reading I also know what action I need to take.
I wasn't actually asking for or looking for the answers to my problems.
The reason for the discussion was to offer advice to those who are still young and having similar problems.
@41CombedaleRoad (5952)
• Greece
28 Oct 12
I am enjoying this discussion, I like your sense of humour. It must be Australian humour which is close to the English type.
I sympathise with you even though you make me feel quite guilty, since I have more than my share of aches and pains and only a desire to exercise more. It is always going to be tomorrow. Perhaps now I shall take your good advice and find some get up and go.
Offering advice to the young is a good idea but if the young today are like the young yesterday then they will not take it until it is too late, just as we did. Would I have taken better care of my teeth, worn lower heels, kept the exercises going long after I was 40? I doubt it.
@love505 (22)
• China
28 Oct 12
I am 21 years old. I feel I have no passion,, feel old. A lot of things are not passion to do, feel special lazy. Dream also with thepassage of time slowly fall away. Every daya little bit the unexamined life, I want to say to myself, hey, I want to change the world? I want to work hard, to have passion.
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Yes, it can be hard to be that age. You sometimes feel overwhelmed with misery and that's normal. You need to make a big effort to change things. The secret is to have good friends who know how to have FUN FUN FUN.
Find a club or group you are interested in and join in. You will have a new focus and slowly your life will change and get better.
@Clickston2 (39)
• Kenya
28 Oct 12
When you have one problem just fix it as soon as possible. For instance in the case of a knee problem check with a physician to access advise and or fix the problem; because whenever a problem is not attended it accumulates and risk being immobilized or eventually spending much to address the accumulated problems.
1 person likes this
@Sir_bobby88 (8231)
• Singapore
28 Oct 12
You have to think positive, there are lots of people who are very healthy and fit in their forties. It is all about effort and the discipline to make sure yourself exercise everyday. If it is your bone that is weak, start to drink more milk so that you could get more calcium.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
We seem to have our wires crossed. I was in my 40's when my problem started. I'm 60 now. There may be fit and healthy 40 yr olds, like I was, but they need to take steps to stay that way rather than expect things to stay the same.
I'm also a very positive thinker and I am still over weight through a lack of exercise, just like millions of others in the world. I have strong bones too.
The discussion here is to offer advice to people to remain active throughout their life because there will be consequences if they are not.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
28 Oct 12
Agreed. I try to walk between 2 and 4 miles a day. Of course I fail spectacularly most of the time! Before My cancer I lost over fifty pounds just by walking, but the illness and operation stopped that for a while. Now I am trying to get back my overall fitness. Good for you for realising that you have to keep moving. So many get ill and just stop. Then they moan that they are always under the weather but do little to alleviate matters contending themselves to a self-enforced lassitude and expectations of sympathy.
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Don't worry Pikey, I do a lot of moaning. I think a lot of eople are genuinely uneducated about the workings of their body and the consequences of misusing it, not eating right etc. If they knew, surely they would not be in such circumstances as I describe.
I felt a bit better this afternoon so I unloaded the car. About an hour later after sitting in my chair constantly for about half an hour, I am again in considerable pain.
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
28 Oct 12
hi mstickle a l ot of people here in walkers go out and just walk up and down the street, I am mylotting so much and not taking any walks so I need to lose weight and to loosen up my leg muscles too, once I got this darned walker I have not even tried to walk a little ,.my table mate suggests a half hour most every day but I get to mylotting and the time flies and I just do not get out and do it,. I was told to do ten minute intervals and that would help too.my son does not think my typing
is exercise lol I mean I lift my fingers up and down over and over lol.
ve not even tried to walk a little ,.my table mate suggests a half hour most every day but I get to mylotting and the time flies and I just do not get out and do it,. I was told to do ten minute intervals and that would help too.my son does not think my typing
is exercise lol I mean I lift my fingers up and down over and over lol.1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
You and I Hatley are in the same boat. Too much time sitting on our fat bottoms at the computer. It's really unhealthy for us you know...apart from the sedentary lifestyle, circulation becomes a problem too.
At least you have to get up to go to the dining room for meals...my kitchen is right behind me and my chair has wheels!!
@blue65packer (11826)
• United States
28 Oct 12
I turned 50 this year and getting older sucks! Some of it is age related and the rest or age related. I used to like to take walks,I used to ride horses,I used to be able to go up and down stairs without knee pain! I have had a wieght problem all my life and over the past 15 years I have put on alot of weight! Being less active and having eating issues did me in! Now I have acid relux disease.I have now have pain going down steps! Up yes but not as bad when I go down steps!I rather be on the computer then being more active! I have stop putting on wieght and trying to work on my diet due to acid reflux! I need to get more active and spend less time on the computer! I really do spend to much time on the computer!lol!
1 person likes this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Oct 12
Don't worry too much blue as we all have a similar tale to tell. I used to walk everywhere and was never overweight...tall and slender, that was me and I was not aware that I had no issues with eating or my weight and I was clueless to the fact that I was pretty good looking. What a waste!! Now I look fat and frumpy and I hate it but that is not enough to get me out of this darn chair!
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
28 Oct 12
I am sorry if you are not feeling good right now, but I am sure you would feel a lot better later on. It does disappoint us when we have set our mind off to something and we are not able to do it. Things happen even if we do not want to. Let's just focus on the brighter things in life.
@Kashidanga1971 (1354)
• Bangladesh
28 Oct 12
As you have told you have gained weight you should join some weight lessening progarmmes like eating fruits and veggies a lot, leaving one fourth stomach space always empty while eating, cutting off all grease in diet, having raw tea, eating brown rice(I heard it helps lose weight), having a very light diet at night, exercise like walking etc. At first these can cause feeling fatigue, drowsiness but after a few day you will get havituated with these programmes. Actually over weighting causes all disfunctions and disadvantages. In fine spend more energy than you consume to be healthy.
