Medical issues

[ScotiaLass]

I wondered if there is anyone using the forum who has the same (or similar) medical issues to me.
I could really do with some support as I re-start my biking.

I have Arthritis in my upper and lower spine and left knee.
I also have Fibromyalgia:
FMS (fibromyalgia (fi-bro-my-Al-juh) syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the fibrous tissues in the body.
Most patients with fibromyalgia say that they ache all over. Their muscles may feel like they have been pulled or overworked. Sometimes the muscles twitch and at other times they burn. More women than men are afflicted with fibromyalgia, but it shows up in people of all ages.

(as an aside, medics now think that it's a neuro condition where the pain signals get confused)
It's pretty horrid and it's what I was medically retired with from my 17 year nursing career.

I had planned to go out today as it's nice, for my first bike ride in about 6 years. This morning I awoke with that familiar drained feeling and I just can't push through it and get out today.
I have had several surgeries as I tend to get a lot of soft tissue injuries. I'm worried about going back out there but I really want to!
If anyone has anything similar and worked through it, please let me know!
Drop me a message if you don't want to discuss it openly.

 

[ufkacbln]

An electric bike can be an answer (of sorts)

Deapite the disadvantages of weight etc, it can provide the support for those bad days. You can put as little or as much effort as you want, yet stll ride

 

[Crackle]

I'm afraid I can't help on the medical issues but having some alternative forms of exercise in your mix, swimming, pilates, even just stretching or walking, anything that keeps you on the path, will help.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Yes Crackle. I'm intending to do aqua aerobics and thai chi when I feel up to it

 

[ColinJ]

I'm sorry to hear about your health problems. ScotiaLass - that sounds like a horrid condition! I hope it soon eases enough for you to be able to be do more.

I have been suffering from chronic fatigue and 'mindfog' for the past few months. I don't know if that is because of my recent blood clotting problems, or if something else is to blame, but I read that vitamin B supplements might help so I started taking B complex about 10 days ago. I am feeling a lot better! It could be a coincidence or a placebo effect, but I am going to continue with the supplements until they run out in 6 months time, at which point I will decide whether to buy another supply.

Perhaps vitamin B supplements might help you?

 

[ScotiaLass]

Perhaps vitamin B supplements might help you?

I'll try anything once! Well, maybe not base jumping but you know what I mean

 

[lesley_x]

I've got sjogren's syndrome, some bizarre form of inflammatory bowel disease and lupus.

These cause problems with my joints all over, and my spine. It's called 'fleeting arthritis' apparently.

It causes me no end of problems on the bike but I am a determined little bugger and can't stay off it! Even when it bloody hurts!

 

[ScotiaLass]

I've got sjogren's syndrome, some bizarre form of inflammatory bowel disease and lupus.

These cause problems with my joints all over, and my spine. It's called 'fleeting arthritis' apparently.

It causes me no end of problems on the bike but I am a determined little bugger and can't stay off it! Even when it bloody hurts!

Good on you! That's my attitude although I must admit I've been down, but not out!
I need to lose weight and I'll work through this!

 

[lesley_x]

Good on you! That's my attitude although I must admit I've been down, but not out!
I need to lose weight and I'll work through this!

Obviously don't do anything that would make your problems worse, make sure you talk to your doc about it etc...

I also need to lose weight, I've just been on prednisolone for a year and my weight has skyrocketed

 

[ScotiaLass]

Obviously don't do anything that would make your problems worse, make sure you talk to your doc about it etc...

I also need to lose weight, I've just been on prednisolone for a year and my weight has skyrocketed

Yeah, I'm in regular touch with my pain nurse and physio, so they nag me not to over do it

 

[Bryony]

Unfortunately I can't advise with your medical problems just get out when you can and not to over do it (little and often is usually best).

I do understand how you feel though I have a heart condition (had a heart attack 6 years ago at the grand old age of 23!!) and between then and now I was petrified of doing any exercise in case it killed me! But I have been assured I'll be fine as long as I build up slowly, but even though I love my bike and riding it my heart problem can make me feel very tired I sometimes wake up in the morning feeling more tired than when I went to bed and then getting the motivation to go on a ride is very difficult, but once I do and get back home I feel great even if it was just a couple of miles up the road and back.

Good luck with it all

 

[neil earley]

Nice recumbent trike , its gives support to you spine and best of all you can take a break and just sit and rest for a while. Don't give up and seek medical advice about riding[ I discovered recumbents after having 7 implants and fusion to my spine} Best thing that has helped me get over health issues.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Nice recumbent trike , its gives support to you spine and best of all you can take a break and just sit and rest for a while. Don't give up and seek medical advice about riding[ I discovered recumbents after having 7 implants and fusion to my spine} Best thing that has helped me get over health issues.

Thanks for that. I'm doing better than I thought on my MTB.
I don't think I could use a recumbent anyway, due to a failed tendon release in my right elbow and now a shoulder issue on the same side (currently having physio).