Not even got on the bike yet and....

[ScotiaLass]

I'm feeling so deflated today
The bike just has to have the new tyres put on and I'm ready to ride again for the first time in about 6 years.

The thing is, my medical conditions.
Today I did a walk as I'm co-leading some walks for disabled people - it took about an hour at a fairly slow pace, no hills etc and I am wiped out!
How the heck am I going to manage on the bike?

My hips and thighs ache (that could just be my Fibromyalgia and not the effort of the walk ) and I am off to have a hot bath - the only thing that eases my muscle pain.

I am a determined person but I feel so fed up. I just want to be out doing what everyone else can take for granted

 

[smokeysmoo]

How the heck am I going to manage on the bike?

Softly, softly, catchy monkey

 

[RWright]

Walking for any distance of about a mile or more now produces more soreness for me than riding. It definitely was not that way when I first started riding. If you want to ride you will have to start somewhere, if only a half mile or so to start with. It will not be easy, you have to build up. Making myself go out was and sometimes still is the tough part. Especially in very hot or very cool weather.

 

[ScotiaLass]

Thanks...I think once I take the plunge it'll be okay.
I never could do anything by halves though.....

 

[RWright]

Thanks...I think once I take the plunge it'll be okay.
I never could do anything by halves though.....

half mile out half mile back then.

 

[Sillyoldman]

Not sure if this will help at all as I don't have your condition, but I was diagnosed a while ago now with psoriatic arthritis which mainly effected my lower spine and hands but also could give me real issues in my hips, knees and shoulders. I was also very heavy (actually I was fat) among other things.

I started riding relatively recently - June last year after a false start the year before. I was a bit of a mess to be honest and the back pain was at times intolerable, affecting my sleep and my work and my life in general. I was living on pain relief, permanently. I started my cycling slowly as Smokey suggests and was amazed at how the distance I could ride increased and how quickly I began to regain some fitness. The real reason I post this is to perhaps offer you some hope.

I hardly ever take pain relief now. If I don't ride I start to stiffen up - I can feel it coming on. Luckily I just love being on the bike. I don't commute as I do not have a commute but I try to do at least 200-300 miles a month these days. I feel bl**dy brilliant most of the time. Yes I have also lost a fair bit of weight and am more careful with my eating as well.

Just take it slowly, try to do a little often to start and see where you go. I really wish you all the best and hope that like me, in a years time you will consider cycling as the best thing you ever did.

Bon voyage ScotiaLass.

 

[Archie_tect]

Knowing that it will get easier is the way to go SL... give it time and you'll be loving it even within a few days... good luck!

 

[PeteXXX]

As said by others, ScotiaLass. Short, easy rides to start with, then build it up gradually. Add a mile or so to each outing and hopefully it'll become easier.

 

[Mr Haematocrit]

Go for a ride, not for a goal.
Why put additional pressure on yourself?
When you have had enough stop

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

Walking for any distance of about a mile or more now produces more soreness for me than riding. It definitely was not that way when I first started riding. If you want to ride you will have to start somewhere, if only a half mile or so to start with. It will not be easy, you have to build up. Making myself go out was and sometimes still is the tough part. Especially in very hot or very cool weather.

I find walking very tiring these days - I think it's because walking doesn't get the body warmed up like cycling does.

On the positive side, being tired from walking probably won't make you tired for the bike, @ScotiaLass. In fact there's a chance it will leave you feeling invigorated. The hardest bit will be pushing the bike out of the front door.

 

[jowwy]

Thanks...I think once I take the plunge it'll be okay.
I never could do anything by halves though.....

its not just pain with fibromyalgia though, fatigue and tirednes can kick in without any notice. my partner has it, so i know what your going through mentally and physically.

 

[ScotiaLass]

its not just pain with fibromyalgia though, fatigue and tirednes can kick in without any notice. my partner has it, so i know what your going through mentally and physically.

Exactly. I'm just about to be started on a drug to help ease the extreme fatigue. But I could never pace myself, with me it's all or nothing and when you have FM that's no good!

Thank-you for all the positive comments. I need to do this, but more importantly, I WANT to do this!
I know I'll fall in with all over again once I start!

 

[Davidc]

I've greatly increased my cycling since I had a major heart problem and operation. It's now the only exercise I can do for sustained periods at a reasonable level, so hope you find the same.

I know a little of FM and know it's very nasty, so hope the treatment works for you.

 

[Booyaa]

II am a determined person but I feel so fed up. I just want to be out doing what everyone else can take for granted

Don't worry, you are not alone, not everyone can take going for a ride as granted.

 

[HLaB]

The bike is easier than a walk if you are not pushing yourself and your gearing is right; let the bike do the work!