Do you have a physical disability that

Rocking_Robin

I am not but my Husband has Secondary Progressive MS, he has had it for 20 plus years. He is still mobile around the house, has cognitive issues, and is losing his sight. I struggle with holding everything together. I have good and bad days coping with it all... We are both trying to lose weight, I am on MFP, he is not. If anyone is curious about more, please read my profile, if you can offer me some support and need some as well please add me as a friend and tell me you saw my name on this post.

Thanks

Robin

XXXMinnieXXX

Wow lots of people battling health problems like me! We can do this! I've got fibromygia. I'm also very poorly with low blood pressure at the moment due to me being poorly with my gall bladder. Its gets infected and puts back my surgery. I finally got to a surgery date last friday and my operation didn't go ahead because there are shadows on my liver that need to be investigated first. I've been told only slow walks and gentle cleaning but I'm not well enough to even do that. Before the gall bladder issues I was managing my fibromyalgia well and exercising a lot helped and the weight fell off. I'm terribly frustrated right now and my weight is at a standstill because I can't exercise and in all honesty now and then comfort eating kicks in... I wish you all luck and there's some of you worse of than me so I should consider myself lucky. Zara X

Cait_Sidhe

I have a very rare bone disease called Congenital Multiple Osteochondromatosis or Mutliple Hereditary Exostoses (it has 2 names). I have bone and cartilage tumors on ever joint of my body and have had mutliple orthopedic surgeries since I was 3. I never thought I could exercise, but as it turns out, I can.

BBoros

I am 52 and a diabetic. I was diagnosed with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis, about a year and half ago. I also have arthritis and a couple degenerative discs in my spine. It makes it hard to stay motivated to exercise because of the pain. I used to use an electric cart to shop, because it hurts to bad to walk or stay for very long. I have in the last couple days have tried to walk as much as I can. I got 40 minutes in the other day and only 4 in yesterday. I’m going to try and walk today with my daughters. Being on this site and seeing so many positive things, does help me stay motivated. It is nice to have others that are going through what I am and be able to talk about it and know people understand. Need friends...You can add me as your friend.

missmacknz

I am 40 years old and 'they' think I have 'Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita' c/w Congenital Muscular Dystrophy, I was 'Born This Way' to steal a line from Lady Gaga and at birth my parents were told I'd be lucky to last a week and if I did I'd be a 'vegetable' and best they chuck me in a home and forget about me.

I didn't die, I'm not a vegetable and they didn't put me in a home. As a result of this I have struggled with weight issues ALL of my life. Six months ago I bit the bullet and had Weight Loss Surgery. It has been THE best thing I have ever done. Failing this I would have gotten immobile completely.

If anyone wants to add me, talk more etc - please do so - it has been INVALUABLE to me to be able to share the truth about myself on here with other people in similar situations and I've got lots of advice, ideas and tips from others also including getting a motorised pedal exerciser while I am still too fat to manage my normal exercycle :P

1234terri

I do, use a wheelchair currently...and for a bit over a year. You really have to think and plan how cardio will happen with a disability. Unlike what everyone thinks, pushing a wheelchair does not burn calories, sitting all day causes the fat to blob on:-) I use a foot pedaled cardio 'bike', can sit and use while watching TV. Seated Zumba is a fun, terrific, upbeat way to get a small burn, too. I also try to do stretching, rolling fast--but mostly what helps me is a *low calorie* day. I do NOT eat 1200 cals, I eat closer to 750-900. It works for me and I had to take months on MFP to find this out. Welcome and thanks for posting!

-Terri

1234terri

How did you get kicked out of physical therapy? That seems odd! I broke my tib/fib over a year ago, still not walking. can be very tricky.

Not on the same level as a disability, but just an impairment?

I had two ankle surgeries over the summer, and just got kicked out of physical therapy.

I tore the lateral ligaments, deltoid, and calcaneal ligaments. I also have an osteochondral lesion on the talar dome, and according to my physio and my chiropractor, the tib/fib do not sit on the talar dome in correct alignment.

Every step is a crunching, painful affair. Lots of walking, ANY jogging / running / jumping jacks, etc causes intense pain everywhere the ligaments were re-attached. All the ligaments have stretched back out, so sudden movements can cause my ankle to dislocate.

JessicaHoskins

I am 5 foot 2" & am morbidly obese;I currently weigh @ 294 lbs. (Ideal is @150 for my age,build & size)
As a result, I have a bad case of both Asthma & Sciatica. So right now as my weight goes, I can barely walk across the street without experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back & getting out of breath!
Needless to say, once I get done losing all 144 pounds, I'll then be able to do the one thing that (practically) everyone takes for granted: Walk & run, without any pain!:happy:

Caileadair

I found that there is already a board here on MFP called "I'm a person not a diagnosis". A very up beat title I think. No matter what type of disability/challenge we have we are a person first and foremost. The group is listed on the Community page. I posted there about 4 days ago and not one read.....there are a lot of us here though, all of us with varying degrees of challenges. 39 posts so far on this thread. There is no one using this group in the past quite some time.

We could use this group ....post about some of the everyday stuff that we deal with, offer help, suggestions, and just good plain old support. There are certainly enough of us to keep a board like this active. I know there are more people out there. People that are shy or private about themselves. Even when there are only a few posts there could be other people reading that are being helped, reading suggestions, implementing those in their own lives. Even helping one person through one more day. Often that is what we have to do....one day...one hour...one minute at a time. It could also help bring others on this site to more understanding. Care givers, family members, the other folks on this site, if they wish to read there. We aren't "special" but we are different in some ways.

One of the most valuable ways to understanding is to share. One of the best ways to help ourselves is to help others.

I'll start and post one of the things I'm having a difficulty with. I really would appreciate some input.

mld2003

I have cerebal palsy, I use crutches or a walker to get around. For me I want to get serious about getting healthy being healthy because I think if I put real serious effort into it, my walking and flexibility will greatly improve. When I was younger I could walk without my walker or crutches when I was outside in the yard, or in the house/ classroom. After my last surgery, I tried again and couldnt. I would fall every time. Now, I want to try again, I know some of my problem is fear of hurting myself in the falls (doesnt really bother me I just get up, but I have had falls that required stitches on the knee and who wants that ). I think that by working out getting healthier and stronger it will help ease the fear and I may finally be able to do it again, and I think it would be pretty awesome

AussieGem

Yes, but mine is a bit strange as in most people have no idea how it prevents me from exercising until I explain it! I have proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

This means the blood vessels in my retinas hemorrhage. I've had dozens of laser treatments for it (can't get any more - too much scar tissue) and a surgery on my left eye. I have not yet had surgery on my right eye, and am hoping to avoid that. However, any form of weight-bearing exercise is too much strain and I pop blood vessels. Same with hard running, etc. When this happens I can't see out of that eye for a week or more, until the blood clears. It is possible to lose my sight permanently. In fact, it's a leading cause of blindness in America.

As of right now I can do some things, like walking, or light biking, but that's about it.

As I often tell others - I'd rather be a little chunky or flabby and be able to see, than be fit as hell but be permanently blind!

OMG ... I have a genetic eye condition that puts me into a similar situation as you. My blood vessels in my eyes are very weak and they hemorrhage quite a bit. It also excretes scar tissue which detaches my retina. I fully understand what you are going through and the limitations caused by this.

Good Work .. Keep on doing what you are doing!!

emfilomena

I deal with gastroparesis, a very debilitating digestive disorder. It means paralysis of the stomach, and to break it down even further- my body does not digest at a normal rate. It's relatively severe and my main symptoms are nausea, vomiting, bloating, and inability to pass bowel movements on a normal basis (only once or twice a week!). It causes severe pain, I'm usually very dehydrated, malnourished, etc., It's gotten to the point where I even have heart problems.

I haven't been able to exercise besides yoga for the past week due to the severity of it. I'm looking into the possibility of being admitted to a hospital and will likely be going for fluids on Monday or Tuesday in the ER. I see a new specialist on the 1st, thank goodness.

It causes many complications regarding receiving proper nutrients and my body absorbing and processing those nutrients, along with getting in enough exercise. I'm only 17, and have been dealing with symptoms for years, but it only got serious and diagnosed when I was 16. It's been hard trying to adjust to a "normal" life when I've only been to school for 4 days out of the month of February. I'm trying to get my life back, one piece at a time..

brighteyesxluv

I have anemia, scoliosis, weak arteries (i have to drink a lot more water than most people), i get cysts in my fallopian tubes.

eyewonder2

Hi! I'm very frustrated, and know exactly how you feel. I have good days and some fair days, but never a excellent day. I have a slip disc in my back and bad knees with arthritis. I wished I could walk the 1/2 block you do. My every step is pain along with every moment I stand. Like they say there is always someone worst off than you . I have to remind myself of that when I start complaining. The one thing we have to remember is to keep it moving.

jenaissance

tendonitis in my wrists/ankles/knees, rotator cuff injury that never healed properly, herniated L5/S1 disks causing chronic back pain and sciatica, which in turn has caused nerve damage that rendered my left foot and the back of my left leg completely numb. I feel ancient, moaning and groaning just to get out of bed every morning (If I lie down more than 6 hours there is so much pain I'm almost paralyzed), but I try and remain as active as possible for my 3 kids (ages 7, 5 and 4!). I'm so glad to see I'm not alone in this I certainly couldn't do the 30 day shred etc., without causing myself even more damage.

Kalynx

I'm 38 with congenative heart failure because of my obesity, which has caused kidney failure. Up until a month ago I thought I just had "heart problems" and yeah yeah yeah I should lay off the salt, I'd nod my head at the heart dr I've been seeing, as I had been for a few years, and promise to do better and never do it. I'm so ashamed I let my weight get so out of control, and gosh I chose to live so unhappily for so many years. I was happy, but I havent been living.

When he sent me to the kidney dr. it was a wake up call for sure!! My kidneys were functioning at 12 % He put me on a low sodium, low potassium diet, but if it doesnt improve in a week we are going to discuss dialysis. Well if thats not motivation I dont know what is. I was terified. I've never heard good long term things re: dialysis and did not want to go down that road. I drove home in a daze from his office wondering who would take care of my cat once I was dead. lol

I immediately changed my diet, I keep the sodium down to under 2000 per day, same with potassium. The potassium thing isnt so hard, the sodium thing is difficult but its becoming a habit and much easier. Its not much fun, but as my brother told me, if I enjoy living, I will make it fun. LOL

I'm still afraid to do much as far as exercising, my heart still races when I walk more than 75 feet. Sometimes I get light headed and my ears fill with pressure as if decending on an airplane and I have to sit and wait for it to stop. Every week I can tell its getting easier and easier to walk around, I have more endurance doing things around the house, etc. Hopefully in a month or so I can actually start walking for exercise taking a few more steps every day. Until I get clearance from the heart Dr though, that dizzy, light headed, head pounding pressure thing scares me too much.

Oh, and after 1 week on a low sodium diet my kidney function improved from 12% to 29.6%!! Next blood test is in 5 weeks and I'm hoping for more good news. Since my heart dr visit that started this all on Jan 24th, I'm down 27 lbs...maybe more - I'll weigh in tomorrow or the next day.

MFP has been wonderful to log my food - not really counting calories but the low sodium/no processed food thing sure makes you eat healthy, so calories arent a problem. There are so many nice people and wonderful recipe ideas on here!! Good luck to everyone.

gazz777au

Joint Hypermobility, Depression, Anxiety, Poor sleep, Very Stressful Job.

Chronic fatigue and pain was just starting to set in.

I did not realise a lot of this was present because ignorance and long-term obesity hid symptoms from me.

Last year I lost about 80lb on my own bat when I first started to sort out the depression.

Asthma dealt with to a certain point (I may have become dependant on the meds, but I have had my inhaler only a few times in the last few months).

Depression reared it's ugly head almost beyond my control recently - in a moment of clouded judgement I deleted my old MFP account - gazz777.

Well, the Gazz has come back as gazz777au and I have returned to my faith and fighting this battle with help now.

I walk in the pool when I cant walk on land.

I was trying Body Balance and ignored the over-balancing (practice makes better, if not perfect), pick myself up, laugh and move forward.

I move and stretch and strengthen what I can.

Going to take some pain killers and re-start my podiatry and physio exercises now and I would really welcome friends who are relating to all this.

Happy to cheer you on too !

Gazz

gazz777au

The inspiration for me to not give up on life or moving, etc....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8ZuKF3dxCY

Caileadair

You are all inspirations to me!
I went to the doctor and spoke with her regarding the amount of calories I should be having every day and during our discussion she brought up that she felt that we needed to have a more aggressive pain management program. None of my physical issues are "fixable".....it's a matter of finding ways to cope on a daily basis,
I agreed to her plan and started the new meds 4 days ago. The side effects have been a tad difficult however today it was a bit better and I walked for about 10 minutes outside on the pavement. I feel very thankful I can do that today.

emfilomena

Great to hear you were able to get a little fresh air today, Caileadair! I hope that your new medication helps with the coping of your pain. My mom has dealt with chronic pain (symptoms of MS, besides lesions, therefore she is undiagnosed) for 6 years now following her hysterectomy and struggles on a day to day basis coping with her pain. I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be to merely do normal household chores and such.

Maryee71

bump

BrienJD

I second that wholeheartedly.


Yes, but mine is a bit strange as in most people have no idea how it prevents me from exercising until I explain it! I have proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

This means the blood vessels in my retinas hemorrhage. I've had dozens of laser treatments for it (can't get any more - too much scar tissue) and a surgery on my left eye. I have not yet had surgery on my right eye, and am hoping to avoid that. However, any form of weight-bearing exercise is too much strain and I pop blood vessels. Same with hard running, etc. When this happens I can't see out of that eye for a week or more, until the blood clears. It is possible to lose my sight permanently. In fact, it's a leading cause of blindness in America.

As of right now I can do some things, like walking, or light biking, but that's about it.

As I often tell others - I'd rather be a little chunky or flabby and be able to see, than be fit as hell but be permanently blind!

imakimm

I have a rare Neurological condition. It was really hard for me in the beginning to exercise because I was always getting dizzy and nauseous and had severe headaches. The trainer I had wouldn't train me anymore without a doctors note and my doctors wouldn't clear me Things are slowly getting better. It's sad that so many others are dealing with disabilities. I hope everyone has a nice pain free day.

Caileadair

The new medication is a bit scary but I am grateful I have a physician that understands that quality of life is a major consideration for me and will prescribe what she feels will work for me.
Thanks

YennaBean

I have heart palpitations and PVC's. Apparently I'm the craziest case my cardiologist has ever seen, because mine are very, very frequent. He told me that I can walk, and do mild stuff, but he doesn't think I should 'stress' my heart with running, jogging, busting my a** at the gym.... I'm actually supposed to be on beta blockers right now, but I'm afraid of the side effects. My cardiologist believes my case is strongly attached to years or stress and anxiety, and my depression. (Yes, it is true, depression really does 'hurt' like they say in the commercials. It effects your body in all kinds of ways) So right now he wants me to try and avoid stressful situtations since I'm anxiety prone. Not to mention these palpitations get scary sometimes to the point where I don't even want to move... it's like a panic attack that never goes away.

YennaBean

I forgot to add why he believe it's all in my mind, I've had 2 echos (basically an ultrasound) of my heart and it's physically normal. Apparently "a heart having electrical misfires is pretty normal.." Sigh.

nemsmom

I forgot to add why he believe it's all in my mind, I've had 2 echos (basically an ultrasound) of my heart and it's physically normal. Apparently "a heart having electrical misfires is pretty normal.." Sigh.

Urggg! I can't stand the "it's all in your head" attitude so many doctors have. Have you tried a second opinion if possible? I hope you find some way to help. I'm on beta blockers for Postural Orthostatic Thacycardia Syndrome and have been for almost four years. I don't believe I have any side effects from it. (Not that I could really tell, too many other symptoms to know)

I also have MS (doctor is thinking Secondary Progressive but doesn't want to put that in my charts) and HypoKalemic Periodic Paralysis. The PP is aggravated by rest after unusual activity so working out can be difficult from that. Then there's all the pain from MS that is definitely worse after I exercise, too many times when all I can do is curl up in the fetal position and cry.

I find I can push myself for a few days to really try and exercise before it all comes crashing down again and I just can't seem to push anymore. I need to learn moderation (for food and exercise) but I want so bad to get in shape I end up trying to push too hard!

I'm sorry you are all in this same position but glad we have all found each other for support!

bailamulata

I am a 39yr old female with several medical conditions: early onset of Parkinson's disease, gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, central sleep apnea, myoclonic seizures, chronic migraines, herniated L4/L5, S2, carpal tunnel syndrome, hiatal hernia, REM disorder, depression, anxiety... and a couple of others that I seem to just forget... just like others posted on this thread... I try not to complain much because I know there are others with so much more on their plates... Iike those with sick children... my heart goes out to all of you that have posted... I simply take it one day at a time and I thank the Lord for every day he gives me... God bless all of you..

maikastar

Mine are a combination...as a baby, I was born without any hip sockets. One grew in later, but my left didn't and that meant major orthopaedic surgery to create one for me using one of my ribs, which meant that it continued to grow with me. In and of itself it's not a problem, but now, 30+ years on, it's slightly arthritic. Nothing that can't be controlled, but enough that it's niggly. Of course, getting weight off will help that.

In combination with that, I have a lax ligament issue, that due to it not being picked up, lead to a combination of sporting injuries that means that I have to be careful, otherwise I will knock myself out of commission very easily - ankle and knee injuries caused by hockey and netball have left me with joints that while healed, will never be as strong as they can be. Again, less weight on these joints can only be helpful.

Finally, I have mild to moderate agorophobia and social phobia/anxiety, which can make getting out tricky. I get around that by long walks with my dog - she'll always protect me, though because she's gorgeous and incredibly friendly, that can lead to being approached by people, which on a bad day can be enough to send me home before I even start, which isn't great. For the bad days though, my daughter's Wii and a combination of any of the Just Dance games, and the Fit board come to my rescue - the Just Dance is brilliant for raising a sweat, and the Fit Board means I can work on general flexibility etc without having to leave the house.

MichelleV1990

I have Charcot Marie Tooth disease, which affects the peripheral nerves in my legs and arms. The myelin sheath that covers the nerves is disintegrating, which interrupts the message to the brain and causes my muscles to atrophy. Thank the good Lord, it's a slowly progressive disease, but I have to wear foot braces because the muscles which hold up my feet are no longer functional. My hands are weak and no longer work to full capacity either. I can't change my own necklaces, need help changing my pierced earrings, and have great difficulty picking coins up from a flat surface. I can no longer run or stand on tiptoes. Exercising is a challenge because of my balance issues. When I first started Leslie Sansone's Walk Slim videos, I had to hang on to something stable for basically the entire video. Now, my strength and endurance has increased to the point that I only need to stabilize myself for about 3% of the exercises. My disease is classified in with the Muscular Dystrophy family, so there is no cure as of yet. I'm just thankful that I have such a mild form of it.