A health problem makes it difficult to exercise?

margaretturk
margaretturk Posts: 5,046 Member
in Motivation and Support
I am recovering from a torn retina, so running, bending, gardening, and hard exercise is out for me for awhile. I am used to being very active. I also know I have to cut my calories more because I did gain a couple of pounds since it happened. It is stressful for me because the concern is a detached retina if I overdo:brokenheart: What were things you did when life threw you a curve ball to help you stay on track?

My symptoms for a torn retina were massive black floaters in my eye. :sad: It looked like smoke or when you drop ink into water. I did not ignore these symptoms. I got to my eye doctor within a day and he sent me to a retina specialist immediately. :glasses:

Replies

  • johnfnord
    johnfnord Posts: 22 Member
    Walking and hiking should help but beware down hill hiking. Maybe get some ski poles.
  • WeepingAngel81
    WeepingAngel81 Posts: 2,232 Member
    Aw that's frustrating! Did your doctor tell you what you can do in the mean time while everything heals?

    I dislocated my elbow about 10 years ago. I stuck with walking. Nothing too fast or crazy, just a lot of walking. My arm was in a huge cast from wrist to shoulder and even after it came off I was in a brace for about a month. I had no balance for a while so walking was safest for me. Do you have a stationary bike? Maybe that wouldn't be too much. I don't know because I have never had an issue like yours. Maybe see what your doc has to suggest?
  • frankp
    frankp Posts: 83
    Can you walk?

    You just got to do the best you can. You'll heal in time and be able to get back to your exercise routine, just be patient.

    I wasn't feeling up to exercising for a long time. I wasn't feeling well because I had leukemia, chemo, and a bone marrow transplant. I started by just walking around the hospital floor and after a couple years I'm up to walking 4 miles a day and am now lifting weights. Running causes too much pain, maybe some day.
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,046 Member
    Thanks for the idea of ski poles because I also have be careful not to fall. He did say walking is o.k.as long as it not too intense. It is hard to slow down, but I do know what is at stake if I don't.
  • jkestens63
    jkestens63 Posts: 1,164 Member
    I sympathize... I recently had arthoscopy to eliminate knee pain and it only made it worse. I am so frustrated!
  • mathjulz
    mathjulz Posts: 5,514 Member
    Is a stationary bike an option? I would think that it would be gentle on your retina (no bouncing) and low risk of falling. A recumbent bike might be even better. :flowerforyou:
  • doctorsookie
    doctorsookie Posts: 1,084 Member
    I'm with the recumbent bike idea. Hope you heal up real soon.
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,046 Member
    Thanks for all your ideas and support.:flowerforyou:
    I like the bike idea too. I do have access to one at the gym. It is not my first choice in exercising, but it will be a good substitute until I can get back to my normal routine.
    Jkesten63 I am sorry about your knee.
    frankp glad to hear you are on the mend. Inspiring to hear you walk 4 miles a day and lift weights after what you went through. :smile:
  • healthygreek
    healthygreek Posts: 2,137 Member
    I had a tear in my retina which I had lasered but then it detached. Then I had to have surgery to reattach.
    Subsequent to that , the same retina detached again! More surgery. Over the next 4 years my other eyes retina detached 2x.
    More surgeries. Eye surgery oftentimes causes cataracts. I developed cataracts in both eyes-more surgeries.
    Subsequent to each surgery, I had to wait weeks before I could begin to workout hard and I'm too frightened to lift heavy anymore so I do lots of reps with 5 pound weights for upper arm strength.
    I also walked a lot and now my doc says I can do anything I want but I don't do a thing requiring jumping or running.
    It's been more than 2 years since my last surgery so I'm starting to slowly lose my intense fear of more detachments but the risk is higher with people who have experienced tears and detachments.
    Get the best retina specialist possible and follow his directions religiously.

    ETA-don't add any exercise including bike unless asking your doc first!
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,046 Member
    I go to see the retina specialist tomorrow. Thanks for the concern about the bike. I hope you are done with surgeries. I know I will never take my eyesight for granted again.
    I am trying to get the word out about going immediately to the eye doctor if you suspect anything wrong. I was out with a friend when I got the floaters. My friend thought I should wait and see if they went away. Fortunately I did not listen to her advice. I also had to be assertive with the receptionist at the eye doctors (I went to my optometrist first .) She first told me it was a busy day and there were no openings. I had to insist I see the first available doctor. I did say something to a person who does the training at the clinic. When you have either a tear or a detachment time is of the essence. It is similar to a stroke or heart attack in that the sooner you get help the better.

    The lesson for me is it pays to listen to your body. You know yourself best and do not stop until you get the help you need.
  • healthygreek
    healthygreek Posts: 2,137 Member
    I go to see the retina specialist tomorrow. Thanks for the concern about the bike. I hope you are done with surgeries. I know I will never take my eyesight for granted again.
    I am trying to get the word out about going immediately to the eye doctor if you suspect anything wrong. I was out with a friend when I got the floaters. My friend thought I should wait and see if they went away. Fortunately I did not listen to her advice. I also had to be assertive with the receptionist at the eye doctors (I went to my optometrist first .) She first told me it was a busy day and there were no openings. I had to insist I see the first available doctor. I did say something to a person who does the training at the clinic. When you have either a tear or a detachment time is of the essence. It is similar to a stroke or heart attack in that the sooner you get help the better.

    The lesson for me is it pays to listen to your body. You know yourself best and do not stop until you get the help you need.
    Yes, when I had the tear, I knew right away, I must get to the doc. This is a very important message to get out there.
    Because I quickly got myself to the doc for every detachment-I have not lost significant vision and after cataract surgeries, I now see without glasses for the first time in my life.
    Glad to see you're taking care of yourself.
  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,046 Member
    To healthygreek thank you for writing back. I was relieved to hear how well you are doing after what you went through. :smile: My appointment is at noon today. What lifestyle changes did you make that you think helps you avoid tears and detachments?:glasses:
  • fkwan
    fkwan Posts: 28 Member
    I just had surgery for detachment today (in-office with bubble). I do a lot of Nordic walking with poles. Has anyone else who does pole walking had the same experience who could give me an idea when to resume exercise?
  • ucabucca
    ucabucca Posts: 606 Member
    Check with MD walking outside, in pool or even on treadmill all are a start. You just have to be creative think outside of the box. Talk to a trainer or a physical therapist they have good resources if you can.

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