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Living with a disease and trying to workout :(

NancyQR28
NancyQR28 Posts: 63 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
Tomorrow is my one year anniversary since I began my fitness journey. I didn't reach my goal, mainly because I just don't feel good everyday. I have cubital tunnel syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, and suffer from mild colitis. On weeks when I feel good, I workout 6 times a week, but when the pain is full blown, especially the cubital tunnel, where the pain runs all the way up and down my back down to the leg, I can't even attempt to do light zumba or even yoga. I have the kind of metabolism that is totally dependent on exercise. I love working out, it has become my life and I feel proud of the progress I've made, but at the same time I feel so discouraged because I could have gotten closer to my goal if it weren't for this pain :\ . Does anyone else have this problem? Please share some encouragement and how you deal with it. Here's a picture of my one year progress, 10 inches off my waist and a loss all around. gcdx59ipxzjv.jpg

Replies

  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    You have done well and especially well when factoring in health issues.

    I have very physically limiting and painful arthritis that pain wise was running 7-8+. Got on coconut oil (over time around 8 tablespoons a day) and cut out the sugar totally and other carbs to <50 grams. Now the pain is more like 2-3 on a 1-10 scale. In my case the IBS that I had dealt with for 40 years stopped after I started the coconut oil which was a huge plus and motivation. Now the first month was no fun but it was worth it.

    For some reason I seem to gain pounds just looking at carbs. :)

    You going at a steady pace for a year proves you can stay at it long term. I am not suggesting you change anything and you will get to your overall objective at the rate you are going.
  • middlehaitch
    middlehaitch Posts: 8,488 Member
    Just want to say, I admire both of you for working through the pain.
    Cheers, h.
  • oedipa_maas
    oedipa_maas Posts: 577 Member
    I'm so sorry it's so hard. I relate. I have palindromic rheumatism and the flares are so painful they make me nauseous. I can't do much until they recede. Have you tried water/swimming? I don't know if you have access to a pool, but it's good for people with arthritis. It sounds like your other condition doesn't even allow for that when it flares up. It must be very tough. I hope through treatment and pain management it gets easier for you, if that's possible.

    When I'm dealing with chronic pain, I have to rest. Like you, when the pain is manageable or gone I work out. You are doing GREAT. You look wonderful and most importantly you have gotten hooked on working out, so you are very dedicated. The only advice I can truly give is keep working out when you feel good; that really matters and you're doing it. I find radical acceptance of my disability helps me stop panicking when it interferes with my healthy lifestyle. I know I do my best when my body allows it, and I have to modify what I do when my body won't comply. You are fighting the good fight despite your conditions; you are doing your best! Don't despair, as long as you can spend some of your time working out, it will pay off. Maybe slower, but that's okay. You are going in the right direction.

    So many good thoughts to you!
  • NancyQR28
    NancyQR28 Posts: 63 Member
    edited December 2014
    Thank you all so much for your words. Today was a rough day pain wise, but you're all right, I will focus on my good days. I've read wonders about coconut oil, I'll do some more research, maybe it could work for me too. I already use it on my psoriasis, but it if helps with anything else, I'm all for natural cures. Thanks again :)
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