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40, chronic pain issues& looking for other MFP users

mkthompson1
mkthompson1 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Introduce Yourself
I have been a user of My Fitness Pal for a while. But I have been doing it on my own. I am not terribly motivated to exercise, but know would be better off if I did. I have health issues and physical disabilities that limit me. My current steps per day goal is 2,000.
I would like to find people who are having similar issues and are also in need of support, it others who have overcome these types of issues.

Replies

  • stark_resilient
    stark_resilient Posts: 4 Member
    Hi, I also have chronic pain (fibromyalgia) and am working towards excercising more to improve my condition. It's nice to meet someone with similar issues!
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
    fyi there is a chronic illness/pain group :)
  • OyGeeBiv
    OyGeeBiv Posts: 733 Member
    Me, too. I started with a goal of 3000 steps, which took me a while to achieve on a consistent basis. Then I went to 4000, then 5000. When I set my goal to 6000, I had a real setback. I stopped counting because I was so frustrated. A few months later, I started counting again at 3500. Now my goal is back to 5000, and I reach it about 80% of the time. One thing I learned is that while some of my limitations are in my mind, some of them aren't. I have to do what I can do, but not try to overdo and re-injure myself.

    I have occasional days where I do walk 10,000 steps, when I'm out someplace "doing and seeing". Unfortunately, that usually means a few days of bedrest afterwards and a lot of pain, so I have to weigh the benefits. Sometimes it's worth wearing myself out to do something extra fun! I'm actually "in training" for something I want to do in February which entails a lot of walking. I want to look forward to it instead of dreading it.

    Every step is a triumph for people who have certain disabilities. We can't compare ourselves to people who don't have similar issues. We probably shouldn't compare ourselves to people who have similar issues, either, but it helps to have understanding support.

  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    edited December 2015
    moyer566 wrote: »
    fyi there is a chronic illness/pain group :)

    @moyer566 could you share the link to group please?

    Over the last year I have learned to manage my chronic pain by diet and walking but continue to work towards not pain without taking Rx meds.
  • stark_resilient
    stark_resilient Posts: 4 Member
    @64crayons Everything you said is so true! And the amount you've been able to improve is inspirational - I'm new to tracking steps at all, and so I plan to see what my average is over a few days and then create goals from there.
  • OyGeeBiv
    OyGeeBiv Posts: 733 Member
    @stark_resilient Start slowly. Look at your average. Add a few hundred to that, and make that your goal until you can meet it consistently. Track all of your steps, all day. Do silly little tricks to get in more steps without actually having to "go for a walk". One that works for me is that when I'm watching tv, I'll get up and walk around the house during commercial breaks. (Okay, I *started* with walking around the coffee table ONCE during commercial breaks!).
  • stark_resilient
    stark_resilient Posts: 4 Member
    Thanks for the tips! Do you use your phone, or a separate pedometer to track the steps?
  • stark_resilient
    stark_resilient Posts: 4 Member
    Sorry, meant to @64crayons
  • OyGeeBiv
    OyGeeBiv Posts: 733 Member
    @stark_resilient I used my phone for a while, but found it to be wildly variable in how many steps it counted. I finally broke down and bought a fitness tracker a few weeks ago. I got the Jawbone UP2 and I'm happy with it. I started using "Map My Walk" this week, too.
  • mkthompson1
    mkthompson1 Posts: 3 Member
    moyer566 wrote: »
    fyi there is a chronic illness/pain group :)

    I would love more info! I am seeing several folks who have responded. It's nice to know I'm not alone, and inspiring to think that if I apply myself I could get better. =)
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