I'd like to introduce myself :o)

Question

Hello, my name is Tammy.  I used to teach low carbohydrate diet classes. It was the Atkins approach.   I was so passionate about it, but I had to stop.  My own cholesterol and triglycerides went through the roof.  I still think they have a valid approach, but you have to be aware of your own body- and your genetic propensities.  

For the last several years, I have been struggling with a serious illness and an unrelated disability.  My focus went off my weight entirely, and now I am very obese...  The time has come for change.  I am not quite in a wheelchair, but my illness/disability has left me very close to that point.  I will be doing a modified low carb diet- less all the fat that the one I used to advocate.  My body just can't manage it.  I will also be doing several forms of exercise, according to what my body will do at the time.  

These are:
a)  Callanetics when I am unable to get out of bed (neurological dysfunction).
b)  Wheelchair exercises, when I can get into my chair, but not walk well.
c)  When my balance is doing "ok", I will try to do some aerobic type of exercise.
d)  I will also use a pedal exerciser.  It can be used for arms or legs.

I currently weigh 260lbs.  I am going for 20lb increments.  I would love to both be an encouragement to others; as well as be encouraged myself.

Please introduce yourself to me, and tell me about your plans.  
Cheers!
Tammy

maxthecat9196 · Answer

Thanks Barb, I will take your advice.  I finally got a prescription for pt too.  My doctor forgot to add for left side weakness, but has included for gait- so it should help.  I will take my frame walker to the appts- so we can get specific exercises to work with it at home.

Tammy

Barb135 · Answer

Use the frame walker for aid in exercising, as the rolling one might get roll at the wrong time and cause you to fall down. My aunt's PT has her do leg lifts, knee lifts, heel/toes, etc; she would not be able to do these without using the walker for support.

maxthecat9196 · Answer

I do have a walker.  I have the walking frame type, as well as the rolling type.  Thanks!  I never thought of that.  I think I can make that work.

Tammy

maxthecat9196 · Answer

I will try!  Of course it will depend on how bad the dysfunction is.  I basically have a small number of exercises that I can do lying down.  They are "core" type exercises, and I just do what I am capable of at the time.  

For instance if my left leg isn't functional- I still work my right leg, -etc.

Tammy

Barb135 · Answer

Probably not a good idea to try to take your mother's walker......... lol   

If insurance, disability or Medicare won't cover one, check out a local hospice thrift store or something; they can often be found very inexpensively at such places. My neighbor got one for an elderly family member for around $5.

You can do a google search for videos that will let you see what Yoga for Seniors is like.  Google "Yoga for Seniors youtube".  You will get a whole list of videos you can watch or do, on your computer.  There's even a chair yoga. 

The nice thing about yoga is that you do what you are able to do.  If you can't do a full pose, do as much of it as you can and work into the whole thing, gradually.

ducky406 · Answer

If you are on any insurance, disability, or medicare you can get one for free through them. Talk to your social worker or doctor. If you don't have anything, talk to a place like the salvation army.

drewlevas · Answer

Thank I never taugh about work out for Seniors!!! I think I'll also look for the prices on walker! My mother as one, but she's using it :-P

Barb135 · Answer

You might want to think about using a walker on those days when you are particularly weak, also.  And of course, look into the Yoga for Seniors.  Many of those poses are done sitting down.

Barb135 · Answer

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I'm wondering if you have thought of getting a walker to aid in your exercises.  I have a 93 yr old who fractured her hip  back in Sep; she's currently in an assisted living facility and we have home health coming in to do PT and OT with her.  A good share of the exercises she does are with the use of a walker, which gives her support and stability.  She uses the walker for much more than just walking. 

I recently ordered a dvd called "Yoga for Seniors" from Amazon; you might consider something like that - even if you aren't a senior.  Yoga is and excellent form of exercise for all abilities. 

Instead of just doing a low carb diet, why not give up the refined, simple carbs (sugar, white flour, white rice, etc) and go with the complex carbs, such as veggies, whole grains, etc.  Also, a lot of protein is good, and don't forget to eat those "good" fats, such as from olive oil, avocados, nuts, etc.

drewlevas · Answer

Hi Tammy,

I know how hard it is to loose weight when you are restrained by a neurological problem. I have symptomatic Chiari Malformation and someday it leaves me to weak to do much. You could give me a tip or two on wich excercise we can do on days that we need to keep the bed.

Have a nice night (or day (: ),
Drew

maxthecat9196 · Answer

Hi Ducky,  

I had pt last year, but it was discontinued...  I am supposed to start again soon, but no script yet.  I am currently being seen by two neurologists, and am trying to decide which one is the better for my situation.  I am so happy for the success your friend's aunt has had, but sad for her situation.  I do have a pretty good support system, but I also spend a lot of time on medhelp.  There are some really great people here.  

Hopefully we can visit again.;o)
Tammy

ducky406 · Answer

Just out of curiosity have you talked to a physical therapist? I'm unfamiliar with the exercises you're doing and it may also be the ones that they would advocate anyways. BUT I just wanted to say that it really has made a significant impact to my best friend's Aunt. She has RA, lupus, and a bunch of other medical issues. She has been in a wheelchair for at least the 10 years I've known her. Able to move her feet, as long as she put no weight on them and able to use her hands and arms relatively well. Anyway, she started going to a pt last year, doing the exercises he suggest and already she's lost over 50 lbs and actually took her first step on a cane a few weeks ago. 

Also do you have someone to call on those bad days? Make sure you have someone to talk to when you feel too weak to do anything; someone who can either push you if you need it or just let you cry. 

Good luck!