Exercise and MS - Tai Chi?

[Lulu54]

hi all,
I don't have a dx for MS and am in limbo.  

Through work I can participate in a variety of classes - I am looking at a TaiChi class as a possibility and wonder if any of you have a regular exercise class routine?


Thanks for any input you can supply
Laura

[wonko]

Nice to meet a kindred spirit.  I've been off the smokes since May, and have lost over 30 lbs since then.  I still have a ways to go, my goal to lose 100, so I'm about 1/3 there!  

Good luck with the 10-20 lbs and the lp.  I had one a few months ago, done under fluoroscope.  It was uncomfortable, but not awful.  I drank lots of fluids and didn't get any headaches.  

I've never heard of Zumba, I'll need to google that one!

Take care

[Lulu54]

I hadn't thought of the heat aspect - Tai Chi is not rigorous in the sense of something like Zumba (another tempting choice) would be.  Unfortunately they don't have any water exercise classes on the schedule this term or I would be in the pool!

I am also an ex-smoker with prior sedentary habits.  Quit in January when I had my MI - still ocassionally miss it but wouldn't go back. I watch what I eat, walk daily, and have lost about 50 pounds. After about 40 pounds, the MS possibility popped up.  Good luck with kicking that one - if I can do it, so can you.

Like you I figure they wouldn't take me seriously if I didn't take my own health seriously.  I would like to take another 10-20 off and then I'm done.  

Good luck with the dx stuff - next up for me is an lp on Sept. 9.

Be well,

Laura

[wonko]

an afterthought:  If you have heat sensitivity, do take care in starting a new exercise routine.  Even if it is not rigorous, you don't always know how your body will respond.  I just felt I should mention that.

[wonko]

Hi,
I too have no dx, have been seeing doctors for whatever's going on since Jan '08.

At first, I didn't change anything in my life in response to my situation.  Then, 'round April, I decided it was time to make some (well needed) lifestyle changes, including starting exercise, quitting smoking, and a dietary over-haul.

I did this in part because I was afraid that my doctors would not take me very seriously as an overweight smoker.  I also felt it was important to give my body any extra help to get through the emotional and physical stress of my situation.  

Now, I am one day short of 5 full months of my current and second "episode" (I don't say "flair" 'cause I don't know what the heck it is, so "episode" seems more appropriate.)  At this stage, eating well and exercise are also becoming a much needed distraction!  It's nice to learn a new recipe or try a new workout instead of spending the time and energy banding my head against the wall.  Plus, I do think these changes are helping me ward off depression.  I have my days, but I really have not gotten too down.

So, I say go for it!  My only regret is that it took me several months to take such action.  The situation of being in limbo stinks, as I am sure you know.  I think any positive change or addition you can make to your life will benefit you greatly.  I haven't tried Tai Chi, but I'm open to anything, so let us know how you like it!

I hope your doctors work quickly and well to help you, but in the meantime, kudos and good luck on investing in yourself.