Just to say the most important thing I can do as an HCP working in the field of MS is to walk the talk and to engage in my own prehabilitation programme, which is what I did at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and what I continue to do.
Yes I totally agree, not wishing to point out the obvious, go swimming! I have Little function in my legs, but with a figure of eight type float ( all pools have them) jammed between the legs ,front crawl using just upper my body is not that much slower than with legs. With a pair of goggles, good regulated breathing it has to be the best way to improve lung / heart function for someone with compromised lower body function. It’s alarming how quickly lung capacity improves.From a mental/ motivational perspective, covering a few hundred meters, maybe further becomes a very calming and mediative experience. It increases blood flow, inadvertently exercises many other less used long forgotten muscle groups inadvertently gaining you a little more strength and stability. The endorphin increase, makes you feel great. If you do enjoy it and build up to a couple of good sessions per week the bad habits listed above, smoking, bad diet etc start to become a hinderance, giving one a tangible reason to cut down or stop. Ultimately the joy of being able to once again propel one’s self without the aid of wheels, walkers etc cannot be underestimates. Under the equalities act all pools have to make a reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. Most have hoists to help you get in and out. I’m not saying this is for everyone, but if you swam fairly competently in you youth or pre MS days, it shouldn’t be too hard to pick up again. For those (like myself) who are heat intolerant, remember that you are exercising in a vast tank of coolant. Sorry to appear a little over zealous but it does tick a number of boxes in the prehabilitation box.
The pandemic has obviously made exercise with other people virtually impossible. One of the consequences for me is a total lack of aerobic exercise. Just a few days ago I did some simple stretching exercises via a YouTube video and I felt fatigued and out of breath after just 30 minutes. It gave me a shock to realise how unfit I am. There have been mitigating circumstances but no more excuses, I must get back into the habit of regular exercise. Thanks for prodding me in that direction.
I think this is all really relevant and great advice. My only addition is setting up your bills to be paid via direct debit. It is one less thing to worry about especially if you have young children.
Just to say the most important thing I can do as an HCP working in the field of MS is to walk the talk and to engage in my own prehabilitation programme, which is what I did at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and what I continue to do.
Yes I totally agree, not wishing to point out the obvious, go swimming! I have Little function in my legs, but with a figure of eight type float ( all pools have them) jammed between the legs ,front crawl using just upper my body is not that much slower than with legs. With a pair of goggles, good regulated breathing it has to be the best way to improve lung / heart function for someone with compromised lower body function. It’s alarming how quickly lung capacity improves.From a mental/ motivational perspective, covering a few hundred meters, maybe further becomes a very calming and mediative experience. It increases blood flow, inadvertently exercises many other less used long forgotten muscle groups inadvertently gaining you a little more strength and stability. The endorphin increase, makes you feel great. If you do enjoy it and build up to a couple of good sessions per week the bad habits listed above, smoking, bad diet etc start to become a hinderance, giving one a tangible reason to cut down or stop. Ultimately the joy of being able to once again propel one’s self without the aid of wheels, walkers etc cannot be underestimates. Under the equalities act all pools have to make a reasonable effort to accommodate your needs. Most have hoists to help you get in and out. I’m not saying this is for everyone, but if you swam fairly competently in you youth or pre MS days, it shouldn’t be too hard to pick up again. For those (like myself) who are heat intolerant, remember that you are exercising in a vast tank of coolant. Sorry to appear a little over zealous but it does tick a number of boxes in the prehabilitation box.
RV
Yes, swimming or aqua aerobics is the obvious solution for those who suffer from heat sensitivity.
The pandemic has obviously made exercise with other people virtually impossible. One of the consequences for me is a total lack of aerobic exercise. Just a few days ago I did some simple stretching exercises via a YouTube video and I felt fatigued and out of breath after just 30 minutes. It gave me a shock to realise how unfit I am. There have been mitigating circumstances but no more excuses, I must get back into the habit of regular exercise. Thanks for prodding me in that direction.
As I have said many times before 'exercise is the most underutilised and under-prescribed MS DMT we have at our disposal'.
I think this is all really relevant and great advice. My only addition is setting up your bills to be paid via direct debit. It is one less thing to worry about especially if you have young children.