Regaining strength after being ill

Nicki

I am seeing a rheumatologist and have been fortnightly for the last 4 months. Have had numerous blood tests, MRI, x Ray and ultrasound, tried a steroid injection which worked slightly for about 5 days, oral steroids no impact, nor anti inflammatory meds not immuno suppressants. Hence why I don't think a diagnosis is likely any time soon

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

Nicki wrote: »

I am seeing a rheumatologist and have been fortnightly for the last 4 months. Have had numerous blood tests, MRI, x Ray and ultrasound, tried a steroid injection which worked slightly for about 5 days, oral steroids no impact, nor anti inflammatory meds not immuno suppressants. Hence why I don't think a diagnosis is likely any time soon

Immunosuppressants? You're already on methotrexate? That takes time to work, as they all do.

I had a brief flare in July, probably due to having to miss one injection, thanks to a bladder infection. I felt more tired than usual for three days and woke up unable to move. I'm still not back to how I was the week before, despite being back on the meds three days later when the infection had cleared up.

I had to walk an entire half mile on Sunday (no bus). I've done nothing else since. Because I can't; I feel like I've overdone it at the gym. I know I'll be okay in a few days because I've done this for years and can tell it's improving. And I wouldn't have been able to do that walk a week ago in the first place.


If you've got a pool nearby with a slope or shallow steps, it really feels good to go when it's quiet and you can just float or stand there moving your arms around. It's still exercise and you'll still be tired, but it's great to take the weight off your body and just 'be' for a while.


Unfortunately, time is what's needed. If you've had the maximum steroids for your weight, rather than a teeny amount injected and are taking the immunosuppressants as directed, it's only time that will build you up again.


Keep eating as healthily as possible, don't neglect yourself out of exhaustion and (the hardest thing for me) be patient.

GlasweJen

Have you tried a tonic like metatone or spatone?

Downsizing__for_sanity

Do you have a rehab specialist at your local gym/leisure centre? My GP put me on the GP referral programme at the local council-run leisure centre after I was recovering from serious illness. I've always been very fit, and needed someone to do the kind of reverse of the usual personal trainer stuff, ie to tell me when to stop. Many other people there were recovering from cardiac conditions, strokes, or had diabetes or other conditions like ME. I feel found it very useful to have a programme of "graded exercise" to help me get better. My energy levels are actually much better when I have done the right amount of exercise, rather than vegging in the house all day. Also, going out and beasting myself military-style like I did in the past used to set me back further than before. Good luck with your health and fitness - it is a marathon rather than a sprint though as they say.

DFS

pinkparrott

Have you had your B12 levels checked , B12 deficiency /Pernicious anemia I'd different to iron anema & docs don't routinely test for it. The symptoms are similar yo under active thyroid and are like me CFS - extreme tiredness, pins and needles, nerve pain , brain fog , memory loss.
Worth being tested