Pete, despite the huge carton of Ben and Jerry's in your avatar, you look very slim in that picture!
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The new avatar is pre-wegs taken on a leaf peeping trip in October 2009. I weighed about 170 then. I was swimming 1500 meters 2-3 times a week and walking 4 miles on the other days.
Today's workout was 30 minutes walking (still at reduced pace to avoid aggravating the shin splint) and 3 dozen crunches. Hope I'm making progress to reach my pre-wegs weight and physique.
Hey,
Does anyone else have a Nike Fuelband? This is what I use to measure my activity. If you do, we can become Nike friends.
I won't go into detail, but I've seen a big decrease in my activity since my onset of Sciatica, as moving around is extremely painful. I've been quite busy today (my numbers/results agree), but I'm suffering for it pain-wise now.
Friday's workout was preceeded with a small fender bender on the way to the Y. Both my wife and I are OK. Damage to our car is "minimal" (whatever that means to the body shop).
Workout was 35 minutes walking, shoulder press 24 reps at 20 lbs, chest press 24 reps at 40 pounds, and 36 crunches.
I'm sorry to hear about your care Pete. Just glad you are both alright.
The most excerise I have done the last 2 days is right arm lifts ( lifting fork to my mouth ) Went to dinner last nite before seeing a Circus Solle show and today was Valentines Day so we went for a early dinner. Had a big plate of Greek garlic penne pasta. When I got home I tried doing the body scupting recorded show but when it came it lifting weights I had a sharp pain in my chest,so I quit, probably heartburn from all the garlic but I figured I make up for it tommorrow.
Love the pic Pete !!!!
As long as it wasn't the Boxster...glad you're both OK too...
Yea Pete,glad you are both o.k., there have been some nasty pile-ups with this weather...but next week looks better:thumbsup:
Fender benders are never fun, Pete... But I'm glad you are both OK and damage to the car was only "minimal".
Damage to the wife's car is just under $600. Should take 3-4 days in the shop.
Today's workout was a 45-minute walk. The Y was packed.
I'm excited to report......drum roll please.........:w00t: that I swept and mopped all my floors (all tile except the bedrooms), did 5 loads of laundry and various other little things around the house. Now I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but for someone who gets out of breath taking a shower that is a big accomplishment. ALSO I did it ALL with no oxygen and minimal shortness of breath. There was some panting, but I was able to control it. :biggrin1:
This is the first day since Nov 7th that I've been able to do something like this. I'm very excited. Especially since last week the old body did not like going to 20 mg of pred and I popped it back up to 25 mg for a week or so. Maybe that's where all the energy came from. Regardless it felt good that I accomplished something. And my doc says I'm deconditioned (doc talk for fat and out of shape, I think). LOL :lol:
I am excited to announce that Cindy is accepted as my new house maid........:biggrin1:
Today's workout was the full one: 35 minute power walk, 24 reps on two machines, and 36 crunches. Done in less than 50 minutes. Lost 1/2 pound this week, but the clothes are slowly starting to fit better. My appetite and evening snacking are more controllable at 9 mg/day of pred. :)
Finally, the snow is melting!! Hope to be able to walk outdoors soon.
Today's workout was 45 minutes walking and 50 crunches.
We're getting a few days off from winter. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I hope to walk outdoors in our neighborhood where I've charted loops of 2, 2.5, and 3 miles. Getting off the Y's 17 laps per mile track will be a nice change of scenery.
I think I'm starting to get good results. My waistline is slowly shrinking. I'm losing 1-2 pounds a week, and I'm feeling stronger and more energetic. I'm now working out consistently 4-5 days a week. I'm going to modify my routine so that I'm only doing weight training a couple times a week. On weight days, the workout now is 35 minutes (2 miles) of walking, 24 shoulder presses at 20 pounds, 24 chest presses at 40 pounds, and 50 crunches. I can do this in about 45-50 minutes. On non-weight days, I'll walk 45-50 minutes (or the outdoor 3-mile loop) and do the 50 crunches.
Today's workout was with weight.
Hope that all of you who are exercising are reaping good benefits!
No workouts for me in the last week and a half. I've been sick sick sick.
I'm back at work today so, maybe I can start moving around. I'll be out and about with my brother, husband and brother's girlfriend on Sunday so that will get me moving and will be back in the gym Monday morning.
So much for my vacation with workouts and coming back to work thinner than when I left! Grrr.
Keep up the great work everyone!!!!!
Well I walked the mall today. Breathing was iffy so I had to take it easy, but I did it. Even made it back to my car and that was definitely a plus since my legs were feeling pretty weak by that time. Probably pushed it a little too far. Feel fine now just a little tired. Got my referral for pulmonary rehab today so will call on Monday to make an appointment.
No formal workouts the past couple of days. Friday I did some heavy cleaning around the house. Hoovered all the carpeting (about 1800 sq ft) with the old vac. Newer, self-propelled vac needs new drive belt. Then polished the countertops and appliances in the kitchen. That did a number on my right hand - some cramping Friday night and yesterday.
My OSU college roommate visited Friday and Saturday. Took him and his wife on a tour of Columbus that included a walk through Mirror Lake Hollow and the south side of the Oval. Probably walked most of a mile. Taking today off and going back to the Y tomorrow.
Cindy and Nikki, I hope you both feel better soon. Just don't overdo.
Back at it today. Did the usual Y workout with weights. Starting to see results in smaller waistline, weight loss, feeling stronger. Also, appetite has lessened now that I'm on my second week of 9 mg/day of pred.
Back to the gym today, 55 minutes of interval training on my legs. They are limp noodles now. Afterwards, I leashed up the dog and walked just a little half mile stretch down the side street and back by our house. Tomorrow, I'll get back on the long walk train. Today I was feeling shaky.
Still sick. Still coughing. My voice isn't quite back to normal.
Hey Nikki,
I'm glad you're making a concerted effort to get some exercise. I'm also worried that you're overdoing it a bit.
Had a good week at the Y. Got there four of five days. Did the workout with weights 3x and once without weights. First part of next week looks a little dicey because we may get another significant snowstorm and will get another visit from the polar vortex :frown:.
I think I'm at a good place with respect to the amount and types of exercise I'm getting. Once the weather breaks, I'll vary the routine a bit as I'll have yard work to do, (many) golf balls to hit, and grandchildren to entertain. I see my PCP on Wednesday, and we'll see how everything looks to him then. Back to CC in April.
Nikki needs to rest and get her strength back. Another lesson learned: What we may ascribe to wegs isn't -- and vice versa... And so it goes.
Listen to your bodies, folks. We are the only one who can tell when something isn't right.
I'm not allowed to work out yet. I'm on light duty in life until the end of the month. I will still come here and cheer you all on!!!
Honestly, I thought by now I'd be down at least 20 lbs!!!!!! My body seems to have other plans.
I haven't been doing anything and I can tell. I feel so fat and bloated.I don't think I'll be wearing a bikini next week. Pete,I'm so glad ( and jealous ) of the progess you have made. I literally have to get my rear in gear.
Had a really good week. Got to the Y every day. Did the weight workout twice and the walking workout three times.
Saw my PCP on Tuesday. My vital signs were the best the have been since dx. Labs were in normal range. Losing 0.5-1 pound a week on average. Clothes are starting to fit better. Down to 8 mg/day of pred.
Progress is slow, but it's still progress!
Oh Pete I am so excited for you. And jealous! I need to get out and move again. I'm gonna give myself til Sunday. Then, on Monday, I'm going to start walking again. I can't do any weights until the end of the month but I can at least get walking!!!
Today, the sidewalks in our neighborhood are finally clear of ice and snow!! Took a three-mile walk outdoors for the first time since mid-November.
Had a pretty good week of workouts this week. Walked outside twice and did the indoor workout with weights twice. We had the grandkids on Thursday. Livy is a little dickens. Had to stop her from climbing the stairs a half dozen times. Got a little weight training each time I picked her up. ;)
Well, I had to change a tire by myself here in my driveway. There was a big old bolt in it. Then I took it in and got it fixed. This does not sound like too big a deal but it's not something I do everyday, and I have a few bruises and minor aches from manhandling those tires. My tires are big, and there was a little weight-bearing exercise there.
I started Pulmonary rehab this week and went three times. I noticed this morning that my triceps are a little sore so that is good. I get to go three times a week for 23 visits this first go round. It felt good. I also had oxygen support there which helped a lot.
Hey Pete and my fellow. Workout buddies! I am finally hitting the pavement with my long runs again. And it feels great!
I am doing paleo\atkinish diet to lose weight along with strength n conditioning. I usually post on my fitness blog but will try to keep up with everyone this spring on the forum too.
Sheila
I'm taking it easy this week. I had a wisdom tooth pulled yesterday (so I'm 25% less wise today), and the oral surgeon wants me to avoid lifting for a few days. The procedure went very well. I'm not taking any pain medication at all.
Aww, feel better Pete! I am thinking of taking this week a little easy myself. I've been working out now for almost 20 weeks straight and you have to add some recovery time in there. I think If I do anything it will be in the form of low impact, walking. Today is gloomy in Ohio. So a big cup of coffee is all I'm doing right now while Joshua sleeps in.
How are you feeling.. PM me or email me…I'd love to hear how your progressing. Stay well my friend. Sheila
The tooth fairy dropped this off at my place by mistake Pete!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...rter_Proof.png
Hope you're up to speed soon!
Thanks, Mike!!
i'm feeling fine and pain free. Just need to give the wound time to heal.
Pete, I think that now you are allowed of some ice cream the make the area cold :wink1:
you prob have good dentist if you are pain free. sounds good. have easy and fast recovery :hug1:
I walked 3/4 of a mile on Monday, 2 miles on Tuesday and 1.5 miles yesterday. It feels good to be out and about again. Soon, it will be April 1st and I can start hitting the gym again. I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't start something else wrong with me.
Way to go, Nikki! I hope you're feeling better. I plan to get back to the Y on Monday.
1.67 miles today while on my break at work. My back was bothering me for some reason but I was so glad I got out and got moving. I hope I can keep this trend up. Maybe then the scale will move.
I made it through another three days of pulm rehab. Increases in all times and resistance on all the machines. Feels good.
This week I started back on the treadmill. Did about 3 miles yesterday along with some strength training. I'm hoping to get outdoors over the weekend for some exercise. I'm thinking of buying another exercise video on strength and conditioning. I am pleasantly surprised at how much you can accomplish at home without going to the gym. Wishing everyone a healthy exercise week.
TIP: If you can't get to the gym try doing 3 sets bodyweight exercises such as: squats, push ups and crunches. I typically take 15 -20 minutes and do 8-12 reps of each. Its working so far, my hump in my back is steadily decreasing and my hubby says its almost gone!!!
Good luck!
Well I got back from Fl. yesterday where my sister and I would walk from 3-5 mlies a day and I did water aerowbics (sp ?? )in the pool with weights.I really felt good except for the horrible sunburn I got the 2nd day there. I thought I would come home and get on the scale to see some pounds shed,but it's the same:confused1: And now that I'm back in cold dreary Ohio I haven't been able to walk and last night and today I keep getting bad craps in my feet and toes. Next week it looks like it is going to warm up so the walks will begin again.
Took a second week off because I developed a head cold last weekend. Feeling nearly normal now. Weather here tomorrow is supposed to be crappy (again), so I hope to get a good walk in on Sunday when the weather is supposed to be better.
Hi Pete,
I noticed that you were a bit "quiet" lately.... I am glad you are better....
take care.
Finally - a beautiful spring day in Ohio. Took a two-mile walk through the neighborhood and felt ok. My first major activity in two weeks.
Woke the Boxster up from it's long winter nap today. It started on the first crank, so I took it out for a spin. It was too cool to put the top down, but those days aren't far off (he said hopefully).
Yay Don! I'm not on hiatus because it's absolutely POURING! But, we need it so I'll take it. I may sneak down to the treadmill here at work and get 20 mins or so in. Assuming the gym isn't full. Our gym here at work is full at the oddest times!!!
I'll be starting back at my workout classes on Wednesday. I'll be cutting out soda/sugar/grains, etc tomorrow! Yes, I fell off the no-soda wagon when I got completely stressed out. BUt, I think I have it under control again.
Hi All,
I've been hesitant to put this out there because heck, you just never know but….LORD WILLING, I will be completing a 1/2 marathon challenge next month. My plan is to wear a T-shirt to raise awareness for Wegeners. With that being said, does anyone know where I might be able to purchase a Wegener's OR Vasculitis T shirt? In box me if you do!
Here is a place you might find something. Weggiesunite | Zazzle.com Store . It is put together and the merchandise is designed by one of our more fabulous members, Marta. The link, along with a couple of other interesting ones to her blogs, appears at the bottom of all her posts.
I need to get back on track. I can't let depression win.
We mainly relaxed in the room because I didn't have a whole lot of money to spend on spa treatments. But it was nice.
I walked 2 miles on my break. I'm going to start a 30 day squat challenge tomorrow, as well as a plank challenge. I need to get some lbs off like NOW. I think it would help with my depression.
Finally, back at it!! The weather has been nice here the past several days. I've walked the neighborhood loops at about 2 miles each day. Still have a bit of a cough left over from the cold, but Dr. VF said my lungs sounded clear when I saw her last Monday.
I also have been out in the yard raking up the last of the leaves, picking up sticks and twigs (need my grandson's help on this), and spreading the spring fertilizer/weed killer on the yard. When we get back from visiting friends this afternoon, I'll be cleaning up the sweet gum seed pods from the front yard. They look like spiky golf balls, so I've been hitting a few of them with my 6 iron. Since the pods are assymetric, I have no idea how well grooved my swing is, but I'm betting not very. :wink1:
Oh, this is a great idea!
I try to get at least 45 minutes of cardio in each day, but I've recently started a strength training program that I do every other day on top of that. Working great so far, I can definitely feel the difference when I have to help move or brace my patients.
Nikki, let me know how your squats and planking go. When I first started doing squats, I thought I was going to die, I was sooo sore! But it goes away (give it time) and keeps getting easier and easier...until you ramp it up and start using weights! :P The plank is by far the best core exercise I've ever done. I'll never do another crunch or sit-up. You'll be a convert soon, too, once your abs get all crazy toned.
What exactly is planking?
The plank is a really awesome exercise for your abs and core. You basically get into a sort of modified push-up position, and then hold yourself static for as long as you can.
When you first start doing this, you might not be able to hold it for very long. Mine was something like 30 seconds. It starts getting easier pretty quickly, though. I also started working out my shoulders and arms, and I think that definitely helps you hold the plank for a bit longer, since it seemed like those areas started to fatigue sooner than my abs!
Here's a good video: Plank Exercise Guide and Video
That site is an awesome resource if you want to start strength training. :)
Today was my rest day from squats. I'll start again with 40 tomorrow, and I was at 35 seconds planking. I missed a couple days because of my crazy work schedule ... and then running around at home. I also missed a Zumba class this morning. I am having a particularly bad day. Only walked 0.72 today ... not sure I'll be able to get to my class tomorrow morning but we will see how I feel when I wake up. It's SO early in the morning and I get off at 1am.
I used to go to Zumba class to watch the girls.....:wub:
Thank for the info, Melly :thumbsup:
reminds me of the following exercise :wink1:
https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/...41472971_n.jpg
40 squats, 35 second plank, and a 1.30 mile walk. I completely slept through the class at the gym this morning. Oops, but when I woke up, I'd slept for 8 hours and felt well rested. However, the fatigue monster is back with a VENGEANCE. I haven't felt this fatigued since I was doing my radiation for cancer. Holy cow.
I've been derelict in both my fitness efforts and reporting. Now that the weather in Ohio finally has gotten summerlike, I have spent much of the past several weeks working in the flower gardens. This has involved a lot of lifting and digging. I have also learned that a 67-yo can't do what he did before wegs. So, I work more slowly. I did a 2.5 mile walk yesterday and felt ok afterward. Weight is holding steady at 183 lbs.
Tomorrow, it's off to the golf course, weather permitting. Otherwise, I'll wait until Friday. Plan to walk 9 on the "executive" course - par 30.
First round of golf this year. Was 10-over par for the nine holes I played. Couldn't putt very well. Still whipped wegs, though!
Hello fellow wegs
I'm brand new on the journey
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I just wanted to say, I ADMIRE all of you who are keeping up any sort of regular exercise routine. I'm exhausted just reading about it… :lol: All i do is walk my little dog around the block. I try to tell myself that keeping up with my kids and doing the meals and clean-up is probably a lot of steps, but I'm sure some cardio and weights would be better! I keep planning to do more when I feel better, but I'm quite sure that's backwards.
It will happen when you feel better. Just walking around the block can be a big accomplishment. I'm waiting on an back pack for my oxygen tank so I can tell myself I now have NO reason not to go to the mall and walk. So you aren't alone and don't feel guilty. It will come when you are feeling better.
...or not, I'm totally anti-exercise even when I feel well, I don't know why I hate it so much. I looooove yoga but anything remotely resembling a gym, exercise machine, aerobic exercise class... I will come up with any excuse in the world not to go. I do like outdoor stuff, so hopefully when I feel more up to it I'll ride my bike, and I'm praying we can put the kids in ski lessons this winter and I can--very carefully--try skiing again. I will have to have more energy because it's a hit of a schlepp to the mountains and getting two kids ready to ski, then dealing with my youngest's separation anxiety fort he first few lessons. It will be totally worth the effort, but I have to be ready for it. It's been many years but I still miss it. I know I would do it very differently than I used to, but it could still be fun. How long do you have to wait for your backpack, Cindy? I hope you get it soon!
Yeah, I hate exercise too. I don't mind walking too much, but find as the neuropathy in my feet has progressed I like it less. Backpack should be here in a week or so.
Now that my broken ankle has healed I'm scheduled to resume my pulmonary rehab which involves a bunch of cardio equipment as well as free weights 3 days a week for about an hour. I"m sort of looking forward to getting back into a routine, but also dreading it:sad:
I just finished 5 weeks of pulmonary rehab. I would continue, but they want $50 a month and it changes from 3 days a week to 2 days a week. If it was 3 I think I would do it. I could also join the YMCA since I will have the back pack for the O2. They are also about $50 a month and I can go 7 days a week if I so choose. Good luck with returning to rehab Mary.
Thanks Cindy!
I have to chime in here. I'm the girl (in my 20s & 30s) who made a gym membership and never went. In my 40s did every aerobic or trendy exercise class, but nothing consistent. Now in my 50s (early) I must say, that I put my foot down and decided to try and lose the weight I gained from having children. Diets alone were not working. I joined a gym but this time got an hour free consultation. It helped so much I once I learned the correct way to exercise. A year later and I'm down 25 pounds and in the best shape of my life. I go 3 times a week and actually miss it if I can't! It was a godsend cause I only gained 7 lbs while taking prednisone. It's never too late to get moving!! And I'm not even mentioning how it helps with stress and clears your mind. I will admit that the first two weeks are tough but once those endorphins start flowing there's no stopping that healthy feeling!!
Like I keep saying: Start. Somewhere.
Regular exercise helps me to be able to do many of the things I want to do and all of the things I need to do. While I do more structured workouts during the bad weather months when I exercise at the Y, during the summer, I work out in the yard, play golf, chase the grandkids, and occasionally power walk. With my lower pred dosage, I'm able to maintain weight. Yeah, I'd like to lose another 10 pounds and two inches off the waistline, but I'm OK with things as they are.
all my life I HATED exercises, I used to invent original excuses for not participating in sport lessons at school, in the army I arranged myself exemption from sport and the like, and later I didn't move much UNTIL wg.....
then, at the beginning, one day, when I was depressed and desperate, from breathing heavly, from nose bleeding, from ears full of fluids, and hearing loss, and b4 clear dx.... then I saw at the ENT department at the hospital an expalantion that walking can release fluids from the ears.
so in a last desperate step I started to walk.
and it really helped me.....
5 years later and I am still walking.... every day at least 30 min, sometimes outside the house and sometimes inside, walking like in an aerobic exercise.
it clears my airways (lungs, nose), "opens" my "full" ears... walking for my joints is like the oil for the "Tin Man" in the "wizard from Oz".... and it keeps the figure as well....
like the say in "Forrest Gump": "run, Forrest, run" - I can say: "walk, weggie, walk" ....:thumbup:
You're so cute... Thanks for the great advice. I didn't know it would help with the ear troubles etc. more motivation for me to get moving. Soon....:rolleyes1:
Wow! I wish walking would help my ears. One tube fell out a month ago and now I have fluid again so exercising hasn't helped me in that dept. Prednisone reduced to 17.5, imuran increased to 200mg and I'm scheduled to have a tube placed on Thursday. Hoping I have ears left after the Rolling Stones concert tomorrow!!
wow, you are going to the Rolling Stones concert :hug3:
the walking should help. try it every day and be patient. when I had ears full of fluids only 30mg of pred for not less then a week dried them. I didnt agree to do tubes. it sounds to me too risky. but I know some weggies here did. you can open a thread about it. anyway, good luck and enjoy the concert ! Happy Shavuot !
MikeG-yes for sure the ent does a suction. Problem is, as he puts it, it's a drop in an ocean of what's going on in my ears 😞
Popping in to check with my work out crew!
I walk every day.
No sugar/grains/carbs etc.
Down 30lbs and counting. sayonara prednisone weight ... now I'm working on the rest of the weight.
Just returned from vacation in Solomon's, MD, where we celebrated my nephew's retirement from the US Navy. While there, took a walking tour of Historic St Mary's City, Maryland's first capital city. Also pushed the tandem stroller with both grandkids on a 2-mile walk. Down about six pounds since January. Dropping almost a pound per month.
Right on Nikki,
I'm on the same program as you, and am also back to my pre-diagnosis weight. I'm joogly (i.e. no muscle like before when I was fit as a fiddle) but am wearing my old clothes and daing that feels good.
I was almost at 190lbs during the height of pred ugliness, and am hoovering between 142 and 145lbs. Wooohooo!
Now just to reacquaint myself with muscle mass. That takes a little more effort.
:w00t:
I gave away a lot of my exercise equipment this weekend. About the only exercise I get now is the coughing and walking back and forth from the fridge and bathroom......lol
Three days ago I started drinking a lot of water, I have sworn off all salt and most carbs. C'mon Deb is Italian. Any way I feel way better and the bloated feeling is gone along with what I think was fluid retention. Have done two, three and eleven mins on the exercycle. I feel better already, my feet are feeling better so, I keep going now. Will report next week. Nikki, so good for you. Marta, I would have to drop 70 lbs. to get to pre-weg. I would settle for a 50 lb. drop. Best to all, and Pete, you are so right when you say just take the first step.
Dale
I started Weight Watchers Online since I don't like to be tied to meetings once a week. Didn't do too bad the first day and I wasn't hungry. Got in lots of veggies, some fruit and salmon for dinner.
Still waiting for the back pack for the O2 canister. Hopefully it will be here this week and I can start walking in the mall. I spent all weekend recovering from overdoing it the past two weeks. Hope I remember to NOT do that again.
I currently have portable oxygen when I'm out and about. The tank is in a shoulder holder, which is hard on my shoulder to carry. I ordered a back pack specially designed for oxygen tanks so that it will be easier to take with me and less stress on the shoulder. I really want it so that I can walk in the mall.
Congradulations with Weight Watchers on-line. I have it on my IPad and have been logging everything that I put in my mouth. Been signed up since last August and I've lost around 25 pounds with about 6 more to go. This is not about a diet but about how to eat. My wife is a great cook and pretty much has portions figured out. I had to eliminate cookies and sweets, then every thing else fell into place.
Dennis
Wow you all are doing GREAT. I am still trying to lose the 12 lbs,I have been trying to lose forever.:sad:
Sad thing is I know how to eat correctly, but I don't want to. You need to say that with the correct inflection in your voice.....lol Didn't do as well today as yesterday, here's to a better tomorrow. I've done a good job of cutting out night time snacks. That was a biggie for me. Had to do it because my sugar just wasn't behaving. Things are much better now and I don't miss them too much.
I have the same problem with the night time snacking. Gotta give up the salt and sweets and eat more fresh fruit.
I've gotten back to walking. Done 2-3 miles every day this week. Going to clean up the rec room so we can paint it.
Well I went to my pcp today and he gave me a script for 40 mg Lipator,says my chlorestral is high. ( It has been for years ) I saw my cardio dr. last week and he said my good outweighs the bad so he isn't worried about it. I had the pharmy put the script on hold. Then I came home,put a sweat band around my waist and walked almost 2 1/2 miles up and down hills in the park in about 90 degree weather. I'll probably get on the scale tomorrow and gain 2 lbs. !!