I am Jester. Hear me whimper.

[Squeaksmyalias]

Hi Cat! *waves like a dork* Enjoying the snow too? Don't forget you need to bring the Cheshire cat with you up the mountain.

[Cat]

*waves*. No snow in my part of the state. And yes, I'm gonne bring Chesire and my Revs scarf

[jedimaster91]

Went hiking yesterday. Feeling it this morning.

As an added bonus, I found out I need to adjust the route for the Cub Scouts now instead of the day of. And we need a compass because Jedi can't read a map.

[Sapphire Silk]

Also it's partly due to the fact some days I'm in bed for a while feeling like a whimpering ball of owie-ness. That seems to mostly be on some cold days, and even gloves don't help, I'll even wear gloves in the house with the heat turned up and I still end up buried under blankets hurting, it lesucks . So there will be times it's just best I don't go out since it's never good that you stop your walk because you are crying cause your hands hurt so much. Knowing how stubborn I can be, I'd still make myself go out if I had a bigger goal to meet. I fully intend to go farther then 5 miles a week, then once I'm doing more miles a day I will push it up to 10 miles.

Do you have fibro myalgia? Your symptoms certainly made me think of it. Just curious. The treatment is actually getting more active, so you're on the right track regardless.

*edited to add* Looks like I'm staying home, my Dad came home early to find out I was hurting and is making me stay home since I went every day this week. I'm going to make as many trips as I can up and down the stairs carrying laundry before I get caught and told to go back to bed.

Don't feel bad about it. It's easy to want to push too hard at first, because you want results. Most people can't sustain it over time, and quit. Slow and easy to start, and work yourself up. Consistency is the most important thing. I've had to restrain my own impulse to hit TKD six days a week, and keep it to 3-4.

I'm still walking as much as I can and my inhaler is always in my pocket, just in case I need it. But the main thing is that I am determined to get more active...and I can already see a difference

Awesome!

Went hiking yesterday. Feeling it this morning.

As an added bonus, I found out I need to adjust the route for the Cub Scouts now instead of the day of. And we need a compass because Jedi can't read a map.

I'm thinking about adding in some day hikes once the weather warms up a bit more, on my weekends off from hospice. I quit the Meetup group I was in because I was too out of shape, and having too hard a time keeping up. It was embarrassing

Finally got my weigh in today: lost 3 1/2 pounds from last week. However, the week before that I had gained 3 pounds, so the net weight loss is actually just 1/2 a pound, bringing my total to 18 1/2.

Blood pressure news was not good: 146/90 today. I'm going back to see the doctor next week. I've been on hydrochlorthiazide for over a month, and it's not bringing it down, and I have some edema I still can't get rid of. Probably time for me to either bump up the dose, or take something else.

Got TKD class in an hour. Looking forward to it

[trailerparkmedic]

Are you kidding me?

I still don't feel like I can run, so I decided to go for a nice bike ride today. I pulled out my POS bike (originally a Walmart bike and went through two friends before I got it) and both the front and rear tires had completely separated from the frame. I just rode it a few weeks ago! I'd already been thinking about buying a nicer bike so it looks like I'll be hitting up REI tonight or this weekend.

I ended up taking a nice walk instead. 2 miles, 40 minutes. Hey, at least I did something.

[Squeaksmyalias]

Do you have fibro myalgia? Your symptoms certainly made me think of it. Just curious. The treatment is actually getting more active, so you're on the right track regardless.

It IS being looked into, my RA doctor I go to kinda covers it all and from what he thinks it isn't, and most of the owieness is in my hand and wrist's joints, where my arthritis is. Occasionally it heads to my ankles because I've broken one in several places, and the other I sprained badly before. Like I said the joint pain hit pretty fast, I went from fine to not even a year later to having flare ups just like my father does. Which is why I went to the doctor, after over doing editing photos I had swollen fingers and a bad flare up.
I'm glad the treatment for RA and fibro myalgia are better then the used to be. Which is why my doc is slow to put me on heavy duty stuff. He is hoping the treatments get even better and can slow it down with the supplements, which seem to be helping. Btw thanks Panacea for taking me seriously, for a while some of my family made me think I was just thinking I was imaging the pain.

Tomorrow should be nice weather so hopefully I will get an early start and get some walking done.

[Sapphire Silk]

Are you kidding me?

I still don't feel like I can run, so I decided to go for a nice bike ride today. I pulled out my POS bike (originally a Walmart bike and went through two friends before I got it) and both the front and rear tires had completely separated from the frame. I just rode it a few weeks ago! I'd already been thinking about buying a nicer bike so it looks like I'll be hitting up REI tonight or this weekend.

I ended up taking a nice walk instead. 2 miles, 40 minutes. Hey, at least I did something.

Hey, what ever it takes It does suck about the bike, though. REI bikes are good quality . . . but pricey. OTOH, you'll get a heck of a dividend this year if you're a member. I buy most of my biking stuff from there since leaving California.

It IS being looked into, my RA doctor I go to kinda covers it all and from what he thinks it isn't, and most of the owieness is in my hand and wrist's joints, where my arthritis is. <snip>
I'm glad the treatment for RA and fibro myalgia are better then the used to be. Which is why my doc is slow to put me on heavy duty stuff. He is hoping the treatments get even better and can slow it down with the supplements, which seem to be helping. Btw thanks Panacea for taking me seriously, for a while some of my family made me think I was just thinking I was imaging the pain.

You're welcome. Sounds like your RA doc is on the ball. Evil Empryss and my sister in law both have fibro, so I am well acquainted with what it does . . . we may not be able to fully explain it, but the pain is real.

Funny story from TKD today. We were doing sit ups. I can do 10 no problem, but after that I start to flag. One of the instructors stooped next to me to give me some encouragement. My partner, who was holding my legs, was counting each sit up in Korean. The instructor said, "What you ought to be saying is 'Beach body! Beach body!" I almost lost my breath from laughing

It's gonna take a lot of sit ups to get me to a Beach Body

What the hell. I'm game

[Eisa]

I so need to be doing more of this.

First, my eating is still kind of sucky. And I wish it was easy to lose weight. Actually, in the past, it has been easy...I just didn't eat. Unfortunately, that tends to lead to a full-fledged eating disorder, and I'd really rather not have that again...particularly as it's almost certainly what led to my gastroparesis. My bf worked on me for months and months to get me to eat enough, and unfortunately...we didn't focus so much on nutrition. Now, we probably really couldn't, since it was bad enough just making myself eat SOMETHING. But still.

On top of that. My feet are still all fucked up. I also have arthritis in them. I almost constantly hurt all the way up my back into my neck. I get very, very sore from absolutely nothing. My hands are constantly cold, which sucks ass. I have exercise-induced asthma and left my inhaler on the East Coast--although that didn't matter anyway, as apparently, it was already empty. [Note to self: find better place than purse for next one...at least making sure it won't get triggered off. Also, never let your sister borrow an inhaler again. You will never see it.] So I can basically...walk.

Which I have been doing, at least, I'm trying to walk for at least 20 minutes every day around campus. And stop eating by 7-8 p.m., and not really do too much snacking during the day. And trying to go to bed at a decent hour, between 12-1, instead of 2-4 a.m. So I guess it's something. Just still sucks. Even if it only really shows in my tummy, it bugs the living hell out of me.

[Jester]

I'd already been thinking about buying a nicer bike so it looks like I'll be hitting up REI tonight or this weekend.

Nothing against REI, but you'll get a better deal and a better bike (and have a better selection) at a dedicated bike store.

Just saying.

[Sapphire Silk]

I so need to be doing more of this.

First, my eating is still kind of sucky. And I wish it was easy to lose weight. Actually, in the past, it has been easy...I just didn't eat. <snip>

Try to eat three times a day. You'll metabolize your calories better and lose weight faster. Skipping meals causes the body to hoard calories as fat.

I usually eat a "continental breakfast", toast/muffin and juice, sometimes with egg sometimes without. I also try to watch my portions and fat in lunch and dinner otherwise it gets me really sleepy.

On top of that. My feet are still all fucked up. I also have arthritis in them. I almost constantly hurt all the way up my back into my neck. I get very, very sore from absolutely nothing. My hands are constantly cold, which sucks ass. I have exercise-induced asthma and left my inhaler on the East Coast--although that didn't matter anyway, as apparently, it was already empty. [Note to self: find better place than purse for next one...at least making sure it won't get triggered off. Also, never let your sister borrow an inhaler again. You will never see it.] So I can basically...walk.

Stick it out . . . as you lose weight and your physical conditioning improves you will find that pain starts to go away. My chronic back pain has almost vanished. yeah, I hurt like hell at first. But my knees are greatly better. See your doc about safe exercises and whether or not some physical therapy would help with your feet. Ice your feet after you work out, take nsaids if you can safely do so.

Which I have been doing, at least, I'm trying to walk for at least 20 minutes every day around campus. And stop eating by 7-8 p.m., and not really do too much snacking during the day. And trying to go to bed at a decent hour, between 12-1, instead of 2-4 a.m. So I guess it's something. Just still sucks. Even if it only really shows in my tummy, it bugs the living hell out of me.

Getting a good night sleep will definately help. I tell my students this all the time: get 7-8 hours! You'll function better, study better. Try to stop eating and drinking by 6pm if you can. No caffeine after 6pm. Trust me; it works.

Nothing against REI, but you'll get a better deal and a better bike (and have a better selection) at a dedicated bike store.

Just saying.

Yeah, I'm with Jester. I love REI's stuff, but it is pricey as I mentioned before. It just depends on whether or not you have access to a dedicated bike store. I don't have one that's any good here (or at least, I haven't found it yet). I miss my bike store in Chico.

[Squeaksmyalias]

Well I got a mile in today....Would have been better off not going. The trail was PACKED and out of nowhere a kid grabbed Lucy's harness and yanked her hard by it, she took off and ran behind me to hide. The kid's mother came running over to scream at Lucy for being a bad dog and trying to bite her kid . Then the woman tried take a swing at Lucy right as two cops came around the corner on their bikes. (yay for the trail patrol!) Since the trail was full I had about 6 witnesses saying her kid attacked my dog, and Lucy did nothing but run away. It took a half an hour to deal with but she was escorted one way and another officer walked Lucy and I back to the jeep. I was PISSED, this set back Lucy I think, she was getting so much better with strangers and not being afraid of children. The cop was wondering if he was going to have to carry her for me because at first she was too afraid to move. She just curled up tight in a ball and shivered behind me until I sat on the ground and held her while they dealt with the woman. She was much better when I got her home, but I'm avoiding the trail on the weekend too many people and I don't want to run into this nut case again. I believe the woman got ticketed for something, to be perfectly honest I was too upset and shocked to remember for what. The officers were not happy with her, I could hear the officer with her and her child lecturing them as he walked them down the trail back to her car. The other one wasn't happy either and kept trying to pet Lucy to get her to calm down. She is a pitiful dog when she is scared both officers said she had a look that just said she was convinced she was going to die until I sat down to hold her then she just hid her head under my arm.

We will be back on the trail Monday, it might take us a while to get back to where she was, hopefully she will bounce back fast. To brighten things up, I'm attaching a two pictures of my doggy drill Sargent Lucy the wonder moose. One where she decided we should swim instead of walk and another of her telling me to hurry up.

[Jester]

That woman and her kid suck great big donkey balls, and I sure as hell hope she did get ticketed and has to deal with a fine, a judge, or both. Fucking bitch.

As for the trail, I know you don't want to hit it on the weekend due to all the people, but are there other less populated trails you and Lucy can hit? I would hate to think this ass clown could limit your recreation and exercise just because she can't help be a raging fuckwad.

Getting a good night sleep will definately help. I tell my students this all the time: get 7-8 hours! You'll function better, study better. Try to stop eating and drinking by 6pm if you can. No caffeine after 6pm. Trust me; it works.

As with all things, individual results will vary. For instance, I almost never sleep more than 5 hours, and am generally incapable of sleeping more than 6. Also, since I am up just about every night till at least 2 am, and work 5 days a week until close to or past 6, not eating after that time would simply not work for me, either physically or logistically.

[Lady Legira]

Ok, so after sitting back and just watching for a while. I'm in! Muffin tops belong on Muffins!

Starting slowly, doing more walking, going to swim more (bought a new costume!) and generally get more confidense in my knee joints (My knee blew out at Christmas). Bought a skipping rope because I used to love skipping I am so out of practice.

I know I'm never going to be running marthons since high impact sport is bad for my knee because of the damage but running a little way would be good so I can at least run for a bus and not spend half the journey sounding like I'm dying. I just want some fitness back.

Muffin tops belong on Muffins, hell yeah!

[Mikkel]

She is a pitiful dog when she is scared both officers said she had a look that just said she was convinced she was going to die until I sat down to hold her then she just hid her head under my arm.

I'm sure the officers gave that woman every fine they could think of, just for that . She deserves it too , poor dog.

[Sapphire Silk]

Well I got a mile in today....
We will be back on the trail Monday, it might take us a while to get back to where she was, hopefully she will bounce back fast. To brighten things up, I'm attaching a two pictures of my doggy drill Sargent Lucy the wonder moose. One where she decided we should swim instead of walk and another of her telling me to hurry up.

OMG. I am so sorry for poor Lucy She's such a sweet looking thing, too.

Give her some time to calm down and try again. You have a beautiful trail; I'd hate to see you guys miss out due to those asshats. Maybe a doggie Ativan would help her chill in public places until she gains some confidence?

Sounds like the bitch got cited for disorderly conduct.

Ok, so after sitting back and just watching for a while. I'm in! Muffin tops belong on Muffins!

Starting slowly, doing more walking, going to swim more (bought a new costume!) and generally get more confidense in my knee joints (My knee blew out at Christmas). Bought a skipping rope because I used to love skipping I am so out of practice.

I know I'm never going to be running marthons since high impact sport is bad for my knee because of the damage but running a little way would be good so I can at least run for a bus and not spend half the journey sounding like I'm dying. I just want some fitness back.

Muffin tops belong on Muffins, hell yeah!

Welcome aboard! My sympathies on the knee. Some speed walking might be a good alternative to jogging for you. Swimming definitely would be; I did swimming years ago and lost quite a bit of weight doing it (got bored with it though, that was the bad thing for me).

I do plan to hit the pool this summer though. Speaking of which, I need a new suit too