wheelchair-bound with chronic autoimmune myelitis

Surely one of your long list of doctors would refer you to a physical therapist? I mean, most doctors DROOL over patients who want to improve their physical activity. If yours don't either there's a reason, or you need a new list of doctors.

I'm sorry if I sound flippant; I couldn't be less so--your predicament arouses my sympathy, and I want your courage to be rewarded in a helpful way--by a specialist who knows what to suggest.

Heather -

Well, I've been unable to walk since Nov. 2005, when I woke up one morning and couldn't move from the waist down, but I love your thought!! After three years and a LONG list of doctors, it was determined that I have chronic autoimmune myelitis with polyradiculopathy, but over time, I've worked myself up to being able to use a balance ball. I'm not concerned about losing weight while healing, but I would like to keep from gaining right now. I have a VERY slow digestive tract, and I've had my entire colon removed and have an iliostomy, and despite the fact that I don't really snack, everything I do eat lingers. Hence my concerns...

Andrea

Weight loss is more about the food you eat, not the exercises you do. The best thing you can do to prevent regaining your weight lost (fantastic progress, by the way! Well DONE!) is to focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet that does not put you over your calorie range. I wouldn't worry overmuch about losing weight right now; healing is your goal.

Now, you need to have doctor clearance for your program; even though you want to work your upper body, your entire system is connected, and doing too much can set back the healing process. Once you've consulted with your doctor, we have a limited mobility lifestyle center here that can direct you to workouts you can do sitting down, and how to manage healthy living while you can't get up and run like an athlete!

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/lifestyle_cen
ter_detail.asp?id=19

I'm really looking for something that I can do more with my upper body to try to compensate for what I can't do with my lower body. I don't want to turn to mush while I heal... :)

Thanks -

Andrea :)

I can only suggest that you consult your doctor about what you can and should do. I would hate to suggest something that could worsen your condition or make post-surgery recovery and more difficult.

Hi all -

I'm new to the site, and I'm hoping someone can have some suggestions for me. I'm 41 years old, and I'm wheelchair-bound with chronic autoimmune myelitis with polyradiculopathy. Obviously, exercise is difficult, but to further complicate things, I have recently had surgery on my feet to try to counteract contractures related to my illness as well as having cadaver Achilles implants for lengthening. Prior to that, I was using a balance ball for 20 minutes per day as well as 5-pound hand weights. However, for the next eight to 12 weeks, I'm unable to exercise. I'm looking for any suggestions to avoid regaining any of the 60 pounds that I've lost thus far.

Thanks and Love -

Andrea :)