MsCowgirl's Journal

It's been 3 months since I have seen the physiotherapist. On my way there I guessed she would give me an update on various exercises/stretches etc to keep this crumbling body upright.

I was with her for just over an hour! I'm sure she only has 20min appointments normally. Starting at the top, she assessed the range of movement of every joint, even including my jaw. As she worked her way down she gave me suggestions on ways of maintaining strength, relieving pain and maximising the stretch.

We discussed hot packs, splints, hydro exercises, stretching tricks, meds, pain relief, sleep, walking, stance, balance and fatigue. She pulled up my X-Rays on the computer and discussed the variations in my hip and SIJ's. She's going to ask the Radiologist and my Rheumy a few questions about the results and what they imply, for herself and for me.

I had my gait assessed and did a few laps of the department so she could look at my walking style (which is pretty wobbly right now). She gave tips on how to roll-over and get out of bed more easily - they will be fun to try! So after this exhaustive assessment I was about to leave, with a head full of suggestions and additional exercises to do; when she asked me what exercises I'm doing. When I told her, she then said " Way too much, back right off, you will not recieve the physical benefit whilst you are flaring like this, start again when your biologics kick in, oh and come along to the Chronic Pain classes".

All other RA advice has recommended exercise and I've tried hard to at least do something (walk/exercises/hydro/tai chi) at least 5 days a week. I will admit it's not been easy, it's at times been painful and it's not about bragging, but I figured if I didn't I'd end up like the provervbal pillar of stone, unable to move at all. Somewhere I've got to find a happy medium. Think maybe I'll sleep on this one.

Then I got home and there was my Humira prescription waiting for me. Back again to town tomorrow to the pharmacy and it should be here on Friday. Sigh, tomorrow will be another day!