Hi Amber. I use a pedometer and try to get in 10,000 steps or more a day 4-5 days a week. I am a nurse and on days I work I usually get at least that many steps in at work. I also like to do yoga. I stick with basic poses but try to vary them from time to time. For strengthening I do squats, modified push ups(hands on my bed or a wall) and use small dumb bells and elastic exercise bands. I think consistency is the key. Doing at least a little something each day. Good luck.

I do mostly aerobic and stretching. Compared to what I used to do, its nothing. I walk about a mile a day and do basic stretches as many days a week as I can to keep my joints as loose as I can. When I have flares thats out the window. A google search shows studies that recomend strength training, but on my own and without good equipment I shy off that. At first diagnosis my Dr prescribed PT which was good while insurance helped cover it, but we really have to do it on our own. I read stuff online too that says do nothing but seems thats an old thought in the medical world. The thing that we die of is not the disease but pneumonia, ILD and cardiac stuff. All related to the inactivity our condition promotes. So its hard but I think we all need to do as much as we can to keep the lungs clear and heart as strong as possible. Its good for my mental state too.

Ive also lost alot of muscle over the years and think if I had tried to maintain more in the begin Id be better off now. Its harder to regain than maintain. I was to afraid of injury in the begin. It just takes atleast 3-4 times longer to recover after injury so I get your fear... But seems to me we have to do it!

Hi Amber. It's just great to read your post. Wanting to do more is such a fantastic sign of getting there. I have used a pedometer for the last three years and make sue to try and cover 10.000 steps a day. I don't know how many steps you do walking your dog but the pedometer will tell you. You can buy it from Argos. My Rheumatologist said no exercise apart from walking when the inflammation was high but now I don't think he minds what I do. I went to see a Physiotherapist referred by my GP and over a twelve period she gave me exercises to do on a daily basis for strength and to keep the arthritis paid out of my knees. These really do work and I am med free fir pain. As you lose the steriod you will want to eat less anyway, I just reduced my food intake and I weigh less now that before starting the steriod. So glad you are doing well Amber. Best wishes. Autumm

Thanks everyone for your replies - Autumm good to hear from you and thanks to you all for the words of encouragement. I will get a pedometer as I think I walk many miles with my dog and it would be interesting to see just how many steps I take in a day. Take care.

Hi Amber. The pedometer you need is as simple as possible, should cost under 10 as you only need it to count steps. I wear mine round my neck from when I get up as all steps even those in the house count. If I go out in the evening I put it in my handbag and it still counts the steps. I find if I am lazy just looking at how little I have done gets me moving. Best wishes. Autumm

Hi Amber. The pedometer you need is as simple as possible, should cost under 10 as you only need it to count steps. I wear mine round my neck from when I get up as all steps even those in the house count. If I go out in the evening I put it in my handbag and it still counts the steps. I find if I am lazy just looking at how little I have done gets me moving. My Rheumatologist suggests 10.000 per day as the minimum to aim for. Anything else is a bonus. Best wishes. Autumm