Re: Activity level

[Guest guest]

Dear E,

I can certainly appreciate that. Literally two weeks before I got sick,

my doubles partner and I had won three straight doubles co-rec competitive

level volleyball tournaments here in KC... And I'm only 5'9 " ... a jumper.

Most of the guys I went against were 6'5 " and up, I am always the short one.

We were " hustlers " , and though both my partner and I were considered shorter

than everyone else, we beat them with hustle, jumping power (check these

legs) and guts. I also played in a men's league (court) and a co-rec league

both sand and court. So I was playing competitively at least three nights a

week year-round. BAM.

Hospital. Hospital. Doctor. Hospital. Drugs. Hospital. Tests.

Drugs. Tests. Hospital. Job. House. Health. Drugs. Doctors.

In what seems like a couple months (closer to two years), my muscle is

fading, my skin and flesh are loose, in the morning it takes a good thirty

minutes before I can walk without pain in my lower body, there is constant

pain in my torso, even rolling all the way down into my arms, even hands

ache. Constant headache that will not leave no matter what I've tried. From

constipation to diarrhea day to day, there is nothing available that I want

to eat anymore.

Up until a month ago I was trying to stay active by playing low-key

tennis 3 x week, but the weather changed that, so now it's a walk if I can

make myself do it, maybe once a week on a good week. Ache, ache, ache. Is

this terrible, constant body ache a result of the CP, Diabetes or GP or the

drugs?? I can't tell, and if anybody has feedback I'd appreciate it.

I know I need to eat to help with the lethargy and stiffness... always

tomorrow. When I make myself do stretching exercises, I am disgusted by how

stiff I've become in such a short time, worse than any time in my life of

course, but if I just stay with it I DO feel better. MUCH better... and if I

keep at it, it doesn't hurt and is not a hard workout... It just takes a

little short-term pain to get through. I'm sure a big believer in stretching

though.... Keeping the muscles as stretched, free of lactose acid, loose and

free as possible. I'm committing myself to doubling up on that, it's easy,

takes no equipment, free and can be done anywhere.

I'm going to break down and buy a workout tape too, probably a TAI-Bo,

and do my best to keep up... on the low end, of course. I think this is so

important, and like so many others, sick of being sick. I'm working on my

mind, my spirit, my surroundings and finances... Of course the pancreas! -

And I can't leave the rest of my body behind.

Blah blah blah... C'mon everybody, let's stretch!

Peace,

Terry in KC

<< It's never been a secret that a sedentary lifestyle and being overweight,

along with some other factors can lead to Type II diabetes.

That describes a great number of seniors and now,

Baby Boomers.

Remember the PSAs (public service announcements) on

TV with the tired, 40ish chubby lady?

This full-figured gal was very physically active until she became ill. I'd

swim and walk miles each week.

Now I'm lucky to be going back and forth to the toilet!

-E >>

[Guest guest]

Dear Holly,

If you've blown your knees out 12 x, you're either a serious vball chick

or you've got a major need for pain. Man, most of the folks I've played with

have just stopped flat after the second or third surgery, at most. I've

found another addict!!

That seems to be the case with most vball people - either you " play " at

it and disappear after a couple seasons, or you become seriously addicted.

Let's host a sand CP VB tournament... walking sticks, chicken broth and

veggies, ample restroom facilities and gallons of water supplied. And those

who don't want to play ball, or in the band, or heating broth or chopping

veggies can compare ERCP's, abdominal surgical scars, and various other

surgical or testing yarns of pain and humor and woefully inadequate

healthcare workers on the sidelines. Bring lawn chairs, your favorite brand

of bottled water, an afghan for your laps and detailed lists full of phone

numbers, locations, medical history and drug recommendations to share with

your peers.

Haha... Okay, now we just have to figure out the when and where. Perhaps

we should plan it around a tropical setting... Anybody in a beautiful

tropical setting willing to host?

MMMMMmmmmmm... I love it. That would be too much fun.

Be well Holly, and please... DOUBLE knee pads, and you're only allowed to

dive if it's a vital point we're playing for.

Peace,

TnKC

<< Terry in KC,

I'm not only a music buff.....but.....I TOO LOVE VOLLEYBALL! I have had 12

knees surgeries between both knees! They keep fixing them....I keep blowing

them out! I still love to play! I bet you're great at it!

Always,

Holly >>