Guest guest Posted May 29, 2003 Report Share Posted May 29, 2003 Hi Pam: I know that I can be a lot stonger if I would regularly exercise. I think part of the problem is getting back into moving after over 3 years of not being able to. I remember while I was still somewhat hyper, joining a gym and getting a trainer, but I'd lift a couple of weights and get all flushed, hot and dizzy, even the trainer was worried. On the bright side, even though I have not been exercising as I should, I was recently up in the Sierras, and took a steep hike through deep snow several times. My whole family was amazed that I made it, so I guess despite my lethargy, my body is getting stronger on its own. How much more if I worked at it! The other reason I'm feeling pressed to exercise is for bone loss prevention, since we are prime targets for osteoporosis. I'm starting slow with this exercise regime called the Core Program, developed by a physical therapist for women. I haven't done enough to get really strong, but it really helps with all the aches and pains so far. Regards, > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2003 Report Share Posted May 29, 2003 Pam - I believe it's certainly possible to regain the lost strength back. I wasn't a very strong person to begin with and the GD's muscle wasting effect has really made me into a weakling. Last fall when I was painting walls, I really noticed how weak I had become. I would just paint in small increments of a wall or two and even then the next day my arms, back, even legs would be screaming! I've been trying to be diligent about the weight training the last 6-8 weeks. I try to do it 3x a week, but sometimes it's only once a week, but others it's 4 or 5 times a week. (I'm working on consistency.) I didn't expect any change this early, but even my hubby said he can tell I'm getting stronger! I thought perhaps he was just trying to encourage me, but last weekend I was heaving both bench seats back into the minivan (no wheels on those benches, either - what a pain!) I managed to put them both in by myself. They were quite heavy and I was certain that I would pay for it the next day and that I surely had strained something. Even hubby was impressed that I did it and said that he has trouble lifting them (and he's twice my size) and that he would have probably pulled something. OK, I'm rambling...the point is, the next day I woke up and _nothing_ hurt! I was _amazed_! Those darn weights are paying off! I do it while I'm watching a TV show and so it doesn't seem so bad. Once I accidentally exercised all the way through a West Wing episode - LOL! Check out the " Strong Women, Strong Bones " book from your library. It's got some really simple and easy weight lifting exercises. I was skeptical about the weights, but it does seem to be working. I've really noticed a difference in my problem hip. It hasn't bothered me in about 3 weeks - a minor miracle! I've done yoga and Tai Chi, too, and I love them. It seems that the weight bearing exercise really has made the difference for me, though. I'm sure I could get similar results if I kept with the yoga and Tai Chi regularly, too. But it seems like I got more " instant gratification " with the weights. Just my $.02 and that's about all it's worth muscle/strength loss > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. It's > painfully obvious to me that I am not as strong as I used to be - everything > from yard work to bike riding is a lot of effort now and it's just too easy > to let my husband do the harder stuff or avoid the hills. And something one > of my NDs said to me keeps popping up and giving me this niggling thought: > What if it's not possible to regain my strength??? (She asked if I lost a > lot of muscle and then said what a shame, that's too bad - as if it was > permanent damage or something - I should of questioned her at the time but > didn't.) > > Has anyone got some success stories in this area? I imagine it would be > helpful to start doing some strength training exercises - weights etc... but > of course getting a daily walk in and a few yoga poses is still a lot for me > at this point - but I think I'm going to try doing a little bit of weight > lifting a few times a week just to see. > > Thanks, > Pam > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list do not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2003 Report Share Posted May 29, 2003 Hi Pam, Don't be discouraged. You do have to work hard at it, but I've had some success with regaining muscle. I do an hour of PT exercises 3-4 nights a week that include strengthening exercises and some work with weights. I still have some thigh weakness, that I notice on walks and going up long flights of steps. Can't really say I'm weak, but the stamina deserts me at times, particularly in that one spot. I do a lot of physical work, and a lot of the PT is to make sure that my body handles that work without problems. I also walk a hilly half-hour a day, plus do tai chi including some slightly strenuous warm-ups every morning. I guess you could say I spend a lot of time on this stuff, but I feel so very much better if I do it all. And, another good effect of my efforts is that my bone density is absolutely fine, so no sign of osteoporosis despite my being menopausal and hyper. Bottom line, you WILL see improvement. Terry > > Reply-To: graves_support > Date: Thu, 29 May 2003 17:05:20 -0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) > To: " graves_support " <graves_support > > Subject: muscle/strength loss > > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. It's > painfully obvious to me that I am not as strong as I used to be - everything > from yard work to bike riding is a lot of effort now and it's just too easy > to let my husband do the harder stuff or avoid the hills. And something one > of my NDs said to me keeps popping up and giving me this niggling thought: > What if it's not possible to regain my strength??? (She asked if I lost a > lot of muscle and then said what a shame, that's too bad - as if it was > permanent damage or something - I should of questioned her at the time but > didn't.) > > Has anyone got some success stories in this area? I imagine it would be > helpful to start doing some strength training exercises - weights etc... but > of course getting a daily walk in and a few yoga poses is still a lot for me > at this point - but I think I'm going to try doing a little bit of weight > lifting a few times a week just to see. > > Thanks, > Pam > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not > intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list do not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ > -------- > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2003 Report Share Posted May 29, 2003 I have had great success this last six months with exercise and weight training. I do the Firm, and I love it. It's hard work, but I am gaining my muscle back into nice shapes. I have to lose weight, and am not losing much due to gaining muscle, but I have lost in inches. (15 pounds and 10 inches) We did a lot of yard work last week, and I kept going, and going, and going. It was great. My oldest son said " Gee, mom, no offense, but it was sure nicer when you weren't feeling well, your such a slave driver now " . My back or hips didn't hurt. Of course, my med's are at the right place, and I feel great. So I am able to do a hour work out. I couldn't of done it last year. And the difference between me and a lot of you guys, is I had RAI, and I am not dealing with the same med's that you are. I am worried though, now that we have heard from someone on this board that had RAI many years ago, and only recently developed TED's. I hadn't found you guys and this board before RAI, and the info I had about anti thyroid med's was " Your body will develop liver damage and then RAI won't work as well as it will now " (para phrased) and of course the Endocrinologist said " oh yes that is so true " . Well, now I am so better informed, that anyone I meet who is just diagnosed, I want to tell them " don't do RAI, only as a last resort " , try other methods first. Sure I feel ok now, but I can't undo the damage of RAI and I might develop TED's down the road. Even though I feel good right now, I am not the old me, will never be, there is a fragile side to me now. Just hang in there, you will eventually find all the keys that make you feel better, between med's, diet and exercise. Be aware of what chemicals you have in your house, and what perfumes you wear. They can make you feel yucky too. Jen M muscle/strength loss > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. It's > painfully obvious to me that I am not as strong as I used to be - everything > from yard work to bike riding is a lot of effort now and it's just too easy > to let my husband do the harder stuff or avoid the hills. And something one > of my NDs said to me keeps popping up and giving me this niggling thought: > What if it's not possible to regain my strength??? (She asked if I lost a > lot of muscle and then said what a shame, that's too bad - as if it was > permanent damage or something - I should of questioned her at the time but > didn't.) > > Has anyone got some success stories in this area? I imagine it would be > helpful to start doing some strength training exercises - weights etc... but > of course getting a daily walk in and a few yoga poses is still a lot for me > at this point - but I think I'm going to try doing a little bit of weight > lifting a few times a week just to see. > > Thanks, > Pam > > > ------------------------------------- > The Graves' list is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace expert medical care. > Please consult your doctor before changing or trying new treatments. > ---------------------------------------- > DISCLAIMER > > Advertisments placed on this yahoo groups list do not have the endorsement of > the listowner. I have no input as to what ads are attached to emails. > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 1, 2003 Report Share Posted June 1, 2003 This is very interesting to me. I honestly thought I was weak from just plain not exercising. This sheds new light to me. I also made a copy of all the replies to give my husband. Unfortunately, he's in denial that I have this disease and am ill (do you know what I mean?). I was wondering if Physical Therapy would benefit me (you, us). I cannot go for a walk right now because my legs and back get to hurting so bad. I have started exercising now everyday for the past 3 1/2 weeks. I do stretching, light weights and flexibility exercises. I don't see results quickly, but I'm not going to give up. So glad this was brought up. > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. It's > painfully obvious to me that I am not as strong as I used to be - everything > from yard work to bike riding is a lot of effort now and it's just too easy > to let my husband do the harder stuff or avoid the hills. And something one > of my NDs said to me keeps popping up and giving me this niggling thought: > What if it's not possible to regain my strength??? (She asked if I lost a > lot of muscle and then said what a shame, that's too bad - as if it was > permanent damage or something - I should of questioned her at the time but > didn't.) > > Has anyone got some success stories in this area? I imagine it would be > helpful to start doing some strength training exercises - weights etc... but > of course getting a daily walk in and a few yoga poses is still a lot for me > at this point - but I think I'm going to try doing a little bit of weight > lifting a few times a week just to see. > > Thanks, > Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2003 Report Share Posted June 2, 2003 Hi , I think it is possible, over time, to regain your muscle strength back. I too have lost an extreme amount of weight in a short time ( over 70lbs. in 4 months ), which led to hardly any muscle strength. About a month and a half ago I could barely climb the two steps that lead to my front door. Now I am able to do that while caring my 2 year old. I have yet to master a whole flight of stairs ... There are days that I can't do much... I have started about once a week taking walks...At first I was only able to go about 100 yards w/ out being winded.. Now I am almost up to 3 miles (every Friday night). It is a lot of work, I take breaks every few blocks, and am extremely exhausted at the end of the walk. But I am able to complete it & do feel a lot better after I do so. I just found out this last Thursday that I am expecting again, so I am trying to work at least a few short walks in a couple of times a week. I think regaining muscle strength is totally possible. It will take a LONG time for that to happen. Just getting out in my garden and doing as little as I could made me feel a little better. My husband was in denial when I first had this disease, & still is a lot of the times since I am no way close to feeling any better.. My mother 'n' law even suggested to my husband that I might be using drugs!! LOL That was a fun experience for me... It's hard trying to explain to ppl that have no idea what it feels like to be extremely hyper...and how hard it is to take so many pills a day ( for me it is, I can't seem to ever remember them on time ) we are very forgetful too!!! I guess all we can do is try to educate them as much as we can.. Show them the labs & everything that we have to do stay healthy... Anyways, hope this helps in some way, this is just my experience w/ everything.... I am hoping one of these days I will be " graves free " !! Take care!! ~Amber~ Re: muscle/strength loss This is very interesting to me. I honestly thought I was weak from just plain not exercising. This sheds new light to me. I also made a copy of all the replies to give my husband. Unfortunately, he's in denial that I have this disease and am ill (do you know what I mean?). I was wondering if Physical Therapy would benefit me (you, us). I cannot go for a walk right now because my legs and back get to hurting so bad. I have started exercising now everyday for the past 3 1/2 weeks. I do stretching, light weights and flexibility exercises. I don't see results quickly, but I'm not going to give up. So glad this was brought up. > I think it was who wrote recently that she never regained her strength > after loosing all her muscle. I lost a lot of muscle too and have been > holding out hope that one of these days I will be strong again. It's > painfully obvious to me that I am not as strong as I used to be - everything > from yard work to bike riding is a lot of effort now and it's just too easy > to let my husband do the harder stuff or avoid the hills. And something one > of my NDs said to me keeps popping up and giving me this niggling thought: > What if it's not possible to regain my strength??? (She asked if I lost a > lot of muscle and then said what a shame, that's too bad - as if it was > permanent damage or something - I should of questioned her at the time but > didn't.) > > Has anyone got some success stories in this area? I imagine it would be > helpful to start doing some strength training exercises - weights etc... but > of course getting a daily walk in and a few yoga poses is still a lot for me > at this point - but I think I'm going to try doing a little bit of weight > lifting a few times a week just to see. > > Thanks, > Pam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 2, 2003 Report Share Posted June 2, 2003 Butterfly: I am so touched to be reminded of the level of courage this group displays just to live day to day. I know being hyper was tough for me, and I do not have children. Reading your message, I was just amazed (again) by how we pull ourselves up and get things done that need to be done, while dealing with our own physical hell. I am convinced that we all come out of this with great lessons learned and a lot more inner strength. Well done! > > Hi , I think it is possible, over time, to regain your muscle strength back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.