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Exercise - with problems

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Debra07

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1
Hello

I have had type 1 diabetes for more than twenty years and I am now on the pump. A few years ago I developed necro biosis lipoidica in my lower right leg, although the threat of amputation arose, I still have two legs and the scars are healing (extremely well).
I would like to start to exercise, but have no idea where to start. As a result of the leg infection I have a problem with my right knee - apparently fluid locked into the knee making it difficult to kneel. I have not even run for a bus since the injury, 2 years. Don't trust the stability of my knee/leg!
I now have high blood pressure, neuropathy in my feet (just numb not painful but my feet need to be strapped into shoes - I step out of them otherwise without realising!). I also had a kidney removed in the early stages of my diagnosis - although not connected to my diabetes - but this adds to complications.
No gym will take me on - too high a risk, but I would like to do something. At the moment even walking for 10 minutes can be very tiring. I am now almost fifty and find the restrictions very frustrating, although I must admit to being so stubborn that I have always managed to beat the hurdles - against a few medical predictions!
Answers please?!
 
Hi Debra and welcome to the forum.

I like your determination to overcome your medical problems and start exercising! It could be a great way for you to start improving your health in lots of ways.

OK, I need to declare an interest first: I'm a keen road cyclist doing ~150 miles a week at the moment in training for a race next month. I'd thouroughly recommend cycling as a low-impact, go-at-your-own-pace activity which you could start at a very light level and build up strength and stamina at whatever pace you're comfortable with.

It doesn't even have to be outdoors, bike trainers make it very easy to exercise indoors whenever suits you, regardless of the weather. I have what's called a turbo-trainer with a road bike attached in a spare room at home. I use it throughout the winter when the weather is bad, and it takes 2 minutes to unattach the bike and take it out when the days get warmer.

Very low impact on your knee, teriffic at boosting your circulation and your lean muscle mass. Does that sound like your thing?

All the best,

fergus
 
What about swimming? It would be very kind on your knee I think.
 
Debra,

I am a home exerciser and I reckon I save a lot on gym fees.

The site http://www.collagevideo.com is a mine of exercise videos and dvds. They have speciality videos and videos from the mayo clinic about appropriate self care and exercise and even have chair based workouts.

You can find dvds based on the type, intensity and complexity of the workout. Given your problems you would be aiming for low impact, low complexity and beginner.

A low impact walking workout eg Leslie Sansone's, an introduction to resistance training with eg rubber bands, and a basic yoga dvd could all help.

Collage is a US based site. Shipping applies to the UK. Make sure you don't pick region one only dvds. Some dvds are common to the UK as well and can be found on amazon but at least you have seen the reviews and the one minute clip before you purchase.
 
Hi Debra
If you can go swimming, without chlorine affecting your skin, that's a good one, also how about aqua exercise?
I do his twice a week( at 8:30am :) ) and it's superb.
Then there are health walks. these happen all over the country. Just Google "walking for Health Initiative" I go in Goring on Thames and the walks are of different difficultties, from a mile or two on the flat to several miles with hills, stiles and so on.
I have graduated from the easiest now to something tougher. Sometimes I struggle, but I remind myself that it used to take 35 minutses to walk once round the park and now I can do Streatley Hill. Slowly, but I get to the top. and it's steep!
Health walking is cheap, if finances are an issue. all you need is well fitting waterproof shoes.
If you are able to and have space, your own treadmill or exercise bike would be great, but it's more fun in a group.
 
Hi
I'm a newcomer in the world of Diabetes but an old hand at knee problems!! I've had unstable cartlidge in my knee for years so have to be careful, it can lock up and I can't kneel properly etc etc.
When I started to exercise after the op I went for swimming and cycling and they were both fine, easy to build up on and do at your own pace. Over time the muscles around my knee have definately got stronger allowing me to do more and more.
Cycling was one of the 1st things I returned to after Diabetes diagnosis and again building up gently I've been fine so give those a go!!
Well done on your determination!! Encouragement to us all
xx
 
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