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Paraplegic and type 2

davidjb

davidjb

Active Member
I am type 2 (diagnosed a year ago) and paraplegic (for the last 3 years) and am struggling to find a good exercise regime. I do some upper body exercises and self-propel my wheelchair but feel this is not sufficient. Until I became paraplegic I enjoyed walking and really miss it and want something effective that is also enjoyable. I've never had a weight problem (BMI 22) and my doctor seems to think I became type 2 due to going from active to fairly sedentary but seems unwilling to offer any definite advice on diet or exercise (the 'claim culture' to blame , I suppose). Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
David
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. It might be worth asking your go to refer you to someone who can advise properly on this type of injury and fitness. I could be wrong, but I think Pilates was developed by a chap with an injury who wanted to improve his 'core' fitness and developed a machine to support his recovery and improve fitness, so this could be worth looking at with proper advice and support. An occupational therapist might also be able to suggest something constructive. Hope you find the right advice and something you enjoy doing
 
What about a sports physio? I have left sided weakness especially in my leg, I had 2 months intensive physio a few years ago which was really hard but had an amazing result. They also taught me maintainence exercises which kept me going for about five years. Last year I had another two months of intensive physio to 'wind myself back up' and improve my core strength, help with pain control and again was taught a daily regime (which bizarrely I usually end up doing about 3 in the morning). Obviously our situations are very different but if you find a good one, they will tailor a regime to suit your needs. Oh and I got my on the NHS through my GP. Good luck with it Sue xxx
 
What about asking your Doctor to refer you to a gym , to see a personal trainer , I know that they often do this and it might just help to have a range of exercises that are suitable for you, worth asking
 
kateincornwall said:
What about asking your Doctor to refer you to a gym , to see a personal trainer , I know that they often do this and it might just help to have a range of exercises that are suitable for you, worth asking
Click to expand...

Gym referrals are nowadays pretty rare with GP's. Gyms can only tske persons with certain illnesses as referrals from GP's. Worth enquiring though but please don't be put off if there is a refusal.

I myself have spent time as a volunteer to re establish agreements between GP and lical gym so have just got this running again as a referral for 10.000 patients if they wish to use. However this isn't free and is jyst reduced rates... The only way some Persons with illnesses can use a gym.
 
davidjb said:
I am type 2 (diagnosed a year ago) and paraplegic (for the last 3 years) and am struggling to find a good exercise regime. I do some upper body exercises and self-propel my wheelchair but feel this is not sufficient. Until I became paraplegic I enjoyed walking and really miss it and want something effective that is also enjoyable. I've never had a weight problem (BMI 22) and my doctor seems to think I became type 2 due to going from active to fairly sedentary but seems unwilling to offer any definite advice on diet or exercise (the 'claim culture' to blame , I suppose). Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
David
Click to expand...
Hi David, no, diabetes isn't caused by suddenly being sedentary, it is caused by your pancreas not being up to scratch.

However, moving about a bit helps with blood sugar. What about asking your physiotherapist as I assume you have one?

Or pool training/swimming?

What does help to lower BG, apart from light exercise, is low carding.
 
davidjb said:
I am type 2 (diagnosed a year ago) and paraplegic (for the last 3 years) and am struggling to find a good exercise regime. I do some upper body exercises and self-propel my wheelchair but feel this is not sufficient. Until I became paraplegic I enjoyed walking and really miss it and want something effective that is also enjoyable. I've never had a weight problem (BMI 22) and my doctor seems to think I became type 2 due to going from active to fairly sedentary but seems unwilling to offer any definite advice on diet or exercise (the 'claim culture' to blame , I suppose). Any advice would be welcome.

Thanks,
David
Click to expand...

Hi @davidjb and welcome. These might be useful to you.

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Disability/Pages/fitness-for-wheelchair-users.aspx


Good luck and all the best

RRB
 
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