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Date: 15.07.2013
From: millie

Subject: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Hi all, its been a long long time since I posted here I apologise. But it is because I've been feeling so well!

If you were in my situation what would you do?

For the first year being on hydtoxychloroquine and diclofenac was fantastic. But in the last few months my knees have been more and more painful. They are swollen and stiff. Walking us fine but getting in and out of chair is very painful, kneeling or bending down is impossible.

I'm kind of avoiding rheumy because I'm frightened to start stronger drugs I'm 35 and feel I don't want to use all my lifelines too quickly.
I feel I should reluctantly give up my weekly circuit training class. Although when I had a two week break my knees were worse than ever so not convinced it is doing any damage? I'm always careful to adapt exercises to suit me. And all I ever read is the importance of exercise for arthritis!

What would you do?
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Date: 16.07.2013
From: marlene

Subject: Re: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Hi Millie I would speak to your GP. You are correct in saying exercise is good for Arthritis but I was always told gentle exercise i.e. swimming. Circuit training might be impacting on your knees. Have a chat with your rhumey team maybe. Good luck and I hope you can continue with your training.
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Date: 17.07.2013
From: Linda

Subject: Re: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Swimming, definitely. It's good exercise and won't affect your joints. I also do Tai chi which is a more gentle exercise.

Years ago I used to love jogging, but it's not good for the knee or ankle joints.
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Date: 17.07.2013
From: Heather

Subject: Re: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Personally, I would change the type of exercise I do. In fact - I have!

I used to play badminton, do zumba classes and dance classes, but as my RA has progressed, I had to give up these as they were proving too much for my joints - too much impact.
Now I cycle when I can. I don't swim as I don't enjoy it, but cycling is great!
Like you, I'm 35, but I've got the attitude 'go in hard' with regards to the medication side of things. I believe that it should be treated as aggressively as possible - just my opinion. I've been on hydroxy for 6 years and the last 8 months have been hell for me. I was put on to MTX a couple of weeks back but have had an allergic reaction to it so we're going for the big guns now - humira.
If in doubt, speak to your rheumy. And good luck!
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Date: 17.07.2013
From: millie

Subject: Re: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Thanks everyone. I know swimming is the one to do its just not an easy one for me with timings I have four little children and would feel bad swimming without them!
I quit jogging too because of ra. I'm surprise you cycle I imagines that would be tough on the knees?
I walk a lot, will give swimming a try. Any other suggestions gratefully receives. Amazingly since writing this post for the first time on months the swelling has gone from my knee but I still have pain to get up from the floor or sitting position. Its like there's no strength? Which is why I would like to get as fit as I can. Its a vicious circle!
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Date: 18.07.2013
From: Heather

Subject: Re: should i trouble the rheumy or give up exercise?

Millie - no, cycling is non-impact, so I have no probs with my knees or any other joints when I cycle. Sometimes I have problems getting on the bike as I'm unable to (and excuse the expression!) get my leg over the crossbar as my hips have seized too much.
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