BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010

Subject: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:32 PM

Can you believe it? We've been doing this for over two years, now, started in Jan. 2008! So, here we go, the original intent and posting:


Please post your fitness/letting go of weight goals, as you meet them by the day/week/monthly. Also, feel free to post your goals in your first posting. Encouragement/chatting is okay, as long as it is kept to a minimum. I will delete any extra stuff.

Thanks and Cheers to All of You!

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:15 PM

definitely broke the no more than 1300 calories rule today. It was all the lovely roast tatties at the pub in Lower Stoke.

Tomorrow back into regime. But actually, I have been feeling better when I stick to the high nutrient low cal days.

Now I must make myself go out for walks at lunch time, if it isn't too miserable outdoors.

Wish me luck. The exercise is the hardest part, because it hurts. Hurts my feet, my knees and hips, not to mention pulmonary pain.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 06:05 PM

I got a fair amount of excercise today judging by how my legs hurt.... but have eaten vast amounts of jelly, chocolate and cheesy corn snacks, washed down with beer.... Meh.. you win some, you lose some!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: MAG
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:26 PM

I've been busy for awhile and not posting --

quit my unbearable job, which is probably stupid in a deep recession, but have been healthier than I have been in years -- no insomnia, no acid reflux, no not wanting to get out ofd bed in the morning --

HOWEVER, all that walking did help keep me fit, and without it I have regained a little of the weight I had lost

got another round of gel shots in my knees; they had bothered me but now can walk (again) for exercise -- miss the Y with the nautilus and all but can't afford it with no money -- :)

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 09:52 PM

Congrats for leaving that terrible job. I am sure it will add years to your well-being! May you find prosperity in all ways. I had noticed you hadn't been posting and wondered how you were. I am so excited and I wanted you to be here when I posted this:

I have finally dropped a whole size and can now, finally, wear the slacks you sent me!! It's been awhile, but it feels so good and they fit really well. Not too snug, not too loose (yet!) and just the right length. Thanks, again, so much. This feels so good!

My goals this month are to keep doing the qi gong and small handweights along with whatever else my grandson/coach dreams up for me which I am capable of doing.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 02:34 AM

Kat - I love that grandson/coach image. Imagining you holding your own against him in a backyard game of soccer, now. I will try to keep that energy cycling around for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 10:27 AM

Thanks Tam, but not quite soccer ready and no way I can keep up with that red-headed ball of energy, BUT he's very accommodating!*bg* I'll be happy when I can waltz him across the room sans O2 line and with plenty of breath and non-sore feet.:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 03:08 PM

Just got back from the weigh-in. Stayed the same, which was better than I anticipated, given the amount of WW bars and biscuits I have devoured!

Going to be really strict with myself this week. 182lbs start - 166.5lbs at the moment, after 16 months. It's dragged on long enough now. Time for an effort again to get a good chunk shifted. I want another 14lbs off!

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 03:32 PM

Good luck Andrea

Kat - that was a wish for your future fitness.

I walked into town today, in spite of the fact that my hips seized up by the time walked about 20 feet from the front door (I had walked from upstairs all the way from the back end so add another 70 feet).

Anyway, I pushed myself into Meadows shopping centre, whereupon I purchased 3 picture frames for some water colours I bought last spring that have been cluttering shelves instead of walls. That will be remedied this weekend. And I bought 4 pullovers of different colours that were on sale.

I only had tiny sliver of celebratory cake at work. We have been in the purpose built building for 10 years, so cakes abounded.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 04:35 AM

Mouldy - sounds like you hit a plateau... I know the feeling.

Don't beat yourself up, you didn't put any ON, that is the important thing. Small steps add up to a long journey, so don't get frustrated and go for the quick fix/easy crash.

When you get back into the habit as it were, you'll do fine. I keep telling myself that.. soon I'll start believing it - once my hips stop aching!

For some strange reason I had multiple leg cramps (ranging from calf to upper thigh/ass) on Sunday... can't think why. Glass of water and a salty nibble fixed it.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 11:25 AM

Thanks, VTam. Not quite soccer, but exercise yesterday consisted of playing ball with Morgan AND hitting a baseball every time he got the pitch over the plate to me. I still have it!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 02:27 PM

Week 2 weigh in tomorrow and I have not folowed the plan closely. We'll see. This week I start with 10 minutes walking three times a day and build.

Very impressive kat. Watch out for those wild pitches though.
CLUNK!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 03:01 PM

Woot! I walked into town from the workplace again today and went a bit further. Hips seized up again, but I was determined and walked through it, till they loosened up.

We are supposed to have good weather all this week, so will continue these outings at lunch time.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:04 AM

Good for you, VTam!

Sins, I know! Every once in awhile he hits the window. It's double pane and double tough, as my dad would say, but the kid packs a wallop with that bat. I think he was three when he hit the baseball across the road to the neighbour's yard, plus that same year he hit it clear over the top of our house! I've got to take him to the batting cages sometime.

So, I pitched, caught, and batted today. It felt really good to go outside and not totally freeze.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:31 AM

bummer... all cloudy and frosty outdoors. legs in screaming pain, pro'lly won't go out at lunch.

sigh!


WoW for Kat's grandson. Kid keeps his eye on the ball.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 09:13 AM

LOL, that he does.

Today was weigh-in day for me. I've lost another 1.6 pounds!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: MAG
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 10:19 AM

Great going, everybody!

I'm doing at least 1 hour yardwork everyday, plus going through mystuff for house cleanup -

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 10:22 AM

Good work, kat. All that ball chasing.
Yardwork, MAG? A little too soon for that in Maine. But I will be walking Seamus tonight.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 01:46 PM

I didn't go into town. Wind was easterly and bitter cold. But I did take the post duties from colleague today so was up and down stairs and end to end of the building (it is a big building) twice today. Then twice into GP which means I had to climb stairs to flat twice. My legs didn't like. They are complaining now.

Doctor appointment did not go well. She asked if I am feeling low, I said yes because I am tired and I want to sleep. I want pain free, palipitation free, nightmare free sleep with no medical after effects the next day.   She is taking me off amytriptyline and putting me on prothiaden 25. She wanted to put me on prozac. Most common reported side effects of prozac are headache, nausea and insomnia. Hello! Am I not in enough pain? Am I not here because I am not sleeping? She just wanted to get me out of there. I was the last appointment of the day and she was running 20 minutes late. I hate feeling brushed aside.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:14 PM

WW weigh in. I lost 1/2 pound. Whoo Whoo. Better than gaining I guess.
This week I have to track my points.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: gnu
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:40 PM

You got a scale that measures to decimal places? Do haircuts count?

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 02:41 PM

WW uses a digital scale and I hate you gnu.
Said with love,
SINS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Mar 10 - 04:37 PM

Today, I got off my bum and actually *played* with Morgan, all over the house and outside. I told him I wanted him to use his imagination to make his OWN worlds rather than emulating the violent video games he knows. Then I told him how I made up worlds of cowboys, spies, etc.when I was a kid. So we played cowboys after robbers, then robbers being chased on our horses. Then, he really got into playing spy which I used to do all of the time. We've done a good hour of my moving right along with him and talking a running scenario back and forth with him. THIS is the best exercise, I love it!!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 02:26 AM

Made it to work yesterday, may even do the same today.. that's the best I can say....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 02:35 AM

Oh boy... Kat Can I come over and play at yours? We can do dragon riders, fighting threadfall (thread is burning and burrowing live meteorite things that destroy all plant life on Pern. Dragon riders fight it in the sky (dragon fire destroys it) before it hits land.

Or we can ride cantarback, herding the rudnocerii on the Anteswertian Plain. And we can harvest wild yatzoming fruits from the deadly thorns of the yatzoming tree. And we can make jeeklurp.

Sorry.... fell into my children's story. I miss playing with little uns.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 09:40 AM

It's great to see how you are all doing. I am only now waking up to the fact that leaving my full-time music teaching job 1 1/2 years ago, while it's had an enormously positive effect on most of my life, it has had a negative effect on my overall fitness- I just don't move as much as I used to! So I'm trying to add more activity to my everyday life, and to stretch at night like I used to- to counteract the aching joints, stiffness, and lack of mobility that is completely new to me. Already I feel better for 2 days of that pattern- wish me luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 01:55 PM

What about volunteering at nursing homes or elderly day care providing music and movement activities a couple times a week?

I didn't go out today. I cannot believe how bad my legs hurt and how stiff. I couldn't use stairs at work today. Used the lift today, because I was afraid I would fall. Bendy bits won't bend.

Did do some filing downstairs.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: maire-aine
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 06:42 PM

The weather here (Michigan) has been beautiful. Lots of sun and relatively mild temp. I've been driving with the window open, and even walked around our pedestrian-friendly downtown for a while this afternoon. Had broiled fish for supper.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 04 Mar 10 - 07:37 PM

I've walked a bit, today. Took a day off from Coach Morgan.:-) I saw my primary doc, today. Love her. I've lost 8 lbs since seeing her in mid-December. She is very happy with how I am doing overall. Since last night, I have had such a good feeling of happiness; I feel as though I am reaching a personal "Harmonic Convergence." I also had a biofeedback session which focused on breathing and was great!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 01:09 PM

Tam - Is there nothing they can do to relieve that pain or manage it? Constant pain just wears away and sucks all the joy out of life.

Seamus and I walked for about a half hour last night. Not sure what Aunt Tami did to the boy but he is still exhausted. Didn't even want to take his last run for a nighttime treat.

Hope to get him to the beach over the weekend. Meantime, writing down everything and counting my points.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:25 PM

Good for you, Sins. It might be more of what Bandit did to/with him, eh?:-)

I only managed about 20 minutes of running around the house playing strike down the aliens in outer space with Morgan, today. I told him I have to recharge my batteries and he had to go home. He aimed his fist at me, made a special effects sound and told me I was recharged, lets go fight aliens.:-) I sent him home shortly after. Still happy, just low energy.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 05:58 PM

You are preaching to the choir SINS. I am in constant pain. I am constantly tired and low.

I seem to have dropped off the radar of the Pain Clinic, after I called to cancel my last acupuncture appointment due to having nasty tummy bug. There are signs all over the hospital that state, if you have vomiting or diarrhoea you should not come into hospital. So I cancelled the appointment and since it was less than 24 hours notice, I have probably been struck from their patient list. That is pretty standard.

So I have to go back to GP and get another referral to Pain Clinic, which they may reject because I didn't cancel last appointment in good time. Then I will have to go back to GP or appeal to Primary Care Trust. I don't have the energy for it all. Besides the Pain Clinic didn't really do that much for me as far as pain management goes. What I need is for the inflammation to be dealt with but as my bloods don't show it to be very high, then the RA consultant cannot give me stronger drugs to bring the inflammation under control. I am stuck in bureaucracies and guidances that prevent me getting any real relief.

Maybe I don't complain loud enough. I am back on the codiene tylenol stuff, which helps me sleep, but leaves me cognitively dysfunctional next day.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 07:53 PM

Exercise. Did you know that cancer cells cannot live in a highly oxygenated environment? Did you know that exercise does just that...adds oxygen to your red blood cells? Uh huh. Yep. That's what I've learned. So.....I can't do much yoga, I am just cut into too many pieces lately (even though I CAN go to class and do what I *CAN* do...it isn't much) but I do have a treadmill, a very nice one. At the moment, it isn't in a space where it can be used since we rearranged the living room after my surgery so I could be sit close to my husband BUT we are going to switch the living room back this weekend so I can start walking. I don't have to go fast. I don't have to huff and puff. I just need to MOVE and I WANT to move. Knowing that walking along watching TV or listening to music helps to starve those cancer cells to death is EXCELLENT motivation for me!!! YAY!

So...my goal is to walk every day....I am not worried about the distance, speed or time...I just need to move as much as I can. :)

When I am finished healing, I hope to go swimming too as I have an open invite with a friend who goes almost daily.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Mar 10 - 11:52 PM

I mowed the front yard today, amounting to about 45 minutes of jockeying the mower around tall wet patches of grass and avoiding the daffodils that are up now. Every year I try to dig them up out of the lawn and put them in beds and think I have them, and every spring more come up in the old spot. But they are pretty!

I don't know if I'll get to the back yard this weekend, there is rain in the forecast. And I have to police the grounds, so to speak, for lots of hazards before mowing back there.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 05:21 AM

Wow Michelle.... thank you for that bit of information. I have now tasked TSO to force me to get up and walk on the mini tramp every evening until I get out of breath. I can go slow, if the hips seize up, but I have to keep going until I start breathing harder.

He has agreed to do this... he is such a love.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 08:31 AM

Michelle, if YOU can walk every day, I can walk every day. That's my personal challenge for the rest of March. Bless you!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 06:22 PM

I walked today and my feet did okay. An occasional watch how you step, but it was okay. Did about two hours, pushing a cart-full and keeping the walking at a steady pace with short breaks. Now, Morgan is on his way over to play ball with me; we bought two new ones for us to play with..a SOFT baseball so he won't break our windows which almost happened last week!:-) Kid has a hell of a swing.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 06:44 PM

I did take a lovely walk amongst the snow and ice and mud, and it was wonderful- but I realized I really needed new hikers- the pair I was wearing was purchased in 1997!
So when we went on our errands in town I fell in love with a pair of very fancy hikers (can't remember the brand, but they were expensive!). I'm getting paid this week for the children's chorus we've started, so I justified the expense that way. Don't know if they'll last as long as the cheapos I have now thrown away, but my feet have seldom been happier!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 08:52 PM

I walked 1/2 mile to church and 1/2 mile back to my car. It was a beautiful evening to be out walking!!!!

:) Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 05:41 AM

My hips did freeze up last night but I soldiered on. Will do it again this morning and again this evening. And tomorrow I will be walking all over town centre. Wish me luck.

Michelle is my shining example... She is my oxygen super heroine all light and bubbly.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 07:28 AM

VT, shall we walk with Michelle? I enjoyed my walk, thinking of all of you lovely ones, and it would be fun to think of us as walking together!

Mink-oiled my new hikers yest. evening. They're Asolos, probably more boot than I'll ever need, but so comfortable!

Looking forward to my walk this morning, before I go conduct my chorus at an 8-chorus festival, aka Choralpalooza- that burns plenty of energy, my friends, you can be assured!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 04:02 PM

Please cast your vote as to whether we should keep the threads separate or back to combined. I did it this month because I was missing the simple posting of goals, etc. They seemed to get lost, but if the majority prefers, I don't mind if we go back to the other way and let this one fall off. Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:07 AM

It was easier to find the actual thread when there was only one - it didn't fall off so much.

I'm officially 3kg (about 6lbs) heavier than I was in October but 10cm (4inches) thinner round the waist. Guess that's the yoga...

Trouble is, I've just spent a couple of weekends doing nothing but driving, singing, drinking and eating... I really MUST get back on track and back to the healthy eating again. It worked quite well, but since Christmas I've got out of the habit (all those free salmon sandwiches at the Ritz hotel.... ohhhh!!) and need to eat properly again.

And before anyone puts two and two together to make 37 - I have been heavier and more sedentary than I am now, but didn't have any palpitations, chest pain or breathlessness, so being overweight isn't the cause. It doesn't help, but it's not the cause. I am decreasing slowly, as the experts say you should, I'm excercising gently because I know I'm not used to it - I still walk to and from the station even though it makes me breathless and takes longer now than it did 2 years ago when I was 20+lbs heavier. I'm increasing the yoga a little bit every week, walking more (made it to work three days running last week - first time this year!) and sleeping better.

Later today I have a couple more tests - one of which will be the treadmill test, where I'm wired to a heart monitor and set off to walk on the treadmill so they can see if there are any abnormal jumps in the heartbeats. There's an ultrasound and another test I can't remember to come yet.

Enjoy the day all, if it's anything like the one outside now, it's going to be glorious!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 03:30 AM

oh damn... no need to vote on my account. i don't want to be trouble. i will play by whatever rules are set.







so sorry

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: maeve
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 06:28 AM

Tam- I see no reason to not combine threads if that makes it easier for you. LTS knows she can easily trace threads if she wants to find them easily. It makes no difference for me.

Liz- Thanks for your update. You're doing well to improve your health. Those of us who care about your splendid self are grateful.

My health goals are to continue to drop inches while building muscle for garden work and fire clean-up.

m

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 02:12 PM

ughhhh! I hurt. Out at bus stop at 9:30 am. Into town, dropped some post off to go to US. An old school mate is getting a head dress and a fairy. Letter to flat management about issues at our apartment building. Light outside our door does not work. On all the time and sensor makes it go off when we pass it. So no light to lock or unlock our door. Two big holes in the front garden that are deep enough for someone to twist or break ankle. Some kids knocked over one of the 3 clothes lines in back garden. Weather is getting better more residents need to hang washing.

Met with Health Trainer. She was really nice. She used to lead tai chi at the place where I work. Was paid for by council. I am going to look into getting this reinstated. I remember colleagues talking about it and that they really enjoyed it. She is going to look into finding a pool that has steps and not ladder that is not too far from home. I will not use the hoist. I know.... pride and haughty spirit and fall, etc. Sorry, I can't do it. She is also going to find out about some physical trainers who can address my RA and put me in touch with pain experts. Other people who suffer from cronic pain and now volunteer to teach coping practices. And... this is the best part... she is going to nag me about doing proper breathing exercises. I told her how I have instructions and diagrams posted next to my desk at work, but never take the time to do them. Told her I want to keep my lungs, posture and diaphragm in good nick, because I sing. She is going to poke me by email to see if I am doing this.

I wandered around town and got more silk flowers, big chunky beads on sale to make more fairies with. I check sale at Clark's shoes because I need to replace my black Dr. Scholl maryjanes. They have completely broken down. They didn't have black in my size, so I tryed on the red ones. they fit. So I bought the red ones and ordered the blacks ones They will be delivered to my work, because I have to sign for them. I was so happy with this purchase because the shoes are so soft. Like walking on clouds.

Found a wonderful green pullover on sale. So I got it.

I got the Mothering Sunday cards for me and TSO to send to his Mum. It is this weekend in UK. I had to buy Mother's Day cards for my Mom and Aunt Dot now because they are not available when I need to send them in May. Also picked up some nice blank inside cards for TSO's Sister and her husband both of whom have birthdays this month.

Bought some kitchen stuff and sewing stuff for caravan. I was all over the place today. Good thing I took rucksack and collapsible walking sticks. Got home at 2:30 utterly knackered but did, one load of clothes and made dinner which was no mean feat as it meant a lot of chopping and prep work and my mean feet were already killing me. TSO did the washing up after. He is giving me a break re the mini trampoline because I was on feet walking around town all day. Isn't he a darling?

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: mouldy
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 04:07 PM

A pound and a half off. Now I'm back to what I was when I went to NZ. Lugging the contents of the bookshelves upstairs all Friday afternoon must have paid off! Need to lose at least another 12, IMHO.

Andrea

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 03:18 AM

My goal is to maintain my weight now until October, if I lose a bit more it's a bonus but I won't be putting it on, I've reached my goal of a UK size 14.

I've lost 5 stone 2lbs since January last year and feel great! I'm still eating healthily and doing regualr exercise. I'm running in the Race for Life again this year to raise money for Cancer Research.

Mum and Dad came to stay over the weekend and couldn't believe how much weight I had lost, they kept commenting on it and saying how good I look, which is a massive confidence boost as they hadn't seen me since August last year. We bought my dream wedding dress in my goal size although the bridal shop said it will need altering nearer the day if I lose anymore weight but that's not a problem.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 03:35 AM

Did about 8 minutes on the treadmill yesterday, wired to a monitor... it was supposed to be monitoring my heart rate, which didn't seem too bad, but I did get very breathless, dizzy and light-headed, so the nice Cardiac Tech said I could stop. I've been wearing a mini monitor since yesterday afternoon, have to take it back later today for the recording to be analysed. My Socialist soul is screaming at me that I should use the NHS, but as I'm still waiting for the referral from them, I'm glad I went with a private healthcare provider - after all, we've had the insurance for 20 years now, might as well get some benefit from it!

Right.. off to do some yoga and make cards. Enjoy the day all!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 07:36 AM

Day 3 of daily walks (actually, this is Day 4 but it's only 7:30 AM and I want to wait for it to warm up a bit...). I'm feeling less stiff, more energetic, and I'm sleeping better. Hmmm, there must be a connection somewhere!

You are all inspiring! Thank you for helping me get back on my feet!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 09 Mar 10 - 09:09 AM

Glad you are getting looked at Liz regardless of it being private or NHS. You need answers and treatment now not in a years time. Hope you are feeling better soon xxx

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 10 Mar 10 - 02:55 AM

Catherine-Jayne --- GO GO GO! Fantastic.

LTS - NHS did same tests on me last year around this time. I got breathless quite soo too, but the found nothing wrong.   Yet I have been feeling bloody awful since, get the horrible alarming thudding in my ears several times a night, have no energy, etc. My GP keeps prescribing different antidepressants. I am now off them. I take one codydramol before bed for pain and that is it.

In the last 3 weeks, feeling like the NHS couldn't give a toss, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I have been extremely careful re food intake, particularly near bedtime, also forcing myself to get bit of physical activity everyday. And this last week and a bit the thudding has become less strong and less frequent. I took Susan's (WYSIWYG) advice and cut any sugar (including my fav grape juice) in the evening. Down to 1 real coffee in morning and 1 decaf every other afternoon. I think of it as a treat.

I am feeling and sleeping better. Not lost any weight yet, even though I never exceed 1300 calories a day. Fingers crossed, when I get to pool (found out my local has portable steps I can use) I will start loosing weight.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 03:01 AM

That's the worst feeling - when YOU know something isn't right but healthcare professionals can find nothing with all their expensive equipment and years of training.... The worst thing is, I'm finding that as tempus fugits ever faster, I'm taking longer to recover from a bad night, and my brain doesn't seem to function quite so well for a while after. The hardest thing to cope with is finding the right word for stuff. Got to the hospital on Monday for a treadmill test, only to find I couldn't remember the word 'treadmill'...

Anyway... once this stomach bug has run its course, I shall be back on track. I stopped hurling enough to go shopping last night so we actually have real food in the house, rather than a heap of processed stuff...

As for the perennial 'lose weight and get fit' argument from the doctors - this time 2 years ago, I was almost 2 stones heavier and did not get out of breath climbing one flight of stairs.

Go figure...

LTS - sorry, today is not a good day.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 04:25 AM

I've been having a lot of sleepless nights, LtS, and find the same thing...my brain is dull the next day and I forget words, too. It helps when I can take a nap which turns out to be restful, rather than restless, but it is still hard to catch up after so many nights. At least when I get good sleep, things seem to be better.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 07:32 AM

Beat the bug, dear Liz, and then set those doctors straight.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 03:35 PM

my GP says that it is age... this not sleeping well, these palpitations, this not having energy, the fuzzy foggy feeling in the morning and difficulty remembering words.
I have not been well (easily out of breath and palpitations) since that respiratory flu, then cold, then infection over course of 3 months (Nov08 - Jan09). Tried to tell doc this. Dismissed it.

I think it is a worldwide conspiracy to let women of a certain age just fade away. Nature is already conspiring against us. We don't need the medical profession to encourage it. We need to combat it. And truly the best way is to get fit. Fighting fit.

I have been very careful about what I eat during the day and no sugar in the evening at all, and I am sleeping better. Because I am sleeping better, I fell less awful in the morning. Cognitive functioning is only slightly better, but it is early days.

Today - I had to make second tightening of trousers with safety pins. First tightening was last week. Colleague said she noticed I am losing weight.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 11 Mar 10 - 03:55 PM

There ARE doctors who don't use negative attitudes as a diagnosis. I always call my docs out if any of them make some kind of comment such as "it's age." I explain to them that what I hear goes straight to my heart and I require them, as my partners in health, to watch their words around me. The docs I have now are very respectful and careful and wholistic themselves. I hope you can find one there, VTam.

Good for you on the no sugar and taking up your trousers!

I slept most of yesterday away. This morning, I drove for the first time in ages, with Morgan to Walgreens, then we came home and played ball outside. Sent him home at noon and will probably try sleeping a bit more.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 12 Mar 10 - 03:48 AM

(((Liz))) it's a nasty tummy bug that's going round at the moment, hte kids had it for a week and it wasn't pleasent. Hope you are feeling better soon.....drink plenty of fluids...water not gin!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: maire-aine
Date: 14 Mar 10 - 10:03 PM

Walked in the St. Patrick's parade today; cold & windy, with just a very light misty rain. It was a little less than 2 miles, by the time we marched and then walked back to the car.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:45 AM

Good for you, Maryanne.

Qi - 30 minutes

Free wgts - 16 reps of 4 lifts each

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 05:59 AM

Over the weekend I ran 4 miles. Walked lots. Did 2 spinning classes and a body pump class. My lovely fiance bought me a skirt and top in my new size 14!! I have to keep saying it because I just can't believe it. I haven't been this slim and light since I was 19 years old. When I look in the mirror I still see the size 22 Catherine but I'm getting there with the confidence to wear the right size clothing instead of things that are 2 or 3 sizes too big. I sorted out my wardrobe again today and have only kept the UK size 14 and 16 clothes (don't have many size 14!)So there is a shopping trip needed in the next couple of week to restock and get some nice summer clothes. I couldn't have done this without the love and support of Paul.

If I can lose this amount of weight anyone can! Keep up the good work people!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 08:48 AM

Bloody freezing rain and snow and slush- I brought in 4 loads of sopping wet firewood, and that was all the exercise yesterday. More rain all day today. I need to stretch!

My yoga-teacher friend is starting a spring session of classes next week- I have GOT to get on board!

I'm glad some of you are having spring. My ground is still entirely covered with snow.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 Mar 10 - 12:57 PM

Had a good long walk today, in the sun, wearing sandals for the first time this year! My feet are soooo happy!!!

Mind you, the chest was complaining bitterly by the end of the first bit of walking... sharp pain, shortness of breath and light headed. And they say they can't find anything wrong yet. Humph.

Still, altogether it must have been about a mile and a half, which is longer than I've walked for some time.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 05:49 AM

Cycled to work yesterday and today. Bloody painful today but I expect I'll get used to it. It currently takes 45 minutes to do 6.5 miles. I've a choice of 2 basic routes - straight down the main road and cope with the traffic, not being able to get past buses and taxis in queues and too many traffic lights (yes, I do observe them) or the designated cycle route, longer and bumpier with pedestrians wandering aimlessly into the bike lane and cars driving straight across without checking but on the whole more pleasant.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 11:50 AM

manitas, sounds as though you are really brave!:-)

Last night - qi gong

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 07:38 PM

I think the 10cm loss has sunk in.... wore my black concert gown tonight for the first time since Christmas at the Ritz. I need to take it in again!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 09:30 PM

I went to yoga tonight!!! I did a LOT of stretching and 2 sun salutations....I feel incredible!!!!!

YAY!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 17 Mar 10 - 04:41 AM

Hurrah Liz! Thats great!!!

Last night I had a 4 mile brisk walk, an hours body pump followed by an hours body step. I have missed step aerobics lots and it felt great to be doing it again. I ache this morning but it's all good!!

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Mar 10 - 10:36 PM

One of the things the therapist and biofeedback person and I have been working on is getting myself mentally motivated. Anyway, something is working as we walked to Morgan's house and back this evening, at my request. I still don't feel steady enough to do it without Roger's help, esp. as the O2 tank is heavy, but we did it without my having to stop but just for a couple of seconds 2-3 times. AND, when we got back my pulse ox was in the mid-90s which is great and my blood pressure was really happy. It's actually been almost too low lately, so I was glad to see it come up slightly, still lower than it used to be. I think the weight loss has contributed a lot to both the mental and physical. It just feels so good. My bod has been *begging* me to get out and walk and it just hasn't been possible before this, unless it was at the store or something.

I am also working with a Thera-Band ball, kneading it in my hands to strengthen them and work my lower arm muscles, plus the hand-weights. I have what I call "cave-ins" where the fat has disappeared and there's loose skin, so I AM motivated to tighten things up!:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 05:48 AM

walking... sharp pain, shortness of breath and light headed

Liz, get that too but only sometimes. So weird that some days, I can go up and down flights of steps, end to end of the building (it's a big building) with no symptoms. Other days, I only need to walk half the length and find I am out of breath, and have thudding pulse in ears and visual phenomenon of strobeing lights with the pulse. I still think it is random blood pressure events.

Yay for Michelle's yoga success. CJ- 4 miles? I am envious. Can't put in a quarter mile before the hips seize up.

I didn't do any exercise yesterday as I had terrible crick in right side of my neck. I could barely move. TSO has massaged, I iced several times and took pain killer last night. It is a bit better today, but TSO had to brush my hair for me and I will not be playing guitar today at Lower Stoke session.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 21 Mar 10 - 10:51 PM

An overly active and very stressful three days has culminated in a day of inertia, coupled with a new bout of chest pains, sleeplessness, loss of appetite (even for chocolate!), anxiety and breathlessness.. I am getting SOOOO sick and tired of this. Got a referral in the wind for an MR myocardial perfusion scan, which should hopefully tell us once and for all what the *&%k is going on.

But the surgery from 5 years ago (catheter ablation for an arrythmia) is holding well and not causing additional problems. The symptoms would indicate angina, which makes sense to me as my mother was diagnosed with it when she was 3 years younger than I am now.... but no-one is saying anything just yet.

The most frustrating part is not being able to do things now without getting breathless, that this time last year - even this time 6 months ago, would have been as nothing.

Ah well, it will sort.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 02:03 PM

Scan confirmed for Wednesday morning at some stupid time... &%"@ reducing candles and words to various deities would be much appreciated - never had more than my head in one of those MRI machines before and am a tad aprehensive.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 02:31 PM

Liz

You will be in my thoughts. Do you want a special &%"@ reducing thread?

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 04:55 PM

LtS, I am slightly claustrophobic so I had a lot of apprehension about one of those machines, too. They gave me a small amount of sedative which helped a lot. Maybe they could offer that to you, too? We also, now, have a facility which has open machines so you don't feel as though they're stuffing you into a sausage tube.:-)

{{{{HUGS}}} and thanks-givings going up, now.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 05:00 PM

I am very claustrophobic. Even my own hair in my face makes me breathless. But I had not probs with the MRI (they did my neck to see if osteo arthritis in cervical spine was causing pressure on carotid artery). There was like a fan blowing light breath of cool air in my face and they gave me my choice of music to listen too. The most difficult part was not wiggling feet to da blues. Got to keep still.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 05:13 PM

I should have posted some accountability stuff for me. I took post duties today to help out colleague again. I was up and down back and forth all over the building. Did not get out of breath. That's good. But shortly after, the rash on legs flared up, big time.

Getting annoyed with this rash. Looks and feels like allergic reaction but the prescribed E45 cream only makes it burn like hell on top of the itching. Suddenly getting a lot of swelling in lower legs too. Used to in feet and ankles only, but now getting it in legs. What's up with that?

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 10 - 06:38 PM

Last summer, one of the leftover residual effects of the steroids etc. for pneumonia was my feet, ankles and lower legs swelled up horribly and diuretics didn't help much. I was told to keep my legs up, higher than my heart. I couldn't stand that, plus one is supposed to exercise to keep the lungs clear, etc. I also had a few little rashy bumps. None of the docs were too concerned; one thought they might have been related to the water retention. They mostly went away, until recently.

In the past week, they popped up, again, and were very itchy. I thought it was dry skin, so we put more lotion on...that made them itchier. Tried a couple of other things including antihistamines which made no difference. Finally, last night, I washed them really well with soap & water and a soft washcloth. Then, I kept them free of all lotion, etc. but dabbed each one of the spots with 10% iodine solution which I get at the local drugstore. It's an antiseptic and I always use it on small cuts, etc. I thought to use it on them because they were red and, when I messed with one of them, it oozed like a blister. I wanted to make sure I didn't infect it, so swabbed it. Noticed it didn't itch anymore, so I did it to the rest of them and I had an itch-free night! I have a call in to my doc just for clarification, but until I hear from her or see hear, I will do the iodine once or twice per day. Maybe that would help you?

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Mar 10 - 02:05 PM

thanks Kat

Going back to Doc next week. Don't know if I can get iodine here. I thought I would try hydrogen peroxide to see if it is bacteria based, but I defo cannot get that in the UK. I was in such a bad way last night I had to take a benadryl in order to sleep.

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: LilyFestre
Date: 27 Mar 10 - 09:36 PM

Walked to and from church this evening....making a grand total of one mile. :) It felt pretty darn good!

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: Accountability - exercise goals-Mar 2010
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Mar 10 - 12:03 AM

VTam, maybe PM Micca? If anyone would know if you can get iodine or hydrogen peroxide there it would be him. Do the hair salon places use hp for hair? Also, what about a dentist's? Over here they recommend it as a mouth rinse. Good luck.

Lots of activity the past two days...pruning, cleaning, playing. I'll post it all later.:-)