Circular Logic

Julie, I’m sorry to hear you are going through yet even more health issues as if CIDP weren’t enough.

You might consider a Chiropractor (particularly a neurological chiropractor because you’re dealing with neurological issues AND spinal issues). Neurological Chiropractic requires a certification. The following link will take you to the certification board’s doctor locator web site. [url]http://www.acnb.org/locator/index.php[/url]

My youngest son is a Chiropractor and he’s convinced me of the value of Chiropractic care. He recommended I see a Neurological Chiropractor when I first started experiencing CIDP symptoms and didn’t know what was going on. My Neurological Chiropractor was instrumental in my correct diagnosis and initial care.

Not only did she treat me, but she listened to me, she was very caring, and was an advocate for me. Chiropractic care kept my neural pathways at their peak that aided my healing process.

As you’ve pointed out many times, we’re all unique in how this disease affects us, the issues our bodies face, and in effective treatments. But again this is just another thing to consider.

I’m sorry that baking your Christmas cookies was so hard (even sorrier that I didn’t get to eat some 🙁 myself (lol)).

Thanks for sharing (we care) … May God give you wisdom, healing, strength and peace.

Gary

I agree with Gary regarding checking out a good chiropractor.

Otherwise in the strengthening category, I hove found my rebounding trampoline a wonderful thing to have. Many days I just stand on it and bounce gently. Over time I have more days when I can move my arms without losing my balance, and days that I can jump a bit too.

I work hard to be thankful for any movement I get each day. I’m especially when I can ski! All slow or weak days are appreciated, if I can still ski.

If there is something that you especially enjoy, setting a rest and restore time to have the energy to do what you love, is a worthy trade.

I hope you can find balance and find ways to build strength and practice balance without getting totally exhausted. It’s a trick to develop and practice listening to our bodies with respect and love.

I’m sort of into a very gentle theraband round of exercises and balance discs for obvious reasons…just to keep going. Of all the things that have NOT bothered me it’s the back! I’ve damaged muscles/tendons since I was a teenager. Working on developing your front core muscles takes stress off the spine and the back muscles which are likely working overtime with lots of things! There are a lot of low stress/impact exercises out there that can help build compensating strengths that can offset further pain and/or damages…..
I think it’s Duke university that has an exercise program for back issues that is to try and avoid surgery. I believe it’s been very successful for the way it integrates exercise tasks into daily living as well.
I’ll see if I can find that resource… give me a little time, tho.
I sure hope that you’re not getting to that ‘UH-OH!’ stage yet tho, that is the worst of back pains!
For the meantime? Alternate heat[ideally moist heat] with ice and a ‘break in-between mite be the best you can do for now. No more than 15-20 minutes of heat or cold on any spot at any time! Otherwise it doesn’t work at all! This type of thing is NOT more is better.

I have not done this, so cannot personally attest to it, but people talk about the value of sitting on those execise balls to strengthen core muscles and balance and that this can help the back. I have been reluctant to try it because I am sure I would take a tumble, but it makes a lot of sense and I plan to try. The reason to say this is that it seems to me that one needs the back muscles to be stronger. As you say this is really hard to do when exercise is so easily overdone in this condition. It you have the patience, try tiny frequent strengthen exercises distributed through the day. It might not make a huge difference, but every little bit might help. At least that is what I keep telling myself.
I also am really careful not to carry anything heavy now knowing that my back is weaker than it used to be and therefore more susceptible to things that will make it hurt. WithHope.

Hi Julie,
You set a great example for all of us with your upbeat attitude, sense of humor and expressions of hope plus showing downright common sense in finding solutions to deal with your challenges.
I’m glad you received some inspiring, helpful and practical advice from some of our great forum members.
Now can I have a cookie? Just kidding. I sincerely hope you find the right help and will recover quickly.

Hi Julie,

I always sit down at the table to prepare meals, bake, etc as I still find it quite tiring. I usually put the ingredients in a bowl (for cakes, cookies, etc) and then get my son to stir! He usually eats most of them anyway 🙂 – so I tell him (nicely) he has to help me. I also use as little equipment as possible to save on washing up (and energy) afterwards.
I have slipped discs in my neck and a curved spine too. I’m sure that these probs contribute to my pain. I find I am always leaning on my arm to support my head and when I sit down I always have to lean back on the sofa and rest my head as by the end of the day my head feels like it weighs a ton.
It has taken years for me to slowly build up some muscle mass in my legs and arms.
When I did balance classes a couple of years ago I can remember using the balance ball that WithHope mentioned. I couldn’t sit on it at first without feeling I was going to fall off – but with the physio’ keeping a close eye on me – I was soon able to sit and balance on it. I ended up buying one (after my physio showed me what size to buy and some exercises to do at home) and when I remember, I’ll pull it out of my cupboard and sit/balance on it for a short while.

I hope you find some relief soon.

Kazza