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Sunday 18 May 2014

Getting back into shape


Hi everyone sorry it has taken me a few weeks to write another blog but I wanted to have something to write about.  Over the last few weeks I have been attempting to recondition my body. There are two reason for this one due to my pots symptoms at times I can be bed ridden for a few days and most of the time just do not have the pure energy to exercise so I have put on weight which I thinks adds to me feeling depressed as I am not happy  In my own skin . I also do have to take responsibility for my weight gain when im or cant go out take comfort in ice cream.  Secondly after doing a lot of research on pots I have seen that in America (they could have this programme in other places in the world) there is a pots re conditioning programme called Levine protocol programme which is a an exercise program designed specifically for POTS patients by Dr. Benjamin Levine from Texas. The programme has had good success rates and I have read many other pots suffers blog who have undertaken the programme and all say it has helped them in some shape or form. I believe that the programme involves patients use gym equipment which can be used sat down such as a recumbent bike and rowing machine.
So as I said I decided I wanted to get re conditioned and see if it has any help on my pots symptoms. On day one I did try going to the gym and using the rowing machine and the bike but after 15 minutes I felt so dizzy and the chest pain started so I gave up and went home feeling really angry at myself that I could not even work out for 20 minutes without my illness taking over. I was so upset I went straight on the Pots Facebook page and asked some of my friends on the site what I should do should I quit or carry on and potentially make myself more ill. I got some really good advice that maybe I should try swimming to start with and maybe take yoga or Pilates class to help build my fitness tolerance back up.
So two day later (I was really ill the day after I tried the gym out I literally could not get out bed) I took my swim in ages and it felt amazing I felt so weight less and light I didn’t want to get out. The first time I swam I could only do about 5 laps, and that is with me really trying, but now two weeks later I can manage 11.  I am actually really enjoying swimming I feel that not only is it helping me re build my fitness but when I am in the pool I really forget that I have pots as I am not dizzy which I normally am all the time.
I also had my first Pilates class last Wednesday and that was really good it also helped that all the moves are performed on the floor which Is great.
I have to admit  my symptoms have not decreased since I started swimming I don’t actually feel like my pots has improved but I do feel a little better in myself and right now I can work with that right now.
Update on my medical well being
So as I mentioned in my last blog I have been feeling really anxious and depressed lately and I think it due to the fact that I have nearly had pots for a year now and I am starting to realise that this disease is never going away and the old me who used to have all the energy in the world has gone. As I am actually writing this I feel sad as I like so many others wake up every morning hoping that today will be the day I wake up and I’ll be back to normal but every day I wake up with my head spinning. I think this illness is also starting to push me away from my family and friends as at time I think they forget im ill because I look well. I feel at times like no one know or cares how much I am suffering I honestly would not wish this illness on any one not even my own enemy at times it can be so lonely, I think that’s why I love swimming so much because when im in the pool I forget about everything and just focus on swimming which right now is what I need.
On a greater note I have now successfully finished completed my second year at university which is something I am greatly proud of this year has been one of the hardest years of my life and the fact that I didn’t give up my education is something I am proud of.
I will as always keep everyone updated on my progress and below are some link to some websites about the pots exercise programme.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faScrmgKcWg