[wtrpk]

I'm not sure about you but I'm willing to admit that I have anxiety and I'm depressed...who wouldn't be after over a year of pcs. So I've been reading a little about this...and here's what I came up with:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dep...ercise/MH00043

so exercise is good for us...and I'm assuming in moderation. So, I'm off to go on my treadmill and spin bike for a short workout

[roadrunner63]

Exercise is good for depression but not necessarily for PCS/TBI. I have to monitor my heart rate carefully - what was normal heart rate before PCS/TBI can initiate horrible headaches for me now. The type of movement I can do is also very limited - no fast movement that jars my head, no bending as it makes me dizzy.

Be sure to start slow and watch for symptoms for that day and several more before proceeding.

[greenfrog]

As my doc says, exertion is an index of recovery, not a means of facilitating recovery (at least not in the way it can help with other types of injuries, or ease depression in normal circumstances). At least, the evidence hasn't clearly demonstrated that exercise helps with PCS. However, some light activity or exercise seems to be good if it doesn't trigger symptoms. The overarching goal should be to remain "sub-threshold" of symptoms as much as possible to allow recovery to occur. Or, as a rehabilitation specialist put it to me, "you really need to respect your symptoms."

My ability to exert myself was severely limited early on, but I seem to be able to handle more month by month (still limited to walking and household chores, but I'm doing more and my symptoms are lessening). I am hoping to resume exercising more normally eventually, but it will likely be a while yet.

[wtrpk]

greenfrog...i'm with you. I do household chores with minimal discomfort....I'm in an overall headache and neck pain everyday...but doing wash and cooking don't really make it worse anymore.

My stamina is better...I don't need to "just lay down on the couch for half hour" everyday anymore, so a little exercise might do me good.

I agree...take it slow....this whole process is all about slowing down to heal.

I'm watching my son heal from his intestinal surgery. Every day he takes it slow and seems to be a tiny tiny bit better every day...guess its the same with us.

[xxxxcrystalxxxx]

I think working out is great for depression. I started walking last week. It did wonders for my outlook. I did have a set back when I was at a bday party and I was so hopeful I was gaining on the PCS. After the setback I was so sad, cried and got discouraged. The next day I FORCED myself to walk. I was still sad but not crying. The last two days I haven't walked. The whooshing in my head is louder so I think I should chill. I am looking forward to walking after turkey tomorrow. I think if we all can find some form of working out that works for us then do it. Just dont overdo it...lol

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[wtrpk]

crystal..how did you do...back to walking??

[xxxxcrystalxxxx]

I was going to walk after dinner however my head had other plans. I had a very low-key day. I did prepare the dinner, etc. I found myself so exhausted for the next couple of days so I tried to relax.

On Saturday after resting I woke up refreshed. Head whooshing but no pain. I took a look around and I just couldn't look at my much neglected house anymore... I spent the entire day cleaning the floors, scrubbing the bathroom etc. I took frequent breaks so it took all day. Needless to say no walk.

Sunday and today I'm exhausted again. My head is so noisy so I'm debating the walk. I think I'll lay back down and see it it helps. I know I overdid it with the cleaning but I have to admit it's easier to relax in a clean house. I am proud of what I accomplished.

I think it's amazing that pre accident I was a dynamo and now I'm trying to plan my life with good days and bad days. I know that some things I have to do exhaust me so I plan my activity and then I plan a day of rest after....

[wtrpk]

crystal...do you have children?