Hey guys,
Tomorrow I'm going swimming with my class and I'm VERY nervous. I haven't been swimming in years and I'm worried my MG will cause weakness when I'm over my head. I'm even nervous about the ladder in and out of the pool. I was just curious if others swim or do other physical activities to keep themselves active. Now that my meds are pretty balanced I've been able to walk briskly but haven't attempted anything really strenuous.

Think I'll probably just stick to the shallow end and hope for the best! Looking forward to hearing about what you get up to!
~Kathy
(Hopefully you'll hear from me tomorrow!)

Hey Kathy
I just want to wish you good luck and can't wait till you tell us what a great time you had its something i'm planing to do real soon
Alan

I've been doing workouts on my Total Gym in the last couple of months, preceeded that with brisk 2 mile walks during the fall months. I've had no problems.

I don't think you'd have to worry about your muscles just "stopping." If you suddenly feel very weak, just flip on your back and float. You may also want to tell a trusted friend to keep an eye on you, as surely the lifeguard will be doing as well.

Sounds fun!

Missy

Kathy - yay!!!!! I bet you have a great time! Swimming is sooooo good for you! I know what you mean about being nervous, though. I will not leave my house without my meds - not even a 5 min drive..........still getting used to MG.......

Just relax and take a deep breath.....you are going to love it!

If you are worried about getting weak, just start slowly and build up. If you have problems with the ladder, get someone to help you .....they won't mind......

My internist was really on me about working out more.........don't know what to do cuz' my neuro doesn't really want me to just yet.........Catch-22!!!!!

The fact that you are able to do it is a HUGE step in the right direction!!!!

I am so happy for you!!!!!! Let us know how it goes!!!!!!

Erin

Hi Scotscat,
Swimming is an activity which I practiced "before" almost every day from April to November. I had to skip the end of 2007 and the beginning of 2008 but I resumed it in June. Precautiously at the start, just to see what I was capable of, two pool lengths, then four, six ten…up to the 70 I used to do…
The first week, I also ask my wife to be around the pool, just in case…
I never had problems although I still have some weakness in the legs, but curiously that doesn' t affect swimming…I found also that I was feeling better after swimming, maybe that could be due to the water temperature, the pool is not heated, but sheltered.
Have fun and a good swim!
Maurice.

Hi everyone!
Thank you all so much for your kind words. I was still really nervous but everything went great. I was planning to just stay in the shallow end, but found myself swimming 6 lengths. I could have probably done more too, but didn't want to push myself too much. Then the kids and I were able to have a bit of a play on some floats and things. It was a great day! I did feel a bit weak at times, but just tried to stay fairly close to the side "just in case". The ladder getting out was okay too.

I had so much fun that I agreed to go back on Thursday. I figure if I can swim a couple of times a week i might even be able to shift a few of those extra steroid pounds!

It's great to hear that so many of you are able to do some normal physical activity - amazing to think how much this condition varies!
Take care.
~Kathy

Wow, this is cool...I am 'sposed to get my first swim today at the Y.
Before I was injured..I too went to the gym every day..and tues and thurs were my swim days. No one at the gym used the pool at 6am so I had it all to myself and even had them keep them temp where I liked it best.

I am nervous also...honestly, frightened that I won't be able to get out!
I have SI joint injury/dysfunction....and nerve damage in my right leg.

Well, we have to be brave and still try to do things......

Kathy - that is awesome! You are getting stronger all the time! I bet those pesky pounds will melt right off!!!!!!

I can't wait till you post and say you are in remission!!!!!

Stay strong!!!!!
Erin