Hi Camyam,

You don't mention whether you have dizziness or not but my guess is that your headaches and problems with walking are eye related. Have you had your eyes looked at? To increase your stamina and oxygen to your brain, try non-moving exercise like stationary bike. I was able to do this but not able to walk. Start out for 5 or 10 minutes if that's all you can do and don't go fast or have the tension set high.

Since starting vestibular therapy, and starting to get my dizziness under control, I have again starting trying to walk. I'm going by time and not by distance. Right now I'm doing 5 minutes. My eyes have gotten a little better over time but I still think they are the main source of my dizziness, headaches and nausea.

I tried "gentle yoga for mature folks" on Friday. I'm only 39 but was told this was the best yoga for folks recovering from illness/injury. It was basically stretching and meditating. I still felt worse for that day and the next even with this basic exercise but I will do it again because I knew I wasn't go to immediately feel better.

ANY exercise is going to cause a little more fatigue or a bit of a headache or some fuzziness because we've been inactive for so long. Give it a day or two and then do it again. It will get easier and better.

About 15 years ago my fibromyalgia was at its worst and I was literally sleeping 20+ hours a day. Any movement (doing up a button, brushing teeth, eating) was exhausting and painful. I would fall asleep eating dinner. After about a year of this, and with no answers from doctors, I said enough is enough and started "exercising". I started with a 5 minute walk for a few weeks. Then 7 minutes, then 10, etc. Very slowly going up. I kept at it and eventually got back to working full time, going to school part time and again taking care of my young son. Last year I ran a half marathon and was training for a full marathon.

Every time there was a flare up of symptoms but I kept going knowing that I was not doing any physical harm to myself and eventually my body got used to it and the confidence that I could do it helped. It is possible to get moving again but sometimes you have to take it REALLY REALLY slowly. Better to be doing 5 minutes then nothing at all.

One other thing I learned back then was to do things you REALLY REALLY enjoy because you will pay less attention to the symptoms. If you just go out for a walk by yourself you will be thinking, oh is that a headache starting, I think I'm a bit dizzy, my stomach feels weird, etc. but if you're doing something you want to be doing you won't notice the symptoms as much. Just don't over do it.

I'm sure I got really off track here.... hope something helps!

CC

I did even more than planned today, after my two mile walk this morning, I walked another mile this afternoon, and finished off with 12 lengths in the pool this evening. The result is just a mild headache.

Two weeks ago I got severe symptoms from swimming 5 lengths that lasted 2 days. Hopefully this is a sign of things to come, and I will keep walking tomorrow.

MOUSE~I NEED TO CATH UP WITH YOU!You are even going up hills that is great!!!!(I can't do hills because my jaw is dislocated for the moment).I am VERY HAPPY for you I have a question for you...how many days a week are you going to do the intense workouts?

I am not sure, it seems that each day I am getting better and I want to build up my stamina. Very little reaction to swimming and walking so I will continue with this daily, it is making me stronger. If this starter programme works out ok, I might go try the gym in a months time.

GOOD ATTITUDE!!!Just remember to keep level headed (just incase) but that is not even in the plan but you know how life goes

Me and my certified V therapist agreed that I was ok to do this workout 2 times a week just like first page post with the walking/stretching/jogging. She just told me what I told myself listen and feel body symptoms and do not over push.And on other day a week I suppose to just walk the dog.So I guess I will see where this goes and how I manage. I know I have enough anger that I need to blow off to do this.lol

Now I need to find time with all this rehabilitation that is starting up and the deal breaker will be when I get word from my jaw MD

I do not suggest ANYBODY DOING THIS THAT IS NOT PAST A YEAR AND OK IT WITH MD

If your body can handle a little physical activity I think that's great! My husband just started going back to the gym (9 months since his accident) 3 days /week and I already notice a difference. He is actually seeming happy. It's great to see. I know for him he can't do anything with impact, like running, or he will get migraines. Good for you for starting this next step in your recovery.