Replacing exercise?

[MrsPeel]

Hey... I wasn't sure this was a fit in the exercise part of the forum so I thought I post here....

I'm 90% of my time bed bound, I have crutches, until 3 years ago I was able to go out with only one but in 2015 it got impossible so I need both crutches when out, and in January I bought a transit wheelchair for hospital appointments or the occasional day/evening out that I have not very often. I can't use the wheelchair myself because I suffer from (among other things) Heart Failure, but still was worth the spending as now I don't suffer so much in hospital appointments - always wondered why they always locate the orthopedics and rheumatology clinics so very far away that one has to walk half of the hospital to get there! Also in my local hospital calling for a wheelchair means a wait of at least half an hour to get to the clinic and another half hour at least for the porter to come get you to get back out-
I'm now looking into buying a very small mobility scooter that I can use indoors as it is extremely painful to walk from my bedroom to the kitchen, trying to save because the ones I would like to have are so expensive....
any of you guys have suggestions of what can be done as exercise that does not involve having to walk? Something I can do at home?
I use to go swimming when first diagnosed and changing things around with diet, but now getting out of the house is extremely difficult for many of my conditions and I need someone with me...
Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[bamba]

Bar Skittles ?
Adapted to solo ping pong ?
https://www.mastersofgames.com/cat/pub/table-skittles.htm

https://www.mastersofgames.com/cat/guide/games-for-disabled-people.htm

 

[mikeyB]

I think I’m one of the experts on motorised transport. The first question is are you getting the PIP enhanced rate for mobility, and has it been used for a motability funded car?

For getting around at home, the niftiest machine is the Travelux Venture elevating scooter. Very small turning circle, and when stopped you can press a button to lift you up to kitchen working height, or bathroom mirror height. Now that normally costs £1800 or so. Betterlife have it on sale for just over £1000. That’s the best price I’ve seen anywhere - I’m very tempted myself. It won’t move in the elevated position, I should say. Betterlife do have an extended payment system, but it makes the thing much more expensive. An alternative would be the less versatile, but highly manoeuvrable Zenith Pro, currently £900 off at CareCo and priced at £945. Being a mid wheel device, it’s got a 20” turning circle, which is great in the house.

I’ve got the most comfortable and solid outdoor scooter on Motabilty - the. TGA Breeze S4, with the extended range option (30 miles). In that spec, the price would be £5800. - without VAT. As it is, it just eats up my mobilty award.

 

[Northerner]

any of you guys have suggestions of what can be done as exercise that does not involve having to walk? Something I can do at home?

It might be worth looking into Seated Tai Chi, something that was often recommended by one of our members in the past 🙂

 

[Radders]

It’s great that you want to keep active. I wonder if there are any schemes near you that could pair you up with a buddy would accompany you to the swimming baths or other outings. You could try your local MIND or your GP.
Also are you a member of your local Diabetes UK group? They might also be able to point you in the right direction or even help you out themselves.

 

[Maz2]

Seated Tai Chi is a good idea. One of my friends does it and a lady at my Tai Chi class sits down to do hers as she is not too well.

 

[SadhbhFiadh]

I've done seated tai chi for about 4 years. I was taught Paul Lam's Diabetes Form and the Arthritis Form, and Qi Gong. I find them helpful mentally and physically. I am paraplegic, but continued even through a brief six months of frozen shoulder. I find it keeps my strength up, and my balance. But it is also relaxing.
S.

 

[MrsPeel]

oh thank you so so much for all the advice!!!!!!!!! I had some friends & relatives over from South America. hence my absence....
@bamba thanks !!!! great site!!!

@mikeyB HUGE thank you!!!!! so to answer: yes, I was on DLA Higher rate mobility and last year they put me through a cruel & very lengthy process (which ended up with all my doctors/nurses/social workers going for an official complain) and yes I am now on the PIP enhanced rate. I had Motability cars from 1996, just gave my last one back in August, as in the beginning of the year we had to change the battery, so little we were using the car (my agoraphobia got to a point I was having attacks at home), the battery died...so I decided to wait until my daughter gets a bit of sense and does her driving license, am in two minds about getting the scooter with a lease as if I keep improving, I maybe able to drive for longer than 15 minutes, not sure how the leases on scooters are but I much rather buy one so I can get a car if things get better in the future.
I actually bought my wheelchair in January with CareCo, they are the best price around, shame they don't do home visits, but I maybe able to organize a trip to Croydon... I'm also interested in talking to airlines to find out which ones are allowed to travel .... thank you so much once again!!!!

@Northerner & @Maz2 thanks!!!!! I did Tai Chi in my 20s (like almost half a century ago LOL) never occurred to me there can be a seated one!!! will most definitely look for it!!!!

@Radders thanks 🙂 I have been offered some schemes before but wasn't in a frame of mind to to anything or interact with anyone...
I do have it in my to do list to look for the Diabetes UK local, and we have a MIND charity shop near us, didn't think they could have groups, thank you so much for the idea!!!! I was at a Pain Management Clinic (I think is with something called iCope or some like that) and the psychologist had mention some schemes but it was when I wanted nothing with the outside world, may contact her again, thanks once again!!!!

@SadhbhFiadh thanks !!!! I never heard of Paul Lam's but sounds like exactly what I need, will look for it, and Qi Cong sounds vaguely familiar, will also look for it! and yes, I know the being active keeps me away from spiraling down to the dark thoughts, so finding something that keeps me stronger physically means I will also be away from smoking and falling into the wanting to eat anything that comes through my mind! thanks so much!!!!!