osteoblast
04-13-2008, 12:16 AM
I have had the x2 walking vest for a few weeks now. As the weather has warmed up here, I walked outside with it on today-with no jacket over it. I felt pretty odd. The reason is that the vest gives sort of a police look-like some sort of flak (sp?) jacket. It is made of very sturdy material-that is why I decided on this particular vest. But, I had not anticipated "the look".It is black, nylon bulky/stiff material with a shine to the fabric. Part of my walk was on a college campus and I thought security might want to know just what I was wearing! Though no one stopped or questioned me. I am going to try to find a large light fabric shirt to go over it.This is not good because the vest material is not breathable.
In certain settings it seems to me that the look of the vest could prompt security concerns.
I am wondering whether those who have the DR walkvest-feel that the look is natural and whether you are comfortable in public with it on?
I think I may have chosen the wrong one-oh well.
I am glad though to have the vest and have been using it pretty regularly indoors on the treadmill-except for a recent period when my AI system went berserk and my lymph gland created a big stir. The endo increased my synthroid (thyroid med) and wanted me to be on xanax on a regular basis to calm AI system. But, even on lowest dose, I could not do my exercise routine for the osteoporosis. So the pcp said use just as needed. So now that this has been worked out I am back with my routine and hope to continue as long as I am able to. I just hope the antibodies cool down because I don't want to have to take something that messes with the exercise regimen I have worked out.
In certain settings it seems to me that the look of the vest could prompt security concerns.
I am wondering whether those who have the DR walkvest-feel that the look is natural and whether you are comfortable in public with it on?
I think I may have chosen the wrong one-oh well.
I am glad though to have the vest and have been using it pretty regularly indoors on the treadmill-except for a recent period when my AI system went berserk and my lymph gland created a big stir. The endo increased my synthroid (thyroid med) and wanted me to be on xanax on a regular basis to calm AI system. But, even on lowest dose, I could not do my exercise routine for the osteoporosis. So the pcp said use just as needed. So now that this has been worked out I am back with my routine and hope to continue as long as I am able to. I just hope the antibodies cool down because I don't want to have to take something that messes with the exercise regimen I have worked out.
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phylwill1152
04-13-2008, 09:44 AM
HI OB, welcome back, you were missed. :wave: I had the same feeling when i got the first vest that it too looked a bit bullet proof. The DR vest looks like a piece of clothing, nothing on it that screams look at me i have protection. I wouldn't hesitate wearing it in public. You can't see where the weights are unless you look close. The fabric is beathable, but i wonder why they made it in black since that color absorbs heat. I wouldn't want one in white, but khaki would be a good color.
What is your new dose of synthroid? I take 137 mcg. a day, but i am on total replacement. With your hashis i guess its an up and down thing that you have to deal with, right? I've never taken any antidepressants, so i have no experience with how it affects a person overall. I ahve heard though that t taks a while for the body to adjust to it...did you take it several weeks?
Our weather has turned yukky again..cold, lots of wind and rain. Have a good day..take care...phyllis
What is your new dose of synthroid? I take 137 mcg. a day, but i am on total replacement. With your hashis i guess its an up and down thing that you have to deal with, right? I've never taken any antidepressants, so i have no experience with how it affects a person overall. I ahve heard though that t taks a while for the body to adjust to it...did you take it several weeks?
Our weather has turned yukky again..cold, lots of wind and rain. Have a good day..take care...phyllis
osteoblast
04-13-2008, 01:10 PM
Thanks Phywill-it is good to be back !:)The DR vest does sound like a better choice for wearing outdoors and probably indoors too. The x2 not being breathable and looking like a bullet proof vest is a problem. Yes, Khaki color would be great.
My synthroid dose was 75 and my tsh had just gone to 4.9. I was not feeling good. I have wobbled on this dose over the past six months from a little less than 1tsh to the 4.9 but it is not in any orderly manner-meaning the tsh just doesn't get more hypo but then will move towards hyper then move toward more hypo. But, with the 4.9 and enlarged lymph gland , I now have been moved to 88.The doctor has been conservative on the dose because of not wanting me to go hyper and have more bone loss.This is getting so difficult that I am going to talk to her about a thyroidectomy .I am not pushing for this but want to know about the option. Maybe it would simplify the dosing and be a better guard against going hyper with possible bone loss. I know it is not the standard trtmt for hashi's but if the level cannot be settled with meds -I think it may be an option. The xanax is not an antidepress. it is an anti anxiety. And, to my knowledge unlike the antidepress. doesn't have to be taken awhile for the effect.And, people say that the effect diminishes with continued use and then you are in a cycle of upping a dose on a potentially addictive substance. Not what I want to do at all. I don't know where this will all go , will see endo in a few weeks after new tests and will know more then. I have to stick to the things that make me feel good and exercise is a big component of that.
Back to the walking vest, I may just need to order the DR after what you have said so I can continue with this program in the warmer weather. About sizing, you seemed to say that they run big. I am 5-3 and about 115 pounds. Though I would generally, when buying clothes ,go for a med. because I want it roomy not tight .But roomy on the vest will probably have the weights bouncing around on your body, right?
My synthroid dose was 75 and my tsh had just gone to 4.9. I was not feeling good. I have wobbled on this dose over the past six months from a little less than 1tsh to the 4.9 but it is not in any orderly manner-meaning the tsh just doesn't get more hypo but then will move towards hyper then move toward more hypo. But, with the 4.9 and enlarged lymph gland , I now have been moved to 88.The doctor has been conservative on the dose because of not wanting me to go hyper and have more bone loss.This is getting so difficult that I am going to talk to her about a thyroidectomy .I am not pushing for this but want to know about the option. Maybe it would simplify the dosing and be a better guard against going hyper with possible bone loss. I know it is not the standard trtmt for hashi's but if the level cannot be settled with meds -I think it may be an option. The xanax is not an antidepress. it is an anti anxiety. And, to my knowledge unlike the antidepress. doesn't have to be taken awhile for the effect.And, people say that the effect diminishes with continued use and then you are in a cycle of upping a dose on a potentially addictive substance. Not what I want to do at all. I don't know where this will all go , will see endo in a few weeks after new tests and will know more then. I have to stick to the things that make me feel good and exercise is a big component of that.
Back to the walking vest, I may just need to order the DR after what you have said so I can continue with this program in the warmer weather. About sizing, you seemed to say that they run big. I am 5-3 and about 115 pounds. Though I would generally, when buying clothes ,go for a med. because I want it roomy not tight .But roomy on the vest will probably have the weights bouncing around on your body, right?
phylwill1152
04-13-2008, 05:18 PM
Hi OB...When my thyroid went out of whack from Graves Disease i RAI, which causes it to die and stop functioning. I wasn't as smart then and may have opted for meds first, but i can't say i regret making that decision. With hashis will your thyroid eventually die on its own? I know of a couple people who've had that happen...one my PCP's wife. it took me 3 months to go hypo and since being on meds i've felt fine. The weight i lost while hyper came back, much to my dismay, but feeling good is worth it and i'll keep trying.
I don't know what to tell you about the vest size. From what you've said about your size and weight i think a small would work. i sugested to indersonu to order 2 sizes and send the one that doesn't fit back or call the company and talk to someone..the customer service number is on their site. I don't want you to have to alter your vest like i have mine. Had i'd known about the sizing, it would've saved me altering something brand new.
I've experimented with how how tight to cinch it...snug and slightly moveable is better than snug and no moving at all. I think that will also be better when it gets hot. The weights tight against your body would get warm even with the breathable fabric. I took the dogs for a long walk earlier (in my vest and jacket)..we got caught in sleet..can you beleive that??? Its April...i think??? The way our weather is going, i'll have to get back to you on how it does in warm/hot weather. take care..phyllis
I don't know what to tell you about the vest size. From what you've said about your size and weight i think a small would work. i sugested to indersonu to order 2 sizes and send the one that doesn't fit back or call the company and talk to someone..the customer service number is on their site. I don't want you to have to alter your vest like i have mine. Had i'd known about the sizing, it would've saved me altering something brand new.
I've experimented with how how tight to cinch it...snug and slightly moveable is better than snug and no moving at all. I think that will also be better when it gets hot. The weights tight against your body would get warm even with the breathable fabric. I took the dogs for a long walk earlier (in my vest and jacket)..we got caught in sleet..can you beleive that??? Its April...i think??? The way our weather is going, i'll have to get back to you on how it does in warm/hot weather. take care..phyllis
osteoblast
04-13-2008, 06:34 PM
Yes, my thyroid is absolutely going to die. This is the course of hashimoto's ,TPO autoantibodies exist to kill off the thyroid. For some people it seems just a steadier route to the end.And, people just have the dead thyroid in their body and take the thyroid meds. No problem if no large /suspicious nodules or other issues of concern like cancer. My path to the end has been very volatile so far.And, my thyroid has 7nodules and they are growing. This is why I am thinking that with the end certain in a matter of time why keep doing all this running and chasing of the tsh, trying to avoid hyper, trying to avoid hypo with blood tests just about each 8 wks AND always being worried about more bone loss. Also worried about nodules developing to cancer and dealing with u/s. After your surgery and RAI was over and you were put on thyroid med , have you just had a steady tsh? How often do you have your tsh tested? Of course, surgery has risks so they do not do this lightly , I will just have to wait to hear what my endo has to say.
Your weather sounds ...... AWFUL. But, rain , sleet or snow , you seem to be out there walking the dogs. That is great for you and the dogs. I am sure they dearly love you for it.
So, when do you think you will advance the weights from 4 pounds? Because of my two week med. trauma I lost a little time and had to go back to 2 pounds a few days ago and in a few days will go to 3 for a week and then back to the 4 where I was before all the excitement. I am now trying to wear it for at least 2 hours a day while walking , either on treadmill or out. Thank goodness it clouded up again today and cooled off considerably now I can go out today with my jacket over the vest. And, really it doesn't get to be very warm here consistently until mid July. So, except for a few warm days I will get some use out of the vest I bought and wait a bit to order the DR.
I talked to my phys. ther. about the poles and she is going to research it further but her thought is that if I want to load the hips, the poles will reduce the weight load there. So her thought was why ? And,though it was a voicemail so I couldn't follow up , I am thinking that the vest will load the spine so --maybe I will not do the poles at least not right now.
OK-I guess I had some things that were pent up to talk about!!I am off to my walk with vest on-and hopefully building bone. Later.
Your weather sounds ...... AWFUL. But, rain , sleet or snow , you seem to be out there walking the dogs. That is great for you and the dogs. I am sure they dearly love you for it.
So, when do you think you will advance the weights from 4 pounds? Because of my two week med. trauma I lost a little time and had to go back to 2 pounds a few days ago and in a few days will go to 3 for a week and then back to the 4 where I was before all the excitement. I am now trying to wear it for at least 2 hours a day while walking , either on treadmill or out. Thank goodness it clouded up again today and cooled off considerably now I can go out today with my jacket over the vest. And, really it doesn't get to be very warm here consistently until mid July. So, except for a few warm days I will get some use out of the vest I bought and wait a bit to order the DR.
I talked to my phys. ther. about the poles and she is going to research it further but her thought is that if I want to load the hips, the poles will reduce the weight load there. So her thought was why ? And,though it was a voicemail so I couldn't follow up , I am thinking that the vest will load the spine so --maybe I will not do the poles at least not right now.
OK-I guess I had some things that were pent up to talk about!!I am off to my walk with vest on-and hopefully building bone. Later.
phylwill1152
04-13-2008, 07:26 PM
Hi OB..you come and go to the computer thru the day to. I didn't have any surgery at all, RAI, radioactive iodine, is done with pills. You do the uptake and scan then take the pills. Over time..for me about 3 months, your thyroid dies. it took a while for the hypo signs to show up, but when they did i knew it. After a blood test confirming it i was put on synthroid and within a cuple of days i felt fine and have been fine for almost 5 years. With surgery i think you are put on meds quicker. I now have labs done twice a year and have maintained a steady tsh the whole time. My tsh is always below 1 and the ft4 is in the upper third of normal. Some dr. would want a higher tsh, but since mines always been low i guess its whats normal for me now and since i feel good, why mess with it.
Back to the vest...i'll stick with 4 lbs. till i get more weights made. I wear it for walking and around the house. I think i would add more weight when the weight your carring becomes to easy. I think you want to know its there, but not overly. Or when you can walk briskly without getting out of breath more than normal for you. With that said..i need to add more.
I've worn it to work, the womens fitness place, but there are so many there complacent with what they do that they aren't open to any new things that would benefit them. My 2 early morning regulars are the only 2 with interest in the vest and both have tried it while there. One is thinking of ordering one.
I haven't been using my poles all winter. When i walk in the fields they get tangled on weeds and when on the road i need both hands to hold the dogs when cars go by. They run loose, but know to come to me when cars come. When i start walking town with a friend i'll use both them and the vest. What a fashion statement i'll make...hahaha. Walking alone is good for the hips, the vest is good for the hips, the poles make it all a bit less stressful on the joints allowing us to go farther and keep a good pace. I think the gains will outweigh the small loss from the poles if there is any.
I made a pot of chicken veggie soup for supper, my house smells good. As long as the weather is cool i'll keep making it. have a good evening...take care..phyllis
Back to the vest...i'll stick with 4 lbs. till i get more weights made. I wear it for walking and around the house. I think i would add more weight when the weight your carring becomes to easy. I think you want to know its there, but not overly. Or when you can walk briskly without getting out of breath more than normal for you. With that said..i need to add more.
I've worn it to work, the womens fitness place, but there are so many there complacent with what they do that they aren't open to any new things that would benefit them. My 2 early morning regulars are the only 2 with interest in the vest and both have tried it while there. One is thinking of ordering one.
I haven't been using my poles all winter. When i walk in the fields they get tangled on weeds and when on the road i need both hands to hold the dogs when cars go by. They run loose, but know to come to me when cars come. When i start walking town with a friend i'll use both them and the vest. What a fashion statement i'll make...hahaha. Walking alone is good for the hips, the vest is good for the hips, the poles make it all a bit less stressful on the joints allowing us to go farther and keep a good pace. I think the gains will outweigh the small loss from the poles if there is any.
I made a pot of chicken veggie soup for supper, my house smells good. As long as the weather is cool i'll keep making it. have a good evening...take care..phyllis
osteoblast
04-13-2008, 10:44 PM
Did you have a lengthy problematic situation with the Graves, or was it just found and you opted for radiation right away? Your situation sounds like it proceeded alot smoother than what I have been going through. I wish mine were so steady that testing each 6 months would do it . It would seem like a cure to me. And, I could stop worrying about going hyper and losing more bone. I do have a friend here who had Graves and she went through years of real suffering while her dr. was really inept. Finally she went to Mayo and had RAI and she doesn't have any issues with her levels.And, the years of undiagnosed Graves did not result in bone loss for her, she was very lucky on that score, though it sounds like her med treatment was terrible.
I will let you know if I learn anything else about the poles and how they redistribute the load. I just want to load my spine and hips as much as possible . Right now I am not so concerned with the extra workout poles give . Someone had told me that they thought the poles would help with the spine, but my pt just doesn't think so. But she will check further and let me know.
The soup sounds yummy! I need to get back to doing more in the kitchen.
I will let you know if I learn anything else about the poles and how they redistribute the load. I just want to load my spine and hips as much as possible . Right now I am not so concerned with the extra workout poles give . Someone had told me that they thought the poles would help with the spine, but my pt just doesn't think so. But she will check further and let me know.
The soup sounds yummy! I need to get back to doing more in the kitchen.
phylwill1152
04-14-2008, 09:42 AM
Hi OB...i think i had graves for a couple of years before it got to the point of being noticiable. I had lost weight one winter without trying and shortly after went on birth control pills for perimenopause. The hormones in the pills made the levels go down, its when i went off them about 2 years later it really showed up. For a summer i had hyper symtoms but at the time didn't know what it was. When i was dx i went ahead and got it taken care of. The way the endo explained it to me was that meds work for a while , but eventually it would burn itself out or RAI would be needed. I opted to skip the trial and error period and go for the fix. i don't know if it was the right thing to do, but it was my choice and so far its been fine. I'm hoping that it never flares up again..the RAI took care of the thyroid, but the anitbodies are still in my body. I'm sorry your friend had to suffer so long.
I don't remember what your t-scores are or how bad your hips are. Mine are in the osptepenia range 1.7 and my spine is right at -2.5. I don't think the poles are meant to be a bone building aid..they're more of a comfort aid while walking for the joints, a way to keep your posture good and to use your arms more. I started using them well before i knew i had osteo, I just wanted to make my walks more effecient and to get them most out of them. My goal is to do all i can, but keep it pleasant, if walking becomes a chore to build bone it will lose its appeal and thats one thing i don't want to happen, i enjoy it too much.
***Hi again...i wanted to tell you that i wore the vest to town and no one i talked to said anything or ask about it. So, i guess that answers the "is it noticable" question. I did learn that it wasn't very comfortable sitting in the car with a seat beat on. If i were going a distance and wanted to wear it hiking i would put it on when i got there.
Have a good day..take care...phyllis
I don't remember what your t-scores are or how bad your hips are. Mine are in the osptepenia range 1.7 and my spine is right at -2.5. I don't think the poles are meant to be a bone building aid..they're more of a comfort aid while walking for the joints, a way to keep your posture good and to use your arms more. I started using them well before i knew i had osteo, I just wanted to make my walks more effecient and to get them most out of them. My goal is to do all i can, but keep it pleasant, if walking becomes a chore to build bone it will lose its appeal and thats one thing i don't want to happen, i enjoy it too much.
***Hi again...i wanted to tell you that i wore the vest to town and no one i talked to said anything or ask about it. So, i guess that answers the "is it noticable" question. I did learn that it wasn't very comfortable sitting in the car with a seat beat on. If i were going a distance and wanted to wear it hiking i would put it on when i got there.
Have a good day..take care...phyllis
osteoblast
04-14-2008, 08:36 PM
It sounds like you were never too put out by your Graves, and then your recovery from RAI went well. I think you are really quite fortunate that your process with Graves went so smoothly AND that you did not experience significant bone loss .
My last dexa-showed my hips are about where yours are now and that is a 9% gain in bone density.My spine however has mostly stayed the same , but L-4 shows a 9%loss.This is over a yr and a half period approx. while on forteo. Soon I am going to see a specialist to see what's up with my spine.
So I guess you could understand why I am very keen on keeping weight bearing on my spine . All the walking I do is no chore for me. I love to take long walks. For the past several years I have become very serious about my walking, and enjoy it more all the time . At least 5 days of the week , I am getting around 8-9 miles in now. The rhythmic activity of walking feels good to me.One of the biggest challenges is keeping the weight on with the ex. I am doing. I have read that with weight loss you can lose bone-so my challenge is to replenish the calories in a healthy way.
I have read that rhythmic sports activities, like walking, swimming (where you just repeat a left, right activity in a rhythm) have a powerful immunological effect that non rhythmic activites like soccer, do not have. In Ultralongevity by Dr. Mark Liponis he cites a study in the Intl. Journal of Sports Med. from 1984 in which the CRP levels of athletes from various sports were tested to see who had the lowest CRP. The results showed those who moved rhythmically had the lowest CRP levels wilth swimmers first and then rowers . And despite probably a greater exertion level with soccer players , their CRP levels were low but not as low as those engaged in rhythmic activities.( It is an older study and I don't know if it has been followed up and if it is reliable) My CRP is quite low-which I found odd because it can be a good read of inflammation. I thought my hashi's would kick it up. I think the walking has helped alot. Also he cites studies about mood elevation and relief from depression from rhythmic activities . I guess everyone knows now the great benefits from exercise , but this info about the rhythmic aspect was new to me and something I can relate to.
That is great that you can go out and about with the walkvest!
My last dexa-showed my hips are about where yours are now and that is a 9% gain in bone density.My spine however has mostly stayed the same , but L-4 shows a 9%loss.This is over a yr and a half period approx. while on forteo. Soon I am going to see a specialist to see what's up with my spine.
So I guess you could understand why I am very keen on keeping weight bearing on my spine . All the walking I do is no chore for me. I love to take long walks. For the past several years I have become very serious about my walking, and enjoy it more all the time . At least 5 days of the week , I am getting around 8-9 miles in now. The rhythmic activity of walking feels good to me.One of the biggest challenges is keeping the weight on with the ex. I am doing. I have read that with weight loss you can lose bone-so my challenge is to replenish the calories in a healthy way.
I have read that rhythmic sports activities, like walking, swimming (where you just repeat a left, right activity in a rhythm) have a powerful immunological effect that non rhythmic activites like soccer, do not have. In Ultralongevity by Dr. Mark Liponis he cites a study in the Intl. Journal of Sports Med. from 1984 in which the CRP levels of athletes from various sports were tested to see who had the lowest CRP. The results showed those who moved rhythmically had the lowest CRP levels wilth swimmers first and then rowers . And despite probably a greater exertion level with soccer players , their CRP levels were low but not as low as those engaged in rhythmic activities.( It is an older study and I don't know if it has been followed up and if it is reliable) My CRP is quite low-which I found odd because it can be a good read of inflammation. I thought my hashi's would kick it up. I think the walking has helped alot. Also he cites studies about mood elevation and relief from depression from rhythmic activities . I guess everyone knows now the great benefits from exercise , but this info about the rhythmic aspect was new to me and something I can relate to.
That is great that you can go out and about with the walkvest!
phylwill1152
04-14-2008, 09:42 PM
Hi OB...you are definetly more into it than i am. I've been a walker all my life and would do it even if i had perfect bones. I keep it simple, i walk an hour a day, some days more some less..i don't know how many miles cause the pedometer doesn't work in sand. I like having props that make the walk more effective...the vest is a great additon and when town walking comes i'll use my poles. I do what i can to stay healthy and strong, but don't get into all the physiology of the how and why. I stay out of those threads. I'm glad to have you and the others to tell me about what you've learned. I admire you for you diligence in learning all you can to get the best results.
I like the rhythmic concept...repetitive motion lulls the mind into a place of calm. I can go leave the house in a bad mood and come home feeling great. I know thats not what you talking about, but if something is good for the mind its also good for the body.
The summer i was hyper was a scary one. Racing heart, very little sleep, vibrating skin, graves legs and weight loss ( i thought all my walking and careful diet were paying off) . Things were going on im my body i didn't understand and since i knew my yearly checkup was coming i didn't go the dr. like i should have. Actually, it wasn't until i ask her about my shaking legs did she suggest a thyroid test. Once i was dx, had RAI , and went on meds i was fine. When i went in for the uptake/scan and RAI the nuclear med dr. told me if you have to get a disease this is a good one to get since it so treatable. So, i guess you could say i was fortunate and have a smoothe path since. I do attibute my bone loss to the graves, but since i have no idea what it was at its peak (it could always have been on the low side) i don't know how much is from graves or getting older. take care...phyllis
I like the rhythmic concept...repetitive motion lulls the mind into a place of calm. I can go leave the house in a bad mood and come home feeling great. I know thats not what you talking about, but if something is good for the mind its also good for the body.
The summer i was hyper was a scary one. Racing heart, very little sleep, vibrating skin, graves legs and weight loss ( i thought all my walking and careful diet were paying off) . Things were going on im my body i didn't understand and since i knew my yearly checkup was coming i didn't go the dr. like i should have. Actually, it wasn't until i ask her about my shaking legs did she suggest a thyroid test. Once i was dx, had RAI , and went on meds i was fine. When i went in for the uptake/scan and RAI the nuclear med dr. told me if you have to get a disease this is a good one to get since it so treatable. So, i guess you could say i was fortunate and have a smoothe path since. I do attibute my bone loss to the graves, but since i have no idea what it was at its peak (it could always have been on the low side) i don't know how much is from graves or getting older. take care...phyllis
montesflus
04-14-2008, 09:54 PM
Hi Osteo and Phylwil:
Like the both of you, I walk practically every day (weather permitting), and have been doing so for the last two years. Not only is it good for bones, but it's also great for the heart, the lungs, blood pressure, and more. It also releases stress (at least for me it does). I don't use a walkvest or poles, but just walk in a rhythmic fashion, and swing my arms in a rhythmic way, too. Every day I strive to walk a little further than the last time. I generally manage about 1 and one half hours to two hours daily. I don't have too many aches and pains, just a little stiffness in my lower back when I get up in the morning. But as soon as I start moving around and walking, the stiffness is released almost immediately.;)
Carry on walking, then:D
Like the both of you, I walk practically every day (weather permitting), and have been doing so for the last two years. Not only is it good for bones, but it's also great for the heart, the lungs, blood pressure, and more. It also releases stress (at least for me it does). I don't use a walkvest or poles, but just walk in a rhythmic fashion, and swing my arms in a rhythmic way, too. Every day I strive to walk a little further than the last time. I generally manage about 1 and one half hours to two hours daily. I don't have too many aches and pains, just a little stiffness in my lower back when I get up in the morning. But as soon as I start moving around and walking, the stiffness is released almost immediately.;)
Carry on walking, then:D
phylwill1152
04-19-2008, 09:02 AM
HI Monte... Sorry to be so slow in writing, its been a busy week. You are so right about the many benefits of walking. It's such and easy way to stay healthy. Walking has been my therapy for years..nothing like a walk to think thru problems, improve your mood and make ya smile. I'm always curious as to where people walk. Do you have a nature reserve near you like OB has or do you walk around the city? Do you vary your route to fit the time you have for the day? Do you have a walking buddy or listen to music while you walk? Where we live is rural..i walk in fields and on the country roads. This time of year i work around the farmers..their field work comes before my taking the dogs for a walk. When my walking buddy gets to feeling better i'll go into town to walk with her. She's much better at conversation than the dogs...hahaha.
Aren't we lucky to just have a few aches and pains. I'm stiff when i get up too and you are so right about moving around taking care of that, along with a couple of ibuprofin sometimes. Have either of you noticed riding in a car for a long time gets very uncomfotable? I tend to squirm around if we don't stop once in a while to walk around. I've also found that if i take a couple of aleve or ibuprofin before we hit the road its a much nicer ride.
Hi OB...I once again want to applaud your efforts to strenghten your spine, your determinatition is truly inspiring. I've been meaning to ask..did you ever get the Erin O'Brien dvd? I thought you said you ordered it, but haven't heard since. How do you like it?
Have a nice weekend..take care...phyllis
Aren't we lucky to just have a few aches and pains. I'm stiff when i get up too and you are so right about moving around taking care of that, along with a couple of ibuprofin sometimes. Have either of you noticed riding in a car for a long time gets very uncomfotable? I tend to squirm around if we don't stop once in a while to walk around. I've also found that if i take a couple of aleve or ibuprofin before we hit the road its a much nicer ride.
Hi OB...I once again want to applaud your efforts to strenghten your spine, your determinatition is truly inspiring. I've been meaning to ask..did you ever get the Erin O'Brien dvd? I thought you said you ordered it, but haven't heard since. How do you like it?
Have a nice weekend..take care...phyllis
osteoblast
04-19-2008, 06:07 PM
Phylwill-Thanks for the encouragement.:) It has occured to me that perhaps all the walking besides being what I like to do-and good for osteo , may have alot to do with coping with hypothyroid. Over the past several weeks ,since my lymph gland involvement, my lymph gland area in the neck has felt swollen/sore on and off .I have felt like I have a fever. My temp always reads low and raises up to 2 pts some days.My normal is I think around 97 but can go to96. My hands are often cold, though when I get on the treadmill after about 20 min -I start getting very warm hands. I also know from reading ,that circulation with walking is esp. increased in the brain. So, I am thinking my body/brain/spirit has just been pushing me to walk for so many reasons.Hopefully, when my new dose of synthroid 88 stabilizes things will be better. I will see the endo soon and discuss thyroidectomy. I don't want worse problems but I want off this roller coaster . Now that you are hypothyroid--do you have lower than normal temp, cold hands?? I did get the O'brien dvd ,I really like the syle and tempo of the workout. It is a good/quite hard workout , harder than I am able to keep up with. Because of restrictions on the movement of my back, there are modifications to be done and somethings I just cannot modify to be safe for me. I'll give you an update in a few weeks and let you know how it is going.
It sounds like your walks are very out in the country! When you walk the fields do you and the dogs scare up rabbits and pheasants? There is nothing like being surprised by a pheasant! The noise they make on lift off is quite distinctive.
Now our weather has become quite cool-we have snow on the ground which is a bit unusual-generally just a few snow days a year. So, no problem with my vest that doesn't breathe. Today just wearing it inside while on treadmill.
It sounds like your walks are very out in the country! When you walk the fields do you and the dogs scare up rabbits and pheasants? There is nothing like being surprised by a pheasant! The noise they make on lift off is quite distinctive.
Now our weather has become quite cool-we have snow on the ground which is a bit unusual-generally just a few snow days a year. So, no problem with my vest that doesn't breathe. Today just wearing it inside while on treadmill.
phylwill1152
04-19-2008, 07:49 PM
Hi OB...its raining agin here, i took the dogs for a walk at the right time today, not raining!!! My body temp runs about 97.6 most of the time, when i had the flu and it got up to 100 i knew i was sick. I can't say i'm hypo now since the total replacement keeps my levels in the normal range. Ya know, one thing that scares me...if there is ever time i can't get the synthroid within a couple of weeks i'd be in big trouble, that is something i hope i never have to face. And something to think about when asking your dr. for a thyroidectomy. Anyway, i don't seem to feel the cold as much as i used to and even if my hands feel cold to others, the don't to me most of the time..unless outside.I do get cold, but not like i used to. we are different and thing affect us in different ways. When DH is cold in the house, I'm fine. When others are complaining about the cold, it doesn't bother me as much. Now heat is another story...i don't tolerate it as well as i used to, I'd much rather be chilly than hot. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you'll find the right dose soon, its really about trial and error.
We live about 2 miles out of town, so we are close, but not too close. I used to see pheasnts, but the farmers have taken most of the fence rows out leaving very little habitat for critters. We have almost 5 acres, but are not farmers, the fields are across the road from our house. I see turkeys once in a while, the ocassional deer and a while back a coyote..which was strange cause it was during the day.
I'm glad you like the dvd..which parts need to be modified..the floor segement? Thats the part i find challenging. I thought it looked pretty safe, but am now curious about what you find potentially harmful. I sometimes wonder if i do things i shouldn't. I like the way she does things too..i also like that she tells what everything is for and the extra tidbits she throws in.
Our friend made me 10 extra weights for the vest. Each on is a little less that half pound, but i'm not going to worry about that. I added a pound today and will add more in a week or so. I love how it makes you feel so light when you take it off..oh how i love head games.
I made a pot of chili for supper (yes, i like to cook), that is calling my name. have a good evening...take care
We live about 2 miles out of town, so we are close, but not too close. I used to see pheasnts, but the farmers have taken most of the fence rows out leaving very little habitat for critters. We have almost 5 acres, but are not farmers, the fields are across the road from our house. I see turkeys once in a while, the ocassional deer and a while back a coyote..which was strange cause it was during the day.
I'm glad you like the dvd..which parts need to be modified..the floor segement? Thats the part i find challenging. I thought it looked pretty safe, but am now curious about what you find potentially harmful. I sometimes wonder if i do things i shouldn't. I like the way she does things too..i also like that she tells what everything is for and the extra tidbits she throws in.
Our friend made me 10 extra weights for the vest. Each on is a little less that half pound, but i'm not going to worry about that. I added a pound today and will add more in a week or so. I love how it makes you feel so light when you take it off..oh how i love head games.
I made a pot of chili for supper (yes, i like to cook), that is calling my name. have a good evening...take care
osteoblast
04-20-2008, 01:45 AM
About the OBrien dvd-problematic
-laying on back, legs up in the air, legs open and reach your arms through open legs, then lay back and close legs, the back gets rounded like doing sit ups
-sit ups ( can't)
-rows, where she is bending forward(iffy, so I don't want to)while she keeps her back straight, if pushing it on the weight, you could easily do it wrong. I can do this other ways with out putting pressure on lumbar at all, like laying on the bed with arm hanging down and that way have no issue
-on hands and knees on floor and raising alt leg/arm the back rounds -I can do something similar by laying flat on floor and raising arms and chest and legs at same time and the stress on the back is not in the rounded over position
-laying on back ,feet flat and knees bent, picking up rear, one leg in the air and sort of flexing it up and down, the back sort of snaps with crunches putting tension on the lumbar
I hope you get the picture, my descriptions aren't that clear . Basically any move that causes me to round my back forward with pressure on the lower back-I should not do . What happens then is that you are crunching the vert together with risk of compression. I guess sit ups now are also called crunches and that is precisely the lower back move to avoid whether it is doing sit ups or anything else. But life without crunches is OK- there are ways around this problem.
With my low bmd in the spine esp. , I take the careful approach, I have a good weight routine that has been de-bugged by the phys. ther. and I know I don't have any improper/risky moves and get most of the work done.
But, I have to say I really like the dvd alot and only wish I could do the whole thing.I can see how it could really build a strong body. If it is safe for you then I would say -go for it!
Interesting that you run at a low temp too. I have heard this with hypo and even with treated hypo , it seems people still run low temp. Heat is really hard on me too.
I too have thought about what you said about being on total replacement and having some situation in which you weren't able to get your meds. I don't know how long it would take to be in big trouble -but it would happen at some pt.and I don't think it would be that long. Maybe weeks-I don't know ,sometime I'll ask the endo. Whether I have a thyroidectomy or not, I too will get to the point of needing total replacement sooner or later. There must be alot of people in the world with no access to thyroid meds-that is such a pity considering what a relatively cheap drug it is.
Your home/walking environment sounds fun.I like a place where you are visited by wildlife -it makes life more interesting to a point. I don't like to be in bear/cougar country, it puts me on edge. . A wild turkey would be ok though:)
One thing about the vest that doesn't breathe , it did come with 12 one pound weights . Now I am back to 4 pounds in the vest ,I had to start over after a little absence. Plus the vest weighs a pound.You must be up to 5 pounds now?Did you weigh your vest? I am just trying to log two hours a day while walking. Are you trying for much more time than that--don't worry, what you do in terms of time/weight is not going to push me to do more. I am like the tortoise with increasing weights and stress on my back- I build the load slowly.Always feeling/listening to my response.
Hope tomorrow is better walking weather for both of us. Later.
-laying on back, legs up in the air, legs open and reach your arms through open legs, then lay back and close legs, the back gets rounded like doing sit ups
-sit ups ( can't)
-rows, where she is bending forward(iffy, so I don't want to)while she keeps her back straight, if pushing it on the weight, you could easily do it wrong. I can do this other ways with out putting pressure on lumbar at all, like laying on the bed with arm hanging down and that way have no issue
-on hands and knees on floor and raising alt leg/arm the back rounds -I can do something similar by laying flat on floor and raising arms and chest and legs at same time and the stress on the back is not in the rounded over position
-laying on back ,feet flat and knees bent, picking up rear, one leg in the air and sort of flexing it up and down, the back sort of snaps with crunches putting tension on the lumbar
I hope you get the picture, my descriptions aren't that clear . Basically any move that causes me to round my back forward with pressure on the lower back-I should not do . What happens then is that you are crunching the vert together with risk of compression. I guess sit ups now are also called crunches and that is precisely the lower back move to avoid whether it is doing sit ups or anything else. But life without crunches is OK- there are ways around this problem.
With my low bmd in the spine esp. , I take the careful approach, I have a good weight routine that has been de-bugged by the phys. ther. and I know I don't have any improper/risky moves and get most of the work done.
But, I have to say I really like the dvd alot and only wish I could do the whole thing.I can see how it could really build a strong body. If it is safe for you then I would say -go for it!
Interesting that you run at a low temp too. I have heard this with hypo and even with treated hypo , it seems people still run low temp. Heat is really hard on me too.
I too have thought about what you said about being on total replacement and having some situation in which you weren't able to get your meds. I don't know how long it would take to be in big trouble -but it would happen at some pt.and I don't think it would be that long. Maybe weeks-I don't know ,sometime I'll ask the endo. Whether I have a thyroidectomy or not, I too will get to the point of needing total replacement sooner or later. There must be alot of people in the world with no access to thyroid meds-that is such a pity considering what a relatively cheap drug it is.
Your home/walking environment sounds fun.I like a place where you are visited by wildlife -it makes life more interesting to a point. I don't like to be in bear/cougar country, it puts me on edge. . A wild turkey would be ok though:)
One thing about the vest that doesn't breathe , it did come with 12 one pound weights . Now I am back to 4 pounds in the vest ,I had to start over after a little absence. Plus the vest weighs a pound.You must be up to 5 pounds now?Did you weigh your vest? I am just trying to log two hours a day while walking. Are you trying for much more time than that--don't worry, what you do in terms of time/weight is not going to push me to do more. I am like the tortoise with increasing weights and stress on my back- I build the load slowly.Always feeling/listening to my response.
Hope tomorrow is better walking weather for both of us. Later.
phylwill1152
04-20-2008, 09:49 AM
Morning OB..you brought up some good points about the video. My neighbors daughter is a PT, next time she's home i'll have it watch the video and see what she has to say. She's always been good about helping me, so if she has time i know she'll have some good input.
I've heard that it would take a couple of weeks without meds to start feeling bad...it would be as long as it take for it to get out of your system...like it takes time to build to a good level, it would also take fime for it to fall to the feeling really bad. I remember how foggy i felt when i went hypo and sure wouldn't want to go beyond that.
I'm up to 5 lbs now in the vest, plus the weight of the vest (it isn't very heavy) and the weight of the cd player. I'll keep adding gradually, just to see how it goes. Unlike you, i'd like to lose some weight and if the vest helps me do that as well as improve my bones i'll be a happy camper. I wear it when i go for walks and around the house. Probably a couple of hours like you do. I'll wear it shopping, lots of extra steps since i tend to wander thru stores. I like to walk and exercise, but don't overdo it. Daily walks and weights 2-3 times a week. I read that too much, excessive, can actually cause bone loss..i don't have to worry about that. I do what i want to, some days more, some less. Anything we do is good for us.
Today is supposed to get up tp 70 and no rain. I'll have to watch how it goes. If i want to take the dogs i'll have to go before it gets too warm. have a good day. take care..phyllis
I've heard that it would take a couple of weeks without meds to start feeling bad...it would be as long as it take for it to get out of your system...like it takes time to build to a good level, it would also take fime for it to fall to the feeling really bad. I remember how foggy i felt when i went hypo and sure wouldn't want to go beyond that.
I'm up to 5 lbs now in the vest, plus the weight of the vest (it isn't very heavy) and the weight of the cd player. I'll keep adding gradually, just to see how it goes. Unlike you, i'd like to lose some weight and if the vest helps me do that as well as improve my bones i'll be a happy camper. I wear it when i go for walks and around the house. Probably a couple of hours like you do. I'll wear it shopping, lots of extra steps since i tend to wander thru stores. I like to walk and exercise, but don't overdo it. Daily walks and weights 2-3 times a week. I read that too much, excessive, can actually cause bone loss..i don't have to worry about that. I do what i want to, some days more, some less. Anything we do is good for us.
Today is supposed to get up tp 70 and no rain. I'll have to watch how it goes. If i want to take the dogs i'll have to go before it gets too warm. have a good day. take care..phyllis
montesflus
04-20-2008, 09:22 PM
Hi Phyllis,
The area I live in is not rural, but residential. There are some beautiful areas near me and I do quite a lot of uphill walking too (except in very hot weather). I don't like driving very much. Of course, I do sometimes have to drive, but only when absolutely necessary or when I have loads of groceries to lug home;) I had no idea that TOO much walking can cause bone loss:confused: I'm not sure how much too much would be. Probably differs for different people. I do as much as I can manage (usually about an hour and a half being about average), per day, weather permitting. I don't have a treadmill at home, my apartment is too small, but I do lift some moderate size weights a couple of times a week. But sometimes I conveniently forget to do that:D
Have a wonderful week,
Monte
The area I live in is not rural, but residential. There are some beautiful areas near me and I do quite a lot of uphill walking too (except in very hot weather). I don't like driving very much. Of course, I do sometimes have to drive, but only when absolutely necessary or when I have loads of groceries to lug home;) I had no idea that TOO much walking can cause bone loss:confused: I'm not sure how much too much would be. Probably differs for different people. I do as much as I can manage (usually about an hour and a half being about average), per day, weather permitting. I don't have a treadmill at home, my apartment is too small, but I do lift some moderate size weights a couple of times a week. But sometimes I conveniently forget to do that:D
Have a wonderful week,
Monte
DesertBloom
04-20-2008, 09:54 PM
Hi Monte... Just had to mention how funny your statement "I don't have a treadmill at home, my apartment is too small, but I do lift some moderate size weights a couple of times a week. But sometimes I conveniently forget to do that." was.
Hope all is well with you:)
Hope all is well with you:)
montesflus
04-21-2008, 01:56 AM
Hi DB:
Yes, I too can see the funny side to my statement. I do occasionally, and conveniently, ''forget'' to lift those darn weights:) They're probably the lowest weighted ones around. I bought them years ago, long before the osteo dx. How about you? Did you get your mammo biopsy results yet? Was this the first time you had to have your cysts biopsied, or have you had them biopsied before? Hope you get good results, you deserve nothing less:angel:
Keep us posted,
Monte
Yes, I too can see the funny side to my statement. I do occasionally, and conveniently, ''forget'' to lift those darn weights:) They're probably the lowest weighted ones around. I bought them years ago, long before the osteo dx. How about you? Did you get your mammo biopsy results yet? Was this the first time you had to have your cysts biopsied, or have you had them biopsied before? Hope you get good results, you deserve nothing less:angel:
Keep us posted,
Monte
phylwill1152
04-21-2008, 07:54 AM
Hi Monte...i'm with you about driving, its not my favorite thing to do but living where we do i seem to do my share. Other than the basics i have to drive to, either 20 or 50 miles to do real shopping. I don't think what we do would be considered excessive exercise, but since everyone is different who knows. Like they say..even too much of a good things isn't always good. Where we live its pretty flat, i don't get much hilly walking in unless we go hiking. I too like your "conveniently forget" to use the weights, it so easy to find funner things to do instead.
DB, i'll keep my fingers crossed that everything turns out fine.
Have a good week..take care...phyllis
DB, i'll keep my fingers crossed that everything turns out fine.
Have a good week..take care...phyllis
osteoblast
05-08-2008, 01:19 AM
Phylwill-How goes it with the DR vest? I have just added one more weight-so 5 weights and 1 pound vest=6 now. All is going ok , just pacing increase . Where you be now?
I saw a dr. today about possible sjogren's another AI disease and she did a phys. exam and noticed I have low range of movement in my neck, very tight in shoulders and low range of movement in hip-when sitting in a chair it is hard for me to lift leg straight out. I am wondering if my heavy walking without perhaps adequate stretching has done this. Anyway, she wants me to cover this in next apt. with phys. ther. She said range of movement is impt.too-I just need to know how to do the stretching in a safe manner. I am sure it can be worked out. I just wanted to mention this as another aspect. Probably you are doing ok with this -As I learn more I will do a thread on what I find out.
Hope you and your dogs are having a good time!
I saw a dr. today about possible sjogren's another AI disease and she did a phys. exam and noticed I have low range of movement in my neck, very tight in shoulders and low range of movement in hip-when sitting in a chair it is hard for me to lift leg straight out. I am wondering if my heavy walking without perhaps adequate stretching has done this. Anyway, she wants me to cover this in next apt. with phys. ther. She said range of movement is impt.too-I just need to know how to do the stretching in a safe manner. I am sure it can be worked out. I just wanted to mention this as another aspect. Probably you are doing ok with this -As I learn more I will do a thread on what I find out.
Hope you and your dogs are having a good time!
phylwill1152
05-08-2008, 09:22 AM
Hi OB...I have 5 lbs in my vest now too i think..the weights a friend made are a little less that .5 lb. each so i don't have an exact measure. But with the weight of the vest, which isn't much and the cd player its probably close. I don't really know when to add more i'm going with the add more when it gets easy method. About every 2-3 weeks. I'd like to get up to 10 lbs. eventually, but will play it by ear. I haven't noticed any of the things you are experiencing. The only place i can tell i'm not very flexible is in my hips and lower back...i've never been able to do those sitting on the floor with legs spread, bend forward and get your head close to the floor type exercises.
I don't stretch before a walk, but do start out slow and then build up to a good pace. I tend to do interval type walking...fast when a fast song is on and slightly slower when a slow one plays. I like this method it since it makes the muscles and heart adjust to differnet speeds during the course of a walk.
I had thyroid labs done earlier this week. I posted the results on the "how strontium works" thread. have a good day..take care..phyllis
I don't stretch before a walk, but do start out slow and then build up to a good pace. I tend to do interval type walking...fast when a fast song is on and slightly slower when a slow one plays. I like this method it since it makes the muscles and heart adjust to differnet speeds during the course of a walk.
I had thyroid labs done earlier this week. I posted the results on the "how strontium works" thread. have a good day..take care..phyllis
osteoblast
05-08-2008, 08:23 PM
PW-My neighbor made a comment about the vest today. I saw her in passing and had my jacket unzipped. She wondered what the heck I had on ! I need to order the DR soon as the weather is getting warmer and I don't want to wear my jacket out all the time. I wondered if my weights that I got with the x2vest will work with the DR.The weights are one pound and basically the size of a hot dog. That is the best way I can describe the size. So, would that size/shape work in the slots of the DR vest?
I'll take a look at thyroid numbers on the other thread. I just got mine too.
I'll take a look at thyroid numbers on the other thread. I just got mine too.
phylwill1152
05-09-2008, 07:33 AM
Hi OB...i was watching Rachael Ray yesterday and one of her guest was Valerie Bertenilli...as gifts to the audience she gave everyone of them a DR walking vest, she has sure spread the word about them. I bet their sales have soared. The weights in the vest are about 6" long, 1.5" wide and about 1/4" thick. the pockets are a bit bigger than the weights, but something the size of a regular hot dog should fit. Don't forget they run big, so for your size and wieght a small would probably be right. take care...phyllis
indersonu
05-09-2008, 08:23 PM
Hi there,
I got the walk vest about 2 weeks ago. It is the best thing I ever invested in. I walk with 4lbs in weights and it feels as if I am carrying nothing. You could also breath well in this fabric. Now I pray to God that my bone density gets better from osteopenta.
sincerely
Indersonu:)
I got the walk vest about 2 weeks ago. It is the best thing I ever invested in. I walk with 4lbs in weights and it feels as if I am carrying nothing. You could also breath well in this fabric. Now I pray to God that my bone density gets better from osteopenta.
sincerely
Indersonu:)
phylwill1152
05-09-2008, 09:38 PM
HI indersonu , btw..what does your nickname mean? Glad you like the vest..does it fit properly? Today i wore it when i went shopping all morning. I tend to wander thru stores so i know i got some extra steps in for the day. One funny thing happened..i was at Krogers and bumped a rack in the middle of the aisle with my cart. A few thing fell and when i bent to pick them up a couple said we'll do it for you...i wonder if they thought i was wearing a back brace or something.
I'm up to 6 lbs. now, i added another one just the other day, with the weights, the weight of the vest and the cd player its almost 7. I'm tempted to put more in but don't want to add it too quickly and then be sorry. I love the cd player pocket, gotta have music when i walk alone. Do you listen to music? if so what kind? have a good weekend..take care..phyllis
I'm up to 6 lbs. now, i added another one just the other day, with the weights, the weight of the vest and the cd player its almost 7. I'm tempted to put more in but don't want to add it too quickly and then be sorry. I love the cd player pocket, gotta have music when i walk alone. Do you listen to music? if so what kind? have a good weekend..take care..phyllis
indersonu
05-10-2008, 04:38 PM
Hi there,
Inder and then sonu is just a name I made up, there are actually indian guys names, lol. The walkvest fits really well. I sent the site an email for more weights. I think the walkvest is the best deal I ever made.:D
I listen mostly to the radio to hear the news, but some times what ever music is in fashion.
sincerely
inde:D
Inder and then sonu is just a name I made up, there are actually indian guys names, lol. The walkvest fits really well. I sent the site an email for more weights. I think the walkvest is the best deal I ever made.:D
I listen mostly to the radio to hear the news, but some times what ever music is in fashion.
sincerely
inde:D