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Because of the pandemic, I've pretty much stayed in bed for the last year. I want to slowly start to recondition, but I don't know where to start, especially because I want to avoid PEM.
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Created in 2008, Phoenix Rising is the largest and oldest forum dedicated to furthering the understanding of, and finding treatments for, complex chronic illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), fibromyalgia, long COVID, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and allied diseases.
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Check out Spoonie Yoga on Youtube. The teacher lives with chronic illness herself, and there are lots of lying down (supine) videos, which I really reccomend if you're just staring to move. You can do them in bed. Most days, I try to do a short practice, even though I'm in a bad crash, it feels good to do gentle movements lying down, and actually helps with pain.Because of the pandemic, I've pretty much stayed in bed for the last year. I want to slowly start to recondition, but I don't know where to start, especially because I want to avoid PEM.
but I don't know where to start, especially because I want to avoid PEM.
I agree. Even if it is only around the house to start. Avoid using a cane if at all possible, since it shifts your posture abnormally. A good walking stick is much better. Also, carry a good paperback with you. That way you can take breaks intermittently (while enjoying another chapter).Walking is always good....I've "come back" a number of times over the years b/c of it.
And there's an in-between step as well that my doctor recommended: recumbent cycling. I didn't have room in my place for a big piece of exercise equipment, but I bought myself a little pedal exerciser that I use while sitting on a low chair. It's also handy for when the weather's too wet or cold for a pleasant walk.I would recommend strength training exercises you can do while lying down. If you can do those without getting PEM then you can walk.
The pedaler I have is this model: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T4VYBM6/Hello @Rebeccare.....Is that pedal exerciser fairly light? I ordered and received one, but it was large and heavy and my husband worried that I'd fall over it....it wouldn't fit under the chair I usually sit in?