Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Pain after arthritis aquatics - help

Hi all, I need some advice/help here.

Friday I started a YMCA arthritis aquatics class. When I came out of the water, I was a little surprised when I came out pretty stiff. I made my way to the locker room, warmed up and was able to stop at the store on the way home. I was ok for a while, but eventually I had to take oxycodone for the pain. It hit me in the lower back and sacrum area. During the night I had to use a cane and my husband to get to the bathroom. I stayed on oxy all day Saturday(in bed) and during the night. Sunday it felt a bit better, so I was moving around a bit more. But I still ended up on oxy by 2 in the afternoon. I haven't had any oxy today, but it is still hurting. I don't know whether to take it easy or try to keep moving. It hurts whichever I do. I've got a call into my docs office, but it being Monday I imagine they are swamped.

Thanks, Wanda

Nonnie, I tried an aquatics program because my doctor thought it might help. I was in the worst pain ever in my life the next day. I don't know why, but I think it is because of the resistance of the water that you're pushing against, and also that the water allows greater range of motion than what our bodies can handle. I got a refund never went back to the class. I couldn't handle that level of pain. It just really stresses your joints too much.

Hey there Wanda, just so happens I was an Aquatics Director at a YMCA for years and tought those classes, among many more. If they are sanctioned by the Arthritis Foundation and have a certified instructor, you shouldn't be having problems from the class. Is it an Arthritis or Arthritis Plus class. If the instructor isn't watching closely and reminding the class of posture, you could have problems. Core stability is the key with the water walking part of this class. The standard Arthritis class should only consist of slow easy water walking and standing slow, easy joint mobility movements. Maybe you should just try some slow water walking on your own for a while, make sure you are in chest deep water. Give me a little more info on this class you are in and maybe I can help some.
Cindy

nonnie, i would quit the ymca class sounds like they pushed you to hard to soon. i went to a physical theerapist and did pool therapy it worked greaat for me because the water took alot of the weight off of my back but they dont push ya and if ya get tired or you cant do the exercise they have you quit and walk in the water for a bit. it had helped me strengthen my legs and arms and hips. the only bad thing for me was my legs getting out were weak from getting all my weight back on them but otherwise it did tremendous work.......maybe you can get your GP or rheumy to refer you to pool therapy. all hospitals have a rehab office and it will have a pool there. I think you should try it........oak

I take water fitness classes everyday, the only days that I was in more pain when I got out, was if the pool was too cold. I am fine at 84-85 degrees. I tried one arthritis class, but they didn't move enough and I was cold, so now I take the aqua fitness classes. You can wear a Swim Skin suit, that helps keep you warmer, like a wetsuit for the pool.

What type of exercise do you usually do? If your in pain, you should probably hold off until you recover. Sorry you had such a bad experience. Being in the pool has been the best pain free exercise for me.

Hi
My pain dr advised me to gentle movements in water, not to over do things, this i went and did in the vein hope it might help. But..... I suffered pain after leavin the pool and for days afterwards too. My pain dr was most unsympathetic and i never received any answers as to why this happened. I however have not been back to the pool since.
good luck
heather

Heather, are you going to a pain clinic? I was sent there once and the people there said they couldnt do anything for me. except control my meds which my GP is doing. they also wanted me to attend a month of classes every day for 1/2 a day I told them that the drive was to far and id be lucky to even be able to walk if i ever got there. they said that i had the wrong attitude then i told them that my doc says i am not to drive so i have to rely on others to drive me to places. then they said we cant help you and they left the room. I gave them all of my medical records since i was dx'd i brought them mri's x-rays bone scans. they told me that i brought to much for them to go thru. i knew the pain clinic couldnt help me but my doc refered me and already set the appointment up...what a waste of time for me and my wife who lost time at work for this visit........oak

Wanda, I would imagine that you overdid it. I have always been in an arthritis class and started out and every time I restarted only stayed in about 10 minutes for a few days and then increased to 15, etc. Increase your time very slowly. It truly does help but I did the same thing you did the first time I tried it. I thought I would die and was in bed for several days but my dr. talked me into trying again and I know it seems like a hassle for 10 minutes but you do just have to start very slowly. I will be starting back this week also ...... at 10 minutes!

Hope you feel better.
Hugs.
Possi

Hiya,

I got similar reactions after hydro therapy, i love being in the water but as soon as
I get out it feels like i have aged a copy decades. then you stiffen quickly.

You might find the exercise is a bit too much, and need to go gentler at first, sometimes are sore spots react badly either because of the wear and tear from having the arthrhits sometimes because the exerice inflames up afterwards.

I mamaged to get through the lower back/SI stuff but it took several month. I think the heat and the added support from the water lull you into a false sense of capability and you tend to do more than you ought at first.

David

Hey Wanda, I am sorry you are in such pain after the class. I hope you're feeling a bit better today.

You might want to check with your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation to see if they have a listed of aquatics classes in your area that has been trained by them specifically to work with people with arthritis. I know The Arthritis Society here has that service, so I imagine it would be the same where you are.

Also, one of the things we teach in the Arthritis Self-Management Program (which is also offered by The Arthritis Foundation) is that when it comes to exercise, start where you are now. Since you were in a class, you might have felt pressure to 'keep up'. Don't fall for it. If you haven't exercised in (say) 5 years (and I'm not saying that's necessarily how long it's been for you), it's not reasonable to expect your body to go full tilt boogie right off the bat, especially given the damage that AS can inflict on us. Start slowly and see if the instructor will work with you to help you get up to doing the full class. Perhaps there are exercises that can be adapted to your current level of fitness/strength.

Most of all, please don't give up, OK? Just take it back a step and move a little more slowly.

Many hugs,