I miss hiking

[cara_lea]

Hello Susan (and everyone else)
After popping back onto this site after another long absence, I've read several things about walking assistance devices and techniques that no one had ever told me. Not even my doctor. No doctor has ever even explained to me why I have trouble walking. Do I have drop foot? (a term I just learned after having this for almost 20 years) or is it just muscle spasticity, or something else?

Walking on trails and hiking used to be what fueled my spirit. I haven't been able to do this for the last few years at all.
Could you list some things that might make going on walks or hikes a possibility for me again?
What can I expect that my neurologist (or PT) could do for me to help me with this issue?
I've been to a PT once upon my Dr's recommendation in order to help recover from a bad episode. They really weren't helpful at all I'm sorry to say.

My current mobility state is that I can walk, I use a cane if I'm going to walk more than a block but still get very fatigued. So much so that it drains me rather than fueling me like it used to.

thank you!

[Seasha]

Originally Posted by cara_lea

Walking on trails and hiking used to be what fueled my spirit. I haven't been able to do this for the last few years at all.
Could you list some things that might make going on walks or hikes a possibility for me again?

thank you!

I miss this too, cara lea!! I used to hike up mountains above tree line in my "other" life! Now I can't even hike in low elevated city park trails unless it's paved. Then I use my rollator walker until I tire. It's not the same!

I wish they had more handicap accessible hiking trails - like ones that have wooden walkways. If you can't afford those expensive all-terrain wheelchairs, you are out of luck (like me)

I'll be interested in the replies.
Take care!

[LisaL77]

I hear you.

We used to summit a mountain in the Adirondack's each summer. I'm overweight and I was slow, but I did it.

Now, not so sure I could do that. A lot of those trails are rocky, some involve scaling walls of rock, many have streams running down the trail.

I doubt I could push our mower right now.

[penkalet]

Hello

Just a idea " hope not too stupid"
What about riding a bike?

I still walk some but it is not fun any more and very tiring

Last year I started to ride my old bike and Whaaa! no handicap just felt normal.

Still ride and feel much better.

Alain

[newme]

Ahh. Hiking.
And camping and rock climbing. Miss you guys. Even bike riding won't help me (although I am so happy it works for you, Alain)
So, I just enjoy what I can - even it is sitting in the wheelchair while DH pushes me around. Some day...

[cara_lea]

it's nice to kvetch about it with others that understand my longing. thanks for the replies.
I'm hoping that there is something that I can do to make even a bit of hiking possible again.

Alain-maybe I should try that. I'm not going to count on it because the repetitive motion is still there which it what does me in. Thanks for the suggestion!

[SNOOPY]

Hi Cara,

Have you considered or tried trekking poles? They are used for hiking, they have points at the end and will dig into dirt.

You can get different 'feet" for the bottom of them. I prefer to use trekking poles to a cane when I need something for mobility. I have rubber feet on the bottom of mine that can be used inside or outside. The rubber feet can be taken off so the poles can be used for hiking.

If using both poles walking is more natural than when using a cane and is quite helpful for balance.

[cara_lea]

Originally Posted by SNOOPY

If using both poles walking is more natural than when using a cane and is quite helpful for balance.

That's a good idea too. I think that could be very helpful. I do use a cane but both of my legs are "gimpy" this would give me more help on a walk I'm sure.

thank you Snoopy

[SNOOPY]

Originally Posted by cara_lea

That's a good idea too. I think that could be very helpful. I do use a cane but both of my legs are "gimpy" this would give me more help on a walk I'm sure.

thank you Snoopy

Your welcome, cara lea

[photomama]

After my last flare, I started PT and my biggest goal was to be able to hike again. I am just now able to get back into it (with smaller, less challenging hikes).

The first thing we did was to address my foot drop- which was pretty bad. The only way my foot goes anywhere is by being drug along behind me. They got me set up with an AFO (ankle foot orthotic). It is a light one and perfect for hiking (and everyday too).

If you think you might be dragging your feet or you have difficulty walking corrects (without hitching up a hip or raising your knee higher or swinging your leg out), then you should get that checked out.

I know you said you did PT, but they are all different. The PT you go to should be well versed in neurological diseases and how they work (and don't work) with muscle weakness, fatigue, etc. With neuro stuff, it can be really easy to overdo it and you don't gain anything from it (except soreness and more fatigue).

Trekking poles are another biggie! Definitely recommend them instead of a cane.

Paying attention to fatigue and going slower than you want is probably the biggest issue (for me). I am so used to going at my old pace, but my new body can't handle it, especially since I haven't used it for months. So starting slow (and staying slow) until you figure out what exactly your body can handle is a big key.

My PT told me if you are leaning on your cane or trekking poles more than 30% (not including steep inclines or declines), then it is time to rest. Take a 5 min. break, then go on some more. If you have to do this more than 3 times (unless you are doing a very hard hike), then your body is telling you that you are done.

I hope this helps! I am excited about getting back into hiking and building up my fatigue tolerance (among everything else!) this summer.

[cara_lea]

Very encouraging post Erin. Thank you.
I'm going to call a PT place today and ask them some questions about their specialists on staff.

Right now...hiking seems like a crazy impossible dream. again, thanks for the encouragement.

[SusanD]

What a great conversation and terrific ideas

Definitely try therapy again. As mentioned, therapists are different, so are facilities. Call ahead and ask about the therapists and your neurological needs.
There are exercises, orthotics - i.e. AFO-ankle foot orthosism, modalities such as electrical stimulation that assists with movement and muscle weakness

When it comes to physical activities, see what you can do within your means. Instead of hiking a mountain, per say, go down a pathway.
Learning limits is very important and the way people tend to learn is through trial and error. I strongly suggest that whenever you try something that someone else is with you. Ask your therapist about different assistive devices. They will make suggestions - i.e. quad cane verses straight cane, walker to manage more challenging terrain. They will not only suggest according to your needs, they will size it/them appropriately.
You may need to switch devices depending what you need/want to do.

Just don't push it. The consequence of fatigue isn't worth it and certainly don't want to risk your safety.

Lastly, stay hydrated, VERY important

[cara_lea]

Thank you Susan and everyone else for the suggestions and the encouragement.

I go see a new PT tomorrow for the first time. The prescription is for neck and shoulder pain but I'm hoping that I'll like them and they will be someone that can help me with walking.

Here's to walking and hiking in any way we can!

[SusanD]

Keep us posted!

[dolule]

Originally Posted by cara_lea

Walking on trails and hiking used to be what fueled my spirit. I haven't been able to do this for the last few years at all.

My current mobility state is that I can walk, I use a cane if I'm going to walk more than a block but still get very fatigued. So much so that it drains me rather than fueling me like it used to.

Are you sure your not me? Not being able to walk out in nature is the saddest loss for me.

I'm pretty sure I won't be able to do any trail walking again unless they make some major breakthroughs in MS treatments, but I am trying to overcome my emotional blocks and rent/buy a wheelchair to get me out onto some flat-ish and well-maintained trails. I just read a great post by JayEm titled "wheelchair recommendations?". Turns out you can get "all terrain" wheels for regular wheelchairs.

Re penkalet's bike suggestion: I ride a recumbent stationary bike for exercise. I find I can ride for much longer than I'd be able to walk and that's with constant pedaling. Out in the real world you can glide. So if balance isn't an issue for you, maybe the bike could work (I'd fall off, myself).

Some things I've found that bring back some of the joy: a birdbath hung outside my home office and restorative yoga.

Best wishes