My right leg. Another reality check.
Posting another reality check to help me remember this event. This morning while stretching (which I try to do every morning) I suddenly had the urge to do a few leg lifts. I know my right leg is bad, and I know it gets weaker and weaker regardless of what I do (or maybe I'm helping it but I just don't know it), however today was a shock.
Because of my upcoming appointment with a new MS Specialist, I've been really trying to pay attention to all those little quirks I have been doing over the last few years without realizing it. One thing I noticed a few months ago was that I will use both hands to grab my right leg and lift / move it where I want it - like when crossing my right leg over my left, or when getting into the passenger side of a car. That in and of itself was a reality check, and this morning while stretching I noticed that I also use my hands to help move my right leg to go from one stretch to another.
So, for some reason I had the urge to do some leg lifts. I thought I could just add them in to my routine and maybe strengthen those muscles a little (hamstring and quadricep). I was SHOCKED
when I tried to lift my right leg. I was sitting on the floor, back straight up and legs out in front of me. All I tried to do was lift my right leg from the floor, but only made it a few inches, and that WITH EFFORT. Great effort. I had no idea. So as not to add further stress, I only tried to lift that leg 3 or 4 times, mainly out of shock and disbelief [thinking, "did that really just happen? let me try it again"]. I then did the left one with no problem, though I could tell I am weaker than I was ~8 years ago when I used to run, hike, etc. but that's expected with steady decline anway. I can make it at least 12" to about 24" off the ground with my left leg without straining ... but of course I cannot do that many in a row.
I am not sure how far to push my right leg. I know I can recondition my left leg some by doing the lifts every day, but I am concerned to push too much with my right. For now I will just try to do a few of the short lifts each day with the right and see how it goes. Test the waters, so to speak.
I'm open for tips as well - especially from those who struggle with the same thing. I just cannot believe it. But, why not, since I drag my right foot [even with a cane or walker] and have to use my upper leg to pick it up. This wears me out so much and this is what puts me in a wheelchair (or on the floor) if I try too much.
Once again, thank you for listening. I just love this website.
Because of my upcoming appointment with a new MS Specialist, I've been really trying to pay attention to all those little quirks I have been doing over the last few years without realizing it. One thing I noticed a few months ago was that I will use both hands to grab my right leg and lift / move it where I want it - like when crossing my right leg over my left, or when getting into the passenger side of a car. That in and of itself was a reality check, and this morning while stretching I noticed that I also use my hands to help move my right leg to go from one stretch to another.
So, for some reason I had the urge to do some leg lifts. I thought I could just add them in to my routine and maybe strengthen those muscles a little (hamstring and quadricep). I was SHOCKED
when I tried to lift my right leg. I was sitting on the floor, back straight up and legs out in front of me. All I tried to do was lift my right leg from the floor, but only made it a few inches, and that WITH EFFORT. Great effort. I had no idea. So as not to add further stress, I only tried to lift that leg 3 or 4 times, mainly out of shock and disbelief [thinking, "did that really just happen? let me try it again"]. I then did the left one with no problem, though I could tell I am weaker than I was ~8 years ago when I used to run, hike, etc. but that's expected with steady decline anway. I can make it at least 12" to about 24" off the ground with my left leg without straining ... but of course I cannot do that many in a row. I am not sure how far to push my right leg. I know I can recondition my left leg some by doing the lifts every day, but I am concerned to push too much with my right. For now I will just try to do a few of the short lifts each day with the right and see how it goes. Test the waters, so to speak.
I'm open for tips as well - especially from those who struggle with the same thing. I just cannot believe it. But, why not, since I drag my right foot [even with a cane or walker] and have to use my upper leg to pick it up. This wears me out so much and this is what puts me in a wheelchair (or on the floor) if I try too much.
Once again, thank you for listening. I just love this website.
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