Quote Originally Posted by Maiden Lissa View Post
Just found this thread, and thought I'd join in. I'm wondering if anyone has specific exercises that help with swimming strength and breath holding. I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 25 (I'm 33 now). I go through times when the pain is so bad that I don't want to move, but I don't have a lot of strength even on good days. I went swimming on Saturday and was so wiped out and sore that I could barely move for 2 days. I should take it slow but I was having too much fun snorkeling at the lake!
Do any other mers have RA? How do you deal with it?
No, but I am an epileptic. I had grand mal seizures right up to my teens, so I never did much exercise then until last year. I go at my own pace, which is much much slower than a snail! I practiced with monofin only for several months, and only recently started trying out tricks like spinning underwater, humming and fish hopping. I know my very first swim, I was so winded after it, when I got home, all I did was sleep early and didn't wake up till the next day! Its not so bad now, I may sleep early if I've pushed myself, but I know my limits and always stop to rest (sit on the side of the pool) or float on my back until my breathing returns to normal! I don't get winded much anymore. I've gone from a 5 secs breath hold to around 28 secs. It takes practice but you can do it too!