Working out

I've been on a search for a workout regime that worked with my RSD.  I have to admit this has been rather difficult for me.  I was looking for something low impact that I could do at home, and that wouldn't hurt either my leg or my back (because of the SCS).

I'm happy to report  I had simply been looking in all the wrong places.  I didn't need something I could do at home, on account of my laziness.  What I needed was a friend to push me to go work out with her, and who I would do the same for.  Said friend and I have started swimming together.  It's been years since I've been in the pool for anything other than fun, so this required a little pushing.

We've only swam together twice so far (yesterday and the day before), but I already feel better about myself!  We're going swimming again tonight and I can't wait.  There might be something wrong with me.  I might be sick.  I can't ever remember being excited to exercise.  What is going on up in that head of mine?  I don't know, but I'll take it.

My husband suggested I come up with a goal to help keep myself on track and we decided a good goal was to swim 1,600 miles (the shortest distance across the Atlantic Ocean).  If you want to track my progress check out the link to my other blog above.

So how does swimming affect the RSD?  It certainly does have en effect.  If I kick too hard my leg is in a lot of pain afterward, but the great thing about swimming is that when I feel like I'm overdoing it I can stop kicking altogether and just pull with my arms.  After a few days my leg hurts no more than  I did before starting swimming.

Okay I'll stop now.  Like I said I'm way too excited about exercise.

On the other hand, I bought some new clothes this past weekend and wore high heels for the first time in.... oh... almost ever.  That is not so good for the ankle.  I'll have to keep heel wearing to a minimum.