Walking helps
So I'm on methotrexate celebrex and prednisone for akalosing spondylitis I've been seeing an rumatology dr since November and on meds since January and I was originally diagnosed with this in 2016, threw an mri but No one said anything to me or did anything to combat the cause they just attempted to help the pain and walking helps the pain so much that I sumtimes over do it in the last two weeks I've gotten near 35000 steps on two separate occasions and I felt great normally on an average day I get right around 10000 steps and since losing around 160lbs since 2019 its became second nature because I found out how much it helped and on these two occasions I've paid dearly its taken me 3 days to feel any relief from the aftermath I just need to learn how to listen to my body and take frequent breaks so my question is how when you've learned in the past to not listen to yourself or you consistently push yourself too hard how do you start how do you change 35 year of learned behavior and how many steps do you all think I should keep it around and ive learned from the last walk is to even when I'm that sore I can't baby myself because it just gets worse and I find no relief at all
Hi my name is Lou. I have recently joined as a community member. I like to walk, also, for exercise. Unfortunately, when I overextend myself by walking too much (3 miles or roughly 10,000 steps), I end up in a flare up. I have good intentions because I too am trying to maintain a healthier weight. Having Spondyloarthritis in my 60s is challenging. I have come to the conclusion that I need the help of a dietitian/nutritionist for assistance with weight loss and anti-inflammatory eating. I commend
for his/her accomplishments. 
Welcome Lou! Thanks for chiming in on the conversation. Sorry to hear that sometimes you overextend yourself and walk too much only to invite a nasty flare from AS. What do you find is the perfect amount of walking where you get enough exercise but do not overdo it? Having spondy at 60 is challenging, I understand. I have it at 50+ and can never get on top of the symptoms to control pain and fatigue. Should you decide to see a dietitian/nutritionist, our community would love to hear about the experience. Please keep us updated on the walking and your nutrition. Best of health always. Rebecca (community moderator)
Hey
That is crazy that it took the doctors that long to pull their finger out and get you started on some treatment! How are you finding things now that you have been taking these, have you noticed much changing at all?
Wow getting 35,000 steps done and that weight loss are two really impressive feats - well done indeed!
I think it is hard to put a number on the right amount of steps to do. I think the number changes for each person and even then that number can be different on different days!
I definitely think that keeping active has a massive effect on managing my condition and I do try and aim to get 10k steps most days but I can't lie I do often fall short. I think the most important thing is listening to your body and feeling out what amount feels right on any given day. It takes a lot of trial and error mind you!
I find that some days instead I prefer to use other ways of getting my movement in like stretching or doing a work out with some resistance bands. Do you do any other kind of movements at all?
Wishing you well,
James (Community Member)Thanks for the question @Hgraham1987. It is tough starting a new habit and/or keeping it. Pushing yourself bc you needed to when younger and healthier was a way of life for you, and listening to your body was not a priority bc it took less to recover. But having an inflammatory disease can really put a wrench in the mix. Now more than ever you must listen to all your body is telling you or you'll be in a bad way. Walking is a blessing and a curse for me. I have a hard time doing much exercise at all but I get in at least 6000 steps a day to be sure I am not sitting behind my computer too much or wasting away on the couch. It is a middle ground for me and it works. I dont' think anyone can tell you what is the perfect amount of steps except you and your treating physician. If you find 10000 too many, decrease it slowly and see where you are and how you feel. If it seems too much still, decrease it again. Unfortunately having AxSpA can be debilitating and painful, don't overdo things. I regret it every time I do. I've learned to rest, reassess, and react/act. Many times it results in naps so that I can get up and go a little further during the day and accomplish a little bit more. Hope this helps ease your mind on the topic. Wishing others would find the time to pop in and offer up their experience. Best of health always, Rebecca (axialspondyloarthritis.net community moderator)
