Thank you Steve! I love the hour in the pool as well! I wish it was longer because, like you, walking any distance causes pain in both legs starting at my Achilles tendon and going up. I also have poly neuropathy and my feet are always cold so I need that warm water. Thanks again and watch out for those ladies 😃

I do pool 2x per week, 3x if can. Best hours of my week. Started on formal PT with therapist in pool at hospital. After year insurance kicked me off. So now joined local senior center with pool and do same routine on my own. (therapy pool with warmer water) It is no silver bullet but I do feel it really helps and makes a difference. I have Myasthenia Gravis as well, so have severe leg muscle weakness/fatigue and walking much is not in cards.. Getting dressed before and after is harder on me than the hour in the pool (even in winter wear my suit over). I always have to recover but that hour in the water is exhilarating. Wish it were closer....It is 35 min drive one way... but well worth time and cost.. Plus I am 72 and have met some "real hotties" in their swimsuits at the senior center. Ha! Ha! Their motto is "We don't care what you look like and boy are they right....! More serious note, I have met some very nice people and we are all in same boat.

On insurance angle, if you have a "degenerative disease" new Medicare rule says you cannot be denied or kicked off PT because you are not showing improvement but need maintenance activity. However, getting the PT services and Medicare to honor that is a real pain unless you have a good advocate like a University system or something. My pool membership cost me $350 per year and I just decided I could do it myself and that was a bargain.

If you are lucky enough to have a facility close, look into it.

That sounds great! Starting in the water is the best place to start moving. Cheering for you 😊😊

Thank you for your experience. I have to get some sort of movement going. I have an order from my rheumatologist. I hope to start soon!

Hi Lisa, yes in NZ we call it 'Hydrotherapy'. I do this twice a week and started just over 4 months ago. I'll continue doing this for at least a year. Since starting, ive noticed an improvement in my flexibility and mobility. The water is super gentle on the body and is a great way to keep active when the body is achy. At times you feel exhausted afterwards because you are moving but with a program designed for you & your needs by a specialised physiotherapist, you will feel good. Hope you can give it a try. I'll be keen to know your experience also 😊