The swimming is highly recommended. I cant exercise at all, it takes me days to recover and the pain is terrible. All through school i was a runner, sprinter, competed, but always in terrible pain after and didn't know why, I was only diagnosed in 2004. Stretching exercises and yoga seem to help.

I feel best when I strength train with weights

Have you tried Reformer Pilates? I have found so much relief (and hope!) from doing entry level Pilates reformer classes a few times a week. I, too, suffer from extreme hip and low back pain - mostly from sitting though. I hope you are able to find some relief.

I take chair yoga, aerobics and a spin class.Guess it could be different for everyone. Trick is not to overdo. I have always gone to the gym. Find one with water aerobics and good hot tub! Good luck!

Thank you for mentioning your neck and that it was affected. I've had neck issues since my teens and we just blamed a few falls off my horse. But a couple of my doctors think its part of the nr-axSpa. I will definitely keep an eye on that once I get my butt to the pool! I feel very intimidated walking into the gym for some reason. I used to go to a gym daily many years ago, it's not like I've never done it. I think maybe my weight and knowing I won't be where I was before is affecting me. I am trying to find a friend to go with me, at least for the first time. My preteen does have a membership as well but we are both going in"blind" so it'd still be nice to have someone with us. But I realize it's all excuses and I just need to get there and do it and I'll be fine!