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Current Events: C.H.O.P. Protocol








Something timely for a change! Yay! I realized that I will always be in a game of catch up so why not start with something this is happening right now.


It's no secret that I have been declining for some time. The people who see me on a regular know it, the doctors and the main thing is that I know it. I volunteer at a great organization and when we have our virtual meet ups I see the varying levels of decline and how this syndrome and its cronies ravage the body. I know that its not an if, but a when, type of situation and I want to get ahead of it before things get worse. I used to be more active but with the new symptoms and from working from home, I just move less. There is movement because I live in a house now and I have to take the stairs to get water or food. I also started a garden on my deck that takes up my time as well. The current cons include this ridiculous heat that keeps me from going outside much.


I've heard people talk about the C.H.O.P. Protocol which is an exercise program developed for people with POTS to help them improve their quality of life and get mobile again. Now, I know that this is not for everyone, and I want to look through this keyboard and everyone in their virtual eye and say that we know that exercise helps but if you can't even sit up without passing out give people grace. I used to be very active, and I have tried over the years to keep it up but these syndromes, diseases, conditions if you will, have made me almost immobile. If you click the link above, you can read about the program and grab a snack because its a read. Though it looked impossible, I read about some success stories of my fellow POTS in arms members. No cures but a return to a life that doesn't rely on mobility aids often or at all. I decided to bet on me for a change and give it a try. I started this out by saying decline and maybe pain but why not. What do I really have to lose at this point? Exactly.


Day 1

Part of my hesitation was fear and doubt. Fear to try and bring on a flare and weeks of pain. Doubt that I would see it through. This also means commitment to change which is hard because I spent so many years of my orchestrating everything to minimize pain and disappointment. Still experience it so at this point, like I stated above, what do I have to lose? Exercise 5 days a week for 8 months! But if I really want me back and not be relegated to a drugged stupor then I needed to give it a try.


The actual first day was Cardio and I had to do it for 18-28 minutes with a warmup and cool down. I did the treadmill and the row machine. My body hated it with a pure hatred because I felt my back spasms rising. Still, I pushed on because these muscles weren't used to this type of movement. So, this is the latest from me and you are one of the first to know. Seriously, I have been tight lipped about it decided to share here because I don't see many firsthand accounts online.


I plan to provide updates maybe monthly but I will keep a daily log to even see how I manage this journey.


Until next time ❤️




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