Stiffness

Hi Stuart. I finished RT in March 2019 and have been on Prostap for two-and-a-half years, just another two injections to go. I found that I was getting very stiff after the first year on HT and asked my nurse consultant for advice. He said that doing as much exercise as possible was the answer as well as cutting out alcohol and caffeine totally (which I had already done when first starting HT). He advised me to try the NHS Strength and Flexibility exercises which I have now been doing 3 times a week for about 18 months and they have really helped. I now walk about 5 miles most days without any problems and go rowing regularly when Covid allows. We were in Tier 1  (Scotland) until Boxing Day so I was out rowing twice a week for several months after lockdown finished. Sadly it's only walking now.

You can find the NHS podcasts by following this link:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/strength-and-flex-exercise-plan-week-by-week/ 

I hope it works for you.

Hi Seamus

Many thanks! What you are saying makes sense as my stiffness is worse when I get up in the morning or if I have been sitting watching tv. Although I am walking and gardening quite a lot seems I need to do more!

Thanks again

Stuart

Hi Stuart

Seamus is absolutely spot on and there is little I can add other than to say that stiffness/lack of flexibility, is a typical side effect of this drug.  It was so severe initially that my wife had to do my shoelaces up!.

I do find that regular exercise is invaluable, particularly walking. I try to do about 4 miles, at least 2 or 3 times a week. I have used my rowing machine a bit but find my fatigue limits me to about 4Km. Gardening is also good for mind and body!

Many thanks to Seamus for providing the link which I will investigate.

I hope that all goes well for you and that 2021 will prove to be a much better year all round.

Best wishes,

Andy

Hi Andy

Many thanks!

I have a call to the cancer nurses but looks like I wont need them!

Thanks again!

Regards

Stuart