Sport, Exercise & Physical Activity For Those with Long Term Health Conditions.

For those who are not yet aware I live with many condition long term health conditions.The most serious being Addison’s Disease, followed by psychosis and a neurological movement disorder.I am a Disability sports ambassador for the Active Essex All2gether programme. They have a focus this year on exercise for those who have long term medical conditions. As part of this I was asked to write a case study exploring my experience with physical activity and sport, so this blog is an edited version of that. I hope you find it useful.

Although I was only disagnoised with addison’s disease in 2015, I first became unwell in 2008. This was caused by a bleed from the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.Then pituitary insufficiency followed for years before my health deteriorated and Addison’s was diagnoised in 2015. From 2008 - 2015 my neurological condition deteriorated and in 2016 I sufferd a psychotic episode leading to a diagnosis of the mental health condition psychosis.

Sport and physical activity have always been an important part of my life. Before my illness I was a gymnast, runner, went to the gym and did many other activities as well. Currently though I am a para-swimmer. I also do a lot of physiotherapy, using the swiss ball, resistance bands, floor work and yoga.

My first step was actually taken when I was away on holiday. It was really hot and I got in the pool but despite the progression of my physical disability I could still work out how to swim.It was 2011 when i decided to look and see if there was a club near me. I literally googled disability swimming in Essex, made contact, was warmly welcomed and I loved it. I swam once a week and also volunteered. In an event in 2012 I was ‘talent spotted’. I did my first gala in 2013, got my classification and enjoyed my sessions. I was invited to a regional training day and had the chance to meet with our talent officer. So I started to swim more ofen and achieved things I never felt possible.

I was already involved in para-swimming and competing to a high standard when my pituiary conditions became worse. At the time it meant I had to take a step back and focus on my health. Then it was a case of trying to get back into swimming with a new problem added. This proved difficult and at times very challenging. However, it was definitely the right thing for me and my consultant was fantastic at supporting me.

To me the beneftis are the freedom the water gives me to move in a safe environment. I need to adapt my strokes and listen to my body BUT it’s the best feeling when I get it right and I’m flowing through the water. It’s a sanctury for me and my psychosis as well as supporting my actual health and well being. Focusing purely on my strokes, using ear plugs and two hats allows me to lessen the sensory input when resting between swims. The concentration needed to glide through the water helps me leave the world of constant voices trying to put me down (from psychosis).

Exercise is also very important for people with Addison’s because the medication can cause weight gain. So there are lots of benefits.

Yoga has helped me to control my breathing, relax and ease stress and tension which are trigger factors for all my conditions. Stress in particular can cause serious and potentially fatal consequences. Yoga has been invaluable to me not just to relieve stress but I have also found it helps me to sleep and counteracts the insomnia that patients on mental health medications can suffer from. This is the only thing that I have found that works.Its also a nice way to finish the day and something I was introduced to when I was in hospital.

Exercise really is so important and I believe everyone can benefit.

You just have to find the right thing for you.