Anyone else have problems walking up hills?

[*pixachu*]

I am really unfit, that's for sure, and the lethargy doesn't help.
But recently I've noticed that I can tolerate quite a bit of walking if required - like a day at Alton Towers.... Except where an incline is involved. The sloped pathways at Alton Towers made me puffed out in seconds, but I was fine on a flat walk.

On holiday in Cornwall the walk home from beach was 10 mins walk up hill. It nearly killed me. I could hardly breathe. It's not right. My friend's almost 3 yr old child could walk back with ease.... But you'd think I was coming to the end of a 10 mile hill climb.

I am so embarrassed about it and will ask the doc about it when I go. I'm 40 and do not have anything diagnosed, except mild asthma which I only get when I have a chest infection etc. . And yes I did use an inhaler midway up the holiday hill!

I expect the gp will just say I am unfit.... But i just wondered of any of you have experienced this?

X

[rose2008-2008]

I have always loved walking but realized that its not so easy when you get a bit older and like cakies and sweets lol,lol,lol,. I never learnt to drive saying god gave me two legs i will get there on those!!!!. We have a few steep hills in Maidstone that get you a bit out of puff and i have not conquered Everest yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ha ha ha ha .

[bankhaunter]

I now have poor circulation in my legs which means whilst walking on the flat merely makes them a bit tered, the slightest hill often becomes a painful struggle, it doesn't help that I live up a hill.

My doctor suggested an exercise which would help, I was to walk for half an hour, take a rest then walk for another half hour, take a rest and again walk for a half hour.

That would than help my circulation to sort itself out.

I was so tempted to say that I hoped that would be the case for by then I would be about five miles from home and would then have to get back.

[**bustysinclaire**]

It doesn't necassarily mean it is your asthma pix, my sister has blocked arterys in her heart which gave very simalar symptons as you suggest. So I do think telling the doctor is something you should do just in case. My sister had to have stences fitted to allow blood flow to help with oxygen levels. She was heading for a heart attack if it wasn't done. Not wanting to frighten you but it is better to be safe than sorry.

It may only be some thing simple that can be helped but on the other hand if it isn't at least you will catch whatever it is and not be oblivious to anything more serious and it eventually do permanent damage.

Getting older and unfit takes it toll on us all eventually, we owe it to ourselves to do what we can to look after ourselves.

I'm 54 and suffer with painfull joints and have an under active thyroid, but I bought a bike last week and intend to start cycling again, (gently) and I used to be a very good swimmer when younger and am intending start again next week.

I hate the way I look but will have to take the bull by the horns and jump in the deep end, If I don't I am just going to get worse and worse and more unfit. Thankfully I haven't got serious health problems like some so am so thankfull for my health and have a lot of sympathy for those that have.

Hang on in there all you good people, to keep going with what some of you have to put up with is something to have a big pat on the back for.

[dairyview123]

bank haunter if you walk for 15 minutes away from your house then walk 15 minutes back you repeat this 3 times;)  had to laugh at that one;)

My Dr said to me walking is very good you know!  I felt like saying if you had to walk with pains in your leg you wouldnt think so

[*elphaba*]

Pix,  Bustystclaire is right - don't just assume unfitness or asthma, this is something you really ought to pop to the doc about.

Difficulty walking up hills can be a first sign of a heart not working properly and most docs would want to check anyone over who had that problem.

Because of your age and sex its very unlikely that is what it is - asthma and general fitness level would be more likely -  so no need to worry, but it is a specific red flag symptom for anyone who has no problem walking at a reasonable pace on the flat, so it would be silly not to get checked over.   

[*elphaba*]

Ooops!  Sorry Bustysinclaire - I sainted you by mistake!

[rainydaywoman11]

Sorry Pix if you think I'm nicking your thread.  Have you been to the doctor yet? If not, you really should pronto.

To update you all on my moaning - I had a session with the Macmillan Consultant and she has quadrupled (yes X4) the amount of capsules I was being given for the neuropathy (nerve pain), she said I must have been in agony.  Mm-hhh.  She also doubled the amount of slow release morphine and gave me another tablet to work with the nerve pain medication, to be taken at bedtime.

I cannnot tell you what a relief it was 1. to have someone listen to me and 2. to receive the medication I needed in order to have a quality of life - because I had none.  Going through the chemo and the stem cell harvest with that pain was utterly hellish, but I had to do it.

So, the meds work, I know it is more poison in my body but given the choice it is a no brainer, for me anyway.   The pain hasn't gone completely, still get little episodes (breakthrough pain), but I can cope now, and that is only in 2 days. Thank goodness for MacMillan nurses.  Thank goodness also for you ladies for your support and empathy.  I will remember it always.  Love, Rainy, bald, overweight and aaaaah, pain free.

[chickengrandma-2008]

Hi rainy, I'm so pleased to hear they've been able to do something for your pain at last, all we need now is to hear that the other treatment is doing some good!  

[ilove2patch]

As I told you before Carol. The Macmillan nurse saved my mums life. I can't praise them enough. So glad the pain has eased for you.

[*pixachu*]

I have an appointment made and will let you know how I get on. I expect I am just unfit 

I really need to start using my treadmill!

Rainy - I'm glad to hear the pain relief has been sorted.... but it is annoying that it was not done sooner. xx