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 Subject :How much exercise for an 8 year old.. 2007-08-27 02:47:42 
kcardilino
Experienced
Joined: 2007-07-20 03:39:44
Posts: 35
Location: 
Hi, My son was diagnosed at 5 1/2 & now he is 8. I have always been unsure of the exercise for him. He loves to swim, so I was taking him to a physical therapist (aquatic therapy only) twice a week (40 min) for a few months until the insurance won't pay (covered up to 20 visits). His arms are very skinny - the doctor said apathy. He just started on creatine, but I really want to make sure he is doing enough exercise. Should he be swimming daily? He falls alot & probably could walk only 1 block without compaining. I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing for his exercise. He walks on his toes & rarely has them flat on the ground. I'm afraid that I'm losing precious time on keeping his muscle & it's my fault that his arms are now atrophy. I'm a single mom of 3 under 8, working FT & it's been hard to figure out a good exercise plan. We also have stairs which has become increasingly difficult for him to walk up & I end up putting him on my back & taking him up. Should he see a different kind of doctor? Since the diagnosis he's been to the MDA clinic twice, cardiologist once & neurologist once. Easter seals physical therapists (water) at least 20 times a year. Thanks for any advice.
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 Subject :.. 2008-02-17 15:07:44 
ksomao
New
Joined: 2007-02-25 11:59:25
Posts: 7
Location: 
Bless you for continuing the fight. Being a single mon with a son that has MD is extremely tough. My biggerst recommendation is the strcthing of the ankles. Painful, but beneficial. I also think you push him to climb the stairs as much as possible. For me, I do not have enough strenght to climb without a banaster and it takes me a while, but I still climb versus elavator. Please note, doctors are agianst using stairs. For me using the staris forced me to use my muscles and stretched my ankles. I am blessed because I beat the odds and I am still walking (I am now 49) but I think a lot has to do with the stretching of my muscles and constant motion.
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 Subject :.. 2008-02-18 03:42:19 
kcardilino
Experienced
Joined: 2007-07-20 03:39:44
Posts: 35
Location: 
Hi, I have just recently begun to have him go up the stairs himself & do as much as possible by himself. He doesn't like stretching his ankles either - but I told him he needs to keep them working or they will forget how to work. A few weeks ago we had an appt at UCLA & they said going up the stairs is ok, going down has more negative affect on muscle. Right now I'm trying to keep my son active - this weekend I told him he should learn to ride a bike & I thought he might be ready to try again, but instead he got mad & said no, he's going to fall. I told him I will get all protective gear & clothes - everything to make him comfortable. He said ok. If he learns to do it even slowly I know it would make him happy. He wasn't too happy w/ going up the stairs either, it takes him longer than the other kids - but I need to allow him to be active rather than just jump on my back. My 3 yr old now thinks its something fun & wants to get on my back too. Just yesterday he said "see my legs hurt too" & he took 1 step & fell to his knees. He made me laugh, he was so serious - but he doesn't realize his brother really has a muscle problem. I think it's awesome you are still are able to walk, I hope my son can walk ok when he is older. The docs talking steroids, but right now I'm doing what you recommended - constant motion & stretching. I just hope it's not too late.
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