Loneliness seems to be part of this illness David. I’m 74 and I think the culture as changed. People seem to see themselves more as individuals than a community. I find it hard to engage with my grandchildren who are immersed with their mobiles. Communication seems to be predominantly by text, rather than a phone call. I’m from the south of England I find people from the north are more sociable. My neighbours rarely converse just the occasional good morning. My son tells me to stop living in the past. I understand what your saying about how one views this illness. If one’s mood is better coping is easier. Take care.

I agree Peter that things have changed. The speed of life and its stresses seem to have made people more protective of their own bubble and therefore less inclusive in society. A generalisation of course and probably applies less to our generation. I’m with you on texts. My children, both in full time work, would in the past ask how I was doing by text which felt impersonal and not a medium that lends itself to a complete answer so I would say, out of frustration of this that I was fine. Texts have their part to play in modern life but not for important exchanges so after I made this point to them and subsequent conversations, they make a point of calling more regularly to ask not just how I am but more explicitly what is it that I need and if there’s anything I want to talk about. My daughter reminds me that the phone works both ways, something I know I have to work on and will be of benefit to both me and my kids. I had lost sight of the fact that they still need me as a Dad in the broadest sense as much as I need them so it has to be a 2 way thing. I had allowed myself to withdraw a lot since my brother died in May but by recently being more open with the kids and telling them I’m not fine, I know my situation has improved since love and proper communication were combined. As tough as life can be, true love can indeed conquer all when everyone involved makes each other FEEL loved by their actions not just their words and that goes very much from me to all those I love. I’ll keep it simple from now on, live for today, show the love and not overthink things.
I hope today is a good one for you and yours Peter.

This condition certainly lets me know when I’ve overdone things even when I don’t think I have! Quite the learning curve but I’ll have to find the level of movement/exercise I can handle regardless of how little that may be and build up from there. Things have gone downhill these last few months and fighting with myself mentally has taken me to a new low. The mind plays such a part on what reality looks and feels like. Others could think my reality is quite good and comparatively speaking I know it is but convincing me as I live it is a different thing.
I hold on to the fact that I’m loved by my children and granddaughters as I do them and while it didn’t feel enough these past months, I know I’m very fortunate in having them in my life. Loneliness is a struggle. You would think I would be used to living on my own after 5 years but obviously not! Time to take stock, count my blessings and start again with renewed vigour. I’m 70 in a few days and while not old in terms of years it does afford me plenty of life experience to draw on so onward I go. I hope this is a good day for you all.

Finding the right balance between strength training and stretching (I find) is the key to less pain. Stopping as soon as you feel an improvement in energy or strength and not pushing yourself into exhaustion will keep the bad days away.
https://youtu.be/_fbCcWyYthQ?si=rTaPXHxOXMg9UHHp

I don’t think it gets worse with exercise. I believe u just need to find a balance of moving around without causing excess pain. God bless!