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cant get my mojo back

(61 Posts)
travelsafar Mon 12-Feb-18 21:19:02

After suffering sciatica for nearly three months i am just starting to feel like it is finally going. Before it started i would do aerobics three times per week, walk as much as possibleand keep very active.I am finding it hard to get back into the routine i once had. I find i am using the car more instead of walking.I do go to for a gym and swim session every Tuesday, but that is about it.Any ideas how to get back to normal??

Direne3 Tue 13-Feb-18 12:55:37

For what it's worth, many years ago my DH was suffering badly. Our GP recommended that he wore a hat/cap and more importantly a scarf - DH hasn't had the problem since.

sharonarnott Tue 13-Feb-18 12:47:23

I'm sorry but I can't help either. After losing 6st 5 years ago and then watching it slowly all go back on after being floored with blood clots on the lungs my mojo has never really returned. Since then both of my knees have gone and I now can no longer leave the house without someone with me things have gone from bad to worse. I managed to get mine back for a whole month at the end of 2016. Since then it has done a runner and never returned. It would be all too easy to totally give in but I live in hopes that something will suddenly click in to place in my head one day. The key is finding something to trigger it but right now needle and haystack springs to mind. I hope you find yours sooner rather than later smile

notreallyagran Tue 13-Feb-18 12:11:33

How about being kind to yourself and easing yourself gently back into your walking and aerobics? As you regain your fitness, you'll just feel like doing more.

Elrel Tue 13-Feb-18 12:10:34

I hope my mojo is only in hibernation rather than gone! I get to tai chi most weeks but am aware of moving about less which is not good. Also I’ve put on half a stone.I do feel better on sunny days!
My DD is urging me to try Pilates again at a different place.

blue60 Tue 13-Feb-18 11:57:27

Try shorter walks to start off with, even 10/20 mins can start to set you up for the day. Just short bursts of activity to get you going again.

GabriellaG Tue 13-Feb-18 11:45:37

Bellasnana

Mojo = get up and go.

Nannarose Tue 13-Feb-18 11:41:19

I have had 3 joint replacements and one bout of flu in the last 9 years. At first I fretted about 'getting back to normal' then I realised that fretting made it worse. Take it slowly and celebrate small victories.

It can be useful to head for a slightly different form of exercise for a while - and there are lost of suggestions on here. Are you seeing a physiotherapist? They can often be useful, suggesting what will improve muscle tone and fitness, but not aggravate anything. My own personal great help was water walking and water based exercises, but we are all different.

Tessa101 Tue 13-Feb-18 11:40:14

I read this post with interest. I’ve left my mojo in Australia I’ve been back 2 weeks after lovely 5 weeks with my DD, & GDs and I cannot pick myself up. I’m active and fairly fit but my mood is so low at present I’m just going threw the motions and only doing what I have to do so I don’t let anyone down but it’s a real struggle. Never felt like this in my life before. So I’m going to start what some of you ladies have suggested but I need exercise for the mind as well as it’s that that is holding me back. Wish you well travalsafar.

ReadyMeals Tue 13-Feb-18 11:30:08

Maybe your body is trying to tell you to carry on taking it easy for a little while. Maybe your sciatica isn't totally out of danger for being aggravated yet.

Minerva Tue 13-Feb-18 11:29:51

Can you join a gym with a pool travelsafar?

I joined one 18 years ago and still swim 3 or 4 times a week but have had any number of breaks for grandmotherly responsibilities, broken limbs, hospital admissions and the rest. I deferred membership (for a charge) when abroad and when I broke my leg very badly but never gave it up. The thought that I was paying that money every month was what got me back to the gym the minute I could, on two crutches at one stage. When bandaging meant I couldn’t swim I walked on the treadmill, anything to keep moving. I often groan at the thought of trekking down there in mid Winter but have never come home again without feeling glad that I did.

I just couldn’t bear to be putting money into the pocket of the mega wealthy gym owner without benefitting from it myself.

Kim19 Tue 13-Feb-18 11:22:44

My interpretation would be 'get up and go' but I think the French equivalent is far more exciting.

KirbyGirl Tue 13-Feb-18 11:18:29

How old are you Travelsafar? You don't have to answer that but the older you are the longer it takes to get back - and if 80 plus, you may never quite back to what you were. Patience and the spring will help. And keep on keeping on, you seem to be doing quite well. In the past few years I have had three new hips, four dislocations, a new knee and a fractured pelvis but I am getting back to normal after a year

Have you thought of a chiropractor for sciatica? It worked for my 85 year old friend.

youngagain Tue 13-Feb-18 11:05:33

I think in France it is called 'joie de vivre' or joy of life/living. I keep myself busy by volunteering for a charity. However, I can't help but say that my nickname in school was 'mojo'!! Not because of any 'joie de vivre' but because of my surname grin One or 2 friends still refer to that nickname!! A horrible day weatherwise today so flowers for you all.

Saggi Tue 13-Feb-18 10:59:42

Id love to join a choir .... but my voice is rubbish ... I admire folk who can sing. I'd even love to sing in the bath but I get told off!! Ah well!

goldengirl Tue 13-Feb-18 10:54:17

I don't know where you live travelsafar but you would likely benefit from something like this: www.appliedpilates.co.uk
Do you know the cause of the sciatica? The guy at this place who is an injuries specialist found what doctors had missed for years and gave me exercises accordingly. Its not your usual Pilates - noone does the same exercises as it depends on your abilities and needs. There is a max of 6 people per 'class'. You may have something similar in your area?

Bellasnana Tue 13-Feb-18 10:49:09

What is ‘mojo’ anyway? There’s some woman on a tv ad for a diet plan who claims to have got it back, but what does it actually mean hmm

Mypennyfarthing41 Tue 13-Feb-18 10:46:53

PS

I also go to quoir and do Pilates -both are excellent - l think it's the laughter and companionship that's brilliant for your well being
And, ,if you can have a dog too - wow.

kwest Tue 13-Feb-18 10:41:28

I would urge you to give Pilates a try. I do it three times a week after aquarobics. At first I hated Pilates and it took me six months of making myself treat it like a discipline before I realised that one Monday it hadn't been too bad. A fluke, I thought. Then the same week Wednesday and Friday again it was o.k. After that it started to get better. Five years later my back is so much better, my balance has improved, my central core is much stronger and I do indeed have my mojo back. My life is busy, happy and productive. I treat going to my classes as I would a job. It is in my diary and other things work around that commitment. Good Luck.

Mypennyfarthing41 Tue 13-Feb-18 10:33:25

If you can give love to an animal and care, walking with a dog and playing will be wonderful for you both, make sure tho that the dog won't be neglected once you're fit. Places like Dogs Trust are wonderful. If you have a dog you'll doubtlessly know of the love that animals give - and you'd soon get your mojo back - if you can get a dog tho, please make sure that you give it loads of love - and time.
I've been quite I'll for the last couple of years but the dogs cover me with love, you really can't stay depressed for long
Sorry if I've rambled on, but animals really are our very best friends, and l can't imagine life without them.. and you can't lay in bed when you should be going Walkies!

sandelf Tue 13-Feb-18 10:31:51

Do you know what caused the sc? In my case it was a few falls not long after my daughter was born (pelvis joints are softer then). So my pelvis easily gets out of alignment (I pivot on a point to the side of my spine when lying in the bath). When it is very noticeable I go to a masseur who puts things straight - If you can find a masseur who is good with backs it may help. Try to keep the weight down, find out about anti inflammatory foods etc, sit up straight! |OMG I've turned into my Mum smile But I do agree with everyone else - choir and gentle movement cheer one up. Have a look for a Chi Gong Youtube - calming and moving. I think the MoJo will reappear one day when the Spring is springing.

Lyndie Tue 13-Feb-18 10:29:18

Be kind to yourself. The weather has been horrible for a long time. It’s cold and wet here today. I am sure you will feel better and more motivated in the spring. X

gillyknits Tue 13-Feb-18 10:28:48

I would really recommend Pilates as a gentler form of activity. (If you can find the right class that caters for all abilities and disabilities! )
There are actual stretches that help with sciatica . I always feel energised after a class and am sure the stretching helps with my aches and pains.

starbird Tue 13-Feb-18 10:26:17

I can’t remember when I last had mojo to get back. I go line dancing and play table tennis once a week in theory but if the friend that I go with cancels (due to bad back usually) I usually breathe a sigh of relief and curl up with a book instead. I walk to the local shops/library a few times a week, do a few exercises when I remember, but it is all a big struggle. Yesterday I changed the sheets and duvet cover and was nackered. I am 71 going on 90!

minxie Tue 13-Feb-18 10:22:51

I don’t have an illness as an excuse. My mojo packed it’s bags long ago. I just want to shift 7lbs to get back on track. Sugar is my cocaine at the moment and I just can’t stop. It’s ridiculous I don’t think this time of year helps either

Kim19 Tue 13-Feb-18 10:21:45

Unfortunately I don't have any spare mojo on offer either. Sorry. Mine is in exsistence but waiting for a boost. I've not a moment's doubt the current seasonal weather is not helping a jot and you people who have been through the mill either physically or mentally will be bouyed up when Spring makes an inevitable appearance rather than the fleeting and spasmodic odd hour we are currently experiencing. Let's hang on in there, ladies, it's coming and we will all get a spurt on when it does. Halfway through February!!!