If you’re living with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS), you may notice that your muscles feel weak, especially in your legs and hips. Some people describe their legs as feeling heavy, like they’re harder to lift or move. You might even notice changes in the way you walk, or your gait.
And if you’re managing both LEMS and cancer, fatigue from the cancer itself or treatment for cancer can make weakness feel even more intense.
“The first two years are often when autoimmune activity and cancer treatment place the greatest strain on strength and endurance,” says Shui Yu, DPT, a physical therapist at City of Hope Orange County in Irvine, California. “Early rehabilitation helps preserve mobility and independence and can also improve treatment tolerance, functional outcomes, and overall quality of life during cancer care.”
You might think hitting the gym is the best way to build strength, but standard workouts are not the best approach if you have LEMS. Follow these tips on finding the right care team, exercises, and other tools to help improve mobility and leg strength.
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