I just recently found this board and prior to a few days ago, didn't know a thing about Lyme other than I've been tested for it and tests were always negative.
Anyhow, I have a lot of unexplained tingling/numbness problems mainly in my hands, feet and legs. I also have other issues that neither my PCP, Neurologist or Rheamatologist can explain. I've had tingling numbness for about a year now. Prior to this, I had some leg pain around my knees that came and went but not numbness.
Despite these issues, I still am active and play in a men's baseball league in the summer (25-30 games). I am looking for a LLMD since my Dr's seem clueless as to what is wrong with me. Anyway, if it is determined I have undiagnosed Lyme, will I be able to play Baseball after I start treatment?
Posted by Scott77 (Member # 29180) on :
And what I mean is, will I physically be able to play, run, etc...?
Posted by glm1111 (Member # 16556) on :
Depends on how sick you feel from the treatment. If it is determined if you have Lyme and are given the proper antibiotics you could get a reaction from the dieoff of the bacteria known as a herx.
It also depends on the individual. There are many people who still work and others who still go to a gym and workout. It's an individual thing. Maybe others will come along and give their own experiences.
Good luck in finding an LLMD.
Gael
Posted by bcb1200 (Member # 25745) on :
If you can play now, I suspect you will beable to play during treatment. You don't always feel like crap when you get treatment.
Posted by geo (Member # 18333) on :
Scott - I still play basketball. I am fine while I play but really feel bad for a day or 2 afterwards with significant joint pain. I love to play and refuse to give up everything fun in life (diet, sports, etc) for this disease.
Good luck
Posted by littlebit27 (Member # 24477) on :
I work a labor job. And I still do it, through the sweat, pain, and tears. I don't have a choice.
Not the same as sports but I do quiting a bit of walking up and down stairs, walking to and from the car, bending down to pain the baseboards and shoe molding.
I don't exercise because my heart rate is over 120 easily everyday. So I don't think that would be a good idea.
But if you can handle the pain, and you don't have heart problems because of Lyme then go for it.
Posted by geo (Member # 18333) on :
Exercise is important to stimulate the immune system and sweat is good for detox, but work within your limits, stay positive and try to enjoy life.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I would think you could still handle it. Treatment might slow you down a little. I was already housebound when I started treatment, so I couldn't have. Sounds like you're starting out "healthier" than I did.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
Hi Scott, I've been unknowingly sick for 8 years and i stayed active the entire time. It may have worked against me at the time, but now that I know that I have Lyme/Bart I exercise again and just know that i might need a little more rest and i listen more to my body.
I also have heart probs from the lyme but still do cardio...it just helps me feel better in the long run. But I agree with everyone here, it all depends on the person and the nature of their infection.
I hope you find answers from the LLMD...
Posted by mbdq (Member # 26277) on :
I rode my horse 6 days/week competitively at the beginning of my lyme treatment with oral antibiotics.
Unfortunately, as I continually got worse, I had to stop riding for a while and started IV therapy.
I am now back up to riding 3 days/week. I had to listen to my body and rest much more than I thought.
And it all depends on your symptoms- dizziness, bad headaches and fatigue really got in my way, but joint pain, muscle soreness, etc I can work through.
Good luck- I think it is good to try to stay active and keep your body moving.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- First, I sincerely hope that by Spring Training you will be feeling much better and the hardest part will be behind you. Still, it's good to think ahead and do so realistically as treatment can take a few years for some.
As others say, it all depends on how you are feeling and the advice of your LLMD.
Dizziness and vertigo are frequent so that is one concern. You may not have to deal with that, though it is important to be aware of how that can affect everything you do.
Light and sound sensitivity can also come into play so it would depend on the sensory load of where you would play.
It's good to become familiar with the main treatment plans - especially as each includes suggestions for self care all along the way. ---------------
It's very important to have this book as a reference tool for self-care and support measures. It answers so many questions in detail that is impossible here on the forum.
ENDURANCE ? To help with endurance - or to explain what happens when endurance wanes, there is some good detail here about the mitochondria and how lyme affects those tiny energy centers of our cells - and what can help:
Topic: To everyone with CARDIAC symptoms please read ! -
Posted by nefferdun (Member # 20157) on :
I guess you must have been tested for diabetes, right? I am asking because my 22 year old son who also loves basketball and baseball was just diagnosed with it. You don't have to be obese to get it.
Diabetes also causes tingling and numbness and in your hands and feet as well as pain in your muscles. A simple blood test will tell you.
My exercise tolerance goes up and down but I always feel better when I can exercise. When I first started treatment I was in bed for a month and then slowly recovered but it wasn't long before I was doing what I love again - riding horses.
Before the tick bite I rode 2-3 horses a day and now I am lucky to ride one. Luckily the others were old enough to retire. My biggest problem is stamina - breathless after climbing a flight of stair.
Just do as much as your body tells you is ok. As long as it feels good it is probably good for you.