I'm still waiting to see my LLMD and don't have a dx yet, but it possibly could be lyme -- muscle aches, shoulder pain, lightheadedness. Cognitively fine, though, and able to work and do normal activities.
I normally go to the gym twice a week and do about 30-40 minutes of cardio work. I hear it could be bad for lyme, but I always feel better after doing it.
Been feeling out of shape lately and what to get back at it. Physically, I could easily do it.
Thoughts? Thanks!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- It's a tough call, but a huge risk for damage to the heart if lyme (or infection) is present. It can also damage the liver and impair immune function.
There are other ways to enjoy exercise and stay safe until you get a clearer diagnosis. As you are in pretty good shape now, a moderate hike, bike riding that is not strenuous, swim (not too hard), dance (not too fast).
Do what feel comfortable at the time, don't push. If you feel suddenly "dropped" stop. Try to do so before any "drop" might come. Rest and eat excellent food later . . . and a day resting in between.
Now, it may be that for your body, aerobics at this stage (and the stage in which your body is) would be fine. But I found out the hard way why it's to be avoided. I've read of some who went for a normal run and that was their last (due to the undiagnosed lyme) . . .
. . . yet, sometimes, there will be some who is in good shape to "get away with it" if they don't have "blaring" lyme. But, then again, it's just too hard to know.
My best advice is to stay engaged in physical activity, absolutely. Just not aerobics. Not until you get an evaluation with an experienced LLMD. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Certain supplements are also a good thing to consider so that mitochondria (often damaged by lyme) can be better supported in any kind of physical activity. Adrenals, too. Heart, too. And on and on.
Gotu Kola seems a good place to begin with that kind of support. More detail in the last half of this thread:
See the "infection - aerobics - heart damage" detail here:
EXERCISE INTOLERANCE is (partially) explained in the article: "when exercise doesn't work out" (and what we can do about that)
ADRENAL, CARDIAC, MITOCHONDRIA & MYELIN SUPPORT - that all helps movement better work for us
Styles discussed: Pilates; Qi Gong; Tai Chi; Yoga; water; strolling; etc. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- A "swing machine" -- don't know what to call it but it may go by "Gazelle" or "HealthWalker" where you step up and put your feet onto two separate plates and swing your legs. Some health clubs have those.
That is very nice and can be done gently but also provide good circulation for entire body. I feel better with mine.
Forget hooking up to monitors that tell you heart rate, etc. Just go by what feels good to you, no competition mode. Be aware of "advanced" signals that your body sends to slow down. Best to do that at the very first inkling as if the signals come, it's often too late and the "payback" can take some time to recover from.
A MINI TRAMPOLINE also excellent. Again, taking it slow, though. Just slight bouncing with feet not even leaving the mat. This helps with lymph circulation.
I recall now that you state "lightheadedness" as a symptom, so not really sure if either of those would be safe. If tried, be sure you have something to hold onto IF you can have enough body control to do that when the lightheadedness hits. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- "lightheadedness"
While you wait to get into see the LLMD for assessment, you might ask your PCP if you could be assessed for POTS and NMH.
Both are described in the Cardiac thread above. -
Posted by bruce101 (Member # 2457) on :
Thanks Keebler.
At the gym, I use a Precor machine, where there are 2 giant paddles for your feet and you run in place. I'd like to give it a chance.
Since I'm not multi-symptomatic, I'm thinking I can probably do this but certainly won't push myself.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Can you do it without going all the way to running? That would be best.
I would get assessed for POTS and NMH first, though, even before going more slowly.
That "lightheadedness" is a big signal, really, even if subtle. Do not ignore the implications of that even you don't have other symptoms that would shout louder.
With any machine you get on, take note first of what passing out might do while on that machine. It's important to know this could happen so the machine and what is around you needs to be considered.
If I sound over-cautious, it's because I ignored (or, rather many doctors did and I just thought I needed to push harder) my lightheadedness and then it progressed to fainting. Once when on a treadmill. Damage to both the machine and my body.
Take care. Hope you get some clear answers and specific suggestions soon. -
Posted by bruce101 (Member # 2457) on :
What is POTS and NMH?
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- In the Cardiac thread, about 2/3 of the way through. Sorry, too tired to type that all out and explain. Maybe other will, but it's all in that links set.
For a quick def. Google, and see Wiki. POTS and NMH very common with lyme. Often relieved with lyme / TBD treatment and adrenal support but the nervous systems that are so affected by lyme can really trip this stuff up. -
Posted by GretaM (Member # 40917) on :
Bruce-I agree with Keebler.
For myself, with lyme, undiagnosed, I used to play competitive sports (anaerobic and aerobic) 3-5 times a week. Tournaments every long weekend.
I thought it was normal to spend the day after limping, in extreme pain with heart palpitations.
I was taking Arthrotec twice daily for 2 years, and started rupturing, tearing ligaments, rupturing tendons, or breaking bones (I'm not joking-the amount spent on casts and time with ortho surgeons...geesh), really bad in the last two years.
Fainting when I would do up my bra. Fainting if someone would hug me and squeeze my chest.
Anyways, when I was dx'd with lyme, I was told I absolutely must quit sports.
Well that's like telling a squirrel it can't have any nuts.
But I did, and I am in less pain and don't take arthrotec anymore, and I don't faint or have heart palps.
My point being, obviously the warning about aerobic activity is regarding the circulatory system, but keep in mind lyme LOVES connective tissue, and will keep it inflamed, making one more susceptible to rupturing ligaments tendons.
If you feel great after you exercise, and you feel great the next two days after you exercise...then perhaps you've lucked out and lyme hasn't progressed too far.
But if you feel sore or tired, then I would skip aerobic exercise until you can see your LLMD.
Best Greta
Posted by Catgirl (Member # 31149) on :
Anaerobic exercise is best for lyme patients (Burrascano's guidelines). Lifting light weights helps.
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Burrascano guidelines say to avoid aerobic exercise until stamina is restored. So, if you have the stamina, according to the guidelines, it's fine to do aerobics.
However, aerobics does stress the adrenals, so it's important not to really wear yourself out.
Burrascano says strength training is essential to recovery, so you might not want to do exclusively cardio exercises.