posted
I have been doing a bit of reseach on this site with regard to how oxygenating the body with exercise can be quite helpful. And for some that I've met can put lyme into remission.
As many get lyme when and while they HAVE already been exercising and so have plenty of oxygenation going on, I wonder if once you get it somehow ones body learns how to keep it at bay- in the spine or where-ever, and then once this happens, going back to exercise, oxygenation then can work with the immune system to kill the lyme. And as such bring a person to a much better level of function.
Indeed I had been trying this method myself and it was working, but I stopped because I thought I could take a break, and wham it came back with a vengeance. Thanks for listening, JL
Posts: 268 | From new york city | Registered: May 2008
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Abxnomore
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18936
posted
Most people who have lyme are too sick to exercise.
If you are able too you will be much better off, most probably for the reasons you mentioned. Dr. B always recommended it for those who could. It definitely helps.
Posts: 5191 | From Lyme Zone | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I believe that my ability to exercise -- and my determination to do so even when I feel like sitting around -- is what's kept me from suffering from practically any muscle or joint pains. I feel that the oxygenation of my muscles is a factor in keeping Lyme at bay in those regions.
I know that when I take a few days off I feel stiff and achy. I've also noticed that I feel mentally (brainfog) better after a cardio workout. Sometimes when slow jogging home from a run in the park I *almost* forget that I'm sick. Part of that is the endorphines and such racing around from the activity, but I also feel that the extra oxygen my brain gets is helpful. This feeling usually last anywhere from 30 mins to several hours after I stop. I don't know why it's so varied.
Still, I have a hard time believing that you can exercise your way to remission. It's certainly a factor in getting there, but not a cure by any means.
Speaking of which... I'm looking in to some HBOT treatments.
posted
I was pushing myself to do high impact 1hr exercise 2xwk or more. endorphine release helped but still then and worse now have major prob. with joint, muscle,bone pain. had surj. for my port and putt me on my butt for 6 wk now!! startin back slow with short walks
-------------------- i am not a Dr. any info is only for education, suggestion or to think/research. please do not mis-intuprest as diagnostic or prescriptive, only trying to help. **
dx in 08:lyme, rmsf, bart, babs, and m.pneumonia. Posts: 422 | From TX | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
From what I understand some doctors do the graded exercise thing, where you back off the moment you feel its too much. And even if it takes 2 years or more you keep on increasing it month by month. Thats what I was doing with success. But I fell off the wagon as it were.
For me I don't have too much pain, my problem is more like my heart is weak and legs are soo heavy.JL
Posts: 268 | From new york city | Registered: May 2008
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'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
If I hadn't exercised atleast twice a week (for an hour), I truely believe I wouldn't have come out of the major part of my fight, back in the summer of '06. I started out slowly & tried to just get my heart rate up...not wear myself out. I usually took the abx twice a day (7AM&PM) and did the hour of spinning, rowing & &/or treadmill at around 8PM when the abx levels were peaking.
Then I soaked in a hottub or just a hot bath for 15 mins to a half hour. Helped w/ sleep, mood...& overall energy levels in the long run.
All the activity supposedly helps boost the immune system, heat your 'core', boost circulation of oxygen & abx, etc... all which help fight the Lyme. But During recovery, Limit ea session to every TWO days. The body NEEDS that 1 day break!
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I still walk most days three to five miles a day with my dogs, but the pain in my hip can really flare up.
A few months ago I had to give up my beloved ballet classes as well as stretch and Pilates.
Besides not having the stamina to keep up, the pain was too much. Not to mention that my brain could no longer keep pace with the combinations. That was a very sad time for me when I realized I had to quit.
Walking is good exercise and one can go at a slow or quick pace so in some ways it's ideal.
-------------------- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King,Jr Posts: 1573 | From Maryland | Registered: Feb 2009
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
When I read these posts on here, I'm starting to wonder if Lyme really is my issue. I can't walk 10 minutes in the mall w/o winding and my legs feeling like jello.
I believe I'm down the wrong track. Either I'm an idiot who can't push myself hard enough or something else....... It just doesn't add up.
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
I think if you have babesia or bart, exercise is a little harder because of the heavy leg feeling, and the shortness of breath.
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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posted
I've posted re: exercise in the past. I realize everyone cannot do it. but still think it is important to pass along my individual experience.
I was a lifelong exerciser, and a college athlete (track). When I became bedridden (still no dx), of course I had to stop.
I tried to pick up exercise again about two months after dx & tx (!). I found I could not control the left side of body to that extent, had muscle weakness, stamina problems, etc etc. So I had to listen to my body and stop.
I tried again at about 4 1/2 mos into treatment. I was able to exercise (albeit in a much more moderate way than I was used to), and I had this experience: It lessened the severity of my Lyme symptoms!! And I don't mean the 'feel good' factor of exercise, I've enjoyed that my whole life and know it well. What I experienced was an actual effect on the LYME symptoms, really every time.
Of course there were times and still are when I couldn't complete a routine, or even start, and I always respected what my body was tellig me. But overall, I think exercise has had an amazingly beneficial effect on my recovery. I think the oxygenation theory is right, and I also think the DETOX aspect of heavy sweating is a huge benefit.
Again, I fully understand that not everyone will be able to participate in exercise, or that it may not benefit all equally, but this was such a help to me, I feel I have to share it.
Thanks -
onthemend
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
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btmb03
Unregistered
posted
If you can exercise consider yourself lucky. Even the nuts at a prestigious medical center told me to exercise since I had "FMS"..and initially pushed myself and it only made me sicker and sicker till I collapsed and was rushed by EMS to hospital..
I say listen to your body. I'm too sick to exercise but I do think keeping your body flexible and as "active" as possible is a good thing.
Oh and don't forget the proper breathing techniques that can help oxygenation too!
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posted
My two cents for what it is worth....starting walking 30 mins every other day at the begining albeit very slowly. I know many of you are sikc and can't do it but you have to will yourself somehow...my vertigo was so bad those walks were an adventure....
fast forward 7 months later...and i just went where my body took me...i a mrunning 2 miles every other day and lifting for 20 minutes...ps. i am 46...and physically probably in the nest shape in 15 years. Has it resolved my problmes..no.. still have some neuroplogical issues, fatigue. But it is keeping me strong mentally...and giving me an outlet for my frustrations. Those runs are hard on some nights but i keep telling myself that the bugs want me to stop....so i don't.
Please start somewhere is my message.
Dave
-------------------- On my journey to wellness - One day at a time. Posts: 989 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2008
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I continued to exercise heavily throughout my early days of Lyme, cutting down on the intensity, frequency, and duration as need be. My LLMD, at the time, thought that being in such good shape was what had kept the beast at bay for so long. But over time I got weaker and weaker.
Eventually all I was able to do were a couple of walks a week. Soon the walks were out. By then, my only exercise was household chores and grocery shopping, which took great effort and required many days of recovery. The post-exertional reaction was/is awful. No medical doctor would ever understand this.
At this point standing up to heat up meals is as much exercise as I can handle, and that is not easy. I can't tolerate being on my feet for long.
I think exercise tolerance depends on what bugs you have. In my case, it seemed that exercise sent them in deeper and made me gradually worse, particularly in the latter stages. But this may or may not be the right interpretation. I have no idea.
I do wish I could take walks again.
Maybe one day.
Posts: 845 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2006
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btmb03
Unregistered
posted
Nomoremuscles, you *will*!! There are too many factors at play to even think about comparing..the severity of the infection, hormones, how long before diagnosis, etc.
We are not a homogenous group here on LN so don't ever compare yourself to others, it will drag you down.
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Seek - if you have a positive test, why keep thinking you don't have lyme?
A LOT of people with lyme cannot do very much exercise or anything at all. It really does take time to be able to work up to any exercise.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
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posted
My advice is for people who can exercise. I realize this is not a good option for everyone, and that my situation may be unique.
I started out super slow, taking 5 minute walks down to the end of my street, and gradually adding a few minutes here and there. Now I'm back to running and gym life again, though not nearly as intense as before.
One thing I have noticed that if I exercise to the point of getting really hot, then it's counterproductive and I end up feeling like crap. Ditto if I sit in the sauna after a workout. That seems to really push me over the edge.
So I think the oxygenation is what helps. Not so much the sweating.
The other thing is that I always alternate a hard workout with an easier one. So if I go for a run, then the next day (or usually two) I might take a walk. If I ever do too many hard workouts in a week, then I pay.
But I do some kind of physical activity every day. Even if it's just walking my kids to school, it helps.
Posts: 67 | From SF Bay Area | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I was always under the impression that cardio lowers your immune system and that it is not a good idea to do cardio. I read this on here somewhere but maybe I'm mistaken.
I would love to start some sort of excerise I'm just concerned about the heart racing thing because I freak anytime my heart starts pounding.
Anyone do carido that gets palps? Is it safe the heart doc says I'm good but I know there is something going on with my heart sometimes.
Great Topic Thanks all.
Melissa
-------------------- When the going gets tough. . . I'll keep fighting! Ms. Geet3721
New LLMD, New abx, New life coming right up!!!! Posts: 714 | From La La Lyme Land | Registered: Jun 2008
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
For those wondering if they have Lyme because they can't even walk, or stand up for 5 minutes, or get out of bed, etc.:
In Dr. B's Guidelines he states in no uncertain terms that those too sick to exercise should NOT do any exercise, or even saunas. He says that those who are up to it should NOT do ANY aerobic exercises - at least in the beginning.
But beyond that I don't recall what he recommends re: exercise, because I'm not in any condition to do any of it now, so it's in one ear out the other.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
Aerobic exercise (for those with infections) can damage the heart and put a strain on an inflamed brain, too. That is just part of the reason for the non-aerobic advice from Dr. B.
================
EXCERPT:
when mice infected with Coxsackie B3 were forced to swim in a warm pool, the virulence of the virus was drastically augmented.
In fact, viral replication was augmented 530 times. This did horrendous things to the animals' hearts. We all know that to play squash with the flu can lead to heart attacks.
Much the same danger can be courted by undertaking hard exercise with M.E. (CFS)
Topic: To everyone with cardiac symptoms please read!
========================
There are plenty of ways to move the body. In this world where we think gym equipment is needed - or one must run - just think back to before all that. Think back to our grandparents childhoods. How did they say in shape?
The often would take walks after dinner. They walked to visit a friend. The did chores around the home, etc. And there was always BADMINTON or table tennis going on in my neighborhood.
These are things that can be fun, done in whatever allotments of energy we have - and I'll bet there are many more things like this that can be done at various levels.
lpkayak
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5230
posted
dr b's guidelines do say no aerobic ex-but he has been studyin g the ex/lyme relationship lately and may have newer info on it-
not sure where to get that but maybe colleen at military lyme
i do think IF you are able to push to ex...well enough...once you get there it does hold the ugs off and when you stop they can come back
i saw this when my two teenagers-both pos and txed
were so much into rebelling they had residual symptoms-to prove me wrong they both exercise A LOT!!! they also eat right (see mom??? if you just take care of yourself you don't have lyme...)
they have a minimal amount of symptoms and loss of function now-both cognitively and physically
( i still see major mood swings and depression)
BUT-they are in grad school-doing really well-sailing, jujitsu, running and ex machines-both look great
so i do think if you can get to the point where you can exercise hard its good-but just like taking a lot of tx when you are very infected...i think you have to be careful of too much ex---a herx can kill you and probably so can ex if your heart and lungs are real infected
i'd like an update on dr b's research on exercis
-------------------- Lyme? Its complicated. Educate yourself. Posts: 13712 | From new england | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Hey Melissa, when I had cardio symptoms, I DID NOT exercise - I too was terrified! I think anyone would be.
I def must be at a different stage or different 'bugs' combo, because not only do I get a great, helpful detox from the sweat, but I also take a steaming EPSOM salt bath after the workout as part of my little 'regime'. It has really helped me and I can definitely tell the difference when I don't do it.
I used to get shaky, overheated, etc. all kinds of things that I never experienced before would happen, and that's part of what I'm talking about in first post above where I say I tried to start back up a few times and had to stop.
Interestingly enough - and I bet this is REALLY unique - I was sort of 'can't do' or 'can do it' - it only took me a couple of weeks once I was ABLE to exercise again (about 5 mos into tx)to gear back up.
Now, 1 1/2 yrs later, I still have days when I know as soon as I start that it's just not gonnna work. And I stop. That would be unheard of in my prior (30 years worth) of exercise experience. So, the LD effects are certainly still there even today.
I'm just bringing that up, because again, I think the main thing is listen to and respect your body -
otm
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
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posted
Treating your body right, no matter if you have Lyme or not, will help your health. Diet, sleep hygiene and exercise are all part of that treatment. The real problem is that it is hard for most healthy people to work up the nerve to do too much exercise - an amount that keeps you in bed or sedated for days.
For many Lyme patients, the difference between helpful and hurtful exercise is pretty slim, and it is not in the same place every day. There is some very good advice here - if you can exercise you should start very slowly and listen to your body. Add time or intensity gradually if you can, back off when the exercise is doing more damage than good.
There are lots of benefits to exercise, some depend on intensity, duration or type. Oxidation to peripheral tissue by vasodilation is one, increased insulin sensitivity, increase in V02 max, increase in capillary and mitochrondial density in skeletal muscle, better hormonal regulation - there are lots of potential benefits.
Posts: 263 | From Capital Region, NY, USA | Registered: Jun 2008
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Also please feel free to join us on www.lymefriends.com. We have a group there on this very topic.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
i was going to the gym twice a week, playing volleyball and swimming before and when i got sick. so i guess sport cant be too helpful. now i can only swim and sometimes run sometimes.
Posts: 226 | From earth | Registered: Sep 2007
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