I think it's individual and it will likely vary at different times / your condition changes / improves.
Best wishes,
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
i agree with canbravelyme, Listen to your body. think its great you can walk everyday, as long as ya don't push yourself.
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
I think exercise is very important for healing. It gets all the toxins moving so they can move out. I think everyone should exercise according to their ability .... I did throughout my entire treatment and still do.
The Dr. B guidelines posted above are great, you should read through what he has to say about exercise. Walking is great! He also thinks that some strength training and stretching are necessary. Just no cardio until your stamina can handle it.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I was exercising regularly through my symptom flareups until we discovered it was lyme. I found that if I took it easy (REALLY REALLY EASY) I didn't feel nearly as bad. I do agree that exercise helps rid the body of toxins, but there are other ways to do that as well if exercise makes you feel worse.
-------------------- Lyme, Bart, possible Babs Currently on IV Doxy, Bactrim, Zithromax, Nystatin, Mepron Been on nearly every antibiotic since 10/09
posted
Thanks to you all for this great information. I will indeed, listen to my body and review the information regarding Dr. Bs guidelines etc. I am so thankful to be part of this great community. Best-
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Be sure to check out books and articles on "Adaptogens" regarding adrenal support. That is a key in stability and endurance.
Singleton's book "The Lyme Disease Solution" also has great suggestions for adrenal support that is so essential during lyme recovery.
============
canbravelyme posted the link above -
See page page 4 of Burrancano's guidelines for a bit about the adrenal dysfunction issues. Absolute rules on page 27 and Exercise guidelines are on pages 31-32. -------------------
This is just part of the reason that patients with infections are instructed to avoid aerobics:
From Dr. Bruno's "Fainting and Fatigue" in the Spring 1996 CFIDS Chronicle
Post-polio expert Dr. Richard Bruno points out that physical over-activity is the biggest cause of post-polio symptoms. [3]
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).'' End quote.
Lyme disease, also, has cautions about aerobic exercise until nearly well.
=======================
While walking is generally good, here are some other ways for gentle exercise that be be very helpful:
posted
i am firm beleiver in what Dr. B wrote about excercise...i started slowly and listened to my body....a years ago that was just a 30 min walk...now its is 30 misn of weights and a 20 mins run....if i am too tired to run i make sure i got to the sauna to sweat.
a) it has kept me sane b) my cholestrol and bp are better than ever c) the detox effect is very easy to feel...now...not so much early one... d) i am as fit as i was 15 years ago....that has to help my body fight better. e) It is very hard some days
Dave
-------------------- On my journey to wellness - One day at a time. Posts: 989 | From NJ | Registered: Sep 2008
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Dave, when you say 'hard', do you mean tired? Do you mean your legs get so heavy you can barely take another step but you push through? Lots of sweating? It would be helpful if those who exercise could define what they need to push through.
For example. MB says he rides a bike an HOUR a day and has all co-infections. Obviously, Babesia is not making it impossible. Though, he doesn't seem to imply this exercise ability is an improvement in health status.
What I'm trying to determine is am I being a whimp who should go even when I feel like I'm going to fall over because ya'll did and that's what it takes to get over the hump.
I just don't get it. Maybe the extra detail would help. The more I hear, the more it'll sink in hopefully. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Mitochondrial dysfunction can be a huge factor in lyme. Lyme damages mitochondra. So, as the mitochondria are the tiny energy centers of our cells, this presents a huge factor for energy output.
There are some things to help the mitochondria. Magnesium in one of those. D-Ribose is another.
Here's a nine-page article with tremendous detail to understanding physiological aspects of exercise intolerance or regaining ground after illness - with great information on what can help.
Reading about ATP and mitochrondia was very helpful to making sure my nutritional support doesn't miss something essential.
While this is not specifically about lyme, much of the research is still quite applicable.
By Dr. Christopher R. Snell, Dr. J. MarkVanNess and Staci R. Stevens, et.al.
From THE CFIDS CHRONICLE SUMMER 2004
==========
Also remember Tai Chi or Qi Gong. These exercises can be tremendously helpful in building strength and endurance as well as improving balance. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
My attitude is when my body starts to make clear signals that it is enough - i.e. legs don't want to move, etc., that would be a sign that I overdid it.
I do not push through. For me, pushing through was harming my recovery.
It's important for me to be sensitive to the subtle "STOP" signals that my body is relaying to me and stop then.
I feel compelled to state again that one needs to figure out what works best for one's individual recovery. What works for me may not work for someone else, or what works for me now might not have worked before or in the future.
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
Running has improved my quality of life 10 fold..I believe it has helped my recovery drasically..
When I run everyday or every other day..i can tell the difference in my face..my eyes look clearer and not so dark around the eyelids. Ppl tell me I have a glow..which doesnt happen very often since dealing with chronic neuro lyme.
Running 20-30 min with headphones..watching the beautiful fall whether all around me..its like meditation.
I can tell the difference in my body when I fall off the wagon or miss a couple days..
It really has made ALL the difference..I highly recommend finding that balance bwtn pushing yourself just enough..but not too much..keeps you in a fighting spirit..and doesnt allow you to fall victim to this disease or the mindset it can ensue.
Running increases endorphins and has definitely affected my mood!
Posts: 17 | From All over Maryland | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Seekhelp...I definitely wouldn't push yourself to try to do what others are doing. Everyone is different so it is really important to listen to your body and only do what YOU can handle.
Dr. B is very clear that you should not do any aerobic exercises until you are recovered enough to do so.
Personally for me there is no way I could do what some of the people on here are doing and it would not be good for me to try to force myself to do that. No way could I handle walking for 30 minutes daily or running etc etc.
When I do too much it makes me very sick and often I will get chest pains (yes I have had my heart checked out...it is from the lyme). So for me pushing myself to exercise would be bad and I think very dangerous.
I can do stretches though. I do about 10-15 minutes of stretching every other day (since Dr. B says not to do every day). And for me that is a work out. Afterwards it feels as if I worked out which to me is crazy since it is just stretching.
So only do what you can handle. That is always going to be different for each person. For me 15 minutes of stretching is a workout but for others it is walking for an hour.
-------------------- Sick since 10/2001. Tested CDC positive for Lyme 10/2008 through Quest and Igenex. Started treatment 1/2009 with LLMD. Lyme, Erichilosis, Chlamydophila Pneumoniae, Q Fever, Strep Syndrome and probably a few others I am forgetting. Posts: 451 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
Gang, I must have jenxed myself as tonight, I tried to walk on the treadmill and my soles hurt so bad after five minutes I had to get off. Gosh, I don't know if that is the Bartonella but is scares me. It would make sense as the Babs is now finally been beaten down- hopefully for good. Did any of you have Bartonella foot pain and what did you do? Thanks a ton!! Amy
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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daisyrlb
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15686
posted
Amy,
Before Lyme I was a jogger and was healthy. However, after Lyme I couldn't jog and didn't even take walks. I was in too much pain, exhausted and had brain fog. My muscles became very weak.
After getting better, then having a relapse--the second time around I remember reading what Dr. B said, "If a person does not exercise they will not get better." WOW.
I started exercising and I truly believe that Dr. B's protocol for exercise was THE thing that gave me the breakthrough with my Lyme symptoms.
I started VERY slowly (30 seconds!) of exercises. (I used a Body Flex and still do.) Between that and isometric exercises I began to build muscle strength again. I usually do 30 to 45 minutes of muscle exercises a night.
For fun I walk, ride my bike and do some jogging.
I, too, believe it is important to listen to your body. As for my body, because being EXHAUSTED was THE symptom that totally stopped me in my tracks and put me in bed, I did not push myself or over do it. Going slow worked for me.
I have been off antibiotics since March 2009 and thank God I have my health and life back.
To read my success story on Lymenet here is the link ( towards the bottom of page 2)
posted
Daisy-I cannot thank you enough. Your story was just the light I needed today... You are right- we are LYME SURVIVORS~! Thank you for caring enough to reach out to me when I needed it most. God bless you and ENJOY your life... what a wonderful thing to be blessed with! Best, Amy
I am going to PM you now-
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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posted
I think working out is crucial. But even before I had lyme I worked out. Dr. B believed in resistance (such as weights)exercise. I think he's right. But I do a lot of walking too, especially because we don't have a car.
Exercise is also important for your brain and emotional state.
Good luck. We're with you.
We'll Win
Posts: 107 | From maryland | Registered: Feb 2007
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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
Dr. Bs contradiction to other doc's recommendations on cardio is confusing!
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
It is confusing... thanks we'll win. I can tell you this- my mental health is 100 percent improved with a walk. Thyme2heal- you are right, It helps me from feeling like a victim and that is the last thing that will help me get well. Thank you all for your contributions... you all have made my week- actually year. Thank God I found you all... WE WILL BEAT THIS!
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Why is it confusing? It's simple to understand, do not do aerobic exercise if you are very ill, it taxes your T cells and messes up your immune system. You can test yourself by if you are wiped out for days after exercising then you did too much. If you are ok, then you did fine, and keep doing it. You should probably schedule rest days in between any big activity.
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Leelee
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 19112
posted
I find that the biggest benefit exercise gives me is a clear and steady mind. It helps with my sadness and gloom.
Having been an athlete and dancer most of my life I had to change my exercises to Yoga and walking. They are much more moderate activities than I did before, but mentally they are wonderful.
-------------------- 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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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
It is confusing because other doctors with good track records and experience do not put restrictions on aerobic exercise. I can say that fatigue has been the least of my problems, I have had almost none other than at the beginning over a year ago. My far and away biggest problem has been pain. And yes, my left shoulder and sometimes the entire arm will kill for days after my workout. Same thing with my hips! This is not the typical muscle soreness from a good workout, this is something extra.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
Thanks Wild Condor for the straight talk... I needed to hear it. And to everyone that contributed on this thread. It has been super helpful. I hope things get clearer for you Richie. I am sorry for your pain.
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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