I know the theory that after a cardio workout, the T-cells go down temporarily and the Lyme takes advantage.
But at some point, can't your immune system get better if you force yourself to get stronger with cardio?
I know that if I do too much, I have a major episode just 24 hours later. But, I'm wondering if I should just push through it since I'm on antibiotics, maybe I can reboot my immune system? I'm sick of only being able to be out and about for 4 hours total.
I have a friend who is an exercise physiologist. He does 50 mile races! He contracted Lyme and was told to stop running but he didn;t and it went away while he pushed through it. He was on dixy for 3 weeks.
Just musing...
Posted by sbh93 (Member # 30429) on :
I was pretty strong before my reinfection. Had bad migraines and some other stuff, but I was rollerblading or running nearly every day and had pretty cut muscles. When I was bit again, and before I knew what was going on, the "flu" stopped my normal exercise routine. When the "flu" that turned into respiratory infection that "cleared" with antibiotics, I started exercising again slowly. I had only been out of commission maybe five weeks.
This was bad for me. I started having heart trouble. A 20 minute rollerblade on flat road made me sweat so bad and my skin so red my husband tried to force me to the ER. Stupid me, I kept at it every day ("I just got out of my routine.") until I passed out on the side of the road, that time after only 10 minutes. When I woke up (rural area), I started home very slowly but my heart was racing again and trying to beat out my chest.
I have wondered the same thing, but looking back on how I was an avid exerciser and then got knocked down, I am afraid to exercise again. My immune system was pretty strong; it was keeping me functional though I already had unproperly-treated lyme. Right now, I can get the mail and do one or two household chores a day. I wish I could run again.
Posted by scorpiogirl (Member # 31907) on :
I was going to say I got NOTHING to push through it!
Even getting up to get the kids ready for school and I'm pooped so never mind about exercising. Like sbh93 said it doesn't take much to get my heart to pound out of my chest. Not to mention the dizziness and vertigo. I'm too afraid to get a vertigo attack!
Posted by Pony (Member # 32559) on :
I think it all depends on the person.
I have days where I ski and run around and feel better afterwards. Having said that, if some of my "lyme" friends did that they would be in seriously rough safe.
For example some of my friends consider walking to the mailbox exercise, which is great for them; however, for someone a little better off that wouldn't cut it.
I think it's best to take it in stride and push yourself without overdoing it.
Posted by Pony (Member # 32559) on :
Furthermore on that point, I remember when I couldn't walk up the stairs, now I don't even think about it...
Take it one day at a time and try to progress everyday Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Harsh exercise while ill can cause heart damage. "Cardio" implies aerobics, which are not allowed until patients are MUCH better. One's LLMD can guide this.
Nevertheless, to exercise the heart SAFELY, it need not be fast and furious. TAI CHI, a slow continuous movement strengthens the heart.
A reply from a similar post. Some wording may not seem just right for a reply here but too tired to rephrase. Content still applies:
The brain is often swollen / inflamed with lyme. So are many of the nerve fibers. Aerobics can make that much worse.
Adrenal dysfunction is one reason that aerobics are not recommended for those with infections, etc.
Hard exercising if adrenals are weak can future damage, severely.
Cardiac and mitochondrial issues are a concern, too. The heart is not to be pushed during infection states,even if on abx..
Anyone with liver issues need to be very careful with aerobics. Aerobics push more toxins through the liver and, often, it just can't handle that.
Everyone with lyme has liver stress. Just one reason why aerobics can be devastating for many.
Good stuff: Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Yoga, or Pilates.
** Light resistance weight training (not every day, but every OTHER day). See Dr. B's guidelines for instructions. ** [those with carpal tunnel or elbow problems would have to adapt somehow.]
For starters: just walk at normal pace, that is comfortable and does not result in "payback".
Tread water slowly; Water Walk; Water Tai Chi.
Dance, even if slowly, frequently, to music - just around your kitchen or living room as often as the mood strikes. Dance can take on a whole new meaning. It need not be fast. Just move to some music. Or, just BREATHE to some music.
Any of that gets circulation going.
None of those activities are to be sneezed at and can really help strengthen and support a stressed body (and liver) while NOT destroying it along the way. If movement is relaxing yet as imparts a better sense of well-being, that's a good thing.
Keep. An. Even. Keel. -
[ 11-01-2011, 02:33 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by lost11 (Member # 34607) on :
I can tell you that when I exercise I feel better. The more I sit around the worse I feel. So.. To answer your question, yes I believe cardio is great for this disease. But, one really needs to go at their own pace. A little bit at least 3 times a week can make a world of difference.
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