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I have a little mystery I'm trying to solve. Before contracting Lyme Disease 3 years ago I was a marathon runner. I have been able to keep running through my illness but really I'm just hanging on by a thread, doing anywhere from 5-15 miles a week (used to be 50 miles a week). The thing I can't figure out is that if I run at any time other than first thing in the morning I will always become very symptomatic a few hours later with severe headaches, ``puffy/inflamed'' head and neck and extreme fatigue which lasts anywhere from one day to three. However, when I run first thing in the a.m. I fair much better. I still get fatigued later in the day and I often experience the inflammation in the head and neck but it's not nearly as severe. I'm just trying to figure out physiologically why the time of day seems to make a difference very specific to the LYme symptoms. Anyone have thoughts?
Posts: 98 | From cambridge ma | Registered: Oct 2005
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BostonLyme2005
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Hi Nicole,
You are killing yourself! YOU NEED TO REST! Do you think you are the only person to lose an exercise they love?
Your body needs ALL the help it can get from you resting and taking it easy!
I was a national class bicycle racer for about 19 years.
I also notice that if I get some exercise in the AM that the rest of the day goes much better. I, in no way am doing anything like I once did, I even have periods where I can't get exercise for up to 2 weeks, but I am a fighter.
I really have not rode my bike outside for the last year, can only ride it on the trainer. I also must alternate between swimming and getting power walks. I do contribute my efforts in trying to stay active as part of my healing.
I personaly don't think it is good to let a body that was so active to atrophy. There are dangers in that also.
Posts: 582 | From milwaukee wi | Registered: May 2005
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I am not a doctor and I haven't run long distances in 20 years, but I am trying to imagine even taking a long walk with a migraine or whiplash. The jarring motion would be too much for my weary, aching head and neck. So I kind of thought about your situation and extended the idea a little...
If you have Lyme neck symptoms and meningial symptoms (swelling/pain of neck, brain, face) , the unrelenting pounding one would induce from running long distances would logically create/aggrevate inflammation. Now couple that with the fact that Lyme is inflammation throughout the body anyway, and it sounds like you are setting yourself for compounded pain.
The fact that you are better with a.m. runs rather than p.m. runs may be testament to the fact that you wake up with less inflammation but that it naturally progresses through the day. Also keep in mind some of Burrascano's ideas regarding the necessity of afternoon naps and avoidance of getting over-fatigued.
If I'm remembering correctly, I think moderate exercise and sweating is recommended by Burrascano with the admonition that it should be every other day. He cautions against aerobic stress for those with bad symptoms and who are out of cardiac shape.
That said, frankly, I'm envious of your stamina and endurance! If I can prepare three meals a day for my little ones, do laundry and manage to walk around the block... it's an exceptional day. But in your good physical shape, I can see how you wouldn't want to atrophy or lose the runner's high/good endorphins.
If you can still run (God Bless ya!), I wouldn't stop. But I sure would cut way down to respect the headaches, swelling and fatigue and adjust your running schedule accordingly.
All good things to you,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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My heart goes out to you... I used to run (never marathon status) in my teens and twenties (I'm 48 now). When I moved to NYC, I eventually slowed down due to a few accidents and the demands of graduate school. But, I clearly remember how deprived I felt on days when I couldn't run. It's a natural part of your life, so you shouldn't give it up if you are able.
I do remember "pushing past the pain" to build up my endurance. Perhaps that is the point that you should avoid while you are healing - don't push too far for the sake of greater endurance.
I ran into a guy in my doctor's office who told me that he was a runner with Lyme. He gave me unwanted advice, but I listened anyway. He said that I should make an effort to exercise 30 minutes everyday and sweat the toxins out. He also said that despite IV Rocephin, he ran 2-5 miles a day. He looked great (even though he was a bit pompous and self-absorbed!). I think he's right about the 30 minutes and the sweating - - he's also probably right for himself in knowing how much to run.
Bottom line: you know your body bettter than anyone. Take on your own new intuition about this illness and fold it into the "you" of the present. It has its limitations compared to before, but "before" isn't the goal here -- beating the illness is the goal without giving into the illness. Someone once said about depression, accept it, but don't invite it into your livingroom... tell it that it's welcome to stay in the garage!
So, here's to sending Lyme to the garage!
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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