posted
I consider myself to be somewhat of an athlete, running, biking, generally working out at least 3-4 days a week. I'm undergoing tests to determine what is making me feel like I'm feeling, and as lyme is one of the possibilities, here I am.
I'm wondering if anyone else is/was an athlete with lyme and how much this is going to affect me. I'm not a pro or anything, but I like to compete, even if its just against myself.
I'm assuming from what I've read that I'm gonna be pretty much out of commission with some of these treatments, but I'm wondering what some other experiences have been. Thanks in advance!
Posts: 8 | From Springfield, VA | Registered: Aug 2007
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timaca
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6911
posted
I was an athlete...backpacking in the Grand Canyon often, doing 17 mile races over 13,000 ft mountain passess, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, etc.
Now I can walk slowly on level ground, and swim slowly. I can still lift weights, on a good day, but at 2/3 my strength.
Timaca
Posts: 2872 | From above 7,000 ft in a pine forest | Registered: Feb 2005
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I have always been into fitness ... not an athlete really, but I do lift weights and do some cardio 3-4 times per week. I've always been in good physical condition.
I have kept up with the weightlifting through all of this. During herxes I was unable to go. In the beginning I needed someone else there with me to keep me going or else I was likely to lie down on the bench and sleep! Also, I had so much brain fog I couldn't count the sets I was doing ... sad, I couldn't count to three. LOL
I feel like exercise has been a very important part of my recovery. Back in January before I started treatment, I was about 15%. Now I'm about 75%. I did have to cut out cardio for a while and still skip it about half the time. On good days I can do the elliptical on a light setting for 30 minutes. But I was in rough shape when I started treatment, so you may be able to handle more.
On the other hand, my daughter started treatment before she was as sick as I was. She has been functional even through herxes. So, I think a lot depends on how sick you are now.
I wouldn't do a lot of the cardio right now if you don't have the stamina for it. Your body needs that energy to heal. This is not the time to push yourself as many of us do. Stay in the weight room until you have the stamina, but try to keep working out.
You might read the Dr. B guidelines available at www.ilads.org to see what he says about exercise.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Before I got sick, I was very much into working out and lifting weights. I'd go to the gym and work out for one and a half to two hours every day. I loved working out and feeling healthy -- I still do but it's basically been stolen from me by this disease. After I got sick, I haven't been able to do much, if anything, at all. I work at home now as I can't even make it to work because I feel so ill so often.
I also ended up buying a treadmill for home because going to the gym isn't really possible most days. Even though I have a treadmill at home now, I still rarely feel well enough to do much on it.
Some days when I'm feeling somewhat better I can go at least an hour on it (just some fast walking, maybe a couple minutes running here and there), but most days 30 minutes is all I can do.
I was told by my LLMD, though, that I should take it easy and definitely listen to my body because overdoing exercise with lyme disease and/or its co-infections can work against you rather than help.
I was told that pilates, yoga, meditation and things of that sort are, of course, low impact so probably a good option instead of competitive and high intensity exercise.
I'm only 23, so being robbed of exercise and something I really enjoyed has been hard. Most days, now, I feel too old (most days I seriously feel like I'm 99 years old) and too sick to do much of anything.
-------------------- 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
I'm 25 and I'm worried that this huge part of my life is gonna be taken, much like you guys say. Whatever my tests say, I'm gonna try to do everything I currently do, just maybe at a reduced rate. Thanks for sharing!
Posts: 8 | From Springfield, VA | Registered: Aug 2007
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ByronSBell 2007
Unregistered
posted
I was big into athletics before/while I got ill with lyme disease. Played mostly football and ran track. I was also a workout horse. Won state in track and football and won a workout competition. Now since having lyme I had to quit all of it, and when treatment started things got even worse! I think I am in a constant herx for 8 months now and still going....
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Yep. Add me to the list. I was an endurance competition rider. That is marathon racing on horseback and it is extreme physical for both horse and rider.
I still ride, but nowadays, it is very casual and laid back riding. I went from a hard charging Arabian to an easy going Tenn Walking Horse. That is like going from a race car to a cadillac.
By the time I groom and tack up my horse, I'm spent. But I still try to get in a couple of hours ride a couple times a week.
My lyme has gone into Rheum. Arthritis, so I am really blessed to be good enough to ride at all. I do lift weights, yoga and rebound to stay in shape but sometimes I overdo and my muscles rebel and I have to rest them for a few days.
Frustrating!
While you are treating your lyme, learn and put in to practice everything you can about Leaky Gut Syndrom, probiotics and diet. Antibiotics are the #1 cause of LGS and it will make you as sick and even sicker than the lyme. So, take care of your gut while you take the drugs and you will heal much quicker.
Luvs
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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So far, I'm doing pretty well. I'm an avid cyclist and I race quite a bit. I have only raced twice this year, both times it knocked me for a loop. I have (mostly) been able to train during my illness, although I did have to take about 6 weeks off. My brain fog got to be too much. My fatigue and aches have never really kept me from riding/competing, more the brain fog. I'm about 1.5 months into treatment and I feel pretty good. It's all subjective of course, but I plan on racing an event in two weeks.
Aerobic exercise is good for you, but as others have said, you have to listen to your body. At my first LLMD visit, prior to my diagnosis, my LLMD asked that i continue to workout at whatever level that I thought that I could sustain after his treatment begins. I have yet to get "his treatment" started because we're waiting on some more blood work, but so far (I've had symptoms for 4 months, treated for 1.5) I'm still able to function at a pretty high level.
Keep going. The aerobic stuff will help to kill the spirochetes. If it knocks you back after a good workout, you may need to pace yourself. Raising your core body temp and oxygenating your blood are bad environments for the chetes.
BTW, I posted a similar thread when I figured out what was wrong with me. I didn't get many responses. PM me if you want to talk.
BT
Posts: 299 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jul 2007
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
Welcome Hokie:
I was knocked flat by Lyme and Cos after about 15 years of living with them misdiagnosed. I cycled, played golf & tennis, swam and climbed. I wasn't feeling well and finally I crashed. I could not walk or talk straight. It was devastating at first. I went from the bed to the floor to the couch.
Mentally, I still considered myself an athlete. I shifted gears from lots of cardio to walking to and from the mailbox and lifting of a 5 lb weight. Gradually, I added in yoga and tai chi. Those 2 have saved me from total muscle atrophy (I was 80% there) and depression.
I have been in treatment for about 6 years now. I do yoga every morning. I do some form of cardio 3x a week. It is a struggle. But, I am stubborn, much to the dismay of my LLMD. I am careful though. I train for and compete in 2 or 3 5Ks a season. I come in dead last! I cycle 1 or 2 days a week (only 4 miles) and on a trainer in the winter. I swim 200 strokes (that's all I can manage) when the weather is nice.
I had a personal trainer who did help me lots. Her motto was "Do it to complete not to compete". I have taken the word "compete" out of my vocabulary for now. I am learning to be ok with that, as I hope it is temporary.
As a fellow athlete, my advice to you is to try not to get too frustrated during treatment. You will have good and bad days. Work out sensibly whenever you can. Be prepared to possibly be knackered the following day. Respect and listen to your body. It is much smarter than we think. Find a new activity that suits your condition. I have discovered that I really love my Chi practice and yoga. Those are two of the gifts Lyme has given me.
shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
Wow, we have an impressive bunch in here!
Ditto to what has been said -- you will have to find what works for you. In general, I would say that acute disease, and aggressive treatment, make you feel fluish most of the time, and I doubt you'd do a marathon on the flu!
Your body will be working hard to make you well, so give it plenty of rest when you are weakest. But I have to admit, there were times when I pushed it, just to feel alive! and paid for it the next day.
I would consider myself chronic. I am also now 50 years old. But I can still out-dance my students at times!
Shaz (professional dancer and dance teacher for over 25 years)
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I've been taking karate for 10 years. I was sick with neck pain and all over inflammation but kept at it. Before getting my diagnosis, I went to a pain doctor who told me repetitive exercise was awful for "Fibromyalgia" which is what she said I had.
I kept at it anyway and got my first and second degree. There were days I could barely walk in the studio but stretching and sweating has done wonders for me.
Over Christmas when the studio is closed (and I am too lazy to work out on my own) I noticed I don't feel as well.
So for me, working out has many benefits - working off toxins, keeping tight muscles loose. Massage therapy has helped tremendously too.
I think if you were doing all this before diagnosis, you can at least attempt to keep working out. I was only on abx for 6 months and then started with alternative methods.
My hardest times was during abx treatment. But I still went and it helped me feel better afterwards.
posted
EyeBob, your handle sounds familiar. Are you on another forum for road biking?
I ran 3 miles with the dog yesterday, and today I feel like a train wreck. I hardly slept at all last night, and every joint aches more today than it has in a long time. I suppose maybe 3 miles was a bad idea, but we had a good time. I'm only on an anti-inflammatory since my test results aren't back yet, and luckily it hasn't made me feel too crappy, but I also know it isn't really making me better either. I guess thats just the way it is.
Thanks all for sharing. Good to know there are a lot of folks like me going through this.
Posts: 8 | From Springfield, VA | Registered: Aug 2007
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I'm pretty active at RBR.com, you'll see me posting there a lot.
I just spoke with my LLMD and he chastised me for not following his set protocol, prior to giving me the diagnosis. I too am in limbo, but I'm certain that I have it. If you're on anti-inflammatory's that'll only knock back the headache and joint/muscle pain a bit. The real improvement will come when you kill off the chetes with ABX. Hang in there until you get your treatment plan. Mine should start, in earnest in 2 weeks.
PM me if you'd like. As I mentioned, I have had a little difficulty finding endurance athletes to compare notes with through this board. Endurance athletes are a little different than others (dancers, etc.). I'll keep sharing my story if it helps.
BT
Posts: 299 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I thought that sounded familiar. I'm one of the unwashed masses that mostly posts in the Lounge, but I venture into the other forums occasionally.
Its amazing how small of a place the internet really is.
So have you started taking abx yet or no? I'm curious as to how they are going to affect my riding and running. I used to be able to pound out a 30-40 mile ride no problem. Two weekends ago I was barely able to struggle through a 20 (poor food intake) and this week all I've done is a 10. Its pretty depressing.
Thanks for the input!
Posts: 8 | From Springfield, VA | Registered: Aug 2007
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posted
I should give you my whole story. Short answer, yes, I'm on ABX, no I don't have the official diagnosis.
I got bit in Jan. 2007, no symptoms, no rash. April 2007 I get crushing symptoms, due to tearing it up one night with my National Guard Unit. Tough way to learn that spirochetes love alcohol. Don't drink anymore, by the way. I then spend the next 2 months trying to figure out what's wrong with me. I figure it out (not my PCP) and I start on Doxy 400mg per day. I then add 500mg Azith a few weeks later. this brings us to 2 weeks ago. I go to my LLMD, he runs a bunch more tests and has me stop everything. Yes everything. I, being impulsive and not liking what it feels like off meds, stay on the Azith. Which brings me to today. I call him, he says "okay, you can do this but you're just delaying my change of therapy." I say "crap" and will stop everything until I see him in two weeks.
I'm miffed because my first cross race is in two weeks and I just bet I'll feel like crap for it. As i mentioned previously, for about 6 weeks, I could only ride and run a little, that's when I had my worse symptoms, prior to taking ABX. Since then, I've been gradually getting better, and in fact for about the last 2 weeks I've been trying to play catchup on my training. I can still go pretty hard and the ABX themselves don't slow you down, the disease does. My major symptoms when it's bad are headache, brain fog, mental fatigue, and physical fatigue. I've mostly been able to ride and train at about 80% level, some days less , some more. I expect to have a crappy cross season and I'll probably really be getting better just at the end of the season in December.
PM me if you'd like. Take with a grain of salt most of what's posted here. Lot's of great information, but everyone's disease is different.
BT
Posts: 299 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I am (or was!) a serious athlete. I have been a runner for 20 years (I'm now 37) have run 10 marathons - Boston 4 x's - 2x's as a qualified runner. I've run up Mt. Washington in sub 2 hour time! My first Lyme sypmtoms centered around my long runs. Every other weekend I would do a 15 miler and I'd wake up in the middle of the night with serious heart palpatations and seizure like activity. But this would only happen on days I did my long runs. However,eventually, the symtoms started occuring daily and were just more severe on days I would run. Now, 2 years into treatment I can't really run without becoming very symptomatic. I speedwalk 5 x's per week at a very fast pace and I do become more symptomatic but it's manageable. Asking me to stop being active is asking me to kill myself. Running was one of the best things in my life and I hope to get back to it someday soon. I miss it terribly every day. Running has helped me through many a rough time in my life but unfortunately it can't help me through Lyme. Nicolette
Posts: 98 | From cambridge ma | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
My husband was a half-marathoner before he suddenly became seriously ill two years ago. He's about nine months into treatment and a slow paced walk is the best he can do. The only way he'll ever run again is if we reverse the pulmonary fibrosis probably caused by babesia.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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I started competing in equestrian events when I was 5 up on Long Island (where I got Lyme). I did the pony hunters up until college, and then I became addicted to lifting weights.
I was in fitness competition shape, but the anxiety of being on stage won out and I never competed. Instead I did some fitness modeling. Working out started to get really difficult and that's when I started to figure out I had something wrong with me.
I try to work out now whenever I can, but it's been really difficult since treatment. I've lost 12 lbs of muscle and I notice my mood definitely suffers when I don't work out. I miss being active so much!!! I met my husband in a gym and he's in amazing shape--works out 5 days a week and I miss being able to work out with him.
-------------------- "Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead Posts: 290 | From New York | Registered: May 2007
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
I am impressed with the posters here.
Nicolette: You ran up in 2 hours (or less)??? That is incredible. Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range was probably the last good hike I did before getting sick.
I managed to cycle for 9 days in Europe. It was quite hilly and long daily rides. The night of day 9 I got off my bike, fell into my tent and slept for about 10 hours. I couldn't saddle up the next morning. I was in my 40s and figured maybe I was just getting too old to do this. But, I think that's when I realized something was terribly wrong. I am just so happy I have that trip under my belt.
We have to be pleased with our accomplishments and do what we can to stay active at whatever level works for now. I am training for a road race in November. If I cross the finish line I will have a smile on my face. I don't care what my time is.
posted
I have been a competitive distance runner since I was 15. I have run a 2:31 marathon, 1:09 half-marathon, 31:30 10K, 15:08 5K. I have remained competitive until recently, age 44.
After an acute bout with lyme in 2003 I was treated for 8 weeks (undertreated) and have had a major relapse this year...major neuro and connective tissues sympt. Testing positive for lyme and babesia, as of 10-14-07 in 4th week of treatment.
I hold records in several trail races, but started going downhill in late May, just after breaking course records in a trail marathon and a 50K...unfortunately the 50K was a meltdown at end as symptoms picked up. Did manage to run a 16:41 5K in mid-June but was hurtin' bad a couple weeks ago back east...high temp and humidity about killed me...17:55 and 17:45 5K's on Aug 4th and 5th. So it goes.
As of now I continue to run approx 30 miles a week, but it is becoming increasingly difficult with shoulder and achilles, and I am doing almost no speedwork and no truly hard days.
LocalMan (Dan)
[ 15. October 2007, 08:39 AM: Message edited by: LocalMan ]
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
OK I finally edited my last post as I realized it was way too detailed...sorry about that!
I would love to talk to any other competitive endurance athletes out there...
being a competitive distance runner is such a huge part of my identity and lifestyle that the impact of losing it is almost as big as the disease itself.
LM
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I used to be a long distance runner for over 20 years, now I walk at a fast pace daily for 1 hour, it lifts my spirit and helps my stiffness. I have been under treatment for 3 years and I could barely walk at the beginin of treatment. I was diagnosed with MS by the geniuses.
Parisa: How does your husband got diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis? I have some lung problems, babesia has been -still is- my big problem, I am seeing a pulmonologist tomorrow. Thank you!.
Lymster in WA
Posts: 303 | From WA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
Ok, I'll give this a stab - I'm not an athlete but I am athletic. I've had Lyme disease for at least 18 years and was able to work out for most of my illness including squash, tennis, dragon-boat racing, biking and weight lifting. I averaged working out 4-5 times a week including entering some squash tournaments. Seven years ago I started going downhill fast and was unable to do more than walk because of extreme fatigue and heart problems.
Fast forward to 2007 - after being diagnosed with Lyme disease 2 years ago, both serologically (CDC positive from IGENEX on IGG and IGM) and clinically, I am now back at the gym and biking to work and generally feeling well. My heart problems appear resolved and I feel good after working out, as opposed to feeling like death warmed over as I did previously.
The huge change for me was supplementing with Vitamin D, although diet, supplements and rest played a close second. I am still debating about whether to take abx as I have seen poor results for people with late-stage Lyme disease.
luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
I don't believe it is coincidence that so many of us were avid atheletes prior to illness.
Yes, we are probably exposed more than most sedentary folk, but I live in the Mountains and know so many hunters who aren't atheletes. The only time they exert themselves is hunting season. Then they just ride their 4 wheeler to the tree stand and sit and wait.
I work with one guy and he says he pulls dozens of ticks off himself each year. He is 46 and appears healthy.
All my horse riding buddies are not the extreme rider I was. They are very casual in their lifestyle and their riding. I've been with them when they extracted ticks. We all tick check each other. None of them have lyme disease.
I think the excessive exersize weakens our immune systems.
Just my observation. Certainly not a scientific study.
Luvs
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
bikers, have you/still riding IOWA'S RAGBRAI, REGISTER'S GREAT ANNUAL BIKE RIDE ACROSS IOWA , about 500 miles in 1 week?
well, i was athletic, but to you YOUNGINS, that was 40 years ago! i'm 58 now.
i was in softball, basketball, volleyball; softball, is where i exceeded.
we lived 7 miles from town, so during spring, summer, and fall, i'd ride my bike there to get to the games.
later middle brother was given a motorcyle as a gift; i rode that as often as i could.
i continued playing all 3 sports until i was 26 when my arthritis got so bad in all parts of my body. i was 21 when i was bitten but never knew it!
i was a good, quicker runner, and slider in softball. my future husband/hubby NOW used to come to watch me with my flying boobs running the bases!! i was DD; so it was quite a site!
20 years ago i had breast reduction, and they removed 5.5 lbs!! imagine 5 lbs. or flour or suger weight! they just rested on my desk/tables!! so painful on my shoulders. after that surgery, i was never the same, and many repurcusions due to it!
shazdancer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1436
posted
BettyG, you crack me up! Now I have this image that I can't get outa my head....
LocalMan, this resonates with me
quote:being a competitive distance runner is such a huge part of my identity and lifestyle that the impact of losing it is almost as big as the disease itself.
I just wanted to say that it is possible to get your life back, especially if you have a good immune system. But no matter how it turns out, I hope you'll be able to understand that YOU and your worth are not defined by your athleticism. And that the discipline and tenacity that made you good at sports can be applied in other endeavors. You have value, sport or not.
Take care, Shaz
Posts: 1558 | From the Berkshires | Registered: Jul 2001
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posted
I know that the continued high-intensity workload can (and does) stress the immune system, and that it may make those individuals more susceptible...but since I live in such a low-vector area, I never thought it would ever be me..2nd ever known case in my county.
Ironic to me that my quest to be as strong and fast (if not healthy) as I can be may have constributed to me getting this !@#$. Sometimes I wish I could have been more of a bump on a log.
Hopefully previous fitness/strength will pay off while fighting this...I hope.
Thanks for the comments Shaz. I will try to remember.
LM
[ 15. October 2007, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: LocalMan ]
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Hopefully previous fitness/strength will pay off while fighting this...I hope.
Continue exercising as your body will allow, but not high energy extreme type exercise. I know all of us on this thread are Type A personalities and saying "pace yourself" is like fingernails on a blackboard.
But slow steady exercise is the ticket. There is a saying in Endurance Racing that goes: "Distance does not hurt the horse, speed hurts the horse". Same thing for us.
Some exercise is necessary to be healthy. Too much and all health benefits are lost and the body becomes sick.
That is what I believe happened to each of us. Then when infection set it, it easily took hold. Just my humble opinion based upon how many of us here at Lymenet were atheletes.
Luvs
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
There's a couple local 10K's coming up that I may have a hard time turning down, as I still have a shot at winning them...don't know how much longer that will be the case...but I do fear making things worse. There's a half marathon too but I'm resigned I won't be able to do that.
yesterday I ran (easy), hiked with the kids, and mowed the yard...I was ok at the time, but I've got the shakes pretty bad today.
LM
[ 15. October 2007, 06:43 PM: Message edited by: LocalMan ]
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
I hate to say it, but I wouldn't recommend participating whole heartedly in the 10K's. I know that probably makes your skin crawl to read that, but I have learned from experience that pushing myself only makes things worse in the long run.
Especially given how you feel today after your activity yesterday.
One of the hardest things for me to learn has been how to moderate my activity. I have a feeling it played a big part in my decline over the last winter.
Easy does it, but do it! Maybe you can find a way to participate that will not tax your body too much. I'm sure the pull to win is big, though....
Hang in there.
Robin
Posts: 276 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2006
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I'd say the opposite. I've raced and trained through my Lyme treatment. I hammer when I can, and back off when I can't. Honestly, I think that since I get such a mental release from my training on my bicycle that I need it, so-to-speak. I would also say that all serious athletes really, really know their bodies well. Because of this, I use my workouts to guage my illness. Sounds backwards, right? It's not. When I go out for a ride, say 2 hours, I guage my stamina and strength during the event AND how I recover afterwards. This has been a really encouraging guage of my fight with this bug. I've seen my exercise stamina and strength improve ONLY because I kept pushing and watching.
Go out and run. Forget the posts that you read about all the dire scenarios. If you feel well enough, go for it. Listen to your body, it'll tell you how you're progressing.
PM me if you want to rap.
BT
Posts: 299 | From New Hampshire | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
HokieRider, I see that you live pretty close. I want to encourage you to come to the support meeting held in DC. I can give you more information if you are interested. We are starting a youth group, which will probably be broken down into a teen group and a 20's group.
My daughter, who is now 21, was a three sport athlete in high school when she became sick. She was competing on two field hockey teams (her main love) that were comprised of girls who went on to college on athletic scholarships. That was her plan. She also loved horseback riding - probably where she got the tick bite - Loudon County. She has had a lot of trouble dialing down her exercise to a non-athletic level, therefore doesn't do what she should. The ILADS guidelines are emphatic about doing weight training every other day. I am hoping that we can get a physical trainer, who has lyme, to come to a youth meeting to help everyone determine what and how much they should do. The hardest thing is learning to recognize that line you don't want to cross - to avoid crashing!
I hope you will think about attending. They met for the first time in September and will meet again in November. There aren't many yet, but the potential is there for a good group. As my daughter said, it was a very upbeat group - no pity parties!
Posts: 422 | From Herndon, Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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Yes, I'm a lifelong athlete. Knew something was up when suddenly lost energy to engage in all of my usual pursuits. Really knew something bad was going on when I nearly dropped a freeweight on my face because my fingers just opened up!
I was on the couch and struggling for about 4 months before I wound up in an emergency room. From Oct 2006 - August 2007, no workouts, barely walking. BUT - once I got dxd and started doxy in Feb 2007, I really began to improve. By this August I picked up aerobic activities again and actually came back pretty quickly. Weights are on this week. I expect good things.
I DID NOTICE: A bit more muscle fatigue than I would have in the past. A sick feeling if the workout is too soon after taking abx. Every now and then I just can't do it. I too, listen to my body instead of pushing on. I think it is just very obviously different to 'weaker' days you might have had before Lyme onset. You'll know.
AND: Especially the heavy aerobic/sweating makes me feel GREAT. In a Lyme way, not in the 'exercise feels good' way. It definitely helps ameliorate my symptoms. ALSO, I follow it up with an immediate, long soak in Epsom salts, which is also very beneficial.
I was amazed that I could come back so quickly after all that had passed - but I did, and hopefully you will too.
I do have pain now in the hips, shoulders and ankles that I never had before, but I can totally work around it.
Best Good Luck to You -
onthemend
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
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I definitely feel better when I run, no matter how easy, on good days I almost forget about the lyme/babs...today I felt pretty wimpy so went short..and I still don't hammer the way I used to not too long ago.
The nuero stabbing stuff is obviously discouraging, and my mid-back (thoractic disc) lyme pain seems to stay in the back of my mind, especially faster/downlhill stuff...then there's the achilles, but that seems to fire off no matter what I do...but all that said, I am encouraged by some of your comments.
I'm really hoping this is a herx period (4 weeks in)...it will be a challenge to see if I can run an easy 10k.
LM
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
You are all encouraging me to push harder. I have done 3 5K races this summer and continue to cycle when I can keep my balance. But, I am nowhere near you all or back to where I was 6 years ago.
I so miss my long morning rides, followed by a swim.
I have found that my indoor trainer and O2 tank help get me through the cold winters. Though, I suspect I am a tad sicker than some of you athletes who are doing 10Ks and cycling for 2 hours.
Keep it up! I would if I could. Our bodies need good O2.
So you actually use an oxygen tank when exercising? Is that with the idea that it's bad for spirochetes...or so you can function?
Yeah I'm not sure if I'll be racing those upcoming 10K's, but it is a goal...at least in my head, (not in my training) on my best "good days".
I hope to have more good days but have no idea what's going to happen with me. I've only been treating this a few weeks and things are changing almost daily. Like I said I have the shakes today...ugh.
LM
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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Just reread the posts and thought I should probably clarify a couple of things - *I was sick for about 1 1/2 years before diagnosis. If you're longer or shorter, it may take you correspondingly longer/shorter to come back!
*It took me about 6 mos on abx before feeling strong enough to begin vigorous aerobic exercise. My muscle control, etc for weights is just getting back in the ballpark now.
*Never do I exercise to exhaustion, which I might have from time to time in the past. I'll say again, I find my body to be a very accurate messenger as relates to workload. I listen carefully!
*If I had to assign a number - which is always difficult with Lyme - I would say I am at about 7 out of 10 when it comes to exercise, etc. compared to old levels. What I meant when I said I was surprised at how well and quickly I came back, I meant that once I started again, it only took me about 2 weeks to ramp back up to a good, strong, routine & often I'm able to do pre-Lyme type work. I was surprised by that quick progress.
TODAY, first weight session - WITH trainer, for safety!
I hope it's gonna feel as good as the (controlled) aerobic exercise does.
And, I concur, don't work til you crash. That has happened to me a time or two, and I can't really put my finger on exactly what combination of circumstances/conditions cause it. But I sure can tell it's not a good idea!
Best,
onthemend
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
Local:
Yup, the tank is to ramp up/supplement my 02 to plaster the little buggers. Can't get a script for Hyperbaric so, my MDs and I are trying this. We are unsure if it will work but, it sure does help with my breathing issues, due to Babs and seasonal asthma.
After my first year of treatment my muscles had atrophied. It was the creepiest feeling for a former athlete (not an elite athlete). It took months to rebuild the muscle and stamina to be able to run, cycle and swim again. Yoga and Chi practice helped tremendously.
Good luck with your 10Ks. I am about to register for a 5M in November. I will walk it if I have to. I no longer compete. I complete.
posted
That's pretty cool your LLMD is into the O2 experimentation...my llmd costs 100 bucks for a 15 minute phone consult!
I do wonder...I live at 6000 ft, train at 6-7000ft most of the time, up to 9500-10000ft on (good) weekends...I wonder if my low-oxygen training/high oxygen efficiency is working against me now...ugh.
I'm definitely learning the hard way..I am so used to pushing myself to anaerobic threshold (at least I was) that going easy and less frequently only feels right when I am totally wrung...like right now.
LM
Posts: 212 | From Eastern CA | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
i'm looking for Athletes with Borrelia & Babesia who have/had PICC line, are/were on IV Rocephin, and are willing to share treatment/recovery details.
i'm a 38 year old male Pro Cyclist (BMX/MTB) and Action Sports Athlete. been racing bikes for 25 yrs. racing is a huge part of my life and i will return the moment i'm well.
been out of competition since Nov05... that's when i broke my foot and all my problems began (increased fatigue, strange
began moderate training in OCT on my stationary bike. i ride daily for 30 mins and avg 7-8 miles per session. my max heart
rate was 193 in a recent Exercise Test and i did not relapse (last relapse was Apr07).
i train with a Heart Rate Monitor.. right now with PICC between 111-136 bpm (prior to PICC between 136-151 bpm). feeling good after 2 weeks and want to go back up.
i'm concerned about increased blood flow with elevated Heart Rate and sweat (although i wrap it well). is there a HR limit with a PICC line?
beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
sonic:
I am (was) athletic but, I can't claim to be an elite athlete. Cycling was my favorite morning activity prior to Lyme diagnosis. Here is what I did:
I started to become chronically fatigued while cycling in France. We did a small portion of the Tour de France route and the hills nearly killed me. I knew something was wrong then. 3 years later I was diagnosed and went quickly from Doxy to IV Rocephin.
I cycled outdoors whith a PICC line for several months. My balance was not great so, I set my trainer up in my living room and continued to cycle indoors. I did anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes a day with a HR monitor (per my MD). I never took my HR above 165 - 170, as I was instructed not to go even that high. Eventually, my heart did not cooperate and my BP dropped to a dangerously low level & my PIIC line was pulled. So, be careful.
The other thing that I had to watch out for was perspiration building up under the dressing. My nurse was a little freaked out when I walked into her office with a messy, peeling bandage. She asked if I had gotten it wet. Bottom line is that your body will reabsorb the (toxic) sweat and could cause an infection around the incision. I didn't though. I had my dressing changed by my nurse weekly.
I never stopped exercising. Though, I toned it down a lot. I was careful with the arm that had the PICC. I did not lift weights with that arm. I cycled, did a modified yoga routine and jogged (was not much of a runner prior). I have since competed in some VERY small road races (running) and continue to cycle. I am still being treated, though without a PICC. IM Bicillin made it easier to get back to my workouts. I am on orals now.
Hang in there, as frustrating as this is. Be kind to your heart. Remember, things change. Each day brings a new challenge and new insights.
beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
Sonic:
I did not do the V02 test, though my trainer wanted me to. I was referring to liquid 02. PM me and I can give you some details about how I use it and why.
Bounce away...........I'm always willing to help and get new ideas from others. Though, I tend to keep a low profile here.
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