posted
I am wondering just that. If you are able is it good to exert yourself or should one rest and leave
the exercise until your symptoms are completely gone?
Posts: 27 | From Ohio | Registered: Mar 2009
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disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
Exercise is an important part of getting better. Dr. B says it's imperative to getting better. Don't do more than you can though... try to never over do it and pay very close attention to what your body is telling you. If you start getting tired, then stop and rest.
I'd talk to your doctor though before you start so that he knows you want to start exercising more, etc.
-------------------- 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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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Horrible for me unless I enjoy pure hell for 7 days afterwards. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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Lymeorsomething
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16359
posted
I feel obligated to exercise because I always have, but it has not put a single dent in my present condition...
I believe it's important to keep the body active even if we get little benefit while infected with lyme and/or co's....
-------------------- "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong." Posts: 2062 | From CT | Registered: Jul 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
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There are dozens of threads on this very topic if you want to do a search.
Aerobic exercise is to be avoided until one is well on the way to improvement. Hard exercise can damage the heart during an active infection.
Non-aerobic movement is best but in measured amounts. Walking, etc. as best one can do without a harsh degree of "pay-back" is good. Rest days are also essential, according to Dr. B.
As one progresses with treatment, LLMDs are the best to consult when ready to add back in aerobic exercise.
See Dr. B's guidelines for this. He is very specific.
Also be aware that many patients with lyme have serious intolerance to exercise and need to be very careful. That does not mean not moving, but doing it in measured and safe ways as many may also have some cardiac stuff going on.
For some, a shower is about all the exercise they can do. For others, water exercises, gently bouncing on a mini-trampoline can help work the lymph system. Patients' tolerances vary widely with this so safety should always be considered.
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[ 04-17-2009, 01:58 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
If you are able to exert yourself and not suffer any consequences you should exercise. There are a few Lyme patients that fit into this category, mainly those that suffer almost entirely from cognitive or sensitory issues only. I think for the most part though, most Lyme patients lose more ground by exertion than they gain by the exercise benefit.
I do think patients should be as active as they can be both during and after treatment. For some people that may be walking from the bed to the bathroom, for others it may mean running 5 miles. IMO, do as much as you can do without hurting worse later on - the general health benefits to regular exercise are important too.
Posts: 263 | From Capital Region, NY, USA | Registered: Jun 2008
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Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Hi,
When I was first sick (the first 2 years were the worst for me), I tried to walk whenever I was able. I could no longer run (even though I had recently competed in the state track meet in high school). I didn't know what was wrong with me, but thought exercising would help.
I don't know if it did or not. It was awful trying to walk, but I just wanted to get better. It's hard for me to remember those days because I was like a zombie all the time.
As others have said, if you can tolerate it, then it is very good. First talk with your doctor about it to make sure your body can handle it.
'Kete-tracker
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 17189
posted
While you are 1st under treatment, it's best you mostly rest & eat as best as you can. Normal activity will be all you'll likely be able to handle anyhow. Esp when on a new med. Herxing can be tough. A couple months in, you should atleast be doing a series of stretch exercises, to slow the de-conditioning that inevitably happens when you spend lots of time in bed.
A ritual of a 1/2-hr to eventually 1-hour session of moderate (but not areobic) exercise twice a week & eventually every OTHER day seems to be the most recommended protocol. But just when you can embark on such a regiment is highly variable. A good physical therapist, who is familiar w/ Lyme recovery, is best to consult.
I know exercise helped me out a lot. I, and a fellow recovered Lymie, eventually bicycled 1-2 hours atLeast twice a week. I then switched to kayaking... to get my upper 1/2 back in shape.
The First Time I FINALLY felt 100% Healthy again was when I was out paddling 1 day. I paused to rest & breathe in the salt air- pungent with Beach Rose fragrance- off the Portsmouth coast. I'll remember that moment for years, I'm sure.
'Your symptoms will never be "completely gone" w/o exercise eventually being part of the equation.' This I Firmly believe.
Posts: 1233 | From Dover, NH | Registered: Sep 2008
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