Excercise. For or against?

[lizw]

Every health professional I have seen has told me 'excercise,excercise, excercise'. I have MS and fibro.

That being said when I was first diagnosed I was rather over weight so it was hard on my body when I fell ill, and would continue to be, so the nuro told me 'loose the beef girl'. I do believe that was his excact phrase.

So being an alcoholic (I don't do things by halves) I started eating healthy, and walking a lot.

After a year I had nearly lost all the wieght they said I should but then about 5 or 6 months ago I started to eat more and excercise less! The other week I noticed my jeans were starting to get tight round my stomach so I have taken this as an indication to start eating healthy again and get back to walking more.

The other thing I have started, today was the first time, was I went to a gym that one of my local churchs as avail to the community. It only costs $1 to go and they have workouts for woman 2X a week.

Afterwards I thought I would die, and a few times during too!!! Far out it was prety sore at times. I decided to go to the gym because I want to keep my muscles at a reasonable level of strength, instead of having them waste away, which can happen with MS.

Excercise is suppose to be one of the best things for Fibro too. I'll be back at the gym next week and will just take it a bit easier I think. No pain, no gain is a bit of an alcoholic attitude which I can do with out!

So I was wondering who elses excercises regulary? And what do you do? And what have you done in the past? And if you don't excercise, why not?

My sponsor is a yoga master and has classes that I use to attend, but I didn't really like it. I also tried swimming but had an awful reaction where I couldn't walk properly afterwards. I think the change in temp affected my brain/spine too much and sent my body a bit silly.

I look forward to reading what you all do.

[Digginit]

I am absolutely, completely FOR exercise. I'm a bicycler and a swimmer (in the summertime). Bicycling is very painful for my bad knee, but overall it's one of the least damaging types of exercise one with bad knees can do. Keeping the weight off is definitely good for the knees. So even if it weren't something that I loved for its own sake, I would exercise just to try to keep a little musculoskeletal health.


dig

[grateful2b]

everything Digginit said, plus..I have MFP/Fibro, as well as Osteoarthritis and Degenerative Disc disease and if I do not move(MFP/Fibro) , my pain is worse, exercising makes my pain better, I have to be careful not to overdo but it definitely makes a big difference to my pain level..if I overdo however, I wind up in a lot worse pain...exercising keeps the faschia much healther..

[DesertEyes]

Great thread!!! Thanx for starting it, Lizw

Excercise is a two edged sword for me. My docs have told me that with my fragile heart the best way to maximize my longevity is to park my tush in a bed and never get out of it for the rest of my life. The objective being to reduce the pressures inside my heart to a minimum. Activity, and exercise, is the _worst_ thing I can do for my heart.

Being a firm believer in _quality_ of life instead of _length_ of life, that went over real well with me.

After much negotiations I got the medical people to set me up with an exercise plan that will keep my body healthy with not much damage to the ol' pump. I have specific goals in terms of blood pressure and heart rate that I have to meet before I move on from one phase of the plan to the next. Eventually, the plan would have me actually jogging for short distances. I've never gotten that far in my plan, over the last 3 years I've wound up in ICU seven times, and the plan restarts each time that happens.

* heavy sigh *

I start with yoga, floor movements only because if I move too fast my BP drops and I get dizzy. After a couple months of that I get on my exercycle and very slowly increase the resistance and distance. After a couple months of that I phase in some very mild resistance exercise. After a couple months of that I can start jogging. That's the part I can never seem to reach.

All I'm really doing is maintaining muscle tone. And that's about all I can handle without my BP getting all confuzled.

My g/f is my number one cheerleader. She's a world class marathon runner and is healthier than a racehorse. She's also a great motivator, nothing like watching her sprint a 6 miler to make me want to stay healthy.

Mike

[grateful2b]

wow, Mike, you are an inspiration to me..

[51anna]

Hi Liz,

I have fibro also and I mistakenly thought that 'taking it easy' was the way to deal with it. Was I ever wrong?

For years now, I have lifted weights, done yoga and walked miles every day. And, it pays off! I feel so, so much better than I used to.

I know exercise is only part of dealing with fibro, but for me it really helps.

[Theresa]

I started to feel unwell and have major physical problems when I stopped exercising about a year ago. Walking each day several miles is good for the mind and heart. Lifting weights (nothing too heavy and go slowly) is also important for keeping our body in one piece. When I stopped doing the above, I didn't really gain much weight (less than 5 pounds) but my body shape changed so much you would have thought I gained 10-15 (I'm not very big so this is significant).

What is best about exercise is that it keeps me in the moment, the present. I don't need to be thinking about all the negative things that seem to cloud my mind if I am just sitting, and I am simply being nice to my body. That is why I recommend taking a slow but steady and daily pace.

Exercise is a really, really good thing...

[nandm]

Ironically, prior to getting sober I was in great physical shape. I worked as a paramedic and had to make sure I could keep up or do better than the guys I worked with so I worked out by lifting weights and treadmill daily when I wasn't working out lifting 12 oz beers (lol). Once I got sober I kept up the exercise routine up until I was 6 months sober. That is when I had the motorcycle wreck that thrashed all 4 of my limbs. By the time I had recouped from that almost 2 years later I had stopped exercising almost completely. I had just gotten back into exercising when I got rearended which left me with disc problems in the lower back. For 2 years I did only the minimum and did not exercise as it was too painful. After 2 years of living like that and putting my life on hold I determined that since I was going to be in pain either way I might as well live my life, do what I wanted to do and get back into shape despite the pain. Since then I have been doing more exercise. This has helped with the back pain. By strengthening the muscles in that area there is more support for the discs which in turn makes them more stable and the pain does not appear to last as long as it did. Granted I have to deal with taking more pain medicine that I did previously as I am in considerably more pain but I truly believe that in the long run the exercise and living my life will be well worth any additional inconvienence right now.

On the note of eating better. I gained 30 pounds after my accident at 6 months sober and another 40 after the rear end car accident. That left me at 7 years sober weighing almost 70 pounds over my ideal weight. Since I have started exercising again I also started eating better and have lost almost 30 of those pounds. I am looking forward to getting back down to my ideal weight again, especially since I am 43, since I know I feel better when I am. This weight loss will also relieve some of the stress on my back which in turn will help with pain.

So to sum up I think that eating right and exercising is essential to pain management.

[Theresa]

Good grief, Nan, I cannot believe all that you have been through. Thank goodness you were sober before all of this happened.

You are 43 years young, and with your determination, I know that you will get back the strength you are seeking through your exercise.

Best

[jazpoppy]

Liz;

I believe exercise is VERY important. But we also have to take it easy, consult our doctor as to what type of exercise we can do with the conditions we are in. I used to work out about 6 days a week if not 7 days. I used to do karate 3x per week for an hour and a half each time, very vigorous! Then I'd do Kickboxing at another studio 2 and a half to 3 hours once a week, then I'd lift nautilus weights 3 to 5 days a week, and any time inbetween, I'd either power-walk or do cardio machines (eliptical trainer was my favorite), and take an aerobics or tae bow class. My doctor told me that I was over doing it, but I didn't listen, and now my back, knee and both ankles are screwed up due to an accident AND mostly due to over-exercising and wearing myself out! Today, I don't do a third of what I used to do. I feel guilty about it, as I believe exercise was a major outlet for me (I could be angry one minute, go do a workout, and be happy as a clam!!!). I go walking now, about 30 minutes per day to 45 minutes per day, 3 to 5 times per week. I'm going to add light hand weights in this week, and Tai Chi Chuan lessons. Wish me luck!

Love

jaz

[WishIWasNormal]

I just spent 20 minutes composing a post, only to have it disappear into the bowels of the server as it was being processed by the website. Then I had to re-sign in to get to this screen again. So I'll just say this is a good topic and will help alot of us.

[lizw]

and only my arms are sore now. lol. And not really too sore. Just uncomfortable at certain angles. I am alreading wishing the gym had more classes so I could go before Tuesday!

Exercise must also be good for self esteem too.

Great replies too, thanks everyone.

I love being able to come on here and ask other people in recovery who live with physical illness what they do and then reading your sharing.

I've recently learned of another lady in AA in my country who has been diagnosed with MS. A friend of mine use to sponsor her so when I get hold of her phone numer I will give her a call.

Thanks again to everyone.

[barb dwyer]

I'm one of those people who can't mindlessly walk in place, or stand in frnt of the tv pretending I'm in a room with strangers, or do repetitive movements ... unless it's lunging a horse or something.
Now, THAT i can do over and over.

But not jumping jacks..

To exercise, I have to be DOING something.

There has to be a result.
The other problem is -
I've always been on the athletic side,
and quite active.
SO what *I* think is 'nothing' ...
turns out is actually - 'something'.

I've had to start real, real small with not even thinking about it as 'exercise'
(see? can't even spell it)
and think of it as 'tasks'
or even 'activities'.

So ... I just try to do a little more than yesterday.

I'm trying to find that 'ok' space right now until the next blood tests and maybe another increase in the thyroxin stuff.

[jazpoppy]

I know what you mean Barb. I used to be an exercise addict. Very athletic. I worked very hard, got GREAT results, and now I can't do half of what I used to. I just started losing weight though, so now that has given me incentive to keep walking 30 minutes every other day for now, then increase it to 45 minutes within a week or two, then up to one hour every other day, then one hour every other day and 30 minutes on the "off" days, and I've added some "standing crunches" because i have a bad back/neck I stand in place, and squeeze, count to 10, then release my upper and lower abdomen, I'm up to 25 reps, 1 set so far, I'm going to add my side "standing crunches" this week, also doing toe lifts to build calf muscles, and squats to build my inner thighs. Another good exercise you can do anywhere is butt crunches (tighten your butt musles, count to 10, then release, start with 10 reps, work your way up). It works great! My boyfriend says my butt is getting tight, and I didn't even tell him I was doing those! Well I just have to be happy to start all over. I'll NEVER get up to where I was before my injuries, and I am glad, because all that over-exercising caused more pain then necessary! There's a big difference between good movement, and BAD movement (over using your muscles and bones just leads to injury). I know that first-hand now!

Jaz

[Toomutch]

I'm all for exercise.

I have a tough time with how much I should do any given day. If I am hurting real bad then I know if I go hiking I need to find a trail without alot of climbing. When I'm not hurting I will take that hike 5 miles up to a lake or waterfall.

I also enjoy pilates and yoga, golf, riding my bike and if I feel like staying in I use my eliptical trainer.

If the pain is too bad I dont do anything at all except for pout.

[angel4ever]

Prior to getting serious about sobriety my doctor told me that I had to excercise lightly for my health. Finally in Feb I decided i should start working out but, shortly after I was a passenger in an accident that made it very difficult to do anything it was an effort to walk, drive etc. got phneumonia that left me in bed for days and gained more fat>anyhow now that I feel better I started doing low impact aerobics, squats, grasshopper, crunches and dumbells I feel so much better it's such a natural high to get my heart and circulation going. I sleep better I hope to start running soon. Good luck and keep it up! don't give up just get into a routine that you can handle and don't over do it.

[dancinggirl]

lizw: my mom had MS and she was told to exercise as much as possible. Unfortunately, she started exercising only a few weeks before her death, which was too late. She'd put on so much weight and was so inactive that she developed a blood clot in her lung which killed her. She was only 54. My vote is to always exercise.

That being said, I know how quickly heat can affect people with MS and she would be absolutely laid out when she got over-heated. I wonder if swimming in the pool made you unaware of how warm you were getting and it was that which affected you? Heat and MS are a bad match.

Anyways, best wishes to you!

[Latte]

I was having problems with sciatica and found that bike riding almost alleviated all the pain. I just ride with my two girls (10 and 6) but even that makes me feel great.

The endorphins are a great pain reliever, the best one I have found to date.

Speak to your doctor first and then go for it.

[Nainoa]

Originally Posted by lizw

Every health professional I have seen has told me 'excercise,excercise, excercise'. I have MS and fibro.

That being said when I was first diagnosed I was rather over weight so it was hard on my body when I fell ill, and would continue to be, so the nuro told me 'loose the beef girl'. I do believe that was his excact phrase.

So being an alcoholic (I don't do things by halves) I started eating healthy, and walking a lot.

After a year I had nearly lost all the wieght they said I should but then about 5 or 6 months ago I started to eat more and excercise less! The other week I noticed my jeans were starting to get tight round my stomach so I have taken this as an indication to start eating healthy again and get back to walking more.

The other thing I have started, today was the first time, was I went to a gym that one of my local churchs as avail to the community. It only costs $1 to go and they have workouts for woman 2X a week.

Afterwards I thought I would die, and a few times during too!!! Far out it was prety sore at times. I decided to go to the gym because I want to keep my muscles at a reasonable level of strength, instead of having them waste away, which can happen with MS.

Excercise is suppose to be one of the best things for Fibro too. I'll be back at the gym next week and will just take it a bit easier I think. No pain, no gain is a bit of an alcoholic attitude which I can do with out!

So I was wondering who elses excercises regulary? And what do you do? And what have you done in the past? And if you don't excercise, why not?

My sponsor is a yoga master and has classes that I use to attend, but I didn't really like it. I also tried swimming but had an awful reaction where I couldn't walk properly afterwards. I think the change in temp affected my brain/spine too much and sent my body a bit silly.

I look forward to reading what you all do.

I'm an amature body builder...

That being said... Exercise does a lot for the body... Most important among them is helps the body with insulin balance, blood pressure, and immuno fortification...

Also weight lifting or load bearing exercises will do a lot to help fight things like osteoporosis.. And increases the physical mechanisms responsible for tissue repair.

****

In the 13 years I've been pumping iron I've come to say "The greatest improvements in the fitness lifestyle are mental... It's just the physical improvements that are easiest to see."

When you start out one day and you have XYZ level of fitness, or can only lift a certain amount of weight... And then 2 months later you're lifting heavier, running faster and farther... It has a way of building confidence and positive energy as you start to learn that you are capable of more than you thought you were...

And positive energy is some times the best medicine.

*****

However don't consider any of that a reccomendation... I know very little about your particular conditions, and would hate to instruct you on proper bench pressing form, only to have you get injured because your doctor would tell you not to etc...

[TTOSBT]

I was so overweight and so out of shape when I was drinking.
I got sober about 2 1/2 months ago. I joined the gym and now work out for 1 - 1 1/2 hours 4 times a week. I am SO happy! I have dropped two sizes and just feel better. The gain in confidence has been tremendous for me and at this point I do not get really sore no matter what i do anymore.

[jazpoppy]

Good for all of you exercize buffs out there! Its such a great feeling to be able to work out and feel the difference each day that it makes to your wellbeing. I wish I could do so much more. I'm not a practicing exercize addict anymore, but I wish I could step up my workouts from just walking 30 to 45 min 3 to 4 times a week to doing more cardio, but for my severe back pain, I'm going to just start a twice a week yoga class and I also have added crunches (standing up when my back hurts), some pilates moves I learned in a class, and some side bends, and simple yoga stretching. I can't wait to start the "real" yoga classes next Wednesday. So I'll let you know how it goes. I also have to see my doctor to "clear" it because I have increased pain in my lower back, neck, shoulders and left leg, I'm using a cain to walk right now. I am hoping yoga and pilates will help with the pain and stop the sciatica. Take care.

Love

Jaz