Exercise?

I was diagnosed with early Lyme a couple of weeks ago, started treating it then with my ND but just transitioned to an ND Lyme specialist yesterday (far more aggressive program). One question I forgot to ask her was whether I could exercise. I imagine some light bike riding (I'm a cyclist) and isometrics wouldn't hurt. Other than the Doxy making my skin itch and burn I feel fine (and had only the EM rash and no other symptoms when beginning treatment). So what's your experience with your doctor? Is exercise advised if you feel up to it, or is it considered one more stress on the body?

Doxycycline may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash or sunburn.

So there is that if you are bike riding outdoors. I had my doc give me Biaxin so I could continue to be outside and bike and swim.

The thing about exercising is you have to know your limits. If you overdo (and this applies to really anything you do) you have to limit yourself so you don't make yourself more sick. Overdoing taxes your entire body and weakens it. So the lyme has the upper hand.

Once you overdo it, you will know because it will take you a couple of days to recover.

I didn't feel much like exercising with lyme. My husband can't do without it. He feels worse without exercising, but he does notice that he doesn't do what he used to do.

Just take it easy and know your limits. But, also on the next doctor visit or email, ask your ND lyme specialist.

Hi Roberts89 and just want to say welcome to our group.

I think the type or intensity of exercise would be based on each individuals case. We are all at different stages or severity of Lyme and Co infections.
For example, some of us are extremely fatigued and others not as much. Some extreme pain,others not etc.

In Dr Rawls book,"Unlocking Lyme", He says that exercise is essential for restoring immune function. But we have to achieve a balance.
He goes on to state:
Regular gentle exercise to moderate exercise on a daily basis enhances recovery. Intense exercise before your body is ready can set you back.

So I would judge the type and amount of exercise on your individual situation.
Take care, Jo

As PeteZa said, Doxy does really increase the risk of sunburning when in the sun, so either cover up well, use a lot of sunscreen (and don't forget to reapply regularly!!!!) or you will need to switch to a different abx so you can be outside.

Also, as PeteZa said, you will want to watch your response to the exercise. Some can exercise and some can't due to exercise intolerance - that's what I have, but I also struggle with adrenal & thyroid issues. If your symptoms increase either right away, or a bit later on after exercising, lower the intensity and shorten the amount of time to see if you can continue. Healing from these infections takes a lot of energy from our bodies, so we have to be careful to not push them too hard, or we risk a relapse.

Sounds good!! Please do let us know if we can be of any more help!

I would definitely touch base with your ND on this as well. And as others have said it is very individualistic.