Is there a significant danger to jogging/hiking with active Lyme or coinfections?

I know that Dr. B's guidelines prohibit aerobic exercise, but I'd like to hear some opinions on this. I see that some of you have continued to run/jog during treatment.

I don't feel like running at all right now, but I am considering forcing it a little. It's so unlike me to go even a day without jogging or hiking and it's driving me crazy. I'm not a fan of other types of exercising. I need the jogging or hiking to relieve stress and anxiety.

What exactly is the reasoning behind avoiding aerobic exercise? I read that it depresses t-cells, but what exactly does that mean? Would I feel a negative effect from running or cause further damage somehow? My T-cells are low anyway without exercising.

Thanks!

Hi Summer,

There are so many different stages and intensities to this disease, I don't know how one blanket directive like "no exercise" can be applied.

I think a lot of us have found throughout our treatment that if you can do exercise, do it, if you can't, don't. Exercise can boost the immune system, aid in detoxification and improve your overall mood. However, if you aren't feeling up to it, it can really set you back.

You can benefit from a walk or hiking. Maybe stay away from the more strenuous workouts. And this isn't the time to take on a new challenge -- you know, like training for a triathalon!

With all of the published materials, you really need to assess what works for you personally.

Wow yazzer that's really far to run. I used to do at least a 5 mile strenuous hike every day. Sometimes I'd trail run it. Over a period of time, it started to really hurt my knees and ankles, but I continued to walk daily and jog somewhat.

Initially I thought the same things about increasing oxygen levels and increasing temperature (mine is always around 95). I was surprised by the ban on aerobic exercise in the guideline. I know that one LLMD in my area also suggests no aerobic exercise and mainly resting throughout treatment. That would drive me crazy.

Since I started the antibiotics, I have lost the desire to walk, but I feel like I should force it. It's not like me at all to not WANT to walk, hike or jog. I have a lot of anxiety and stress and I know that hiking/running is the only thing that can relieve it for me. It definitely annoys me when I can only make it 1/4 mile or sometimes only down the driveway! At the same time, I feel like if I stop trying, It'll get worse.

Most times over the past few months when I run or even walk I get a really fast heartbeat, really dizzy, blurry vision etc. I don't have any known health problems other than those caused by Lyme and I don't think I could have become this out of shape literally overnight :).
My only concern is passing out in the woods somewhere lol.

Sometimes, after I run, I will get a dizzy spell or increased ear ringing but they do not last long. Heck, even sometimes, mid-run, I'll feel a little dizzy but just push through it. There's a difference between just pushing through it and overdoing it too. The critters don't like being killed off when you flood them with oxygen and heat - LOL - so they emit that neurotoxin that causes dizziness. As far as I know, this is not dangerous and not indicative of heart problems, etc, it's just the bacteria trying to protect itself. Again, these "running herxes" are short-lived and mostky offset by the enfdorphins produced by the exercise. Today, I ran the fastest 5 miles I have run in 7 months - 40 minutes! This is much worse than I would typically do before my Lyme flare this time (I would be 35-38 minutes) but, I feel really good. An added plus - when you're out in the sun, the body produces Vitamin D - every beneficial in Lyme treatment as well.

If you cannot run, I would definitely recommend even walking - start slowly and build - build distance and do it faster as you proceed. Besides the meds/supps, the two most important things for me to get better (besides sleep) are exercise and a positive frame of mind....it's amazing how things can transform when these things are added to your daily routine!