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Does excersizing make you weak?

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Posted 3/25/2008 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
I got the results of my MRI back and everything came out fine.  Which is sort of a catch 22 really because I'm glad that there is nothing seriously wrong with my brain or lower back but it doesn't explain some of the things that I've been going thru.  So I thought I would start excersizing to see if it will help ease the leg weakness and major fatigue.  I am doing low impact leg and lower back excersizes but now I feel weak as a kitten!  Do you suppose that can be a Uc thing or whatever the heck else is wrong with me?  When you first start excersizing after a long hiatus, do you feel super weak or more energized?  Just a FYI, I've already had my blood checked for low iron, B12 and B6 - they're perfectly fine.
Posted 3/25/2008 10:36 PM (GMT 0)
Well if you haven't exercised in a while I could definitely see some weakness afterwards. I have this killer sculpt instructor. I am always weak muscle wise after I leave her class. I would think some easyish exercise would be beneficial for you:)
Posted 3/25/2008 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
exercise kills me.... I swim, & used to go about 3-4 times a week, swim for about 45 minutes. Then I got really ill & could barely get out of bed, never mind exercise. Recently, I started swimming agin- I swam for about 40 minutes, & was wiped out for days afterward, weak muscles & all. I like it, & it makes me feel good while I'm doing it, but... I can't say that I've kept it up. Right now, I'm just too weak- I lost a lot of muscle mass, & trying to build it back up when you're in a state of inflammation is too tough. Also, when you're in a flare, you're metabloism is revved up really high, which puts you in a megative energy state, sort of. Like, you don't eat much casue of the UC, but you're body is burning calories like crazy, also caus of the UC. I'm hoping after surgery my stamina will improve, plus I'll be off meds so the fatigue from those should be gone. I'm good now for a nice leisurely walk around the block!

Posted 3/25/2008 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Red,

There was a time when I felt weak after exercising, but to be honest I was feeling a bit weak before I started. I think the problem was because I was slightly dehydrated; it made me feel really tired and my legs were weak...at night I had restless leg syndrome or whatever that's called.

ps.

I guess it could also mean that I'm just an old dog (or an old fart)

tongue

NBT
Posted 3/25/2008 11:20 PM (GMT 0)
I haven't even tried exercising since I was diagnosed. I live on a college campus, so I have to walk all over campus. And that's enough to wipe me out. I have to take a nap everyday. And sometimes that doesn't even help too much.

(And all my labs are in the normal range too!)

Posted 3/26/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
I was weak before I exercised, now that I do it regularly I have an abundance of energy...might explain why I'm popping in here at HW all the time.

:)
Posted 3/26/2008 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with everyone else. Starting exercising after a long time will probably make you tired initially as your body is pushed and starts to adapt. I feel like crap (no pun intended) whenever I stop exercising for a long time and then get back into it. But I'm sure your body will get used to it and you'll feel great. My problem is keeping up the excercise!
Posted 3/26/2008 1:59 AM (GMT 0)
Ok then! I have hope that if I keep at it, I will feel better in the long run. That's what I've been telling myself anyways :) After I work out, it feels like someone pulled a plug and I get all weak and shaky. I feel better after sitting down for a few hours though.
Posted 3/26/2008 2:11 AM (GMT 0)
Always start slow and increase, that's the safest way, if you stop for a long period of time, then you have to start from a slower beginning again, or you'll risk injury.

:)
Posted 3/26/2008 3:20 AM (GMT 0)
Definitely moderation to start. Hubby had and has difficulty with it as well. He golfs once or twice a week - 9 hole executive courses - he was able to get a handicapped type card for his cart. He starts out walking to and from the ball but the last 2 or 3 holes he will use the cart where it is allowed to lessen the walking if he needs to due to the fatigue. He comes home after and usually lays down to rest but happy that he went out and played.

He has just started back playing pickelball (down sized version of tennis) and will play a game or two and sit out a few games and play a few more. Last week he overdid it and really felt it for a few days. He felt great at the time but it did fatigue him for a few days afterwards. So he knows his limitations and is working within that for now.

However --starting out even if it is just walking each day and increasing it more each day a bit at least it is some exercise. When he was so weak and no stamina at all he would walk a few blocks to get the mail and that would be all he could do for quite awhile.

It has taken a long while for him to reach this point with any regularity and it is a big boost emotionally and the weather here in Florida is comparable to nice spring weather without hot heat. Hopefully when the real warm weather comes he will have a little more stamina and be able to still go out there and keep up with what he is currently able to do.

He still rests a lot when he is home - I am amazed at the amount of rest he needs but it is the darn disease that requires it too unfortunately.

Bottom line as I have said many times - we are just so grateful to have somewhat of a life - it's not perfect or anywhere close to what was normal for us but at least we are no longer prisoners having to stay indoors all the time. We have found a way to make it work and have a social life and just do things differently now.

Hopefully it won't be too much longer you will be stronger and be able to do a little more and more each day.
Posted 3/26/2008 7:59 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with everyone on this....when I'm hyper and am physically active...I feel good. If I feel crappy I can barely get moving.

Could the fact that you're on an immunosuppressant have something to do with some of your energy levels while exercising?

It's awesome to hear there's nothing visually from the MRI or with your blood tests.

I agree that slow exercise to increase your strength will help. Vary it to see what might agree with you more.

quincy
Posted 3/26/2008 12:10 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I've been starting slow alright! LOL I am usually a hyper person to begin with and I have trouble sitting in one place for too long. I'm always up and go go go - so I didn't think I was that out of shape. It only hurts (barelllly) when I do the leg lifts and I started out with 10 then went to 15. The first time I did the 10, boy oh boy did my legs feel like jello. I have always been a walker but have put that on hold because of my sacroiliitis - it hurts to walk. My sacro still hurts but I've got to do something or I am going to wither away!
Posted 3/26/2008 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
I exercise vigorously 4 times a week and only feel weak if I am hungry or dehydrated so I have found my routine works best right after work and have a water bottle handy, then I prepare supper. Other than that, don't feel good if I miss my routine.
Posted 3/26/2008 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
The real tough part is how the muscles lose their tone so quickly and trying to get that back. My husband had great arms and legs and they are so skinny and loose skin on his upper arms that he never ever had. He also had a great butt (lol) and has even lost that. The only good thing is the weight loss has his numbers for his type 2 diabetes the best they have ever been. What a heck of a way to lose weight though!

His muscles and joints - especially his hips from the prednisone are still sore and achy. At night he has to use a pillow in between his knees as they are sore if they touch one another and the pillow really helps to keep him comfortable. Takes awhile I guess for that prednisone and its side effects to go away. May he never be told he has to go on prednisone again...........I think we will both object to that unless it is the absolute only way and even at that we will want to see what else can be done instead.
Posted 3/26/2008 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
It's important to fuel your body if you're going to work out. You need a higher caloric intake and increased carbs and protein on weight training days. A post workout drink of quick digesting carbs can help with recovery.
Posted 3/26/2008 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
On that same note, I never eat anything before I workout, all I have is my chamomile tea first thing in the am and then once my gut has settled down (within a couple of hours of getting up) then I do my workout...for me the thought of working out with food in there goes against my "gut instincts" LOL! Then when I'm done I usually have my yogurt smoothie to kick start my day for food energy.

:)
Posted 3/26/2008 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting pb4....I've heard that carbs are best before exercising...so that the body will have that for fuel.

q
Posted 3/26/2008 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
That may be, but for me as soon as I eat anything I have a full feeling in my gut therefore making the thought of doing stomach crunches or any exercising very unappealing for me.

:)
Posted 3/26/2008 9:08 PM (GMT 0)
Usually I do my excersizing at night. I don't feel good most mornings so that is out of the question. I do it about 2 hours after I eat and it seems to be ok - stomach wise.
Posted 3/26/2008 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
I do mine early afternoon, then I get shower and get on with the day, by the time eve rolls around I don't feel like excerting myself with workouts, besides, then I wouldn't be spending much time with my family...no one is home during the day so for me it works out well.

:)
Posted 3/29/2008 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
training on an empty stomach is better for fat loss, because instead of using carbs for energy your body uses its fat stores (which leans you up). i started boxing a couple months ago, and the training is so intense (and i was already training hard with weights and cardio) that if i ate before hand i would definately throw up.

always start off a new exercise program, regardless of what it is, at a slow pace and work your way up. its a slow gradual process, but you are better off going slow and steady and increasing, then hard and fast and then hurting yourself or being too sore to continue. and nutrition is so important. lots of water, balanced protein, carbs, low fat, and lots of small meals a day. no carbs later in the day, take your vitamins, and eat fresh fruit and veggies in moderation.

it can be a lot of fun taking your energy and fitness levels to new heights if you work at carefully and methodically. :)
Posted 3/29/2008 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Bob :) I'm not looking to lose weight, just get more tone and more energy. I've been working out now for about 5 days (started out reallll slow) and my energy is much much better. Though it helps me that the sun has been shining! I feel like a slug when it's cloudy :( I still have the leg weakness but not as bad so I'm hoping that by continuing what I'm doing that it will go away eventually - at least that is my HOPE :)
Posted 3/29/2008 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Sherry...I always have to give myself a little pep talk to workout. But once I put those gym clothes on and start working out I feel great! It really is good at helping us w/ low energy levels.

Tell me about the cloudy weather...it was 78 yesterday and sunny. Today 45 and raining! Jealous you don't live in the south?! Ha ha!
Posted 3/30/2008 3:18 AM (GMT 0)

pb4 said...
On that same note, I never eat anything before I workout, all I have is my chamomile tea first thing in the am and then once my gut has settled down (within a couple of hours of getting up) then I do my workout...for me the thought of working out with food in there goes against my "gut instincts" LOL! Then when I'm done I usually have my yogurt smoothie to kick start my day for food energy.

:)

I'm not advocating eating a big meal right before you work out, but a small, balanced meal of proteins, carbs and healthy fat is good an hour or so before heavy weight training. Cardio's a different thing - particularly if the big goal is fat loss. And fasted cardio first thing in the a.m. can be good for fat loss, too, although there's some debate about possible muscle loss if you overdo it.
Posted 3/30/2008 3:45 AM (GMT 0)
Well...It's good to take a good multi-vitamin. I take the GNC Sport Vitapaks. The vitamins give you energy,plus it has an energy enhancer in there as well. I usually have to eat a full meal right before i exercise,then wait like a half hour or so then go workout. How do people workout on an empty stomach??? FOOD gives me energy! I know we all get dehydtrated pretty easily,so just have a few sips after every set or exercise you do. I have to bring a gallon jug to the gym. By the time I'm done, the entire jug is empty! Music is a pretty big motivator for me. Playing some metal on my ipod always gets me pumped and ready to lift.
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