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flare-up and exercise

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/26/2008 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I know I don't pop in much, but when I do...you guys are always so helpful. So, got another question for you. I was wondering if you exercise when you are in a flare. I'm in a mild flare at the moment and am losing weight. I never know if I should quit exercising all together or try to keep doing some form of exercise. I usually do cardio and weigh-training. I'm afraid if I keep up cardio, I will lose more weight. And If continue weight training while in a flare, i'm breaking down my muscle and not getting enough nutrients to recover, thus losing muscle. Plus, I'm really tired and weak. What do you guys do? Thoughts? Thanks

Donna

Posted 4/26/2008 3:56 AM (GMT 0)
I do exercise while flaring...I've been flaring with crohns-colitis (CD affecting the colon) for my entire 17 yrs of having it, for the most part my flares were severe but have since become more on the moderate side...and I exercise doing cardio and weights at least 4-5 times a week, give it time and you'll notice the benefits, I'm not near as tired as I use to be before I started working out.

:)
Posted 4/26/2008 8:14 AM (GMT 0)
I think it's best to exercise, but frankly I'm one who has found it difficult. Used to hit the gym 3-5 times a week, both cardio and weight training. Since my current flare began a year ago, I've found it very difficult to maintain a workout schedule. Things are getting better and I know I should start again, but it's definitely a challenge.
Posted 4/26/2008 2:44 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your responses.

pb4- I was wondering if you have pain when you flare and if you do, do you still exercise as frequently? And do you eat enough to be able to get thru a workout? You sound so disciplined. I used to workout a lot and have really gotten away from it. So hard to get motivated, especially when I am in a flare. Thanks for input.

M, i used to hit the gym a lot as well, but it has been so much less frequent with flares coming and going. Also seems the older I get the more of challenge it is. I am 43.

Posted 4/26/2008 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
I've never really had gut pains (weird considering CD is famous for that) but I did have extream lower back pains, so you can imagine it was pretty hard to work-out with that, but luckily taking bee propolis took my lower back pain completely away among many other IBD symtpom benefits (stopped all my bleeding, cut back on frequency and mucus)...

I never eat before working out, I know for the most part it's suppose to be the rule of thumb BUT, I'm not an average person either, having CD and IBS, so I do fine waiting until after I'm done working out, I'm not hungry first thing when I get up anyways...and I work out a few hours after waking (and I'm done going to the can).

An easy tip for all of you wanting to get back into exercising, start with yoga type work-outs, and/or pilates then gradually get back into cardio and then add weight-training (as you know, it's imparative to do both cardio and weights together, even just a 10-15 minute ride on a stationary bike).

It all starts with your mind, if you want to get back into it, you will, ease into it and do things you'll enjoy, even aquasizing is a good start...remember, it's better to do something than nothing at all, and once you see and feel the benefit you'll be glad you did...it's never too late to start, just do your best to stick with something even if you have to go back to yoga or pilates during a bad flare is still better than stopping all together...and make realisitic expectations, set off to do "something" 3 times a week for at least 1/2 an hour.

Reason I'm so disciplined (and yes I still work out regularly, at least 4-5 days a week) is because when I don't work out (like for a few days straight because of my periods or something) I feel like absolute crap physically and I feel really guilty, that's my mind telling me that it's imparative to work out no matter what...so now when I have my periods I do a light work-out pilates form.

:)
Posted 4/26/2008 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
I find walking a few blocks makes my pain go away for a while
Posted 4/27/2008 2:12 AM (GMT 0)

Well, I'm still flaring, but I'm going to go ahead and try to exercise. I walked on the treadmill today for 15 and did some light weights. I will just keep it light while in a flare and turn it up when I'm not. I usually just don't exercise at all during a flare, but I get so many that I just don't get enough and I'm looking pretty pathetic, kind of skinny/fat.

pb4, thanks for the works of encouragement. I will do it!

Jessica, I find walking is good as well and sometimes I just can't do much more than that.

Posted 4/27/2008 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
pupluv you're very welcome...it's always great to see people who are interested in exercising even if they suffer with a chronic disease like IBD, most run screaming which is perfectly understandable, who wants to endure more pains right...but it really does benefit so long as one is careful what they choose to start off with and how they progress to more endurance that is safe and comfortable for them.

:)
Posted 1/4/2013 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
I am in the middle of my first flare ever requiring prednisone. I have always walked miles daily until this flare up. I have been housebound and hate it. I live in an apartment and just started walking as many stairs as I can 3 times a day. I find it helps the gas build up and bloating. Plus I just feel calmer after. I have been on prednisone for almost 3 weeks now and thought I would be much better by now. I find exercise is crucial for my emotional state during the flareup. Good luck!, wink
Posted 1/4/2013 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
ya, i agree - just wish someone would figure out how to put it in a bottle -
Posted 1/4/2013 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
As I say how crucial exercise is soy stud, I am lying down with my dogs and IPad. Lol
Posted 1/4/2013 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
balance :-)
Posted 1/4/2013 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
As I say how crucial exercise is soy stud, I am lying down with my dogs and IPad. Lol
Posted 1/4/2013 8:14 AM (GMT 0)
I was told not to do any upright or standing weight bearing exercises when there is pain below the chest. My physicial therapist showed me how to continue working out without risk to my immune system. You must stretch more than normal. He had me do everything lying down. On the other hand, later on, he had me take full-advantage of oxydodone and steroids. We did a lot of hill climbing for a couple of weeks! It felt wonderful and was a great way to avoid 'roid rage.
Everyone is different so it is important to check with your therapist or someone you really trust.
Posted 1/4/2013 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
My colorectal surgeon encouraged me to train for a half-marathon with half doses of oxycodone to overcome the initial abdominal pain. I started training 6 weeks after my reversal. I doubt most doctors would agree with this protocol. My doctor is a runner and he was very excited to have me start racing. It was my first half-marathon. 5ks are definitely easier!
Posted 1/4/2013 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
My feeling on working out is to do it...unless it is negatively affecting your health. Definitely adjust the intensity/duration/frequency according to how you feel. Differentiate between not feeling like working out because you are feeling tired/lazy and not feeling like working out because you are feeling physically unwell.

I worked out up until a few weeks before my surgery. It just took much out of me the next day (or next two days!). I couldn't functional normally - so I cut back.
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