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Working out during a flare..

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/3/2013 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
I've lost 30lbs these past couple month from this flare.. I used to weigh 165.. I still have diahreaha and stomach discomfort as synptoms still remain while being on my medication.. But my question is if it's okay to start working out, and by that I mean lifting heavy weights, running, ext. Starting off lightly seeing how it's been a while, and also if Creatine and whey protein will be a problem to consume while being in the mix of a flare
Posted 2/3/2013 7:05 AM (GMT 0)
You'll soon find out if it agrees or not.

q
Posted 2/3/2013 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
Different for everyone, but you can always alter your work outs based on how you're feeling, change it up from heavy weights to lighter ones, elliptical/treadmill instead of running...add some pilates, yoga in for more strength training.

I never have any issues with continuing to work out.
Posted 2/3/2013 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Workouts depend on how you feel. As for creatine, whey protein etc. I personally stay clear of them because I don't want to see how my body reacts (especially whey protein given all the artificial crap they put into it). You might consider taking L-Glutamine for your D. It also helps with muscle recovery and helps strengthen?/heal? your colonic muscles too.
Posted 2/3/2013 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
I've always trained through my flares without too many problems. Definitely schedule the workouts for optimum times of the day wrt symptoms. Had some challenges running when urgency would strike :). Try a treadmill near a bathroom for that. I always thought weight training was good for general health so try to do as much of that as possible. As always increase intensities gradually and take appropriate rest days. I guess during flares I'm less likely to push myself harder since I figure my body needs more energy to heal.
Posted 2/3/2013 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Let your energy levels guide you, but I don't recommend trying to build muscle until you're in remission. Your body is trying to heal the ulcerations in the lining of your colon, and trying to build muscle at the same time is going to interfere with that process.

I did heavy weight training through my flare while I was on prednisone because my GI told me it was OK, then I switched to a GI who specializes in IBD and she was horrified, told me that I shouldn't even be jogging and should stick to walking. It's better to "whole ass" one thing (healing your colon) than half ass two things. There will be a lot of time to gain your weight back when you get into remission.
Posted 2/3/2013 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Prednisone makes me feel like my heart will explode. So now I take 10mg every 5 hours and that allows me to lift heavy but playing 1-on-1 basketeball with my daughter did not feel too good either, however I am also on metronidazole for giardia and they told me it would make me feel even lousier.

It has been a good 6 days of lifting, probably time to take 2 days off and eat light and allow inflammation to diminish. But its super-bowl sunday so maybe that can start tomorrow.
Posted 2/3/2013 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
Don't do heavy squats. I almost lost it one day.
Posted 2/3/2013 4:25 PM (GMT 0)

Dsm4life said...
Don't do heavy squats. I almost lost it one day.

Squatting heavy right now listening to suitable head banger track

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPNFVj-pISU

I feel really strong despite the broken L-5, warned not to exceed 300 deep squats. 400 shallow is ok. Hip-n-Leg sled is a non-factor back is not in play so does not matter how heavy that is.

However it is clear that I am anemic because after 8 reps I am sucking air and ready to get back on the iron-water plus steak and eggs after this.

Woke up at 4:00 and 10mg is faded so now is a good time at 9:30 MST will take next 10 during breakfast plus metroN for giardia which will initiate a nap.
Posted 2/3/2013 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
do whatever you can. my anemia really kicks me in the butt so i don't have a lot of energy. i try to do something small every day, but it doesn't always happen. i get dizzy pretty easily. if you feel well enough, by all means, run and lift weights!!!
Posted 2/3/2013 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
I've always avoided strenuous exercise while on prednisone. It makes my joints feel like they are made out of rubber, and they usually feel really sore the next day. Also sounds like you've lost a ton of weight, so you are adding extra stress to your body, which is already run down.

My personal philosophy is to get the inflammation under control by whatever means necessary as my first goal. The exercise can wait until I feel better.
Posted 2/24/2013 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
This forum has been really helpful for me, i've been following for quite some time already, however never found it necessary to post since I took advantage of the Search feature.

I was wondering, has anyone found that during a flare they sweat less while exercising? because i've been doing the same workout for over 2 months (45 minutes elliptical, 10-15 minutes weights/push-ups) and I find that since my recent flare i'm barely sweating as compared to before hand.

any input would be appreciated.
Posted 2/24/2013 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
I work out a bit during a flair. Not as much as usual, but a bit. Instead of protein supplements I started eating two cans of sardines before a workout and I maintained muscle mass easily while working out half as much, and when the flair was over I stuck with the sardines and noticed pretty much no difference compared to whey protein.
Posted 2/24/2013 5:05 AM (GMT 0)
Not heavy weights on prednisone with little rest. If you get a thrombosis in the artery of the hand like I did last week the cath lab will have even more risk to explain to you due to being on prednisone.

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=2643741&g=2648093#m2648093
Posted 2/24/2013 8:23 AM (GMT 0)
How about an alternative workout?

run 5 minutes, go to the toilet 3 minutes, run 5 minutes, go to the toilet and rest for 3 minutes... etc?

ahah that happened to me.

Posted 2/24/2013 12:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have always found working out therapeutic for my UC. I alternate with weights and cardio days. I continue to workout through flares but have to take it easier then mainly because of issues maintaining weight from not being able to eat enough to replaced the burned calories.
Posted 2/24/2013 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Dairy is a problem for a lot of people with UC. As such, I'd be leery of casein/whey. In general I try to avoid any supplements that are not going to help my UC directly. L-glutamine is a perfect example of a supplement that is great for UC and for weight training.
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