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Immunosuppression and exercise

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 8/31/2011 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
Right now I am on Humira and weaning off prednisone as well as in my last day of a Flagyl course for CDiff. if you read one of my other posts, i have been struggling with an 8month flare and infections and such. A lot of people tell me that i need to just rest and not do much to get better. But I have read that exercise can help the immune system but i think that might be in people with normal immune systems? I am a college student and would like to go play tennis or racketball with some friends 1-2 times a week but will i be hurting my immunesystem by doing so? Id rather get better before i get worse so thats why I'm asking for advice.
Posted 9/1/2011 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
I've heard similar things regarding exercise being good for the immune system, but of course you should check with your doctor first.

However, I imagine they'll just tell you that if you feel alright doing it, then moderate exercise will be good for you--and not just your immune system but it can also help with the stress associated with dealing with UC/school/etc. I've finally been able to get into an exercise routine for the first time in a few years and it feels great.

If you have trouble with your workouts and feel too tired, make sure your iron levels are normal. It turned out I was severely anemic, so when I tried to work out I'd end up yawning the whole time because my cells were starved for oxygen! Best of luck.
Posted 9/1/2011 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
While on Humira, I have been running about 4 miles a day with no issues.

I think a flare may be coming up, unless I stop it somehow, so I stopped today. I actually couldn't exercise b/c I was so tired. Slight fever running as well.

I'd start walking and move my way up so your body can handle. I didn't have the stamina to run 2 miles straight without stopping before but walking 3-4 miles a day for about a month helped me get there.
Posted 9/1/2011 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't worry about it, as long as you're feeling well enough and don't overdo it.
Posted 9/1/2011 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
exercise can only help things! it gets your blood flowing, heart pumping, muscles moving, and keeps your bones dense. definitely take it easy when starting though. i've had shin splints for the past week because i think i've been exercising too hard for my body. the prednisone doesn't help with my joints and bones either. i only do about 10-20 minutes a day of yoga or weight training and try to do a 15-20 minute walk at night. it's not a lot, but i did nothing when i was in the hospital.
Posted 9/1/2011 2:51 AM (GMT 0)
Alright thanks everyone. this was very helpful. I get tired from just walking around campus right now so I will definitely take it slow at first.

I should be talking to my doctor tomorrow or the next day so I will ask him about this question as well as the anemia thing.
Posted 9/1/2011 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Wait, let me put my two cents in. Exercise activates/boosts your immune system. With people with UC, our immune systems are already a bit haywire so I wouldn't push it by overexerting yourself.
Posted 9/1/2011 3:33 AM (GMT 0)
I just started jogging this week. It helps me sleep at night which is great because if the prednisone makes me jittery. I've only stared 6mp 2 weeks ago but I'm worried about the fatigue that I hear might happen in a few months. That's why I stared jogging in the first place but so far it's been a great idea. Good stress relief and helps me sleep.
Posted 9/1/2011 4:27 AM (GMT 0)

journey2health said...
Wait, let me put my two cents in. Exercise activates/boosts your immune system. With people with UC, our immune systems are already a bit haywire so I wouldn't push it by overexerting yourself.

This is what I've been Debating with. Because is ready weak, I don't wanna make it weaker and this make me worse. Granted I wouldn't be like power lifting or running 10 miles a day, the thought of "exercising," what ever that may actually be, does scare me a little bit.
Posted 9/1/2011 6:02 AM (GMT 0)
Are you saying the immune system is already weak. It's not weak. It's overactive. It works too well and attacks your own organ (autoimmune disease)

When I've overexerted myself diarrhea appears the next day, stress causes that too.

But this has been an excuse for being lazy!! :)
Posted 9/1/2011 11:25 AM (GMT 0)

journey2health said...
Are you saying the immune system is already weak. It's not weak. It's overactive. It works too well and attacks your own organ (autoimmune disease)

When I've overexerted myself diarrhea appears the next day, stress causes that too.

But this has been an excuse for being lazy!! :)

I know how UC works in that respect but my question pertains to the meds I'm on. Being on two immunosuppressants, is it bad for me to exercise at all? Cause like I said, I've been struggling with thus for a while now and I'd rather get it under control first and not regress at all but I don't want to just sit at home cooped up.
Posted 9/1/2011 1:56 PM (GMT 0)
My 2 cents is that you have to see what works for yourself because we do not know for sure if the immune system is the problem or the reaction. I would guess it is the problem because I cannot remember the last time I was sick in a regular way, cold flu etc.
Posted 9/1/2011 3:09 PM (GMT 0)

aguywithuc said...
My 2 cents is that you have to see what works for yourself because we do not know for sure if the immune system is the problem or the reaction. I would guess it is the problem because I cannot remember the last time I was sick in a regular way, cold flu etc.

I wish I had immune system like yours. Had pretty bad pneumonia when I was 3 so I was given loads of antibiotics and almost every year, I've always caught some pretty bad flu/cold in the winter.

I even get sore throat in the summer sometimes but primarily due to exposing myself to AC even before my diagnosis.
Posted 9/1/2011 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
I honestly don't believe exercise could do any harm.

I mean, exercise helps increase positive endorphins, gets your heart pumping, and overall, should improve (with time) your energy levels. I've found that a brisk walk each evening helps me to sleep better, and helps me to feel a little better overall. My joints seem to be slightly less stressed out when I walk a bit. I'm not overexerting myself by any means, but it seems to allow my body to get itself back into some sort of shape. I say, as long as your DR gives you the okay, take it nice and easy (I don't think tennis would be the best starting point!), and start with some easy and slow walking. That should help ease your body into it. Go out with some friends and take short walks with regular breaks. When I first started seriously working out, I was in a flare, and often had to stop and sit to give my joints a few minutes to decide to cooperate, and even more often, I had to push through the pain. But, I knew that no harm would come of it (I had spoken to both doctor and rheumy), and so, I kept pushing. Now, I've lost some weight and even though my joints still bother me during a flare, they seem slightly less pained. :)

Good luck!
Posted 9/1/2011 8:57 PM (GMT 0)

I've been a competitive swimmer nearly my whole life and I've been in remission from UC for nearly 4 months after being in two flares over the past year. I feel like I'm ready to get back into hard training now that I'm "out of the woods", at least for now. I just started Remicade this month and was also worried about whether a lot of exercise could be detrimental while on an immunosuppresant. I did some research and the most inspiring thing I found was learning about David Garrard's battle with Crohn's: http://www.ccfa.org/about/news/garrard

He is currently on Remicade and is a starting quarterback for the Jaguars. That was proof enough for me that a tough workout plan can be accomplished while on an immunosuppresant!

BUT, since you are just coming out of a very long flare I would take it easy when starting to workout again. When I started back into swimming I took things very S-L-O-W-L-Y. I started at about 15% of my normal training volume and was very cautious when adding any more workouts. Your body sure has been through a lot in the past 8 months so take that into account and listen to how you feel. But I was so much happier when I started to swim again, I'm sure you'll feel the same too! Good luck!

Posted 9/2/2011 1:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm usually over at the crohns forum but decided to chime in on this one. I jog 40-50 miles a week, (including some cross training on an elliptical), and rely on the endorphins that result from the exercise to cope and feel better. I always carry toilet paper and sometimes am jet propelled by gas :)
Posted 9/2/2011 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
I usually work out five days a week, mainly with weights. I am currently in a flare and my joints do ache at times, so I just cut back a little until I feel better. If I didn't work out I think I would feel worse. It gives me the stamina to fight this chronic condition.
Posted 9/2/2011 10:14 PM (GMT 0)
Just got off the Flagyl and am down to 15mg a day for the next 5 days or so (i do five days but there is some wiggle room). I am feeling good, not back to normal yet obviously but good nonetheless. No pain or blood lately, but can get sorta gurgly from time to time (usually means its about time for a BM). No D lately either but it isnt quite formed how it should be.

As i improve ill be willing to be more active and add new things to my daily routine.

Also not that I think i am but what should i know about anemia as far as symptoms and etc? I get tired but i think thats just me getting my strength back from everything
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