Surprise-exercise can be good.

[kadi]

Hello all,
This may be a no-brainer for some people, but I've been pleasantly surprised in my trips to the gym this summer. When I started exercising, my bladder got a bit more irritable, but I figured what the heck, if I flare, at least I'm on summer break & don't have to teach...And I've got to do something about the shape I'm in.

And then I discovered that a good workout actually relieves some of the discomfort! When I'm working out hard (enough to break a sweat), my bladder bothers me less and there's even some improvement afterwards for awhile.

Now, I do have to choose my workouts carefully - the elliptical trainer and the rowing machine work best for me. And I do have to keep the resistance fairly low on the elliptical. The gym just put in a new machine that looks like a continuous escalator & I think that's okay too. Yoga at a local yoga studio is ok too:)
BUT-weight machines, treadmill, and regular exercise bike do bother my bladder, so I skip those.

Anyhow, I was pretty uncertain that I could handle the exercise and I'm very excited about this. It feels better than okay (today was my 16th gym workout since June 20th--yes I post it on my fridge to stay motivated) & I thought I'd pass it on in case someone else could use the encouragement.

PS. Have lost 5lbs in 4 weeks due to workouts & www.sparkpeople.com diet plan. I don't work for them, this is not a sales pitch...

[vm]

Yay, kadi on the weight loss! I know it's been a struggle so very cool to read that it is progressing along!!! :woohoo:

[ICNDonna]

I have to agree. This summer I've been swimming every evening and it does help me feel better.

Donna

[ginac]

You go Kadi!!! I am sooo proud of you for making that decision and sticking with it. I know it's scarey to try something new... I am really happy that you were able to do it.

BTW: I also find that the beginning of my workouts I am in some pain and that goes away after I push through it.

Keep up the good work!

Gina

[csocain]

Way to go, Kadi! How wonderful that you persevered and got relief. Exhaustion gives me more trouble than pain exercise. But, like you, I keep on keeping on and I know that I feel better overall because of it. Thanks for letting us know about your blessing in exercise.

[windwalker]

Good job Kadi! Glad you found something you can do comfortably!!! :)

[cyndbear]

I walk on the treadmill a hour a day and I do streches and situps and I find it is helping me mentally and physically. I found a great physio that understands what I have and he has designed a program to fit me. I have not been going as much right now because my kidney situation but I still use my treadmill and walk. I can't wait in 4 days I will see my urologist and I am sure he will be able to find what is wrong.

[mom_in_ma]

Congrats Kadi! I'm happy to hear you're doing well.

[rinnie]

Question for ICN Donna: I love to swim better than any other exercise, but I have noticed that it makes my tender bladder/burning in the vagina much worse. This was happening about a year before I even heard of IC and is much worse now. I dropped out of swim class because I thought some nasty chemicals in the college pool were causing this. Any idea why it does this to me? Didn't know where else to post this-didn't mean to butt in, Kadi. Rinnie

[windwalker]

I've read that the chemicals in public type pools may be too much, someone a while back suggested a little vaseline on the outside if you get that sort of irritation. Most pools have to use a lot of chemicals.

[July]

I think the chlorine can be a problem.

[kadi]

Update: After 10 weeks of summer vacation, recording what I eat daily, watching portion sizes, & exercising 5 days a week most weeks (I'm up to 45 min total on elliptical trainer & rowing machine!), I've lost 9 pounds & lowered my total cholesterol by 18 points. Very hard, much much harder than before IC, but at least the numbers are getting smaller.

I tried to reduce the Elavil, but my pain level shot up within 4 days, so have let that idea go for now. BUT, I just wanted to post that while the weight loss has been difficult, at least it appears possible at this point...
I'm not the only one this has been an issue for, so did want to post in case it would be helpful to someone else:)

[Annie2]

Congratulations, Kadi! I am so happy to hear of your success. I admire your tenacity, thoughtful planning, determination and hard work. Thank you for sharing this with us. Many will benefit and learn from your experience.