Can I Work Out Again?

[blondlox]

I was recently diagnosed with IC a month ago. Before then I worked out vigorously about 2-3 times a week at a local gym. I stopped about 2 months ago because I felt the IC symptoms while I was exercising (At that time, I thought I just had a UTI). I just started taking Elmiron and will soon start Elavil. My question is, can I start working out again as much as I did, and should I wait a couple months first until my symptoms calm down to try it again?

What are your experiences with exercising again?

[Imustpee]

I go to a gym as much as I can..I pee ALOT when I do go, even if I do low -no impact machines..I went today with my Foley and I only lasted 25 minutes....sigh

[kadi]

I started exercising with gentle yoga classes & walking, when I was still about level 3 pain daily. Eventually when I felt better I added in the elliptical trainer (on low resistance) & the rowing machine. Those things work out well for me & I usually feel better after a workout. (This was not true when I was sicker). Just wanted to give you hope that it can be possible!

[ellienor]

Blond:
hows the elmeron working out? when do you take it?
Is it agreeing with your stomach?
Ellie

[blondlox]

I started Elmiron on 9/6/05. I take it 3 times a day at 7am, 2pm, and 9pm. Im very lucky because I haven't noticed any side effects. How bout you?

[ICNDonna]

My suggestion would be to start exercising by walking, even if you can only walk five or ten minutes it's a beginning. Then you can work up to more vigorous exercise and let your body tell you when you've had enough.

Donna

[Ginny]

I think you should go by how you feel. I usually feel better after exercising.

Ginny

[Specs]

I second Ginny's advice.. if you feel good enough, then do it! I have worked my way back up to 5-6 days a week of vigorous exercise, and I feel better than ever.

[ellienor]

specs, how did you get that way?

[Specs]

Honestly, little by little. I started out by trying to walk to work every day (fortunately, I live only a 15-min walk from work). Then.. both ways. Then, I incorporated doing some light weights twice a week at the gym. By that time, I started feeling better, so I began swimming once or twice a week. I was also able to get back on my bike, so I did that as well.

I got to this activity level over the last year or so by gradually building up. I've found variety really works for me - I now run (1 - 2x a week), swim (2x a week), bike (1x a week) and do weights (1x a week).

[monica78]

I went to the gym for the first time thurs and friday. Now I am really sore. I did an
hour of cardio and also did arms and abs. I am sore only in my legs though. Do you think I should go Monday and do cardio and leg? I have to go because if I don't it will
make it easier to just not go. Maybe I should just work the soreness out?
My bladder feels great and I also quit smoking 5 days ago so I do feel pretty good.
Except the sore legs! I plan to start working out 5 days a week. What do you think?

[July]

I've learned not to push it even when my bladder if feeling fine. However, since you have had a couple days to rest since you last went on Friday, it may be ok to work out again. The couple days of rest in between workouts is good even if you're feeling good.

[monica78]

Hey,
I feel alot better today so I will go workout today. I still feel good and still have not
smoked. Thanks everyone!

[Sherry5]

Good Job on the working out and quitting smoking! Those two things alone may help your bladder more than anything else.

I have gone back up to vigorous excercise 5 days a week as well. I went into remission while pregnant and was able to go back to my old routine of step aerobics, weights, kickboxing, and spinning. I had my baby 3 1/2 weeks ago and IC pain came back. I started working out 1 1/2 week after she was born (slowly) and have worked my way up to full speed. I drink A LOT of water, and listen to my body.

If I were you I would take it slowly, listen to your body, and drink a ton of water. A little (or even a lot) of soreness is nothing to worry about. When you get used to working out it will get better. I find it better to work the soreness out with some cardio excercises. Don't work the same muscles to extremes two days in a row. It is best to alternate.

Good Luck!

[windwalker]

I just started going back to the gym last week Monday, only going on Mondays and Fridays to start, I am taking it real easy, my IC is very mild but I dont want to aggravate it either. Did 20 minutes on the stairclimber on an easy setting then worked my arms, chest legs and backside. Felt funny, because I used to go and spend 2-3 hrs in the gym, would burn off a ton of calories on the different machines (tredmill, elliptical, stairclimber) and my first day back, I did the one machine and it read I burned 121 calories lol, but ya know what? I felt like I did accomplish something that I couldnt do a year ago. Turns out a friend from work has a membership and will be going w/me on the two days a week. I do a little here at home too, some indoor walking (I have a tape w/a 1 mile workout for walking indoors), rebumbent bike, light weights, yoga ball (not all this in one day but its a good variety) and resistance bands. Bought a yoga dvd but havent really gotten into it, guess I will for the sake of something different :D
Anyone going back to working out, I also suggest "baby steps" start real easy and work your way up if ya can. :)

[ticker]

I was diagnosed with IC in September after months of testing. I suspected IC since having a hysterectomy in February and the pain was relentless. A Dr suggested that may be the problem and when I learned about diet, drinking water, etc, it got better. I found walking to be a blessing and decided to join an exercise club for women. Initially, I tried a machine to do leglifts for 30 seconds. My bladder has been fired up ever since. It's been 2 weeks and I am stunned to think that 30 seconds of leglifts would have that kind of effect on 'mr bladder' as I call it. The pain has been incredible. It's as if I'm back to square one. I guess I need to accept the fact that remission is over for awhile until mr bladder settles down and I needn't be exercising at the gym. ticker

[mayray518]

I got IC in 1992 and was bedridden for years. I am now feeling well due to elavil and my answer to you is yes you can resume a normal life, including exercise, if you start to feel better. I know how frustrating it is if you lead an active life and IC takes over. But I am back to my usual routine at Bally's.

[ICB]

Hi Ticker:

I have found that I can exercise as long as I take an antihistamine 30 minutes before hitting the gym. My urologist explained that when mast cells are triggered, they release histamines into the bladder. The mast cells can be triggered by stress, exercise and many other factors.

When histamines are released into the bladder, they can cause inflammation, burning, frequency, etc. The urologist recommended that I take one of my antihistamine tablets (Vistaril 25mg) 30 minutes prior to exercising and it's worked extremely well.

In the days that I work out a little too much and feel pressure and burning, he prescribed Urocit-K and it's worked really well.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB

[karenmay]

Hello. I'm a newbie at this IC thing (diagnosed Nov.17). I used to be a marathon runner. Ran my best time ever in May this year. Of course, I haven't been able to run more than 10km without intense pain. Since I know I have IC now I've stopped running altogether. I've noticed it made my pain worse. I was running in the gym cause I'd have to stop to pee every 20 minutes (can't do that outside).
Thank-you for giving me hope that I may be able to run again. My husband insists I do very little right now.
When do you think I should start running again?
Should I wait for some meds to work first?
I'm not taking anything for the IC yet-cause I have a tumor in my bladder that is to get removed on Dec.06 first.

please reply.

ty
Karen
:hmm: :help:

[windwalker]

Hi Karen, although I cant tell you when you will be able to run, I can only suggest you start real slow, guess you could say like starting a new workout routine. I havent been back to the gym long, around a month, at that time I could only handle their stair climber that was for the first week. After that I went to the ellipticals which for me, I tend to move faster on those than I do the stair climber and let me tell ya,the first evening after doing that, I had a flare. Two days later back on it and no flare! Mind you, I have been on Elmiron since May of '04. Also on other meds too. Just take it real slow, start w/maybe some walking (outside) or walking tapes (I have some they are good), I can handle the recumbent bike no problem (lucky to have one here too) I have worked my way up to a faster pace on the elliptical machine, can do step aerobics here at home but NOT high impact, I baby myself on that lol. I also lift small weights. If you are in pain or "not feeling good", I'd take it real easy!!! Good luck and hope things work out. :)
Dawn

[karenmay]

thank you so much. It's good to know that excersise is the cause of a "flare". I haven't experienced a pain free day yet. So I guess I should wait for that and then start walking.
Do you think that sitting in the sauna is harmful?
I just really want to get my heartrate up some how (with excersise) and sweat -you know?
I'm learning patience everyday.
Sometimed even walking right now cripples me.
My co-worker and I walk on our lunch break (20 minutes). I'm very slow now (if I go at all anymore).
She thinks I'm crazy. She thinks the whole IC diet is crazy.
I've tried to show her the print outs off the website. But she just doesn't get it.
She thinks it's all my fault that I have this.
It's so depressing.

she makes me mad :mad: :mad: :mad:
thanks for giving me hope for the future.
I have vulvodynia too (does that mean that I'll never bikeride again?)

ty
Karen
:) :) :)

[windwalker]

I cant do a sauna (wet room type) because for some reason just 2 minutes in there and I get dizzy and feel physically ill, HOWEVER, the gym I go to has a dry heat room, I can handle that for about 8 minutes. I dont know if a sauna could bother ic, but if you try, just a min or two first, just to see. Maybe get some resistance bands? You can work w/those while seated for both arms and legs. Try to keep ab work to a minimum, or like me, not at all. Also maybe do some seated work w/some dumbells smaller weights, even soupcans if thats what ya have. ;) Dont worry about getting up a sweat right now, concentrate on feeling better, dont add anything that could bother your bladder. Maybe try Hatha Yoga? Or gentle stretches?
Do you watch what you eat? A lot of foods can bother an IC bladder. Have you checked www.ic-network.com/handbook ? A lot of good info there (plus here on the boards of course) :D There are special seats out there that have the middle cut out of them so that could be a benefit for you! Have you tried a gel seat, there are "double gel" seats out too. Using a recumbent bike has a chair size seat and not as much pressure directly "there", maybe try that?
Sorry your coworker isnt trying to "get it", I am very lucky and when I went back to work last year I told my coworkers what I have and they had questions, told them all I knew (and researched, boy did I research) and they got the idea, its funny my boss can tell to look at me when I am feeling bad.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask if it didnt :D
Dawn

[ICB]

Hi Karen:

:welcome: Welcome to the group! The members of this group are fabulous, you can always find words of encouragement and hope here.

Ask your doctor when he/she feels that it is safe for you to return to an exercise routine after surgery. Then wait till your IC & Vulvodynia symptoms are better and start out slowly. One of the advatages (if there are any) to having both IC & Vulvodynia is that many of the medications that work for IC, also work Vulvodynia.

It will take time to find the right treatment option that works for you. Work closely with your doctor(s) and physical therapist to achieve the best possible symptom control that you can. Many of us are symptom free 95+% of the time.

Some of the treatment options that you may want to ask your doctor about are: Elmiron; CystoProtek www.algonot.com; Elavil or Cymbalta; Vistaril or Atarax; and physical therapy (if it applies) for pelvic floor dysfunction or myofascial trigger/tender point release; these are the most widely-prescribed treatment regimen for IC patients.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB :flower:

[ticker]

I appreciate the info and the suggestions. We can only do this one day at a time. I have to remind myself when I have a flare to rest, rest, rest. When I feel good I forget I have IC and 'push it' physically. It's a challenge to retrain my mind. I started keeping a journal when it was first suggested I have IC and it helped. I lost the journal and have started another one. I keep a log of what I eat and how it affects me. This is definitely a lifestyle change but it doesn't have to defeat us. I tell myself my bladder has IC. It doesn't affect the other parts. My arms and legs work as well as my heart, lungs and brain. I can see and hear and have lots to be grateful for.
Ticker

[windwalker]

I like your attitude!!! And yes, we gotta watch how we work out when we feel good, too easy to overdo it. :)

[ddmarie]

I was diagnosed with IC about 3 years ago. At the time, I was a hard core runner, swimmer, and weight lifter. IC really put a dent in my routine and some bulges on my body. I am just now getting back into it - but I am building up to 5 days a week again (currently at four). What hurts the most are intense ab work outs (the area I have the most problem with). However, I do abs for 15 minutes three times a week. The other exercises (cardio, weights, stretching) do not seem to bother me anymore. When my IC pain was just getting better, I made myself do pilates to strenthen my trunck. It was difficult, but I did it. I still do the pilates a couple of times a month. Most of all, after a work out, I take 10 minutes to stretch and another 5 to listen to music and zone out.
Hope that helps. Be careful with pilates - only do as much as your bladder will take. I also cut down on running - now more time on elliptical - running hurts knees and ankles.
Thanks,
ddmarie

[karenmay]

Thank-you ddmarie. That gives me great hope. I know I need to rest now (body says so) -but I llok forward to working out again very soon.
What do you think about SnowBoarding?
I live by MANY great mountains (Whistler,Cypress,Grouse,Mt.Baker) that are calling my name!!! :D
Do you think I should say no this year and try next year?

K
:hmm:

[ddmarie]

Hi Karenmay -
I completely understand be/c I love to ski! A couple of years ago, when my pain was bad, I did forego skiing that winter. It was tough. I went on the ski trips and watched my husband and friends snowboard. (By the way, I admire snowboarders b/c I cannot do it). I think it depends on how you feel at the time - I know if I am cold my pain tends to get worse. Sometimes, that attack lasts for a couple of hours and sometimes for a couple of weeks. How long are your attacks lasting right now?
All my hugs! :grouphug: Hang in there - it will get better. Drugs like Elmiron did not work for me - basically I had to get control of my pain through the use of Ultracet (pain killers), breathing, drinking water constantly, and learning to lay off when my body said enough. I still have pain (usually at a constant level) but I have learned to level off my attacks. If you do go snowboarding, let me know how it goes. I am jealous that you live next to Whistler.

[karenmay]

yeah, I hear yah about the cold! It sure has dropped in temperature around here and I'm feeling it! :headbang:
I think I've got my pain cycle figured out now (not on any meds yet). I'm in a pretty constant intense pain for about 2 weeks (starting during my period) and then it levels off for 2 weeks. I'm in the middle of the "good" two weeks right now so I'm eager to do whatever I can. :bunny:
Maybe I'll schedule a "snow-day" during my "good" two weeks.
But the cold definately affects me too.
we'll see how it goes.
I'll definately be waiting until late January or February for sure (have a surgery next week that will put me out until then).
ohhhhhhhhh the things we suffer through.
:rolleyes:

take care,
Karenmay

[ddmarie]

Karenmay,
good luck with your surgery. I hope it gives you some relief! Let me know how things turn out. Also, I always love to hear good ski trip tips!

[Katie14]

I have also recently been diagnosed with IC. I'm thinking that exercise, other than walking on level ground, causes an increase in my symptoms. I was exercising at the gym 3x a week 3 months ago. It's such a good stress reliever for me and it's been hard not to be able to do it these last few months. Since I've been feeling better I've been trying to get back to my old walking routine in an area with hills before attempting to get back to the gym. I've found that when I try to do it I get more frequency and pain for a couple of days. I've only been on Elmiron and Elavil for 5 days now, since I got the diagnosis so need to be more patient. I'm just trying to get back to normal again... I have had a couple yoga sessions that didn't cause a problem. Maybe that's the place to start along with walking on level ground. It's good to hear that others are able to get back to exercising.

[windwalker]

If yoga doesnt bother you, its a wonderful place to start! Walking, if it doesnt bother you, is a good exercise, yes, start very slow. Maybe get some small weights to work you arms? A resistance band can be beneficial also :) I just picked up a Tai Chi dvd, something to try ya know?
Good luck!
Dawn :) :) :)

[jen48446]

I have a Pro Form Air Walker & my husband's recumbent bike in the basement. Every morning I do 5min on each. I also picked up a DVD of Pilates @ Wal mart about 2 months ago for abs, butt & thighs, it's not strenuous & it's helping. It only takes 10 minutes until you get the moves down pat I've almost got it down to 5 minutes!! For me the last 2 years I was on anti depressants given I'm not really big to begin with I did gain 20 pounds, as soon I stopped taking the meds I lost 10 in about a month & half. I'm working on the last 10 now...it takes time & I'm not very patient but I can notice that my pants are starting to sit lower & lower on my belly every week so it gives me the hope I need to continue doing it!!

Jen

[windwalker]

Oh, I'm with you on not being patient lol. I gained 10 pounds in six months on Elavil and since it wasnt doing anything, I was able to stop taking it, but the weight didnt wanna go anywhere, it was quite happy where it was, I started working out and although the weight is very slowly comming off, I am noticing a difference in my clothing too, only in the arms of shirts, but I'll take it lol. Glad you are seeing a difference and you continue to work out as best as ya can!!!
Dawn

[Boni]

I continue to work out at least three times a week. I also lift. I do find that I can get a pulling feeling in my lower groin on the right side if the weights are too heavy. But, it hurts there anyway. IC hasn't stopped me from working out. Just running back to the locker room more often to pee from all the water I drink while working out.

Good luck with it.