Exercise as a trigger

[Katie14]

I'm feeling frustrated. I was feeling good enough to not be thinking about my bladder all the time. Night before last I only got up 2x to the bathroom. I was feeling like my bladder capacity was improving too. I've been on meds for only 3 weeks (Elmiron and Elavil) so thought the Elavil must be helping.

I was feeling good enough to try to get back to my routine at the gym. Up to now I've been walking without a problem as long as I avoid a lot of hills. I used the recumbent bike for a short while and the treadmill a short while. Then I tried to do a few of the things with weights like I used to do. I noticed a change by the afternoon. I was going to the bathroom more frequently, having a harder time starting to go, and not feeling like I emptied. I was up every two hours last night. I don't usually have pain in my bladder but I had discomfort. I'd feel full but not go a lot. I'm even thinking of doing a home UTI test even though I'm on a once daily dose of Macrodantin.

One thing I did was the leg press. I'm wondering if that was too hard on the pelvic muscles. The only other thing I did yesterday was try a new preservative free bread and cashew butter from TJ's.

At my last appointment when I told my doctor I suspected that exercise was a trigger he acted like that wasn't typical but I've seen it listed as a trigger before. I've also read that exercise helps. I may have done too much. Maybe weights aren't a good idea at least yet ?? Any thoughts? Thanks.

[bigred]

Sounds like you might have gone to hard and fast. I know I do water exercise with about 6 other ladies at a school pool. Right now the pool is closed because the heater isn't working and the pool is outdoors. I have missed this exercise and know that when we hopefully can go back in Jan. that I will have to pace myself. My doctor says that excercise can bring on pain. I have learned this first hand. I have pain just getting the groceries bought and home. As far as weight I know I can't lift what I used to without pain. As it is a walk from my garage to house I have asked for a garden wagon for Christmas, will see if that comes and if so if that hleps. Do exercise slow and in moderation and you will be OK. Have a Happy Holiday.

[ICB]

Exercise can trigger mast cell degranulation and histamine release into the bladder, which causes inflammation - which in turn causes your symptoms. Many urologists prescribe an antihistamine such as vistaril or atarax, half an hour to one hour prior to exercising.

Your symptoms sound exactly like what I used to experience, until I started taking the Vistaril before I hit the gym. Now things are back to normal and I can exercise again without a problem.

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 for a happy and healthy holiday and new year, ICB :flower:

[cpps]

I have the same problem. Exercise is my biggest trigger. Especially any vigorous type of exercise. I had to give up on basketball, because I was in too much pain for a week or more after playing. I've been having some better luck when using antihistamines such as allegra before exercising (as mentioned by ICB). I still have to be careful with anything too vigorous though, because I still have some pelvic pain. I feel great during exercise, but I usually have some pelvic pain for a few days after. Good Luck

[jen48446]

I exercise daily however I'm going the all natural supplemental route too.
Jen

[MelissaJ]

I have problems doing certain things like running or high impact exercise. However, I do walk and I went to a store that specialises in running/walking so they measured my feet, etc and I was able to pick shoes which are the best for me and the way i walk (how you place your feet as you're walking). If I can I try and walk on the dirt rather than pavement and this seems to help too.
Also, I just started doing Hatha Yoga a little while ago and I haven't had any related flare-ups. If anything I feel more relaxed after my class. Also, my instructor is great and she really promotes that we NOT do anything that may make our bodies uncomfortable (I'm not the only one in the class who has just lay back and practised deep breathing during one of the moves).

[Katie14]

Thanks for the responses. I would think the antihistamine would make you drowsy. Is it a small enough does that you get used to it? My doctor didn't offer that to me.

[TabbiH]

The literature says regular exercise is supposed to help.

[Katie14]

It would be interesting to know what exercise they studied and whether it was something like walking or stretching or more intensive exercise including using weights. When I looked on Pub Med there was an abstract from Uro Nurs but I couldn't look at anything but that. All it said in the abstract was that exercising 3 days a week for 6 months benefited 2 people. Anyone know where else to look or if any experts here have discussed exercise?

[Xhal76]

I am glad to see I am not alone on this. I have gained weight because sometimes even walking briskly causes me extreme urethral pain and burning /lower back/thigh weakness.
Forget about running or using an exercise bike or even an elliptical machine. I am only 29 but my doctor ordered a stress test last year for chest pain which they later determined to be due to my worsening asthma. I had to stop the test due to extreme pelvic pain, similar to menstrual cramps and thigh weakness but with the feeling that I was going to lose control of my urine. I have been diagnosed with IC but could this be related to something neurological?

[UCSB]

Katie and others starting to exercise again ... one thing to keep in mind. If you have not been exercising and start a program, your muscles are not conditioned and will produce lactic acid. If you were sore the next day, that may be a clue. Your body excretes this excess lactic acid in your urine and for an IC patient this can burn. It will feel like you are flaring or losing ground. You are not ... it may just be the lactic acid going through your bladder. Once you are aware of this reaction you can easily recognize it and not overreact. Ease back on your workouts, drink enough water, put up with a little burning and eventually the symptoms will disappear as your conditioning improves. Also, I think that a good cool down routine can reduce lactic acid problems (but, it has been awhile since I researched this point). One approach that I used was to drink water during and after my workouts. Another approach is to build very slowly from extremely easy workouts ... don't worry over a few weeks/months you will make good progress. When you get back in better shape, keep up with your conditioning and you won't have the problems again.

[ICNDonna]

I find I can do the smooth exercises, with walking being my best option. Swimming is also a good one for me.

Donna

[jen48446]

Like others have said, if you haven't exercised regularly, then you'll want to start out slow. I use a Air Walker & Recumbent Bike 5 min each, every morning. It's not much but it's enough for me to feel better every day because I do it :) I remember when I 1st got the Air Walker, I did like 2 minutes & I ached ALL over for 2 days afterward but it's because I hadn't build up my muscle & resiliency yet.

[Pac168r]

I use the Stair Master with no problem. I have had trouble jogging, however I jogged today and so far so good.

I have been afraid to try my bike , but this spring I will.