Exercise and Flare

[CindyLu]

I am starting to think that exercise, at least fairly strenuous exercise, makes me flare. I have been journaling since my diagnosis a couple of months ago and it seems to be a pattern at least most of the time. I used to be insanely active and I have had to cut back so much over the last couple of years, that I am getting soft and I am gaining weight quite steadily. This morning I was feeling fairly well, so I went for a bike ride with my husband and BAM, I am in a flare. Ouch. Next Thursday I am going to see an IC specialist that I moved heaven and earth to get to see, and I am hoping he will get me started on some treatments. But I am terrified to start Elavil as it tends to pack on the weight. Does anyone find that exercise is a trigger for flares? If so, how do we stay in shape? IC might not be terminal, but if I lay on my couch for the rest of my life under my heating pad, my bones will turn to powder and my heart will clog up:confused::cussing::rant:
CindyLu

[samanthalacey]

i know exactly how you feel. i used to run with my boyfriend everyday, and i loved being in great shape. now sometimes even simple tasks (like vacuuming or sweeping) can send me into a flare. i suggest that you try different types of exercise. i started working on a stationary bike - the kind where you lean back and your feet are kind of out in front of you (all gyms that i've been to have them). for me, this takes the pressure off my bladder and back area, which are what hurt me the most during a flare, and what seem to be irritated during high impact activities like running. i can still get my heart going and not regret it the next day! it's definitely not as good as running, but it's something. also, i tolerate certain low weights well. hope i helped a little :)

[Charisse]

I'm currently in a flare from vacuuming last week. I feel your pain. I used to do kickboxing, step aerobics, weight lifting, toning DVDs . . I was an exercise junkie. Now I can't do anything jarring. The only thing I can do is walk on a level surface and if I do too much of that I'll flare too. I've gotten a lot of relief from Elmiron as far as being able to eat more foods but exercise still flares me.

[Briza]

Yes, exercising does cause me pain that I didn't get before I got IC. Even just walking, whether on the street, treadmill, super Walmart, the mall! Swimming, treading water, and boogie boarding I am ok with, but only in salt water, can't tolerate the chlorine in pools. Luckily I'm on the coast so I can do the water stuff most of the year, but obviously the weather does not always cooperate and most people don't have easy access to the beach like I do.
Rollerblading I can tolerate, I guess b/c it's low impact...but I used to skate 12 miles a day...I could still do that but wouldn't dare push my body that far now for fear of the IC bladder and back pain that would follow.
The best thing I've found to be reliable year round has been the recumbant bike at the gym, the one that Samantha describes a couple posts up. I found that folding a towel lengthwise and then rolling one end up to support my back and folding the other end to sit on as a cushion made it even more comfortable and doesn't create any additional pain for me.
I know that many report weight gain as an unfortunate side effect of Elavil. I didn't have that side effect and there are many others who take it and don't gain weight. It helped me a lot for frequency, urgency, nocturia.

[samanthalacey]

the whole exercise thing really, really does suck. i had been involved in martial arts for over ten years, and i even got my black belt in kempo. i had to stop it for a while because of work and school, but recently i tried to join a club at my college and it was MISERABLE. i used to love love love it - it's a great stress reliever and honestly really cool for a girl to know (i've used it more than once on over-friendly guys haha). sooo yay for us ICers!! sorry, just thought i'd rant a bit :)

[CindyLu]

Thanks ladies for all your input. I guess I will just have to get used to sending my husband off alone on bike rides and big hikes. I have 3 really lovely bikes hanging in my garage, and I figure I might as well sell the darn things for all the use they are getting. I will try to stay in shape with the lower impact alternatives for now, and ones that don't involve squishing my crotch....sorry. And it is always great to hear that Elmiron and Elavil helped someone without side effects. Very encouraging. As for ranting Samantha...GO FOR IT! I am all for it.

Cindy

[OrlandoP]

Biker alert:

Get the Spongy Wonder seat! I'm not allowed to post it, but as a long-time biker who hated regular bike seats even before IC (and wonder whether I caused nerve damage that way), I will tell you it may very well allow you to get out there and move again. It's not jarring to any parts.

[CindyLu]

Thanks Orlando. I will look into that.

[Bea]

I find the bike or treadmill to be murderous to IC.... the treadmill just puts so much pressure on the back bladder etc... have you tried yoga.. omg.. that is a complete wonder to IC.. lots and lots of stretching.. ... try doing light weights.. no more than 5 pounds to start.. especially if you dont typically lift weights.. maybe even 2 pounds just enough to tone you.. try lifting veggie cans.. just do more reps.. and do it sitting down till your body gets used to it and you can stand up..

[CindyLu]

I do lift weights but, much lighter than what I used to do. I also do yoga and I find it does not cause a flare, but it totally can't replace what I used to do. I just don't feel like I am getting a good workout, and neither does my body because I am looking pudgy and soft now. I guess it is an issue of acceptance for me, trying to move on and trying not to compare what I do now and what I could do then. I feel quite angry still, even 3 months after my "unofficial" diagnosis. I just hope that once I have seen my new urologist who knows about IC (this Thursday) that I can get some treatments and maybe some relief. And I just hope I can tolerate the meds. I tend to be kind of drug sensitive so I am fearful of getting my hopes up too high.

[Charisse]

CindyLu I completely feel your frustration. After 18 months I am still not willing to accept that I can never exercise again like I used to. I am hopeful there's a medication out there that will help relieve the pain and swelling I get from exercise. We are all so different so you will just have to experiment with what works for you. I can't do yoga or even lift weights too much (even in a sitting position) and riding the bike is a no-no as well but I can walk on a treadmill as long as it's not on an incline.

[CindyLu]

Isn't this IC "thing" bizarre. The fact that we are all so different makes it so difficult to get a handle on it. I still kind of don't know my food triggers. I am always pretty much flaring, so it is hard to tell what to eat and what not to. It is a matter of degrees I guess...or what makes it hurt more. I find it weird that my IC doesn't flare up "while" exercising, but afterwards I notice I get worse. I also seem to get worse later in the day. Could be all the days food in my gut.

I see by your information on your post that you have done IC while pregnant. I can only imagine what that is like. Congratulations.

[Charisse]

Yeah my flares generally hit me about 24 hours AFTER exercising. Sunday morning I ran the vacuum all over the house. Monday morning I woke up feeling nauseated which progressed into pain later in the day. By Tuesday I was urinating several times an hour and had pain all up in my back as well. It's like a delayed inflammation/reaction . . . very strange. And yes I'm currently pregnant and anticipating the delivery and how it will affect my IC . .just praying a lot right now and hoping for the best.

[CindyLu]

I am saying a prayer and hoping for you too Charisse. It is hard enough doing this and going through menopause. I feel bad for you young women that have to put up with this.

[bluetou]

I totally relate to this. I went for a walk on a beach that was rocky...so my footing was very unsteady...bouncy...etc...I could feel my bladder bouncing around....I knew I would be in a bit of a flare ....and I was later that day.
I blame the rough terrain and walk.

I was a runner...and now have resorted to walking.

I also was someone who did an ABDOMINAL workout every two days. I can not do this now...my bladder becomes sore....so I have been doing another ab workout that does not put so much contraction and pressure on my bladder.

Kind regards,

[georgecoolname]

I don't think I get flares from exercising and I do a few hours a day most days. Maybe I do, but I'm so used to it that I just oversee it sometimes. I love what I do too much to give it up and it's not hurting my health to keep going. My pain is 24/7 anyway and I don't know patterns of flares, but it bugs me all the time anyhow and I just have that mindset. Would something you always eat or drink before or after exercise cause anything? Best ot luck!