I'm no expert. I'm just sharing my experience. Be sure to talk with your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.
I used to be in great shape physically. I spent 6 years in the Army in the 1980's and I was no stranger to the 6 minute mile, hundreds of push ups and sit ups. After the Army I continued to stay active in college - mountain biking in the summer, swimming and weight lifting during the school year. I didn't consider myself an athlete, I just enjoyed staying fit.
Then I got sick.
Over the last 17 years since my diagnosis, exercise has been difficult even during the best of times. Exercise was not a the top of my list when it came to getting well. I focused on raising my young family and staying as well as I could. Thanks to inactivity, age and medications, I gradually gained weight and my fitness continued to decline. Early on I could tell it was happening because it would take me longer to bounce back from the inevitable flares. But it really didn't hit me how out of shape I was until last Fall I was invited with a church youth group to hike a moderate 2-3 mile trail to a beautiful waterfall canyon here in the Rocky Mountains. My disease was under control and I felt good.... or so I thought. The first mile went fine. However, by the second mile I quickly found myself out of breath, dizzy, and a very scary pounding in my chest. I didn't know what was wrong, but I knew something wasn't right!
The memory of that experience has lingered with me ever since. Meanwhile, I discovered my blood pressure was skyrocketing and out of control. My doctor soon put me on medication to help control it. That was the final straw. I knew I had to make some changes. I determined to improve my fitness as soon as the weather improved and my health was stable.
Well, summer is here. The sun is out and the birds are singing here in the Rocky Mountain West after what can only be described as one of the longest, wettest, coldest and most brutal winters in recent memory. It's been hard to shake, even with improving weather. My health has been relatively good and my body yearns for the sun's extra dose of vitamin D to help wipe away the winter doldrums.
So I've decided to become more fit, eat a more healthy diet, and hopefully lose 10-15 pounds by the end of summer. All of this takes careful planning, pacing, and motivation. It's been a long time, so I'm making changes slowly to start.
I'll update you of my status and I can use all the cheer leading I can get. That's where the motivation comes in! That oh so important critical ingredient for success.
good luck i too have crohns and i recently broke my hip from all the steroids i was on i know i should exercise but time and work take it away from me after reading your article i will make a real effort to start a workout good luck
ReplyDeleteThere will be ups and downs along the way, but remember to look at the forest rather than the trees when you have bad days--and be inspired by how far you have come and how much progress you've made! :) Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI wish you much luck. I'm inspired as well to be more physical this year. I went skydiving last month, and as we live on a lake just bought a waverunner. As part of my physical therapy I'm taking up kayaking again. We CAN do this.
ReplyDeleteI am inspired by your story. Having an autoimmune disease (ulcerative colitis), I find that if I overexert myself, it triggers my overactive immune system and I flare (not so badly though) So I've learned to watch it. So you might heed this advice and don't overdo it. Good luck. Beautiful essay.
ReplyDeleteI was very active before the diagnosis and I realized that exercising helps me absorb food more efficiently and have gained weight by doing so.
ReplyDeleteI meant, simple exercises such as walking in the same spot for at least 10minutes a few times a day helped me immensely.
Due to UC, I couldn't even walk for long and started increasing the lvl of exercise gradually and it's been getting better.
I used to weight train hardcore and realized that such hardcore exercises only hurt me when I'm not in FULL remission.
I'm trying to get into a regular habit of exercise this summer as well. I find my motivation is increased with sun and warmth, go figure :)
ReplyDeleteWith grad school approaching in the fall, I'd like to get to a place where a bit of running or lifting or whatever I can handle is habitual and not burdensome and strenuous. Best of luck to you in your endeavor (and everyone else above on a similar one!)!
Good Luck!!! I have had Crohn's for 27 yrs now-WOW!! I was always an active kid and not a real athelete,but I always enjoyed staying in shape. After a very long 6 yr bout with Crohn's and several surgeries and finally a permanent ileostomy, I was able to return to the gym. I had a daughter and knew I needed to get in better shape if I was gonna keep up with her! Just take it slow! Don't rush yourself- You will get there! After lifting for 20 years, i finally reached my goal of bench pressing my body weight. Not too bad for a 35 yr old woman!! Now, i am setting new goals and reaching them. The stress release is what keeps me going to the gym! I know that I need to stay healthy to take care of my daughter and STRESS is our #1 enemy!!! well, good luck and stay positive!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the support and feedback! So far so good. I did overdo it in the beginning but now I know my limits and will try to stay within them.
ReplyDeleteLoved your comments.After uncontrolable crohn's and surgery to take away the whole darn colon and cancerous rectum, getting back to fitness has been a long slow uphill climb. Don't give in, don't give up, keep the faith!!
ReplyDeleteExercise is so important but at times can seem impossible when you are feeling sick. I congratulate you on taking responsibility for your health and putting into action a very important part of our everyday health and well being. There are so many benefits to exercise with weight loss and stress management being just a few. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease about 3 years ago. I see an Exercise Physiologist once a week who understands Crohn's and tailors an exercise program to meet my needs but also work within my limits. Listen to your body, it will tell you what you can handle and when you are pushing it too far. Good luck with the exercise program. I look forward to the updates!
ReplyDeleteGOOD LUCK~ YOU CAN DO IT!
ReplyDeleteI too have crohns and have noticed my health decline also, I have lost so much weight and muscle. I know I need to get out there and exercise more.. After reading your blog I feel less alone and am feeling more motivated to get out there and get back on track. Keep us posted on how you are doing!
ReplyDeleteI admire you so much right now! I have RA and fibromyalgia and I am terrified of trying to exercise. I'm afraid I'll make it worse. I wish you much luck! You're gonna get where you want to be. :)
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work. With my CRPS it's a challenge for me to exercise at all. So I started making some food changes and get what exercise I can. As a result I've lost 34lbs!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the start of your journey to fitness. I have Crohn's and struggle with becoming fit as well. Some days I just feel too tired and achy to exercise. I do celebrate some victories though, like getting my black belt in mixed martial arts last year, and hiking my first 13K Colorado mountain last month. We know that good health is not to be taken for granted!
ReplyDeleteEnd of summer update: I managed to lose about 7 pounds, although I suspect that may be more to dietary changes than exercise. I've also been going through a range of new medical tests which has made exercise difficult. I have received a lot of inspiration from each of you though and will continue my journey to get fit.
ReplyDeleteI have two boys with diabetes; they have lived with the disease for almost 18 years. Fitness has been their saving grace in terms of keeping better control of their diabetes and keeping "centered". They work out often; the most important thing I hopefully taught them is to work out with a buddy in case they get low blood sugars. I send them ample supplies of glucose even now(over cautious mom that I am). GlucoSticks are even in their Holiday Gift Baskets!!! (Just as a reminder to stay safe). Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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