Regular exercise and Crohn's?

[Arin B]

Hello Friends,
I'm seeking advice on how you maintain daily exercise with Crohn's (especially with flares). Exercise at least 4-5X per week is really important to me, but I've not been able to do much other than go to work and go to sleep for the last month or so.

I hate hanging around on the couch during all my spare time; I feel like a sloth. Anyone else have this issue? Anyone figure out ways to overcome it?

 

[MapleLeafGirl]

I go with different types of exercise now. Yoga and walking. I still feel like I am doing something but it's not as strenous. That may or may not work for you though as I know some people really like the running/aerobic aspect of exercise.

 

[uab grad student]

I go for leisurely walks with my hubby. It isn't as intense or exhilerating as real cardio but I find that just moving around gets my circulation going and I feel positive since I'm at least getting out of the house for a bit. It has also turned into a "quality time" exercise for us

 

[Arin B]

Thanks for the thoughts....

I'm trying to do an expedition that will take me to the summit 3 of Africa's peaks in 3 weeks. I'm going to need to train for most of the next year to accomplish the goal. My former self would've been able to do it... but my present self... not so much.

Does anyone maintain a somewhat strenuous cardio routine (heartrate over 160 for a couple hours or more) with CD?

 

[David in Seattle]

Thanks for the thoughts....

I'm trying to do an expedition that will take me to the summit 3 of Africa's peaks in 3 weeks. I'm going to need to train for most of the next year to accomplish the goal. My former self would've been able to do it... but my present self... not so much.

Does anyone maintain a somewhat strenuous cardio routine (heartrate over 160 for a couple hours or more) with CD?

I know how you feel. I don't know about scaling Kilimanjaro, but up until about 18 months ago, I exercised every other day, without fail. I used to either bike about 17 miles in a little over an hour, or walk about 5 miles in the same period, or stationary bike for an hour, the last being with a sustained heart rate of around 180. My resting heart rate was about 52. I also have fibromyalgia, so I told myself "I may feel like crap a lot of the time, but at least I'm FIT!" Now, I'm lucky if I can walk for 15 minutes at any real pace. And since I was on the Pred, it's even WORSE! MUCH worse. Lots of aches and pains, especially in my legs. I rotated the tires on my car yesterday, and just from all the up and down involved in that, my legs are ACCCHINNNNGGG! It's a real drag, and has eliminated a big part of the positive way I used to think of myself, and of life in general.

Dammit!

 

[Arin B]

Well, David in Seattle, I totally hear ya! You don't realize how you project "This is who I am because this is what I DO"... until you can't do those things anymore. Until I got sick, I skiied 60 + days a year, rock climbed 5.11, and had just bought a new downhill mtn bike.

I don't call my friends anymore because I don't really know who I am around them. I can't ski with them, eat with them, drink wine with them anymore... It's an identity crisis at times.

On the other hand, maybe in the vast scheme of things... it's actually a good thing. I'm taking the time to get to know my 12 year old sister, just planted an heirloom tomato garden with my grandma, and am learning to look at things with a fresh (albeit slower) perspective.

Maybe now it's, "This is who I am, because this is who I AM", not "This is who I am, because this is what I DO". While my body weakens, my heart is the same, and my soul maybe even a little stronger....

 

[shazamataz]

Hi David, I just wanted to say that people tell lies on dating sites to make themselves sound more interesting! If they were THAT busy and exciting they probably wouldn't be on the internet looking for a date!!!

People tend to list off all of their activities, even if it's something they have only done once or maybe even like the sound of (I am interested in sky diving) but haven;t even done yet! Not everyone is manically active all the time, so don't give up!!!

And Arin, I really like your attitude. Who you ARE and what you DO can be very different things. You will probably find that your relationships improve with the CD as you will spend more time just BEING with people as opposed to DOING with people - I wish you well

 

[David in Seattle]

Hi David, I just wanted to say that people tell lies on dating sites to make themselves sound more interesting! If they were THAT busy and exciting they probably wouldn't be on the internet looking for a date!!!

People tend to list off all of their activities, even if it's something they have only done once or maybe even like the sound of (I am interested in sky diving) but haven;t even done yet! Not everyone is manically active all the time, so don't give up!!!

Thanks Shaz and I agree. I've already encountered one woman who has been on a particular site for something like 3 years. We didn't click anyway, but you have to wonder what's up with someone who couldn't find someone in that period of time. I also think these sites (and the plethora of them) give the false impression that there's always someone else in line to "download", which makes the inevitable time and work involved in any good relationship seem less necessary. I'm probably just not ready yet on some level, not that I'm not feeling ALONE enough. It sure would be easier though if the very 1st thing one generally does on a date - share some FOOD, didn't come with so many strings attached. The fact that I've been trying 1st gluten free, and now SCD, doesn't help. Just never ran into these issues in the past, when planning where to enjoy a good meal was actually part of the FUN.

I also agree about the difference between spending time together, and sharing an activity. Especially in an intimate relationship.

 

[dreamintwilight]

Arin - you have a great outlook on what defines you! I think it's something everyone could be reminded of. Perhaps that's one good thing to come from this disease

David - I just wanted you to know I think you are awesome!

 

[David in Seattle]

Marisa - I hardly know what to say! Except you too and THANK YOU!

you don't have a sister in Seattle, do you...? :lol: :lol: :lol:

HAPPY DANCE (you like this one)!

 

[dreamintwilight]

Aww, sorry David. No sister in Seattle. I do have a sister in Florida, but she is not much like me!

Those dancing guys make me laugh every time! I love it!

 

[markbills85]

I try to lift weights 3X a week and play volleyball 2-3X as well - if im in a flare it can wipe me out and get me discouraged, golf, rollerblading or something more mild is good in those cases

 

[PeninsulaLil]

I agree that socializing can seem to revolve around food. A couple ways that have worked for me around this issue-- Going with a friend to a coffee place that serves salads/sandwiches. They can have a meal and I can have a cup of tea or cold drink and it doesn't feel weird. The other is going to hear music in a local cafe or club with a group of friends. Again, they can have food and drink and I can hang and we're all enjoying the music together. I can get out socially with friends and it isn't totally focussed on the food and drink.

Lilly