After having my first child in May 2010, I was diagnosed with lupus shortly after. I was very surprised as I had no prior symptoms. I used to work out hard 4-5 times a week no problem. My issue is now, my joints are almost always aching and I get very tired easily. Does anyone else have lupus or a similar auto immune disease and have any tips for working out to increase your energy or reduce pain? (besides taking Tylenol, Aleve etc.)
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Thread: Training with Lupus?
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01-24-2011, 06:35 AM #1
Training with Lupus?
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01-25-2011, 01:42 PM #2
- Join Date: Apr 2010
- Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
- Age: 41
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I have Lupus so I understand what you are going through, I was diagnosed 10 years ago.
On days that you are hurting I would suggest to decrease the weight but increase your reps. That way you get a good work out but you aren't straining your joints. I find that a good work out actually helps to alleviate my pain.
As for the fatigue, that can only be fought with adequate rest, a healthy diet and maybe some caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea.
Outside of medication and rest there really isn't much that can be done for the pain and fatigue, and as odd as this might sound...It's something you get used to. You toughen up and you learn to deal with the disease and fight through your day.
Are you currently be treated for your Lupus? The proper anti-inflammatory medication can help you immensely and prevent joint damage.
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01-25-2011, 01:46 PM #3
- Join Date: Jan 2010
- Location: California, United States
- Age: 37
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I don't suffer from Lupus (at least at this point I don't think I do), but I can tell you that for years I've had a significant amount of joint pain and extreme fatigue. About 2 months ago, I went to the doc and it turns out I have some extreme inflammation going on in my body, which may be why I feel this way (might have lupus or rheumatoid arth, but I'm going to the rheumatologist in 2 weeks to find out).
Anyhow, I looked it up everywhere. There have always been points in my life where I've had an extreme amount of energy, and months where I could barely get out of bed, so I know how you feel. Since I found out what was going with my body, I decided to just work out, and it's help a ton by giving me natural energy.
It's not to be easy, but even if you feel like you should be taking a nap instead, I highly suggest hitting the weights, doing some cardio, and when you get out you'll feel 100% better. Also, I've been taking Yohimbe for about a week and a half because it was recommended on the Kris Gethin Transformation program, and honestly it's done WONDERS for my energy.
Good luck girlie!"Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels"
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01-25-2011, 01:46 PM #4
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02-12-2011, 06:15 PM #5
Thanks for the advice. I've tried methylprednisolone which did nothing but make me gain weight. My rheumatologist has tried me on 5 different anti-inflammatories, none of which have helped. I was getting no where with him so I said screw it and am trying my own approach. I've been taking chlorella and spiruluna together which has helped a little. I'm starting to get used to forcing myself to just suck it up and deal with it, I know complaining about it does no good! Thanks again for your response! =)
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02-12-2011, 06:19 PM #6
Thanks for your response. I hope all goes well with your doctor. I have pretty much given up on doctors, so I'm trying to figure out what works bet for me now. I'm currently taking two kinds of algaes, spiruluna and chlorella which have helped a little bit. More so than the steroids and anti inflammatories I've been prescribed have. I have taken Yohimbe previously before as part of a stack but didn't see much of a difference in myself with it.
The crappy thing about a lupus or rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is that it can sometimes take a long time to get an official diagnosis. Since there is no true all test that says "you have lupus". Again, I hope everything goes as well as it should for you!
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02-14-2011, 10:36 PM #7
- Join Date: Jul 2010
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Age: 42
- Posts: 199
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i would just like to say thank you for putting up this thread.
my mom was diagnosed with lupus last year and it was a blow to me to see her shrink away and be in constant pain all the time. my mom has always been a tiny person (she's filipino) but she was strong.
this thread has helped because i didn't know where to begin in getting my mom stronger again. i would kid around with her, telling her i'd get her oly lifting in no time, but i was really unsure of even getting her to lift light weights. heck, i was even unsure of her walking around the block!
i understand that starting light and just working through it all will help her.
so thank you for sharing your experiences!
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02-15-2011, 06:05 AM #8
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02-15-2011, 12:29 PM #9
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02-15-2011, 12:31 PM #10
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02-15-2011, 10:36 PM #11
- Join Date: Jul 2010
- Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Age: 42
- Posts: 199
- Rep Power: 303
thank you!
i think that the worse is over. her hands were peeling and there were sores; after numerous tests and hospital visits, she was diagnosed with lupus. her hands got so bad that she was unable to even hold a spoon.
her doctor has given her medication and she's seeing a specialist every few months. her hands today have healed and she's getting better. the doctor said that the peeling and sores were just side effects of lupus. she's able to cut into a steak with little difficulty. i'm taking her back to the Philippines in October, it's something she's looking forward to and focusing on getting better by then. when the weather starts to get warmer, we're going to get her to start walking short distances and then go from there.
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02-18-2011, 09:40 PM #12
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03-05-2011, 08:59 AM #13
I have a different autoimmune illness called CREST. It also causes inflammation and joint pain among other things. I just take a daily anti-inflammatory (there's only one I've found that works for me). I work through the pain if I see its something related to say weather changes, though there are a few exercises and machines I've learned not to do because it causes a sudden new joint pain. Then I avoid those things...such as the new leg press a trainer insisted I should use. My orthopedic doctor told me to use exercise bike as it will alleviate knee pain and I noticed he is right because I start getting really sore knees when I miss a day riding. One other thing that helps is using certain topical treatments such as a Chinese medicine called Dit Dat Jow which I learned about during my martial arts years. Another good linament is White Tiger by OHC (Oriental Herb Company) which is sold at places online like Asian World of Martial Arts and not to be confused with the white tiger balm that makes your skin burn. This is a brown liquid linament. Research DMSO for joint pain as well. You must do your reading on that one to understand how it works and precautions. It can be found any place that sells horse items such as Tractor Supply Co or Petsmart. Yes it seriously works!
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03-08-2011, 08:12 PM #14
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03-12-2011, 10:37 AM #15
also lupus sufferer
I too have lupus and it gets hard to find motivation to hit the gym when i feel like ive been hit by a truck. But im trying anyway. Not only do i have joint pain and fatigue, i also have lots of muscle pain even pre gym. Does anyone else have this and how do u combat it? Ryan imarlosmom@gmail.com
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03-12-2011, 11:41 AM #16
Taking Vit D3 has helped me a lot with fatigue. I've been taking 10,000IU but may lower the dosage for summer since I will be getting sun exposure to make my own D. I've read a few articles stating too much of it is not a good thing. Been taking tumeric and bromelian capsules for joint pain in addition to NSAID. I buy the tumeric in large bulk bags because its really inexpensive that way then make my own capsules.
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04-09-2013, 07:57 PM #17
- Join Date: Apr 2013
- Location: State / Province, New Zealand
- Age: 37
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