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Is it safe to try Exercising now? Worried about shortness of breath!

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Posted 1/10/2009 8:24 AM (GMT -6)
Hi All,

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've started my 2nd round of antibioticsCeftin 500MG 2x/day. I'm feeling a lot better. The head, neck, stabbing pains, heart palpitations have diminished a lot. I do have shortness of breath even when I go up a flight of stairs or walk really fast. I am overweight so this could be the reason for that.

My plan is to take the antibiotics for 2 months, increase supplements and use the detox methods I've discovered on this site. Is it safe to try and exercise now that I'm feeling a little better? Does exercising help against fighting Lyme or will it make my symptoms come back? If so how should I try an eliptical machine or aerobics?

Thanks

Posted 1/10/2009 9:32 AM (GMT -6)
I'm not a doctor, but according to Burascano == yes, definitely. Start slow.

You also need to build strength through weight lifting -- per doctor burascano again.

I'm doing both. I walk a mile and also lift (very feather light) weights.

Yes, it helps. No cure yet, but I'm feeling stronger.
Posted 1/10/2009 12:43 PM (GMT -6)
light exercise will help fight lyme but only in moderation! It also helps the antibiotics reach deeper in your body!
Posted 1/10/2009 1:07 PM (GMT -6)
i think dr. b recommends now doing aerobic exercises when you are pretty sick. start out doing light exercises, like light weights, stretching, etc. it will definitely help you. as you get better, you can add more exercises to your routine. a friend of mine was exercising 6 days a week during the first year of her treatment and was not getting any better. she was told by her doctor to reduce her exercising and then got better and better..... so don't do too much when you are really sick, your body needs rest. definitely do some exercises though.
Posted 1/18/2009 11:57 AM (GMT -6)
I know everyone says to workout...but it is hard when you feel like you are having a heart attack and are dizzy.
So you need to be careful.
I have always been very athletic. But the lyme made it hard for me to stand...and I was so dizzy.
So you do not want to hurt yourself.
So if you have a pool....then do that...
If you can go to the gym...sit on a stationary bike and hole on.
This will be good for your legs..and your knees.
And be careful, take it slow.
If you can walk well. Take walks during the day. I would take my bull dog to the beach....and love that dogs because Popeye would be breathing hard like me...lol
go slow...just be very careful. abx and lyme can make you fall. and many on her have fallen down stairs and hurt themselfs. so go slowly and watch your step.
:>)
Posted 1/18/2009 8:47 PM (GMT -6)
Virginia lady,

I just started physical therapy after 5 months of being on antibiotics. My LLMD had a very specific guideline for my non-Lyme informed PT to follow.

You have to start slow! And only on days you have "some" energy. Never exercise two days in a row, your heart rate should remain between 90-100max, and DON'T swim. Unless you're going to swim in a hot tub. Cold pool water will bring your core temperature too low which helps the Lyme bug to grow well. Burrascana's guidelines is for non-aerobic exercise until you have near normal energy back. Now I've read some people have done well with running, but they were runners before the infection. I don't know if that had anything to do with it or not?

But if you are overweight, you should definetly consult with your LLMD before you start any exercise program. Especially if your taking Cipro or other meds that cause arhythmia are palpatations. And if you're already having SOB, shortness of breath, you really need to watch that heart rate.

It feels good to have PT and learn helpful streatching! It helps me feel like things are progressing in the right direction. Some days I'm in too much pain to do the exercises, but the physical therapist will do more muscle work which helps with lymph drainage and it feels really good.

good luck and my best wishes and thoughts are with you- Lisa
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