To exercise, or not to exercise....

What I've found is that when I exercise, I feel much better.  If you're able to exercise, keep up the work.  My problem is that I'm so tired or in so much pain that I can't get up to do anything.  I use to do water aerobics 3 days a week.  When the weather changed and got cold, I was unable to do it because the water was so cold and then I was going outside in the cold to go to work.  I felt like I would never get warm.  Plus, all that cold get in my joints made me hurt.  I had to quit for the winter and now, I don't seem to have the energy to get up in the mornings.  In fact, I oversleep for work at least 3 days a week.  My doctors push me to stay active.  It helps keep the joints loose and flexible.  I say if you can do it, go for it.  It may not be the exercise that's making you feel bad.  What's the weather like?

Hey Ish, It's sasquatch.I know how you feel I have been told when you are flareing up not to exercise or push yourself as it will cause your arthritis to worsen.I find if I don't listen to my body I pay for it and have to go to the orthopedic sergeon and have my knees drained.everything seems to fall apart when I don't take care of it.I hate sitting idle and find myself having to alot more than i like.I am use to being active and know how you feel.

                                  sas

Ish- I am glad that you are trying to maintain an exercise program.  This will only help in the long haul.  However, you need to listen to your body.  If your joints are hot and swollen and you are in pain, then your RA is out of control and you should lay off the exercise.  The first priority for me is always to get the RA under control with the proper meds.  You haven't indicated where you are on that road. Once you have some pain relief, then you can begin the exercise, but make sure it is the right exercise.  I find it difficult to walk, but I can ride my bike for miles so that is what I do.  Also swimming works for me.  How is your daily regimen working for you? 

When I am flaring or fatigue takes over, I may do a little stretching and that is it for that day. I would love to exercise every day but it wears me down.  So I work the alternatives: stretching, hot bath, whirlpool, and of course....the couch! 

What kind of support network do you have?

Don't get discouraged...better days lie ahead. 

Steve

I too have pondered the exercise question. Up until about a year ago I lived in the gym or at the park walking. Now, I want to exercise so bad but am so afraid of the consequenses. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I got rid of most of the in-home exercise equip, kept the bike, figured it was the least harmful. My doc says different things when i see him about activities. I want to keep my heart and muscles strong to help the rest of me out but I get mixed instructions.

 I need the self time and stress relief that exercise provides. My kids bought me a yoga and tai chi dvd, I used to love yoga, not sure if the body will allow the moves anymore. I am going to try it though even if I have to modify the moves, I need the brain and stress advantages of it if nothing else.