Ms And Exercise - Multiple Sclerosis Message Board

orbchaser · 08-31-2008, 09:11 AM

Having MS, as you all know, causes EXTREME fatigue. Since my diagnosis in 2001, i've literally gained 100 pounds, and from that weight gain i've developed pre-diabetes. In my mind, I have such a desire to exercise, but the MS fatigue makes it very hard, and the weight I have on me now makes it even harder. Have any of you fellow MSer's been through this vicious cycle? I'm trying so hard to find the will to just push through the fatigue and move more, but I feel like I don't have it in me. I really need some words of wisdom.

april1848 · 08-31-2008, 09:41 AM

Welcome to the site, Orbchaser!

I have not gained weight because of fatigue but I do worry about muscle atrophy and my general health if I don't exercise. Plus, exercise can help with the fatigue, if you can get over that hump. The topic of Exercise and MS is one that confuses the heck out of me, especially when I was first dx.

I have a book called "Exercising with MS" and it has helped a lot. There are many exercises in there that are almost "normal" but they're tweaked a little for MS patients, for example, it says to hold onto a chair in some. It focuses a lot on core strength, for the purpose of improving your balance.

The book is written by a physical therapist who works with MS'ers. It says that working out on your bad days, even if it's just a few minutes, will benefit you more than working out on your good days.

I'm sure there are a lot of great books on the subject. There are days when I'm just not up to it and I don't bother. It's very hard. I do let the fatigue get the best of me sometimes, but I'm trying. Even if I can only exercise for ten minutes, I do it. Start slowly, never overdo it, and do some research; your doctor should have some good advice for you. Swimming may be a good option for you, as long as the water isn't too warm.

I have gotten instant gratification from exercise, which helps a lot. I fall asleep easier and it does make a difference in my fatigue, although it leaves me with a few more aches. I feel really good even if I do a ten minute workout. Good luck, and don't give up on exercise. Try five minutes a day and see how it goes.

brclrk80 · 08-31-2008, 09:54 AM

Orbchaser, are you looking to exercise to be more active and strengthen and keep up your muscles? Or are you wanting to exercise to lose weight?

If you are wanting to lose weight, you do not have to exercise. Exercise alone is very difficult for weight loss if your calories are too high. It is possible, but a balanced diet goes a long long way for weight loss. I have lost over 110 pounds in about a year by diet alone. I have only been diagnosed a couple of weeks but I have been dealing with the fatigue for a lot longer. That is one of, if not the reason why I never exercised.

If you are wanting to exercise to be more active and healthy, strengthen and keep up your muscles, as april1848 said, there are books and guides out there to help you deal with those issues. The hospital I go to has a rehabilitation pool that you can use to do water aerobics. The pool has very cool water which helps a lot with the fatigue and ours has staff who are knowledgeable with MS and know our limitations. Whatever you decide to do, be careful, learn your limitations and perhaps start out by taking a simple walk with a friend or walk around the house.

Good luck!

orbchaser · 08-31-2008, 11:55 AM

I want (NEED) to lose weight, but I also would like to get healthier and stronger in general. May I ask how you lost 110 pounds? I have about 100 to lose but because i'm insulin resistant, it's very difficult and i've been told by my doctors that resistance training helps more with weight loss that cardio when someone has insulin resistance.

MSNik · 08-31-2008, 12:10 PM

The absolute very best way to lose weight while still maintaing muscle is to WALK. either outside or on a treadmill......by cutting down on calories and walking, incresing your activity, you will absolutely lose weight. There is no way you cant- but cutting down on calories is key as well.

This is also good for MSers for balance, and for mobility...if you are afraid to be alone walking, find a partner- if you are able, use a treadmill inside, set it on the slowest speed and work up to walking a few miles a day....even walking for ten minutes at a slow pace is better than sitting at a computer or on the couch and "thinking" about it.

When you do things like watch TV, do leg lifts on the couch....when you are at a desk, put a dummbell or a can of soup in your hand and curl it....there are zillions of things you can think of to stimulate the muscles and maintain activity- even from household items...a filled water bottle is heavier then soup, but not as heavy as a 10 lb dummbell....stretching on the floor, costs NOTHING and helps to keep muscles from atrophying...

the books mentioned are wonderful, but you may not be up to many of the exercises off the bat...start with the walking, build up some desire and strength and then get the books and work on from there..

Good luck. and remember if fatigue is the biggest issue, there are meds to discuss with your doctor to help with that issue.

Nikki