This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Knowledge & Support Community

HarryZ wrote:
MS patients, due to the very nature of their illness, have areas of the body where the muscles simply don't work properly.

Good point Harry,

This is a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Before diagnosis I still exercised to the max, taking a morning power walk besides doing other exercises as well. I had spasticity with pain and spasms in my legs but I had no idea what it was at the time. I didn't even imagine anything at all was wrong with me.

I still sometimes hurt myself by overdoing it. Spasticity and heat intolerance are both problems for me. It's not easy to accept slowing down when you're a former overachiever.

Now, I'm at the point of having to psych myself up to even exercise at all, but I know that if I want to keep my mobility, I have to keep dragging myself into the TV room and doing it (since I can't exercise outside anymore.)

robbie wrote: The person doing the exercise knows when enough is enough healthy or sick.

You have to know your own body and when it tells you that trouble is coming, you have to react accordingly.

I think thats what i said Harry

I agree Harry and Robbie. If you can run - do it! If you need a cool pool of water to swim in - do it! If you can sit in your wheelchair and do an arm curl - do it! DO SOMETHING! Get those nerve pathways sending signals to the muscles.
Try visualizing activating a nerve from the brain, down through the spinal cord and out to move a finger or a toe. You don't need to move the finger or toe to get the nerve to activate. Reverse the nerve response -visualize putting your hand on a hot stove.

Everyone has their own exercise threshold, whether it be running or sitting in a wheelchair. Listen to the body!

Sharon

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dignan and loobie, thanks for your input. I don't plan on getting to the marathoning stage, I never have, but I do a lot of shorter distance high intensity stuff. When it comes to local 5ks and the likes I'm generally able to be in contention for the lead. I noticed lhermitte's for a month or so but since then I haven't experienced it, I'd imagine it was a flare up. My body has actually been responding to my training quite well and I really think it keeps my mind sharp.

That said I'd be more than willing to participate in a study noting the effects of intense exercise on MS patients.

Oh I also wanted to add that I start on Copaxone later this week and I'll update you guys how that makes me feel, just in case anyone is interested.