Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Exercising

Again, assuming I have AS and this isn't something else, I am wondering what types of exercises are deemed "safe" while you're fusing--if any? Right now I have been told by the rheumatologist and my PT NOT to do ANY type of exercise AT ALL. I am allowed to hang in the pool w/a noodle but not move my legs around or add any type of motion.

I see my ever-enlarging belly from being so sedentary and hate it. I tried rowing on a rowing machine but that made things worse. Summer is coming so I will no longer be able to "hide" in sweatshirts and sweaters and would really prefer not to have people ask me, "When is the baby due?" Plus I hate how I feel when I look down and see a big belly. It doesn't help that I am frequently bloated either as it makes it look worse. So is there anything I can do, even something small, to help tone up down there? My diet is good, for the most part. I don't eat a ton of junk and when I do indulge in something like chocolate it's a small amount. Even that doesn't seem to help when you are destined to refrain from exercising, though. Any ideas? Or do I have to wait until they can get me into remission/out of this flare?

If your doctor and PT are telling you not to do any exercises, there must be a possibility of serious damage if you do. Are you allowed to walk? Even walking at a slow or normal pace could be helpful if you are allowed to walk a lot. I am sorry you are going through this!!

Hi Laura,

As far as I've heard, exercising will somewhat prevent fusing and keep your range of motion. I've told my rheumy that I attend warm water therapy once a week for stretches and swim about 3 times a week to try to keep my strength and prevent more weight from being put on...and he said that this is good. I find it strange that your PT said that you could not exercise at all....I would have thought that they would encourage exercise in the water as there is little stress on your joints as you are buoyant. Anyways, that's just my opinion...I'm a little skeptical of doctors at this point now with all the poop that they have tried to shovel me! Keep researching...knowledge is power!

Take good care,

Trina

I am not a doctor, and I don't play one on TV, but exercise has helped me. Last week I ran 12.5 miles. I have been running for 19 years. I think I was diagnosed with AS 23 years ago. I was diagnosed with MS 2 years ago. I am still running (I havn't got there yet). Your situation may be different so I would say listen to your doctor, but I would get a second opinion.

Hi Laura,

Well so far I have no fusing so since I have put on alot of weight due to steroid use I have decided enough is enough.

My daughter and I together have been making changes for awhile like drinking more water, watching sugar, we now dont eat anything after 7 and this last week we started walking. I walk with a limp and when we first started I could only do like 15 minutes and then I was done, tonight we walked for 45 minutes, I was really proud of myself.

There are 2 days I know we wont be able to walk so even if I can walk 3 or 4 days a week it will be better than none, but I understand if your Dr. does not want you walking. I would try and swim my Dr. told me that is the best the water taking your weight away.

Keep us updated,

Lisa

Laura

I also think you need a second opinion or at the very least ask them why you cannot exercise. Just saying no exercise puts fear into your head. AS patients are usually told to use it or lose it - you fuse when you do not move and exercise. It is important to respect your medical professionals advice -but not blindly and with only faith. I hesitate to suggest it could be incorrect but some Dr's and Rheumys can also be out of date. You need more information and to know what and why.
all the best

Kylie

I think they are concerned because I have been in a lot of pain, so they are afraid to aggravate my condition even more? I'd ask the rheumy but I don't see him until May. I do know my PT doesn't want me to do the core strengthening exercises (aside from keep the core pulled in) until I am out of pain. He is the one who told me I could come and hang out in the pool anytime I wanted.

Just in the past couple of days the pain has really picked up and is starting to wake me up at night. I guess I'll call the rheumy's office tomorrow and inform them of the change and ask about the exercising. At this point even walking around doesn't help me--and that used to a bit.

Hi Laura, Sorry to hear you're feeling so crummy.
I think any rheumatologist who read your post would gasp - most know that exercise is key in the prevention of fusing, providing you are physically able, of course. Obviously if you're in an acute/active inflammatory phase, and in terrible pain, you're not going to be able to exercise (and for me, I know that will just make it worse). But when things are sort of kinda in control, and pain meds are working, light exercise/stretching is usually encouraged.
I think the bottom line is - if you find something that works for you, that helps your pain, increases flexibility/motion, and gets you moving, any doc would be silly not to encourage that. This illness is so individual - just do a little experimenting and do whatever works best for you. Hang in there.

I agree with Megan, exercise should be encouraged and this is the first I heard of a rheumy discouraging.

When in a flare and exercise heightened the inflamation and made walking etc difficult I discontinued my exercise, but if I was doing well all the rheumies I had seen encouraged exercise.

Some of the best exercises... stretching, swimming, walking.

Best to you,

Tim

Hey Laura...I see that no one has mentioned the NSD [unless I missed a post]. One of the benefits of the NSD is that the diet can stop the inflammation when the inflammation stops then the pain subsides. Have you tried the NSD?

Just wanted to put that out there.....also as another benefit after being on NSD [almost 7 months now] I lost 25 lbs in the first 3 months. I am now at my healthiest weight since junior high school! Oh yeah, and the diet is free......

Cheers,
Rita

James, 12, Adrian, 10, Elisabeth, 3, my babies!