Natural Remedies and Exercise

[saraj84]

Hello everyone! I am new to this forum but have been told wonderful things about this Sjogren's community helping each other out. I am 30 years old and was diagnosed with Sjogren's about 4 years ago. Right now i'm experiencing my worst flare up I've ever had. It's definitely freaking me out. All over body aches, very fatigued, joint pain, etc. I am wondering what the overall opinion is on exercise and natural approaches to combating some of the symptoms of Sjogren's? I do Vinyasa yoga twice a week, Barre Pilates 1-2 times per week, and either a reformer or mat pilates class once a week. I'm trying to stay in shape, keep my body healthy, and my blood flowing. I have vasculitis and reynauds on top of everything which is mostly bad in the winter time, hence the need to keep my circulation going. How do you change your exercise routines when you're going through a flare up? Is it bad for me to keep the same routine? Will it prolong the flare up?

I am currently not on any medication. I take some herbal supplements and have drastically reduced my gluten and dairy intake in the past 3 years. I have an appointment with my rheumatologist on Tuesday. It's been suggested that i go on Plaquenil (sp?). I do not want to go on any steroids because i've had very negative side effects. I'm going to try acupuncture next week as well for my muscle and joint pain. Has anyone tried acupuncture during a flare up? Does it help?

Any vitamin or herbal supplement suggestions? Food suggestions? Exercises? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[Winona2]

Hi SaraJ,

Welcome to the forum! I have not been a member a long time but I have found that everyone here is so compassionate, understanding, and helpful! It's such a wonderful resource for sharing and information. I am going to be 30 next Saturday and am in the process of diagnosis. My only symptoms are dry mouth and eyes at this time so I don't have specific suggestions for exercises but low impact exercises, yoga which you do, and water aerobics are all good. I'm sure you will get a lot more tips/information from very knowledgeable members.

[slccom]

Happy almost-birthday, Winona!

Sharon

[saraj84]

Thank you for your encouragement Winona! I hope you have a great birthday. I just turned 30 a little over a month ago, and it's not as scary as people say! Haha. It was nice putting my 20's behind me and starting off a new decade

I'll definitely have to try some swimming exercises. I'm not a huge fan of swimming, but hey if it'll keep me in shape and relieve some muscle pain i'm all for it! I did go to a pilates class last night and it was a much calmer one. Sadly, it made sleeping horrible! My muscles were achy, restless leg kicked in, and i was SUPER hot and restless. Not good. I'll have to try something different, maybe working out in the morning? (not a morning person! grrrrr). Looking forward to trying acupuncture next week. I've read good things!

Good luck with your diagnosis process! And definitely have a great birthday : )

[Velcro]

I second what Winona said.  When I'm flaring, I move to the pool and exercise instead of my normal routine.