Exercise and fatigue

[Kirby]

Since I have been on Plaquenil for about 4 months, I finally got the motivation to try my treadmill again. Now that I can walk while shopping and my feet don't kill me and I am not as sensitive to muscle soreness.
While I am walking, my stamina is better than 5 years ago when I was walking regularly. My leg muscles wer NOT sore in the least bit!!!! I did almost 2 miles! I was amazed! Bad thing is, that late afternoon and the entire next day, I was completely wiped out! I have walked twice and both times the next day, ka-put....no energy.
Has anybody noticed this or is it just a big coincidence? 
When I try for the 3rd time, I will let you know.
Kirsten

[Katybarstool]

Kirsten

Yes, that sounds like me too. About 4 years ago, after hysterectomy, I decided I needed to kick myself into shape. The surgery had taken a lot out of me, so I joined a gym - not to do anything too strenuous, but to build up my stamina.

I started on thre treadmill, and gradually worked up to 1 mile - in two seperate half mile stints, with a few gentle exercises in between. I had supportive training shoes, and did everything by the book. Within three weeks my feet and legs were so sore, I could hardly walk. That's when I had arthritis diagnosed in my feet - so much for getting back into shape. I continued at the gym, but just using toning tables. Well, would you believe, they made me ache so badly., I had to give up Of course, I wasn't diagnosed with SJS then, or the fibromyalgia, that came with it.

Over the past couple of years I have tried to take regular walks in my lunch time - only 10 -15 minutes. Doing this about three times a week is ok, but when I have got adventurous and done it every day, I've suddenly ended up in a flare. It seems we're damned if we exercise, and damned if we don't!

I'm currently recovering from more surgery, and have just started doing a very gentle 5 minutes stretching exercise most days.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Kathyx

[Kirby]

It is just so strange that now I don't have the sore muscles from doing light exercise, but totally depleted the next day!
Can't win for losing!
Kirsten

[Katybarstool]

Kirby

I think that's what fibromyalgia can do to you. It's different from the fatigue that suddenly bites you on the bum and makes you screech to a halt, though as, like you say, it kicks in the day after, rather than at the time.

Kathyx

[Babs659]

Kirsten, I have the same problem.  I was an avid distance runner.  Now, after running 2 or 3 (slooow) miles I am more tired the next day.  I don't think it's a coincidence.

[Kirby]

Do you have fibro like Katyx says on the previous comment?
My rheumy has not mentioned it. I don't know that I would have any different treatment if he did. I don't know much about it. I know some docs don't want to use the fibro diagnosis, some of the older ones still think it is not real. 
BTW- my sis's has been told she has fibro.
Thanks,
Kirsten

[kathyl]

I used to hike in mountains for 6 - 10 miles regularly.  Now anything that is strenuous in any way makes bme hurt and tired the next day or two or more.  After being on plaquenil for 3 years I notice that I recover faster though.  I used to take several days to recover after going to Disneyland with my daughter, now one good rest day will do it.  I still do active things but I know I will pay for it.  I do not have a dx of fibro.
KathyL

[Lesleybird]

  I have fibromyalgia that I believe is caused by the Sjogren's causing inflamation of the nerves and muscles and soft tissues.....our body is attacking itself with it's antibodies. At least when your fibromyalgia has a real cause like the Sjogren's most good doctors will take you seriously when you hurt all over. The ones that have fibromyalgia with no known cause are the ones that the doctors are more likely to think it is all in the patient's head. I take Lyrica 150 mg. twice a day and just started taking Cymbalta two and a half weeks ago and both are helping me to deal a lot better with the pain and fatigue. The Cymbalta helps me to not be so restless so that I sleep better...better sleep equals less pain during the day. The Lyrica not only helps my pain but within two hours of taking it my fatigue gets better.  I also started on the plaquinil about three months ago and it has helped my eyes some.                                              Lesley