Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 01.06.2012
From: hawker

Subject: Exercise

Hello all.

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis four years ago, although for three of those I was told it was post-viral, and was wondering what people's experiences are with continuing exercise. I ought to point out that I'm 54 and had been a racing cyclist for twenty five years up until my joints went kaput. In the first two years of having arthritis I went from being able to ride 100+ miles per day in the Alps etc. to having to stop after one mile due to feeling so rough. That was painful in more senses than one.

Anyway after two years of the usual treatments I was switched to methotrexate and then Humira, and the first of those didn't have much apparent effect but the second has been a silver bullet. Within two weeks of the first injection the swellings had gone down, the fevers gone, pain 90% gone - bliss! The anaemia still seems to come and go for some reason but I've gradually built up my cycling again so I'm able to get back to some long rides of 100 miles again, albeit somewhat slower than before!

The biggest fly in the ointment is the susceptibility to infections due to the Humira/methotrexate, and avoiding colds, sore throats, coughs etc. can be problematic.

So, the reason I'm posting is to find out (a) how other sports people have coped in the long term, (b) at what point do you stop riding or running or swimming etc due to infection, and (c) do you ever get back near your best?

Thanks in advance.
reply | back to forum

Date: 01.06.2012
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Exercise

Hi hawker, I have had r/a for over 11 years now and i always felt i was fit before it hit me, although nothing like you, I do take my hat off to you, 100 miles per day is fantastic. Exercise is important as it helps to stop the joints stiffening up but if you feel exhausted then stop and have a rest. I sometimes feel if i overdo it one day then i sometimes suffer the next day. I would listen to what your body tells you.

I am starting a new biologic drug next week the last one i was on (enbrel) didn't cause me any infections but it didn't help me either, i don't know what it will be like this time. All i can advise is to stay away from people that have colds etc and wash hands often and of course eat well with plenty vitamin c.

Good luck with the cycling. x
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

2+7=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board