Medicine and Exercise

[Sandiebean]

I'm trying to go thru all of these posts in this section... but it takes a lot of time. So forgive me if this has been discussed. I understand that the best case scenario is no medicine makes for healthier living... however.. for those of us who do not have that option... how do you exercise on meds? Do you find yourself frustrated with energy levels? I take morphine twice a day, and find myself frusterated with the amount of exercise I can manage. Fitness and weight loss is so slow, that I find myself ready to quit before I've begun. I know that if I don't push myself too far, I won't lose. (been there for a long time).

Anybody have similar issues?

Sandie

 

[lmhall2000]

Hmmm, first let me inform you I AM NOT a physician and do not know your specific condition- (I don't even play one on TV)- however I did call on the top pain specialists in Atlanta/Seattle while working for a pharmaceutical company that marketed a chronic pain patch. I have listened to over 30 of the top lecturers on pain management from Australia, Italy, and here in the US. First, I hope that if you are on morphine 2x a day that you are working with a pain specialist- in my experience very few internists/family practitioners are familiar with alternate dosings for many of the pain meds (this is changing and hopefully will not be the case for long). I sold Duragesic (fentanyl) patches and just 2 weeks ago a dear friend of mine who had tried oxycontin, lortabs, vicodin, percocets you name it has finally gained control of her pain with the patch and is working out at the physical therapists 4 days a week.
First I would have this discussion with your physician if the morphine is causing the lack of energy or your condition. Second, once that is addressed I would start out slowly and make sure you're feeding yourself very well and resting well. Many times folks on pain meds don't get deep sleeping periods, exercise will help you get these, shoot for a 3 week goal of working out 3x a week for 30 minutes then increase it to 4x a week for 45 minutes- hold steady with that and see if you can manage it. While on the morphine 2x a day are you also needing breakthrough medication? Perhaps the dosing is too high/too low- you can build a tolerance/resistance and doses may need to be increased. But first I would have the discussion with your doc and know that even those of us not on pain meds have a very hard time getting active after being inactive for extended periods- it's about a 4-6 week period of consistent exercising when it kicks in as a routine and the energy is there- and quite honestly some days the energy is just ZAPPED!

Keep us posted on your progress and take it slow- but be consistent.

Tara

 

[Sandiebean]

Hi Tara..

I appreciate your comments. To put your mind at ease.. yes, I am dealing with a number of doctors, and all are on top of the meds that I'm on. Without meaning to sound rude.. I really am not questioning the meds. I am questioning if anyone is in a similar boat, and how do they deal with things. Sometimes it just helps to have someone in a similar boat.. otherwise it can feel as if you have just walked into a gym full of models... you kinda feel out of place.

That being said, I appreciate that you took the time to answer me.

Sandie

 

[lmhall2000]

Oh my goodness! If you're worried about walking into a gym of models- don't even give it a second thought!! I'm 219 pounds- and the only thing on my mind when I go to the gym is how to help work these extra pounds off. I see folks of all sizes- and really only a handful of the women in there would even come close to fitting the model type. I see more "pooh" like moms like me in there than anything else.
I must have misunderstood your question, I thought you had lack of energy due to the morphine- the hardest thing with managing chronic pain is trying to get back to a normal active lifestyle. I've seen so many patients through the years that could not do that due to the incorrect dosing of morphine- so I was just more concerned about that not inhibiting your energy level.
I know it's hard not to be self-conscious- my dh has a hard time going to the gym just for that reason- but you're working towards a healthy lifestyle and a fit you! And we're all here to cheer you on!!!

Tara

 

[ahutton]

Although I'm not in your exact situation, the last month has been a ton of doctor's visits, medications and feeling like I've been hit by a truck. What I have found works for me is trying to do some type of activity (any type really) in small segments. Some days I'm only up to doing some stretching and strength exercises, some days I'm good to go walking. But I find that my mental state is better even if I can only do 10 or 20 minutes a day, then I feel like I'm doing something. I've been a wish member for 2 1/2 months, and have lost a total of 7 pounds, so I understand frustration. I've seen many around me lose 2-3 times what I have, and some in half the time. But I'm committed to coming back here, and try to come once a day to throw my 2 pennies in where I can. I hope we both feel better, and see more results soon!