TOPIC:

I would imagine most of us have been told by our GPs, specialists, hep websites and others that exercise is beneficial for our general health and particularly our feelings of well-being when dealing with Hep C. This is certainly true but I have found that it was often difficult to be consistent with over the last couple of years whether for physical or psychological reasons. Often I was too damn tired or just didn't feel in the mood to do it. And when I did I needed recovery time afterwards.

Since I started treatment I have been making a more concerted effort to exercise by gentle walking. I think this was helped initially by the speedy, uplifted feeling that some of us seem to get on starting treatment but I took the opportunity to do the extra distances and gradually build up. Nothing strenuous, just a nice walk round the neighbourhood in the morning and evening. I did soon find that I was less fatigued after these walks and could do the washing up or other chores afterwards rather than having to slump in a chair till I recovered. As a result I have been able to gradually extend these walks until I am covering a fair distance each day and feeling better for it. I also think this has helped with my sleep at night.

Anyway, the reason I'm writing about this now is that I was quite surprised to find myself bouncing along at a fair clip this morning rather than the gentle stroll that I started out with 2.5 weeks ago. No effort involved and I hadn't been trying to do it, it just was!

So for others who have been a bit tardy like me, may I suggest that you get out there and give it a go. Make it something you enjoy, start easy, build up, don't push yourself too hard to start with......just let your body tell you when it wants more.

Hope this helps, or tell us about your experiences.

G

It's so true that exercising with the virus and inflammation was barely impossible...It was as if the liver, connected to all of our muscles, was constantly pulling and telling us not to do anything. It frustrated me all of these years, the connection body mind spirit was always so hard to find. Centering with an inflammated liver is such a hard thing to do and indeed if we would do it then a backlash was always prepared to come up afterwards...I'm taking good walks since I've started out 7 weeks ago...it seems like those unused muscles are getting centered and toned again...bit by bit...getting back into our bodies....

possible i meant

Good advice GAJ, and like you Life, there were days my body simply could not drag itself to the yoga class or the walking track, no matter what the mind and spirit were saying. But lately I've begun dabbling in more classes - like zumba for geriatrics, and even stand up paddle board on the lake. Apart from a revived appreciation of this beautiful area, I'm laughing more. All signs of a healthier, happier and more hopeful me.

And all thanks to Greg and Dr James.

Wow I am very lucky. Around 9 or so years ago I got onto an acupuncture trial and it literally saved my life. LFTs are still so-so and viral load is still there but I have a full time job and have been doing Yoga since before I was diagnosed. Have also had periods of intense exercise. Don't know if it's age (I'm 60 and female) or the virus that is making me need to recover more.
I reckon if you can manage to do half an hour of weights once or twice a week that is really really good for your liver (personal experience). IT makes you feel really lively. And Yoga.
My work do not know I have HCV and I won't be telling t hem.

Acupuncture trial? where was that? Alternative medicine didn't work for me. I spent for 12 years at it. I am convinced its genetics. Lucky you. If you think you're a bundle of dynamite at 60 wait for the cure you will feel 20 again. I can only find 1 study on exercise and its effect on liver function. A genius studied weight lifters and came to the conclusion that heavy exertion effects alt's and therefore liver function. To get an accurate liver function then weightlifters should refrain from exercise 1 week before liver function tests. Maybe another genius will take this research further focusing on people with dickie livers and come up with more useful information and guidelines. Heres hoping.

Life, I think you are referring to the effect hep c has on the mitochondrion which are cells that carry oxygen and nutrients to the muscles when exercising. From my understanding the virus allows the good stuff to seep out and not much makes it to the muscles. Also ribavirin is another known villain. So with Rib in the mix not much is feeding those poor old muscles. :ow iron ia another problem with riba

A very lovely acupuncturist with a practice in Western Sydney had been providing treatment to HCV sufferers in prisons and observed some good results. I don't remember the details but she ended up doing a Masters at UTS. I believe the study was inconclusive for several reasons but I'm lucky that TCM works well for me.
I do a bunch of things and am in good health considering, I don't know which if any is the key thing. Failing in 2 things - keeping weight off and getting enough sleep.
Very curious to see how things change after treatment

Don't expect to sleep. I am told listening to Phillip Adams in bed guarantees immediate sleep. Try the master tax guide that's great sleep inducing material.

Sleep disturbance is a known issue for heppers. Can be a problem on meds too. Although I've noticed that I'm sleeping through the last couple of days. Only about six hours then wide awake with no hope of dozing again but haven't slept right through for years so fingers crossed that it keeps up.

hey Berrinice...I've read a lot of stuff but this is new info to me...yes...that's how it felt like...let's have a marathon together afterwards!!!

Sure Life but how game are you game? I haven't down much exercise while on treatment so I have put on weight. Being off Ribavirin is great. Actually jogged a couple of small blocks last night. By the way I live in Melbourne and no spring chicken.

I think exercise empowers the mind
Forcing yourself into it builds strength of character and the body responds
My body is damaged but not my liver
If I feel slack and the chronic fatigue is vile I have become good at kicking myself in the butt
You don't know my story and it's not pleasant so please don't judge hastily
I'm trying to encourage people to give exercise a go it is so important for mental and physical health combined xxxx
Ariel the water baby
PS water is not an impact environment and won't hurt sore joints

Wise words. I could not have said it better myself probably because I'm not very wise . I think the trick is to find an activity that you love and makes you happy. For me, swimming in the ocean is my happy pill. Yoga is what I need to keep my mind, body and spirit whole and functioning.. Different strokes.

I simply walked. It really helped my stomach issues. Seems all the movement and being upright helped things to head toward the proper opening. Great for old knees, oddly enough.
Logged a 1000 miles last year. Went right before dawn and the critters were everywhere and the people were nowhere.
Nice...