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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
G3a since ’78 – Dx ’12 – F4 (2xHCC)
24wk Tx – PEG/Riba/Dac 2013 relapsed
24wk Tx – Generic Sof/Dac/Riba 2015/16 relapsed
16wk Tx – 12/01/17 -> 03/05/17 NS3/NS5a + Generic Sof
SVR7 – 22/06/17 UND
SRV12 – 27/07/17 UND
SVR24 – 26/10/17 UND
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.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.
w iron ia another problem with ribaSleep 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.
G3a since ’78 – Dx ’12 – F4 (2xHCC)
24wk Tx – PEG/Riba/Dac 2013 relapsed
24wk Tx – Generic Sof/Dac/Riba 2015/16 relapsed
16wk Tx – 12/01/17 -> 03/05/17 NS3/NS5a + Generic Sof
SVR7 – 22/06/17 UND
SRV12 – 27/07/17 UND
SVR24 – 26/10/17 UND
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.
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