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Discussion: Lupus and training
Subject: Lupus and training By: Alexis P. Written on: 2006-06-21 14:18:02 Message: Hi. I am a newbie. I just started training the beginning of this month for a Sprint length. I have systemic lupus and wondered if anyone out there also suffers from this. If so, what have you done to get through the bad times? I haven't had a flare since the end of March, so I think I am doing pretty good. If I do flare, though, how long can I take off for recovery without compromising my training? Any other advice would be really appreciated. Alexis
Subject: RE: Lupus and training By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-21 14:37:50 Message: Alexis, I really do not know anything about lupus but I just wanted to tell you: "kuddos to you for training and getting through everything with your condition!".That is phenomenal that you are beginning to train for triathlons, you are going to love it! Welcome to the "club"! As far as taking some time off, you will need to listen to your body and only push it as far as it lets you. Taking a couple of days off if you are not feeling well will not kill your training. Good luck with your training! Jael
Subject: RE: Lupus and training By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-06-21 22:56:46 Message: Alexis, Once you've reached a certain fitness level a few days off won't hurt. Systemuc Lupus, as you know can cause anemia and joint pains. However I have heard that exercise in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs is the best thing for lupus. Just like Jael said, listen to your body and enjoy the training. When you get a flare up, take the time off to recoup and start as soon as you feel better! You'll realize that there will be a minimal change, if any, in your fitness level. Good luck and remember to check out this website often! Leo D.
Subject: RE: Lupus and training By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-22 01:01:07 Message: Alexis, Welcome to the world of triathlon. Can you give a description of systemic lupus? I don't know how much time you are talking about but I will take a week or two off now and then ( usually work related) and come back feeling better than ever. It may not be the best for being super competetive but heck I'm doing this for my health and happiness. I think that most amature Triathletes don't take off as much as they should. Ron
Subject: RE: Lupus and training By: frank v. Written on: 2006-06-22 03:34:20 Message: Hey Alexis, as you know SLE might have a lot of twists and turns. I think for triathlon you should consider your organ invlolvment: I think the most worrysome are 1) Hematologic - hx of thrombosis ? 2) cardio-pulmonary - any ? Hx of Endocarditis ? 3) Renal - nephrotic syndrome ? complications of tx ? Diabetes ? If you have any involvement there I wouldn't go for long distance, because of the risc of dehydratation and thrombosis and/or renal damage. Take it easy in the beginning especially if you have cardiopulmonary involvement. You might want to do an exercise test with VO2 before, maybe even pulmonary fonction tests just to be sure. Don't worry about the flares and their duration. Do what you can do. Much of triathlon is about base endurance and you don't get it and you don't lost it in two weeks. You might loose some speed though, but if you just want to have some fun and don't win it won't really matter. Beware of photosensitiviy (sunscreen !). If you are on perdnisone or other steroids use a cardio frequence meter in order not to overcharge your body. Think about sufficient hydration. Otherwise welcome to the club ! Frank
Subject: RE: Lupus and training By: Alexis P. Written on: 2006-06-22 10:48:21 Message: Jael, Ron thanks for your advice. Here is a brief description of SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus). SLE is an autoimmune disease. Basically, my body is allergic to itself. Because of that it is a multiorgan disease. There are many different symptoms including skin rashes, photosensitivity (sensitive to sunlight), arthritis, kidney problems, heart problems, etc. There is a very thorough article on Wikipedia. Thanks again for writing. It is really helpful to know that I can take some time off and not worry about it. Frank and Leo, it sounds like you two (especially Frank) have some exposure to SLE. Thank you both for your specific advice. Frank, I have had some cardio-pulmonary involvement. I had a pulmonary embolism a few years ago, but I had a very thorough pulmonary function test about 9 months ago and everything looked good. I am also really careful about my sun exposure. I try to work out inside when possible and when it isn't (like the bike) I wear a lot of sunscreen and try to go early in the morning or when it is cloudy. I know there is still UV rays and such when it is cloudy, but it does cut back on the rays a bit. All in all, though, I have a fairly mild case. Thanks again, Alexis
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