[johnk]

Re: Introduction and question about exercise

by johnk on Tue Aug 21, 2012 8:29 am

I am 7 weeks post transplant. Exercise has helped keep me sane.Since the transplant my hemoglobin has gone up so my energy level is great. I am also different than a lot of people on this forum in that I don't have any pain.

I swim 3 times per week at the local aquatic center. My local doctor did not want me swimming at the Y( across the street from my apartment) because of the chlorine. The Aquatic center is new and the water is treated with a saline solution and an ultraviolet filter. Also on these days I try to do core work and lift light weights.(squats with 5lbs.In each hand).
I do spin class on Tuesday and Thursday. The doctor does not want me riding my bike outdoors because I might break a bone if I fell. My upper body is weak but my lower body is strong. I am not sure if this will get better when I begin zometa in a couple of months.
Because of pressure on the spine, the doctor does not want me running. So I have been doing fast walking and learning to like that. I have also taken up hiking and really enjoy that. My routine so far has been a long walk on Saturday around town and a longer hike in the woods on Sunday. Some days I will also get on the treadmill at the Y.
I went into so much detail about my routine to show that in a lot of cases,you can make adjustments and still stay really active.

John

[Ron Harvot]

Re: Introduction and question about exercise

by Ron Harvot on Sun Sep 02, 2012 12:07 am

I was originally diagnosed with stage two multiple myeloma. I have been in remission foe over 3 years. Part of the reason is that I have stayed physically active. I am an avid cyclist and have logged in over 4000 miles each of the last three years. I also race occasionally having participated in the Texas Senior Olympics in 4 different cycling events and am in training for the Texas Time Trials which is an endurance event. Myself and 2 other team members (both in their 30s whole I am 60) will compete in a 24 hour time trial on a 26.5 mile course. We will start at 6 pm on Friday and finish on 6 pm Saturday. We need to cover a total of 318 miles in that time frame or 106 miles each riding day and night.

I have found that competition and pushing yourself does great things not only physically but mentally as well. I feel that I am actively fighting the disease and making myself stronger. I also do 100 pushups a day along with 50 squats and an assortment of core building exercises and stretching.

Ron

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: Introduction and question about exercise

by Nancy Shamanna on Sun Sep 02, 2012 9:13 am

About exercise, i also agree with the others that it is great for your health. I wouldn't be able to keep up with many people who are doing a lot of endurance training, although in my past life before multiple myeloma I did jog and do 10 km races and even half marathons twice! Lucky I did it then, since after my fractured vertebrae, I was really slowed down. But I make walking a priority in my day, and usually do at least 3 km (1 1/2 miles)...it's really pleasant to do that, with friends or with my i-pod, listening to music. my husband and I also cycle together sometimes. ..for about 15 km. along our pathway system. Right now we are enjoying short hikes too...the climbing up and down mountain trails is good exercise. I credit exercise for being part of the reason I have been in remission for more than two years also.