The discussion thread "Biking with multiple myeloma" caught my eye because I have thought I would like to run again. Not far ... 20-30 minutes 3 to 4 times per week, just to stay in shape. I used to do this years ago. I had started to do this again about a year ago, about two months or three before my diagnosis. I remember feeling that I was falling further behind, as if age were catching up with me, not knowing I was anemic.
Tests revealed no damage to bones, heart, lungs, or kidneys at the time of diagnosis. I have, however, lost 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) in height. I do experience some pain – not severe and not all the time – in my hips and lower back. My weight is almost back down to what it was when I was running regularly – some twenty years ago.
I guess my question is: Should I try to run again for exercise, or should I choose something with less impact to the bones and joints.
I know that brisk walking can do wonders.
Anyway, I would appreciate any responses. Thanks.
Donnie
Forums
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Donnie - Name: Donnie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
I used to run a lot. I ran races from 5k up to marathon distances. Around age 53-54, I started having back aches, hip aches, and ankle aches from running. The back aches were the worse and sometimes felt like a pinched nerve (a stabbing pain that came out of the blue ... never knew when they would hit). The hip aches would hit me while sleeping. Anyway, I decided to quit running just because the aches were overshadowing the joy I got from running. I tried running occasionally, but the aches always came back. I still miss running.
I was diagnosed with multiple myleoma at age 56 with no bone damage. But at that time I decided that any thought of going back to running was probably out of the question. I don't want to get to age 65, 70 or 75 (assuming I live that long) and have even more permanent aches and pains from running. For me, it basically came down to whether the enjoyment I got from running was worth the aches that came with it. It wasn't. I've switched to biking and swimming for my cardio and mix in weight lifting a couple of days a week.
I know there are other people in these forums who have multiple myeloma and are able to run. They can probably give a more positive opinion of running in that situation. If I didn't have the aches and pains that come with running, I would still be running.
I was diagnosed with multiple myleoma at age 56 with no bone damage. But at that time I decided that any thought of going back to running was probably out of the question. I don't want to get to age 65, 70 or 75 (assuming I live that long) and have even more permanent aches and pains from running. For me, it basically came down to whether the enjoyment I got from running was worth the aches that came with it. It wasn't. I've switched to biking and swimming for my cardio and mix in weight lifting a couple of days a week.
I know there are other people in these forums who have multiple myeloma and are able to run. They can probably give a more positive opinion of running in that situation. If I didn't have the aches and pains that come with running, I would still be running.
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DallasGG - Name: Kent
- Who do you know with myeloma?: myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 6/20/2013
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Hi Donnie,
Up until this year, EJ played on a competitive volleyball team as a middle hitter. He has some lesions on his spine, so the doctor suggested that he find another sport. He's always been a good swimmer, so he's trying to focus on that since it's easier on his bones.
Good luck!
Lyn
Up until this year, EJ played on a competitive volleyball team as a middle hitter. He has some lesions on his spine, so the doctor suggested that he find another sport. He's always been a good swimmer, so he's trying to focus on that since it's easier on his bones.
Good luck!
Lyn
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Christa's Mom - Name: Christa's Mom
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Husband
- When were you/they diagnosed?: September, 2010
- Age at diagnosis: 53
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Thank you, Lyn. That sounds like a good alternative to consider. I have no discernible bone damage, but I do have to tighten my core while running to prevent pain in my lower back. Not a good sign, I would say. I have a treadmill and a bowflex machine. Between those and walking outdoors (or mowing the grass), I should be able to get all that I need ... if I will just do it!
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Donnie - Name: Donnie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Donnie,
One of the reasons I took up biking is that I liked the idea of being outside and seeing something different. Swimming is great exercise, but you are doing back-and-forth laps in a confined space. Running and biking allow you to change your course and see and experience a different setting and topography.
I have had two knee surgeries back when I was much younger and have had lower back / herniated disk issues. For those reasons, I don't run, so I took up biking and found it worked well for me. There are a lot of options, from mountain biking on tough outdoor trails, to just doing flat rail to trial rides. Of course there is also road biking, which I do.
Walking and hiking may be a good option as well. If I lived near the Appalachian trail, I would certainly consider that.
One of the reasons I took up biking is that I liked the idea of being outside and seeing something different. Swimming is great exercise, but you are doing back-and-forth laps in a confined space. Running and biking allow you to change your course and see and experience a different setting and topography.
I have had two knee surgeries back when I was much younger and have had lower back / herniated disk issues. For those reasons, I don't run, so I took up biking and found it worked well for me. There are a lot of options, from mountain biking on tough outdoor trails, to just doing flat rail to trial rides. Of course there is also road biking, which I do.
Walking and hiking may be a good option as well. If I lived near the Appalachian trail, I would certainly consider that.
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Ron Harvot - Name: Ron Harvot
- Who do you know with myeloma?: Myself
- When were you/they diagnosed?: Feb 2009
- Age at diagnosis: 56
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Hi Donnie,
Yes! Do start running again if that's what you want to do.
I've been running for almost 47 years now. It is a core part of who I am.
When I was diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma 3 1/2 years ago, one of my first questions to my myeloma specialist was whether I could still run, especially considering that I did have some bone lesions. He said to keep running if I could do it without too much pain. Early on during my treatment my back started feeling better and better, so running actually got easier in that respect.
I think running helped me maintain my sanity during the induction and consolidation phases of treatment. It also served as a barometer for me, a way to monitor how I was doing. And it gave me confidence – if I could still keep running, then the treatment must not be so bad.
I would recommend combining the running with other activities such as biking or swimming. Also strength classes or Pilates classes to help flexibility would be good, if you're into stuff like that. They've helped me recently.
Best wishes and keep on trucking!
Mike
Yes! Do start running again if that's what you want to do.
I've been running for almost 47 years now. It is a core part of who I am.
When I was diagnosed with symptomatic multiple myeloma 3 1/2 years ago, one of my first questions to my myeloma specialist was whether I could still run, especially considering that I did have some bone lesions. He said to keep running if I could do it without too much pain. Early on during my treatment my back started feeling better and better, so running actually got easier in that respect.
I think running helped me maintain my sanity during the induction and consolidation phases of treatment. It also served as a barometer for me, a way to monitor how I was doing. And it gave me confidence – if I could still keep running, then the treatment must not be so bad.
I would recommend combining the running with other activities such as biking or swimming. Also strength classes or Pilates classes to help flexibility would be good, if you're into stuff like that. They've helped me recently.
Best wishes and keep on trucking!
Mike
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mikeb - Name: mikeb
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: 2009 (MGUS at that time)
- Age at diagnosis: 55
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Thank you, Mike.
Especially if I drop another 5 to 8 pounds, I might strongly consider it. My wife and I are self-employed – carpentry, painting, repair, handyman stuff. That keeps us pretty active. I have a lot of yard to mow at our house (with a walk-behind mower). That gives me some cardio. I can walk on our property because we live in the country. Also, I have a bowflex machine; I just finished a moderate workout to cover all the major muscle groups. I also have a treadmill for when the weather doesn't make working outside advisable.
Although I did not have any bone lesions, a PET scan in late March revealed what was deemed as probable degenerative bone disease in the spine. But running might help that as well, do you think?
Thanks very much!
Donnie
Especially if I drop another 5 to 8 pounds, I might strongly consider it. My wife and I are self-employed – carpentry, painting, repair, handyman stuff. That keeps us pretty active. I have a lot of yard to mow at our house (with a walk-behind mower). That gives me some cardio. I can walk on our property because we live in the country. Also, I have a bowflex machine; I just finished a moderate workout to cover all the major muscle groups. I also have a treadmill for when the weather doesn't make working outside advisable.
Although I did not have any bone lesions, a PET scan in late March revealed what was deemed as probable degenerative bone disease in the spine. But running might help that as well, do you think?
Thanks very much!
Donnie
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Donnie - Name: Donnie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Thanks to everyone who responded! I appreciate it
Donnie
Donnie
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Donnie - Name: Donnie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Age 61, 8 months out from diagnosis, spinal compression, weak bones and ambition to run.
Wow, That's ballsy!
Think about kyphoplasty on the spine to prevent further compression that will cause future and permanent pain, reducing the quality of your life. I know this, because I’m there at age 60. I lost 6 inches in height because I was too late getting a solution, and there isn’t a day that goes by I wish I never had compression. Now I use crutches every day to align my crooked back, and a brace to hold my guts from bulging out of my shrunken body.
Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do!
Wow, That's ballsy!
Think about kyphoplasty on the spine to prevent further compression that will cause future and permanent pain, reducing the quality of your life. I know this, because I’m there at age 60. I lost 6 inches in height because I was too late getting a solution, and there isn’t a day that goes by I wish I never had compression. Now I use crutches every day to align my crooked back, and a brace to hold my guts from bulging out of my shrunken body.
Best of luck to you whatever you decide to do!
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Bob_D - Name: Bob_D
- Who do you know with myeloma?: me
- When were you/they diagnosed?: March 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 59
Re: Should I start running again for exercise?
Thank you, Bob_D:
I think I meant to say "possible" degenerative bone disease in the spine. Nevertheless, your point is very well taken. I think you are right. There are other things I can do for for cardiovascular training. My trepidation is the reason I asked for feedback, and you have convinced me.
Thanks everyone, for your responses.
I think I meant to say "possible" degenerative bone disease in the spine. Nevertheless, your point is very well taken. I think you are right. There are other things I can do for for cardiovascular training. My trepidation is the reason I asked for feedback, and you have convinced me.
Thanks everyone, for your responses.
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Donnie - Name: Donnie
- Who do you know with myeloma?: self
- When were you/they diagnosed?: October, 2015
- Age at diagnosis: 61
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