I know everybody’s body differs but … still I’d like some guidelines. Until a couple years ago I was pretty fit, running most days, going to gym 2x per week but then started having hip pain. I would’ve replaced hip but got Dx with PCa 6 months ago and so have postponed that. I’ve had HDR Brachy and EBRT and am in 24-mo of Lupron w abi/prednisone.
I get cortisone shot to hip this week and plan replacement in 2024 so those will help but right now all I can manage exercise-wise is 8000 steps a day (if that), spread through the day, a weekly session with physical therapy where we work on strength training and 5-lb dumbbell exercises 2 or 3 x per week along with squats. My leg muscles hurt all the time though; I don’t know if the ADT makes recovery from exercise longer. So I’m actually thinking of scaling back exercise even though I fear that the amount I’m doing might already be insufficient. I’m 72 years old.
interested in any advice or insights. Thanks.
Written by
BobC1234
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I believe Prednisone is effecting my muscles, mobility and thus ability to exercise. My support team have indicated it can't be ruled out. I had a thyroid test which came back with a very bad result, again I have heard Prednisone can do this to some people. So I have started drugs for this. My Onco said it could help, too early to tell. I try and find other exercises I can do to help even sitting on a chair in the hope every little helps.
The prednisone is non negotiable if you continue the abiraterone, which you obviously should. Unless you are already pre diabetic it can’t cause insulin resistance if you intervene with better diet end exercise.
Lupron and Firmagon do the same thing, and any perceived difference between them is psychological. Testosterone suppression is the issue, and exercise is the solution.
First, if you do have advanced osteoarthritis in your hip, get the replacement now. The cortisone shot is a low quality solution and very temporary. All your 8000 daily steps is doing at this point is making it worse.
On the other hand, recovery from THR is a piece of cake compared to the arthritis pain, which will increase when the cortisone shot wears off, which won’t take long. If you get it replaced you will be walking pain free in a very short time.
Hip replacement surgery is incredibly effective. Most who put it off wish they got it earlier when they finally do. Definitely true for me.
Meanwhile more weight lifting is what you need more of. Lift for your upper body and do whatever you can tolerate for the lower half and your cardiovascular health. Swim, bike or machine.
Forget the walking for now, but ‘scaling back’ other exercise is the worst thing you can do.
I think you have high standards for exercise, which is a good thing. At 72 yo I suspect you are certainly doing more than typical even though it’s much less than you’re used to. The most important thing is to keep moving and be active throughout most of the day. Do as much as your body permits. Don’t despair, you are doing just fine.
I also suffer from hip pain. Switching to non-weight bearing exercise helped a lot. Elliptical, Stationary bike and Rowing. Less pain, less risk of injury.
Before I had my hip replaced, pain was definitely inhibiting exercise efforts. In the time before the operation I found that vigorous aqua-fit helped increase strength and fitness and didn't aggravate the arthritic joint. You might want to consult a surgeon to determine the best timing for the operation given your current meds.
Stop running. Running is no way healthy, especially with a poor diet. You're putting your body through unnecessary stress. Lifting weights is far more beneficial.
Lose the carbs. Carbohydrate poisoning is a thing. Prostate has been poisoned.
(Carnivore Diet) Eat meat (protein in grams = to body-weight in lbs), fat, salt (pink/rock/sea). Drink water. Now you're giving your body what it needs to repair itself. You might even avoid hip replacement.
Wean yourself off the carbs or it will (probably) be rough for a week or so.
If you have to run, then sprint short distances, preferably up a hill. Sprint up, walk down, Repeat several times. On the flat: Sprint 30 seconds, walk 30, sprint, walk, sprint, walk, sprint, walk; and you're done.
thanks to all for your thoughts. I’ll think about getting hip replaced sooner and I might try aqua exercise in meantime. I don’t think I can stop prednisone as long as I’m on Zytiga, but thanks for the ideas.
I have been on ADT for 3 years. 9 months ago my hip pain became unbearable and I could only walk with the aid of a stick. Up until that time I had been very active. I had a full hip replacement anterior method with an excellent surgeon and 2 weeks later had full mobility. I can now pretty much undertake as much exercise as I choose. I believe exercise has been critical to my survival and quality of life. Good luck with it.
I have been receiving lupron shots every six months for the past two years. I also began taking xtandi nearly eight months ago. For me, the side effects of lupron has been hot flashes, sweating and feeling fatigued; this can be intense at times. I counteract this with brisk walking, daily for an hour; helps keep me fit; even work through the fatigueness and hot flashes ; not always easy but determination is the key. Walking path has both hills and flat areas. Bone density loss became an issue lately, so I take vitamin D 2x daily. Warriors keep fighting.
Get the hip fixed and get back to your lifetime pattern. 80% endurance ( moderate trail running) and 20% high intensity strength, once a week can be enough.
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PROSTATE CA : EXERCISE IS SUPER IMPORTANT 
ADT/Exercise and QoL thanks
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