I'm newly diagnosed with Behcet's and am wondering what your doctors say about exercising during a mild flare. Advisable?

[Rose138]

For those who attempt/do work out, does it make matters worse or do you find it helps your health/symptoms?

[billi]

Hi Rose as a longterm BD patient ...28 years..... My advice is YES I think exercise and anything social is the best medicine. Of course it all depends on the individual, and getting to know your body, mind and your Behcets. We all suffer with different symptoms, have differing levels of pain and meds. My ethos is if you want to do something and feel you can...go for it!! I have tried not to let BD rule my life and have managed to work although at lesser jobs and much less hours and I have brought up 3 sons more or less alone...2 of whom I had whilst suffering BD. I also go on holidays and still swim. The most important words I can tell you are......listen and learn from your own body.......do as you can but REST when you need it.....that way you will get through the flare ready for another day.

Hope this helps and if you need more advice on any part of BD please message me privately and I will try to help.

Hugs and Smiles

Billi

[Roxybaby]

Hi arose, yes I would Definately say exercise but don't push yourself too hard, listen to Billi's advice. I actually feel worse when I don't exercise.

[debiwad]

Do what can when you can. As the other replies have don't push yourself too hard. I have had behcets for 20+ years now . Listen to what your own body is saying to you

[Rose138]

Thanks for the helpful, sensible advice. I appreciate it.

[Dmartin138]

Well I have found that resistance bands are a great addition instead of pushing it with free weights. I have osteoporosis though and still try to do a lot of rigorous exercise, but have learned how bad it can immediately cause me to have a flare up. During a flare up I will do slight resistance band exercises because I have gained weight from prednisone. I have not been able to drop the prednisone so we all know the weight gain that comes from it. 11 years on it now and that is the reason I still try to push it with weights, running on hard ground, and dieting in many different ways. Like everyone said don't push it and they are so right, but I can't get it to stop for me because I do suffer from body image issues. Exercising does help with endorphins, it helps moods, and even during a flare up the boost that I'm still trying even with a flare/lesions improves my downer mood just because I can say I'm trying. This wasn't anything else really added that everyone else said but I hope it clicks in some way at least a little. Good luck

[Hidden]

I agree with the advice that YES, exercise helps. If you can't do anything else ~ walk. It works wonders and lifts your spirits

Good Luck,

Kat.

[Hidden]

Yes, exercise is definatally good.

One thing that has taken me a long time to learn is that I have to listen to my body.

I used to be really fit and active, I served in the British Army and was a fitness instructor for many years before getting ill.

My head wants to go for a 10/15 mile run or a iron pumping session in the gym, but my body can manage a walk round the fields with the dog and some gentle band and light hand weight work some days, and nothing but minimum functioning on others.

It really is a case of doing what you can when you can, everyone is different.

Be patient with yourself and don't try to push yourself too hard too soon. Ha ha.... easy for me to say now that I have been there and learnt the hard way!!

Good luck.

Clare x x

[Leslie33]

Exercise is ok but not during flares. Rest is recommended then. I dont know how it wld even be possible. But each person is different. Just dont over do it. I have a severe form of BD & have been unable to do any exercising, ever. Good luck

[lesleyg in reply to Leslie33]

Hi another Lesley here. I would definitely have to agree with you in my case. I suspect I may have even made myself worse and ended up in hospital by exercising and trying to push things.

[lynnpru]

Just to add to everyone here saying 'listen to your body'.... I have to say, out of everything, swimming has REALLY helped me. I could do with following my own advice here, because am struggling at the moment, but in the past I can honestly say swimming has helped get my body back on track - I find it relieves joint/muscle pain more than almost anything else I know. It's just really hard to sometimes get out of house and to the pool, but once there, my body loves it. Even if not swimming much, just 15 mins can help. In fact, maybe am talking myself into getting out there and giving it a shot today!!!! Good luck Rose x

[Rose138]

I'm so blessed to have such wonderful people out there who are willing to share and help. Thank you as I'm really touched.

[magician]

Exercise definitely helps me fee good. But by experience, i know that pushing my body triggers ulcers

[Dmartin138]

i agree the ulcers will come when your overexert your body. Also do you take supplements? One thing I noticed is that when I take supplements that are suppose to help my body I get flares or issues and especially if they are supplements that effect the immune system. Exercise just makes me feel somewhat normal so that is crucial for me.

[magician]

I do take supplements ( fish oil, vit b complex, spiruline) - and have not observed any bad effects.

Yes, exercise also makes me feel somewhat normal!

[Dmartin138]

all the vitamin B's? I was getting B-12 injections and then also taking a few supplements that are more an energy and stimulant base sort of. The krill oil, vitamin d, magnesium, and calcium all see to be okay, but stimulants, vitamin c,and anything to boost the immune system. Maybe its just because im on so many medications already and anything to boost the immune system it uses it to attack me or try to flare. It happens also if I take too much of my hormone replacement. Any particular exercises you find that work well for you?

[magician]

Vit b complex, but am not sure if the brand that i got from the pharmacy covers the full range of vit b.

exercises: taichi, qigong, yoga, aerobics, walking and weights.

i also do some meditation - yoga nidra, chakra balancing and yoga prana. these have been helpful in helping me stay calm in the face of stress that i face in the office.

i opted not to take hormone replacement - the risks scare me.

btw: probiotics are simply great for me