Advice re exercise and cold showers.

[Vindicatrix]

Hi all, I was diagnosed in 2018 with CLL which came to light after a TIA and surgery for blocked artery. I am on W&W. As a result of this I changed my lifesyle and engaged on an excercise and Med diet programe. I now wish to up my excercise level, but am not sure how far or how much I can progress in a safe way. I have also been taking cold showers for some time, but recently heard that this is bad for us CLL sufferers. Is this because of the risk of developing a 'Cold' or subsequent 'Chest infection', which is something we can't afford to get, especially during the present Cvid crisis. Any information would be welcme. Thanks. Ron

[matulova20397]

Hi Ron,my mom was diagnosed in 2017,still on w&w,she is almost 67 years.It was also TIA when she was diagnosed..she is eating normally, quite healthy..she takes morning cold showers for many years and she did not quit it after beeing disgnoused either.in her numbers she has neutropenia (0,5-1) which scares me as her daughter especially...BUT she was never ill so far...her hematholog is completely relaxed with her neutropenia as she is really doing fine..hope it will remain like this.I guess that morning cold showers are doing brilliant job for her🙂and it definitely helps her mentally too!

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

I’ve never seen anything for or against cold showers. We all need to check out the reliability of the sources of the things “we hear”.

As for exercise, that’s a conversation that you need to have with your doctor! Any other advice could prove to be dangerous for you.

[AussieNeil Administrator]

In my research for my concurrent post on exercise and CLL, a couple of my references specifically made the point that the concern about overdoing exercise when you have cancer is overblown. From personal experience, your body will tell you when you overdo it, which in my case was just extended fatigue, not becoming ill and I had both chronic neutropenia and hypogammaglobulinemia (low immunoglobulins).

I'd be very interested to hear from a reputable source about any concerns regarding cold showers. I do that in hot weather without problems. Given these stimulate the circulation, I would expect them to be beneficial. If you aren't exposed to respiratory viruses, you aren't going to develop a respiratory infection.

Here's my post on Exercise:

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Enjoy your improved quality of life.

Neil

[Aklambert]

I had FRC - chemo - back in 2016, after 5 years on watch and weight. I competed in Ironman Wales 6 months prior to this. Last year I entered Ironman Ireland, but was unable to run through injury, but still competed for 8 hours. My doctor has always encouraged me, though we are in the same triathlon club! In 2 years time I move up to the 70-74 age group and would like to try one last long distance race. I have many age related niggles to overcome, but CLL doesn't appear to be one of them. I often turn up for my 6 monthly checks in my cycling kit, and that's never bothered my Professor. So, my advice is - Go for it!

ps... if the swim is likely to be cold, I have cold showers for a few weeks before hand - unfortunately, I hate them, so well done to your mom!

[Vindicatrix in reply to Aklambert]

I do love your response, it's probably what I was hoping to hear. My GP did'nt discourage me from cold showers, it's just that I was worried about chest infection. You mention Ironman competions, did you particapate in them before your diagnosis,? or is it a new activity. I feel the need to progress, but find that tiredeness takes over, and I do try to listen to my body. I think I will go for it and see what happens . I'm really impressed with your 'Ironman stuff, it's an inspiration to all, I think. all the best/

Ron.

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer in reply to Vindicatrix]

Ron - There are CLLers who climb mountains, run marathons, cycle aggressively, and on and on. The fact that you’ve had heart surgery would make it advisable to check in with your cardiologist before upping your game. No one here knows the extent of any heart issues that might need to be considered - just that you’ve had surgery for a blocked artery. Your doctor might want you to be more conservative, might want you to plan increased activity step by step, or might tell you to “go for it”.

[Vindicatrix in reply to MsLockYourPosts]

Sorry I may have mislead you, I have noT had heart surgery, but a small stroke which was dealt with by clearing one very furred up artery, my other arteries are in very good shape, according to 'Peta' Scans etc. My GP very much encourages excercise and healthy eating.

[Mldeterm in reply to Aklambert]

I love this! My husband with CLL is a 2 time Ironman and 12 time marathon runner. He's only 45 but has hung up the triathlons just due to the time commitment now that our kids are older and so active in their own sports. He postponed his CLL Trial to knock out one more marathon but has since done another on treatment. He needs to pickup a few years of age to meet his goal of boston qualifying. So great to see another active CLLer! Congrats on your awesome achievements. I'm in awe of all you Ironmen.

Mindy

[Research123]

Hi I used to take cold showers before I was diagnosed a year ago. Then I stopped as I was doing them as they were meant to stimulate your immune system - but as I understand it our immune systems are overstimulated as it is so it would be counter- productive. But that is just my take - no one has given me any advice either way.

[Vindicatrix in reply to Research123]

That's what I was trying to ascertain, is there any Medical advice on this subject of cold showers for CLL patients. My own CLL consultant seems to be happy with me doing this, but then I hear of conflicting medical views.Any idea's anyone.

[Fant1924]

I suggest a regular warm shower with colder near the end. This may help shrink therefore help cleanse some nodes. That may help our immune system.

Dennis, 73, Venetoclax