Exercise suitable for endo sufferer??????

[oliviaaa]

I used to really enjoy running until I ended up in the back of an ambulance as a result of my endo making me collapse with pain, want to start getting into better shape but that's happened 3 times now and feel like I'm wasting paramedics time when it could be avoided?! Any ideas please!

[stessman]

If you can visualize your insides, what may be happening with your endo if it's active is that there are adhesions between the organs (scar tissue) and general inflammation, so when you're running everything is being pulled on - the organs, ligaments, muscles will all react. It's quite hard on your pelvic floor to run with this going on. Also if your body is dealing with pain regularly and just stress in general, running can actually be draining instead of invigorating and may be too much. You could try something more gentle like yoga, swimming, fast paced walking, weight training that won't exert that kind of strain on your pelvic and abdominal area. It's just a switch you may have to make because ending up in an ambulance is telling you your body can't take running!

[NW248]

Is your endo being controlled in any way? It sounds like it isn't being controlled adequately if it is causing you pain running. If it isn't under control then it is going to cause you other problems that might not be as noticeable.

[Tboag in reply to NW248]

Hi can I ask what you mean by, being controlled, I'm in daily pain with out doing excersice,

Olivia, I woukd suggest swimming, or palates,

[NW248 in reply to Tboag]

I meant is there any medication being used such as zoladex or mirena coil or various other contraceptives.

[AkiBoo]

When I had periods, I went for a jog while I was bleeding which made my bowel movement active. .Soit made me going to toilet feeling sick.with very bad pain. So.I.avioded to go.for a jog while bleeding. I cylcle more now, cycling is less strenious and easy for my body. xx

[eski_82]

I had the same issue with running, so I took up yoga & cycling. Cycling was great as it gave me the same freedom as running but didn't have the same impact on my insides. Yoga helped me strengthen my core. Good luck & hope you aren't in too much pain xx

[KatyAyesha]

Aqua fit helps,it's a great work out but the water reduces the impact of each move,the floats and water help with your weight so it reduces the stress put on your abdomen X

[poppy75]

I'd also suggest swimming. Yoga too and cycling. I wouldn't dream of attempting any exercise if any pain is present that day. It's always ended in disaster for me and running in particular has felt awful. It makes sense to me as the movements are likely to pull on adhesions. As someone said above, cycling gives you that same sense of freedom. Swimming and yoga is gentle but you'll get results if you're consistent. That's what I practice on pain free days and it makes me feel more relaxed too xx

[applebird]

Swimming and yoga best. Try acupuncture to help with pain xx

[SimLuc7302]

I do yoga when the pain is bearable. It helps and is gentle...

[Allyson1]

Yoga is wonderful! It helps circulation, lowers inflammation, improves flexibility, balance, and coordination, and can be practiced in a sustainable, low injury way. It can give your muscles and cardiovascular system a real good workout.

Do you ovarian cysts by any chance? I had a very large endometrioma when I was young and a the back-and-forth movement of a run caused torsion and loss of blood to the ovary. It was extremely painful.

[cjampot]

If you're a member of a gym id recommend spinning.

You can still push yourself without all of the jiggling!

[ccfd9]

Firstly do not overdo the exercise thing, especially running or jogging the bouncing will be putting a strain on any adhesions you may have and cause inflammation, you need to reduce inflammation. Walking is much better, does not involve bouncing, or swimming which uses lots of muscles and again no bouncing. Be careful and do not overdo things at first as your back may be out and swimming or walking may aggravate that. You must take it easy and recover, you will learn what you can do safely.

[Hidden]

Hi I get people telling me to exercise to help the pain !! (people without endo!!) I have nearly passed out before in exercise classes. I am enjoying yoga, I have got a turbo trainer for my bike to cycle inside and when i am not bleeding i love swimming.

There are yoga positions which my teacher has shown me which help with the pelvic and lower back pain. It is great for stress relief and mood as well.

I am taking oral contraceptives which means that I have longer with less pain.

Hope you find an exercise which works for you. Take care x

[merlin19]

I used to do a lot of walking and cycling but have had a period of very little exercise at all as symptoms were much worse, but I still tried to move around during the day as much as possible, even just walking around the house or doing some simple stretches while waiting for the kettle to boil etc! I have found that gentle exercise can sometimes ease things, but sometimes not so will try a couple of minutes then either stop or carry on! I have across trainer at home which is good for slow walking as exercises the upper body too and when I'm having a good day can be a bit more energetic. I have an exercise bike for gentle 'trundling' whilst reading a book for when I just manage a litte of something, and have a normal bike too, but have to be feeling really good to go out on that - had a few experiences of starting to feel pain/woozy when out on it and not nice when away from the house. I haven't been swimming for a long time but I think this would probably be a good one as the water will support you, and especially if the pool is warm the water itself might be soothing!

[Adele-84]

I am 13 weeks post lap & removal of severe endo, I went back to the gym after about 9 weeks, I have been doing Zumba classes and RPM classes, cross trainer and weights. I haven't been able to run due to pain for years. Before my op I used to get awful pulling pains with exercise but since they have freed my ovary it's not the same pain anymore. I am in pain everyday but it's like a dull ache, almost like a headache in my tummy. Hopefully this will get better with time. I don't think the exercise helps the pain, and sometimes after exercise I swell, look 6 months pregnant and have to go straight home to my hot water bottle. I am not sure if I'm crazy, determined or both but I feel the need to exercise despite the pain because it helps me mentally. I am not going to let endo beat me!! Good luck x