I'd be grateful for advice. I've recently been diagnosed with lupus, but have had the symptoms and indeed many of the signs for at least 5 years. I've now got positive ANA and RNP antibodies, plus a stubbornly low iron, low C3 and C4, neutropenia, plus painful joints, fatigue, brain fog and other physical symptoms. I had IV iron in April and am finally beginning to recover my physical energy. I've gained 3 stones in weight during the past 2 years despite maintaining a healthy diet. I think the weight gain was partly because of being unable to exercise, but also I think there is something metabolic going on as I am finding it almost impossible to shift the weight I gained over the past 3 years. I currently weigh 11 stones and I really want both to regain my fitness and to lose the weight. I used to go to the gym daily, mainly doing stretching exercises plus using the treadmill and cross trainer. I returned to the gym two weeks ago and have been trying to run very slowly indeed. Unfortunately, my attempts to jog appear to have triggered a flare. My feet became agonisingly painful as did my knees and one of my hips. I also began to feel as though I had a temperature and had other flu type symptoms. I've taken a break over the weekend and my feet and knees are a bit less painful. The flu type feeling has faded too. Has anyone been through this and can anyone advise on how to return to exercise without triggering joint pain / flare.
Exercise and weight gain: I'd be grateful for... - LUPUS UK
Exercise and weight gain
Hi Ophelia1 I think you have to find out what works for you and dont try to push yourself. A rowing machine might be beneficial, less weight bearing on knees, swimming may help if you have access to a pool. Also very light resistant training could help build strength. Use of a sauna or steam room may also help. Its difficult not to push yourself especially if you feel particularly energetic at times. Its important to build up slowly & give your body time to recover between gym sessions.
Hi Villagelife - I think you are right about finding our what works and not pushing myself too much. It is disappointing though not to be able to jog at all without triggering such joint pain. I'll probably just use the cross trainer for now. I find rowing machines kill my back - They always have. Swimming is a good idea too. My gym has a pool attached, so I'll definitely give it a go.
I cant jog these days without causing knee pain but I can cycle. Hope you manage to gradually increase you time at the gym.
Hi ophelia1 Have you had your thyroid checked? The reason for me asking is I had the same problem a few years ago and turned out to be my thyroid. It might be worth checking. I have lupus, sjogrens and fibromyalgia and if I over do it, I really hurt, so I swim as I find that works really well for me.
Hi Josiah 150767 - Thanks for your response. I do think there is a autoimmune thyroid issue at play here, but sadly the endocrinologists do not agree. They have tested my T4 and TSH and proclaim them to be within the 'normal range". My TSH is higher than it used to be and my T4 is lower. Endocrinologists worldwide are now beginning to realise that thyroid issues are not as easy to diagnose as previously thought. it is becoming clear to the more enlightened endocrinologists that the allegedly "normal ranges" cannot be relied upon. One size can no longer be regarded as a fit for all, but this news has not spread to my part of the NHS, or to most parts of the NHS I suspect. Although I had to stop exercising in 2018 due to my symptoms I really don't think that my diet and lifestyle warranted a 3 stone weight gain and I'm certain that my autoimmune issues are also affecting my thyroid. Regarding exercise, I really hate swimming. This, despite the fact that I was a competitive swimmer when I was a kid 
I really hate those few minutes of cold at the beginning and end of swimming, but maybe I'll have to reconsider. Many thanks for your response.
HiMy thyroid issues are autoimmune and when I started to gain weight as I was the same. I knew something wasn’t right, but nothing showed up in my bloods until a couple of years later. And I agree one size doesn’t fit all. I hope you get some answers and I understand how you are feeling. Hang in there 🌻
Hi
How old are you? could you be perimenopause?
I have lupus and APS and thyroid issues run in my family although I’m not diagnosed with thyroid personally. I went on HRT patches and lost my weight naturally after a few months on them.
You might want to try hiring an electric bike and giving it a try. Much better on your joints than running. Having the electric means that on big hills you can boost and so not strain your joints and if you are having a bad day you can just turn up the assistance and get round. I had never used one but hired one due to a lupus flare and I am now going to buy one. They are however quite expensive but have been around long enough that there are some good value second hand bikes avilable. Hiring shops often sell off some of their stock at the end of the year and there are then some bargins. I have also gone an an anti-inflammatory diet and that seems to have helped my weight and my general well being.
Losing Weight 
Weight gain and Lupus
Weight loss 
Nurse MOT - weight gain depressing!
