Exercise post PD

[Mightazn]

Hi Everyone

PD is imminent for me. I like to know if it is ok to gym (no crazy weights) and if yes how long post catheter. Also is 45 min daily walk ok? Thank you

[BabyTee]

I was told to not do any exercise other than walking for the first 3 months after the catheter installation. I was also down to a GFR of 10, had albuminurea (15g protein/day in my urine), and my blood albumin was about 2.3, which means I healed slower than a normal person.

After I started PD, I started walking every day. I started 20-30 min3- 5 days a week and within 8 months I was walking 3 1/2 miles/day in 45-55 min (depending on how I felt). I was trying to keep my heart and lung capacity good prior to my transplant. The stronger lungs and heart make it easier to survive a transplant. If my heart rate dropped too low, I just use the curbs as a step aerobics step, until my heart rate went back up. I didn't have the option of a gym, because gyms in my town /region were all closed.

Regarding workouts, there is not really a limit to what I was told, except I was told no:

1. Swimming (nasty stuff in water might cause infection in catheter site

2. Things like kick boxing where impact could tug on catheter site

3. Lifting heavy weights that could increase the chance of a hernia.

I was told 30 lbs lifting maximum for things around the house, and I was told to lift with my legs so I didn't injure my back or strain my ab muscles (because of potential hernia). Also, once you are healed, planks are AWESOME! They also strengthen stomach muscles which may help prevent hernia.

[Mightazn in reply to BabyTee]

Thank you very much for your insight. I look forward to gym again. Have not been for about 5 months but been walking. I like to remain active.

[Dora86]

My neph team encourage as much exercise and activity as possible. The only thing is that because of the tube that will be in your stomach for PD,it is advised to avoid heavy lifting and be careful what stomach exercises you do. Ask your Dr if tif your not sure. Dr's like patients to be fit, it makes your body stronger and healthier and you then avoid losing muscle mass. Muscle mass is hard to get back. It also helps post transplant recovery if your fit. Walking is so simple and effective. When I started dialysis I was told its all about how you eat and drink and exercise.