Sauna and Steam Rooms...and Jacuzzis

[Moomin8]

Hi Peeps 😃

I am lucky to have access to access to these with my gym membership at this current time.

I'd like to know your thoughts on the following:

Do you use them?

Do you prefer one to the other?

How do they affect your RA?

Would you say it's best to do one before another...if so, which order?

Any advice?

Thanks😊

[medway-lady]

I got MRSA from a Hot Tub on a cruise ship a couple of years ago or as the Respiratory Consultant called it bowl of human soup. So great for the Sauna and Steam Room but avoid the communal bath unless you're sure it's safe. I thought the hot tub would be and 9, lots of antibiotics later and several hospitalisations I discovered that it wasn't. Remember some RA meds reduce your immune response and so I'd say use caution , and be aware that there is a risk. x

[Moomin8 in reply to medway-lady]

😱Poor you 😢

[Lolabridge]

Hi Moomin. My consultant has told me that because I’m on Rituximab I should avoid public pools, steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis and gyms because of the high risk of picking up infections, especially Covid, in these places. The steam room and sauna are probably the most risky as they are fully enclosed spaces which cannot be ventilated.

[Moomin8 in reply to Lolabridge]

😭Thanks

[Lolabridge in reply to Moomin8]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings! 😔

[medway-lady in reply to Lolabridge]

Good point my bug was pre Covid and in the open on deck anyway. But yes it is a thing that now we have to think about for everything. Aerosol droplets carry a long way. x

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Lolabridge]

I was told pre covid, a great years ago if I went in when no one else was in the steam room then it was alright and used to disinfect it down myself and sorts into the air before going in and it was cleaned down by staff every half hour, but that was all pre pandemic I went there. I used to go at 7.45-8pm Sunday night for an hour or so and have a swim/aqua exercise session for 45 mins then steam room for 15-20 before it closed around 8.15pm. I hardly saw anyone. Just my OH with me. I won’t go back at the moment though. Jacuzzis are more the place to pick up germs my Rheumy said. I think Medway said here before you can get the pseudomonas infection from hot tubs.

[Neonkittie17]

I have used herbal steam rooms at my former gym and other hotels before which I found good for my sinus/catarrh issues and joints. Helped my joints a lot. I used to go at a quiet time with my OH and have the steam room to ourselves. Not too keen on dry heat saunas for more than ten mins as they dry my nose out. Jacuzzis aren’t my thing these days but I hope you find any of these helpful and soothing. I used to feel rejuvenated after the steam room and it took all the aches out of my joints. Bear in mind if you wear transdermal pain patches as the intense heat can speed up the delivery of the med. Hope you enjoy your visits!

[Moomin8 in reply to Neonkittie17]

Thanks 😊To be honest, if anyone else is in the steam room or sauna, I haven't gone in there - it feels too awkward! Luckily, I don't wear patches.

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Moomin8]

It’s always better to have private steam room time.

[Caza]

Used to love the steam room. No longer belong to that gym. Used to find it so good for my joints & sinuses. Nothing like a swim & steam to help me sleep.

[Brushwork]

I have used Sauna's with no detrimental affects. A swim and a sauna, often makes me feel better generally.I can't tolerate anything with essentials oils or aroma's though, and some use them. They make me feel really ill.

[vonniesims]

I too have access to steam room, jaccuzzi and Sauna, but have been unable to find out about infection risk. e.g does the steam kill or carry bugs? .I do use the pool though

[Cal48]

On methotrexate one trip to the hydrotherapy unit at hospitals-eye ulcer.After it healed same again. My head was not in the water.

I never go swimming or use hot tubs etc now.

[Moomin8 in reply to Cal48]

Really!! That's not good.