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Old 10-24-2017, 09:45 AM #1
nikos nikos is offline
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Some days I can walk a mile or more (sometimes the next day I am tired). One doctor told me to "just stay active." One doctor said 20 minutes a day on a treadmill would be good. My husband is big on exercise and thinks the more the better. Advice please.
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AnnieB3 (10-24-2017)

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Old 10-24-2017, 11:02 PM #2
ErinBear ErinBear is offline
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Everyone is different in their experience with MG, I imagine. Still, for most of us, more exercise is probably not better. There may be days on which we can't exercise safely at all, either due to an increase in symptoms, hot weather, or (heaven forbid) a crisis. For those who can manage it, some mild exercise can work. I think it is good to check with your doctor and find out what they recommend for you. I try to do some stretching every day. That seems to help me. I take the bus, and with that I do a bit of walking most days, usually just a couple of blocks here and there, but that is enough exercise for me. More than that sets me back. Other people may be different. I definitely can't walk a mile! However, even though it is a challenge for me to walk when I take the bus, I also think it has some benefits. It probably helps to keep me more strong and healthy, so if I can do it, I try to keep going. If it is a hot day or I am feeling weak, I don't go out. I wait for another day, or I try to get a ride if I can.

Best wishes,
Erin
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AnnieB3 (10-24-2017)
Old 10-24-2017, 11:20 PM #3
AnnieB3 AnnieB3 is offline
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Nikos, Ask your husband if a car can run without gasoline! That's the same basic principle with an MGer's muscles. We can run out of gas in any one of the 640 skeletal muscles. In order to get more muscle fuel (acetylcholine) for muscles, we need to rest or have drugs.

Yes, exercise is good for everyone. But with MG, the more we do, the worse we become. So how much we do depends upon how stable we are on a given day or in general.

MG also can become worse in the next day or two after an activity. Effects can be cumulative, and that is hard to predict. MG experts love to say that the only thing predictable about MG is its unpredictability!

If you can exercise at home, that is a great plan. What if you go out for a walk, and then can't walk back! That has happened to me in a store. Not fun. I have a recumbent bike that I use, and bands to use for my arms. Keeping atrophy from happening is important. But only you can decide how much you can exercise on any given day. Doctors love algorithms. But saying to exercise 20 minutes per day isn't realistic with MG. Some people, who are doing well, can exercise as much as they want.

Swimming is a great exercise, due to the cooler water (cooler than the body) and the weightless nature of water. Treadmills are ok, but you should also use something for the arms. Rotating muscle groups from day to day is also smart. Staying cool while exercising (with a fan) is smart, too. Rowers work many muscle groups at once (which can be good or bad). On some days, the legs can be weaker than the arms, so choosing an exercise needs to reflect that.

Taking a nap after exercising is also a smart thing to do.

If you take Mestinon, make sure that exercise is done when it is in full force. Mestinon kicks in after about 20 - 30 minutes and wears off 2-1/2 hours after taking it! You may need more Mestinon while exercising. Talk to your neuro about any changes in dosing though.

I hope that helps. Trust your instincts about how you are doing. Keep asking questions! You can also go to Home for more info.

Annie
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Old 10-25-2017, 06:54 AM #4
winic1 winic1 is offline
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I have been wondering, does exercise and/or activity "use up" mestinon more quickly?

It seems like it would, as your body is a dynamic system, so when you are using muscles, they are calling for more "gas", which your body would be blocking. The mestinon gets in there and lets things work right, but there are a finite number of mestinon molecules available per dose you take. Meanwhile, your body is continuing to increase demand, supply, etc of everything involved in both using muscles and the mg problem.

So, if you take your mestinon and go take a walk, will you use it up or "run out" sooner than if you take it and just sit and watch TV?
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Old 01-22-2018, 10:49 PM #5
Phileo Phileo is offline
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Hello Nikos, nice to hear you are looking to be active!
I'm 20 years old and ive been diagnosed with MG for about 4 years now. I exersise very often and have a gym membership, have done for the past few years. Exercise like alot of people have said in these posts, is good for everyone but we do need to be careful with ourselves. How much you do depends on how you feel during the particular day, if you feel really weak and drained it wouldnt be such a good idea to engage in physical excersise as it would do more harm than good. On the days you do feel like you have energy, try to go on the treadmill or engage in some exercise, no matter how little. You dont really need to start on 20 mins if it feels too much for you, how much you do depends on how you feel. Throughout time try to make tiny piecemeal improvements to your excersise like walking for an extra 30 seconds or something that challenges you, but of course without question safe for you and youre able to handle. Before excersise i suggest you also eat ALOT, juice vegetables and make smoothies, vitamins, superfoods or anything to give you that "boost" in preperation before you excersise. Remember to fuel your body and have your husband with you at all times to ensure your safety especially if youre feeling to push yourself. All the best!
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