Hi again! I just started at a gym this week, like I said I was going to in my last post. =) I am a woman of my word! Anywho, I did a basic routine of bands (like in PT) and a couple sets of lunges; that was about @3 days ago. I feel like someone took a grater to my thigh muscles and the left side of my neck is really aching. I have done that little bit before and didn't feel this sore, but this is the first time since I have had RSD. Is this a normal reaction to exercise??!!?!? I can't believe how sore I am after so little exercise; MAN I feel old and I'm still in my 40's. I know, I know,.....I'm getting there.....a little too fast for my taste, though!! Ha! Anywho, any ideas on this matter would be greatly appreciated. Have a great one to all of you and God bless. I pray you all have a wonderful and painless day! =)

I think it's Wonderful that you're actually doing it! Not just talking about it!

I'd say, Yes, this is normal with rsd.
My first suggestion is, that you start slowly. Start with warm ups and stretching. Maybe for a month or so, until it doesn't hurt so much. It's really important.
'Exercise in the rsd world, doesn't usually mean 'strengthening', that's gonna hurt! ( do you have TOS or anything besides the rsd?)

Does your gym have a warm pool, that you can get in and 'resistance' walk?
I'd guess that would be your first real exercise. Many people here rave about it.

Then, before you shower and leave, perhaps a short stay in the hot jacuzzi?

I'd be afraid of those bands, especially to begin with...

Very happy for you!

Thanks!

pete

Hi! Surprisingly, my arms are not what hurts. I have been doing bands in PT for quite some time now and they seem to be ok.....so far. Unfortunately, this place does not have a jacuzzi, but it does have an 82 degree pool and offer water aerobics...I know.....slow! Thanks for the encouragement. Good to know that this may be RSD.....even though unfortunate.....and not that I am just getting old! Ha! I do not have TOS that I know of, but I do have a degenerative disc in my lower back. I see a chiropractor regularly for that. I have allergies and sneeze alot this time of year, so the neck pain could be associated to that, I guess. ANywho, thanks for the response and have a blessed day.

Hi Suz -

Can you get a good physical therapist's opinion? One that knows about RSD? Maybe your doc can give a script...

The best of luck to you.

XOXO Sandy

Speaking of physical exercise, or rather the absence of, is something I talk about, a lot, with the pain psychologist I've started seeing.

I don't know what your situation is, and if you're good enough to be able to even go to a gym, that's good, but in my case, ANY kind of physical exertion is the worst thing for me. I lifted weights at Gold's Gym every day for fifteen years, and now I can't walk up a flight of steps. Really depressing.

Anyway, I would just urge that if there is any pain, go slow.

Good luck.

Prior to RSD I got in the gym twice sometimes three times a week. Walked the stairs to my office not the elevator. That changed as my RSD changed. I have it full body and no longer work.

I do however, go to the YMCA 2 sometimes 3 times a week. I water walk, take an arthritis class and cardio splash. I tried water aerobics and my heart rate wouldn't go back down. A side effect for me from my RSD is an increased heart rate even at rest.
We are weightless in the water so there is no pain during or after exercise.

My pain doctor wrote a script for water therapy. I learned the things I should be doing to help with strength and endurance. Then I tried the different water exercise classes until I found what I liked. I have been going for the last 3 years.

Before we developed RSD exercise was important. Now that our activity level has decreased it's even more important that we find what works for us.

Take care,
Sherrie

Ahhh Jacciizzziiii. Please pay f9r this.................

Sore is OK, it just means you need more exercise and to build up more gradually. I doubt that it's good if you get a flare though but doctors seem to not agree on this. I'm sure I don't want a flare and excessive exercise will cause one for me.

Do as much as you feel safe doing and build up more gradually. My soreness will go away a little faster if I exercise the sore muscles very lightly.

Greetings! I have RSD in my Rt arm and hand and was told that it had not moved to my legs, but that I have degenerative disc disease. I used to walk, do aerobics, step aerobics, etc before RSd. I didn't do that much and it felt like I had taken a grater to my thigh muscles. I went again hoping to stretch, but I still had trouble walking . I sat for several hours after I got home with hot packs on my thighs......it actually helped!! I couldn't believe it.....relieved, though. I do need to slow down and i don't really have a good doctor to talk to that knows enough about this condition. Grateful it isn't worse than it is. Thanks again to all and Merry Christmas! =)

Unfortunately, that is the one thing that they don't have. Heated pool, though.