Running/Cardio and MS

[Gary487]

Just been diagnosed with MS although have no outward symptoms.I am 51 male
Can still train hard but have noticed that my right thigh burns after I have been running...
Should I continue to exercise hard or slow down?

[jtsokolov]

Hi Gary, I know it's been 3 years since you wrote. But I too was an active runner especially sprints and recovery, I also love to play basketball and was diagnosed three weeks ago with MS. My diagnosis came b/c of sensory issues that became much worse when exercising. Tingling that turned to very tight pressure. I wanted to see how you were doing and if there was any trick or wisdom you can give 3 years after your diagnosis. I am waiting to start meds (gilenya) but did get solumedrol at the hospital. I tried doing a steady jogging with an ice collar and had the strong tingling in my legs, no ms hugs, but i couldn't go as long as I used to and the sensations lasted almost an hour after I stopped. I hope you're doing well.

[Lulu54]

Hi Gary, and welcome.  The best advice we can give you is to listen to your body- when it says to slow down or even stop, do so and let it recover.  Even overheating doesn't do permanent damage - it just feels like it! Once the body recovers, everything gets reset.  

I'm sorry you've been dx'd with MS, but from watching your own mom, you know that you can live with this disease.  I hope we see you around here often and you keep moving - it's the best thing you can do!  - Laura

[HVAC]

I still ride horses with MS, hike, and walk my dogs. I had to give up bicycling due to balance issues and falls. If you find you do not bounce back you might need to back off a bit. Exercise is very good for MS as long as you can do it. Talking to your Doctor is good. My MS Specialist is big on exercise for those who can. MS is different for each person. It is all location of damage.

Alex

[kwarendorf]

Gary-

My doc said the same thing. Do what ever you want/can. He said over doing won't exacerbate my MS, but my MS will make recovery take longer,

Kyle

[Gary487]

Fair play TLC! I couldnt run a 1.45 half marathon when i was 20 and hodcarrying lol
Tale care

[Gary487]

Thanks all for for such a kind welcome to the forum!
Still coming to terms as only diagnosed on Tuesday although I suspected when i was refererd for a lumbar puncture and was experiencing syptoms such as tingling/burning sensation  when i lowered by head etc..
I suspect I have had the decease for 2 years thinking back...
For the last 20 years and more  I have kept myself seriously fit focusing on weithlifting/running.The illness has not affected my strength in any way touchwood and I find the benefits of lifting weights amazing for the illness- may it long continue on a positive note!
My neurologist said not to change anything I was doing and made an appointment for me to see him in 2 months.No medication.He was amazed I had the illness as I  originally went to him for headache  which he suspected was caused by  nerve damage!The MRI showed changing white matter to his amazement...
I am very aware of the desease as my mother has had for 50 years although she is now severely disabled which has only come on in the last 5-6 years
Thanks again and i hope to be an active member of this  forum
Positive vibes to all
Gary

[kwarendorf]

Hi Gary - Sorry that you have gained membership in our club :-)

I am 53 and was diagnosed at 51 as well. While not a runner, I was and am an enthusiastic exercise walker.Once upon a time I was able to complete marathons. Those days have gone...

I now know what my limits are. There really isn't anything you can do about them. It's not like a tic or a cramp you can work your way through. If you try and push through they will push back.

For me, after about 45 minutes, I start to lose control of my left leg. It's pretty predictable. Once it starts the only thing that helps is resting. I've tried to "work through it" but it just gets worse.

One of the toughest things about being diagnosed is recognizing that your life will change. Things that you could do yesterday may be out of reach tomorrow.

Kyle

[Mummy76]

I spoke with the nurse at the MS clinic yesterday about this.  She suggested ice water during my runs and also an ice collar.  I'm not sure if the ice collar is its actual name but it's really just n ice pack you can wear on your neck while exercising.

[TLC_31]

I’ve had sensory symptoms during and after running. The body heat generated by exercise, or any heat in general, can often intensify such symptoms. Once cooled down, you should return to your “normal.” If the burn sensation is unbearable, or if you don’t return to “normal” within a reasonable time (depending on the workout, and depending on how quickly you had previously returned to “normal”), then yes, no harm in finding alternate exercises or slowing down slightly, at least temporarily.

You should absolutely continue to exercise; exercising “hard” is relative, but I push myself sometimes in speed or distance and you likely can too. In a little more than two weeks I'll run my fourth half-marathon, but because my training is not textbook (I sometimes can't endure the full speed workouts that I should, for example), I don't know if I can match my PR of 1:47 almost a year ago. Just be careful that the thigh burn (I haven’t had that feeling) is actually MS and not something else that might need attention. Also be aware that when you have discomfort in on area you risk altering your gait to compensate, and that could cause injury somewhere else.

[doublevision1]

It's not uncommon to feel an increase in symptoms following exercise.  Often this is due to Uhtoff's phenomenon and an increase in body temp.  If you recover normal function once you've rested and cooled off, I see no reason why you shouldn't continue to exercise hard.  Some people dx'ed with MS can run marathons.  The fact alone of having MS should not dictate one's activity level; this should be in accordance with the individual's abilities and limitations, which vary wildly from person to person with this disease, and even within one person from day to day.

[rendean]

Hi Gary and welcome to our forum! I'm glad you found our little corner of online world. You've landed in a great place with great, well-informed people. If someone doesn't know the answer, someone else might and/or find the answer for you.

Perhaps if you feel comfortable you can share  a little about yourself with us later. As for your question, I do not know the answer. We do have some physical therapists on the forum and oneof our member is about your age and runs as well. His name is Kyle;screen name :kwarendorf. Perhaps he has an answer.

My answer would be to call and check with your neurologist. Sorry I don't have the definitive answer. Perhaps someone else will have better information.

Again welcome!
Ren