Demyelinated not Destroyed

One of the things a person with a demyelinating disease can do to help themselves and their condition is to exercise.  It seems like such a simple thing but it can have a huge impact.

What does it do?

Exercise is extremely beneficial for those who are in good health and those that are not.  Exercise keeps your body and cardiovascular system strong and in good shape.  It can also strengthen your immune system, making you less inclined to get sick.  Regular exercise can make you stronger and more agile, also.

Why is it important?

For people with demyelinating diseases, exercise is crucial.  When in the middle of a relapse or other worsening of symptoms, it can be easy to get in a habit of laying around.  Unfortunately, muscles begin to atrophy if they aren’t used enough.  This leads to even more weakness and loss of balance.  It can become a vicious circle of further weakness and other problems if left unchecked.

Exercise provides many other benefits, as well.  Many studies have proven that people with Multiple Sclerosis experience shorter relapses and less flare ups if they follow a steady exercise regime.  No or low impact exercises are perfect for a wide variety of individuals and are less likely to cause strained on already overtaxed muscles than higher impact exercises.  Since exercise can also strengthen a person’s immune system, it stands to reason that exercise can help in the fight against autoimmune diseases.

Things to keep in mind

Before starting any exercise regime, it’s important to contact your doctor ahead of time.  Discuss what kinds of exercises are right for you and your individual circumstances.

Many insurance companies are now starting to cover the cost of gym memberships.  Talk with your doctor or one of the customer service representatives to find out whether or not your insurance will cover the cost.  If they do, ask if there are any special forms you need to fill out to get your gym membership covered.

It is especially important to not overdo any sort of exercise.  Any muscle injuries can be complicated by a demyelinating disease.  Overdoing it can also lead to severe fatigue as your body tries to rest.  Severe fatigue can also lead to increased muscle spasms and muscle cramps.

My experience

Admittedly, I haven’t been very good getting the exercise I need.  I know I would probably have more energy and more endurance if I exercised regularly.  I did notice that the times I followed a steady exercise regime, I felt better.  My symptoms were less and I had more energy.  I also noticed that my overall attitude was better.  I was less stressed and happier.  Just an improvement in my mental state makes daily exercise worthwhile, in my book.