immunosuppressants and the gym
Sun, November 02, 2008 8:50 PM
I was recently diagnosed with Chrohn's. I am currently taking Flagyl, 6-MP and Remicade. Prior to my diagnosis, I went to a gym a few times a week. My gym membership is on hold since I haven't felt well enough to go anyways. I am starting to feel much better and I feel like I should start exercising again soon, but I am nervous about going to a gym while on immunosuppressant medications. I can't imagine how many germs there are on the gym equipment and in the locker rooms. Does anyone have any suggestions? Am I being paranoid? Thanks!
lizchurch03Joined Oct 18, 2008
Sun, November 09, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for zimbop.
I have been on remicade and imuran for almost 5 years and have been able to go to the gym without many issues. The gym I belong to is clean and everyone wipes the equipment they use. I did have any issue (more so in the summer) with bacterial vaginosis (a vaginal bacterial disease) from doing alot of spin classes. My docs think its because of the immunosuppressants and sweating and all. They recurr often and I deal with them as they come. The docs suggested working out as usual. I cannot wear any spandex!
Joined Nov 9, 2008
Sun, November 09, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for lizchurch03.
Hey there,
I have been diagnosed with crohn's know for almost 5 years. I go to the gym and have never been worried with infections or sickness but I do often find that going to the gym on a regular basis will effect my stomach. While working out I usually get the urge to go to the bathroom.
Joined Sep 9, 2008
Sun, November 09, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for lizchurch03.
Well, perhaps I tend to be more on the paranoid side, but I dropped my gym membership and bought a really nice elyptical machine and some dumbells. They've easily paid for themselves now after a year without membership fees and we have a nice setup to listen to the ipod or watch movies while we groove at home.
This wasn't only because of the germ issue, but also the bathroom issue. It solved both of those problems. Plus, frankly, I didn't like having to go to the gym anyway. At first it helped to get me to go exercise, but it became more of a hassle than it was worth, so doing it at home now is much easier... as long as I can still motivate myself!
If you really want to go to the gym, maybe a belt-pack for the hand sanitizer? Our gym had spray bottles of disinfectant you could bring to each station. Sometimes I feel like a freak for my vigilant approach to these things, but I just had to get over it. I even wear a face mask on the plane, even though it makes me look stupid. But my approaches seem to work because I get sick much less often than I did before I went on immunosuppressants.
Good luck.
Joined Apr 24, 2008
Tue, November 04, 2008 1:00 AM
Reply posted for lizchurch03.
I attend a gym and am also on Remicade and 6mp along with Asacol. I have not noticed any increase in infections since attending the gym. I think my gym is good at wiping down the machines. If you are worried, wipe down the machines before each use. Also take along some anti-bacterial gel and shower soon as you get home.
Joined Aug 4, 2008
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