Is it also hard for you to exercise?

[[...]]

Walking around the house is a start.  I'm going through withdrawals and that's all I can do.  I would love to exercise but my body is on high alert already,

 

I know, it sucks, Snow.  My physical sxs are the killer.  I've made a playlist of some of my fave songs, and just do gentle dancing to them.  Was doing yoga at home every day for a while, which was great, but had to stop when the sxs became too overwhelming.

[Guest [in...]]

I find that Im more compelled to exercise during this taper. I hike 30-32 miles a week. Ive done 7 miles in one session. I like the methodical---putting one foot in front of the other. It has saved me more than once. 

[Guest [in...]]

Solvitur ambulando -- "it is solved by walking."

 

Just realized this is the POST-withdrawal support 

[[Pi...]]

thanks abcd!

 

i went through some stress today and having exercised did help me cope with it a lot. its like an anxiety bullet p vest 

[[pr...]]

Pk,

 

I am so happy you came to this realization. If you walk into a pdoc office and say you are having anxiety issues, she will NEVER suggest exercise. It might come up in casual conversation but it is taboo to suggest it, I think. The first line of defense will be AD, then benzo, then exercise. No pdoc I have met will speak to the merits of exercise- I am sure an internist would but not a pdoc. In fact, it should be first line of defense for anxiety. Just logically speaking, why would I go for a benzo automatically before trying out exercise? It makes no sense (assuming I have the physical wherewithal to exercise). It's a shame. You live and learn, I guess. Nice work!

[[...]]

thanks abcd!

 

i went through some stress today and having exercised did help me cope with it a lot. its like an anxiety bullet p vest 

 

  So happy for you, PK.  Please, please keep it up ... real change comes with consistency ... soon this nightmare will be a thing of the past for you!

[Guest [Or...]]

Pk,

 

I am so happy you came to this realization. If you walk into a pdoc office and say you are having anxiety issues, she will NEVER suggest exercise. It might come up in casual conversation but it is taboo to suggest it, I think. The first line of defense will be AD, then benzo, then exercise. No pdoc I have met will speak to the merits of exercise- I am sure an internist would but not a pdoc. In fact, it should be first line of defense for anxiety. Just logically speaking, why would I go for a benzo automatically before trying out exercise? It makes no sense (assuming I have the physical wherewithal to exercise). It's a shame. You live and learn, I guess. Nice work!

 

The first time I went into my pdocs office he suggested exercise, omega 3 fatty acid, magnesium, and an SSRI. This was before we knew it was benzo withdrawal. But still. All that in one meeting. I think it lasted an hour and he genuinely seems to care. Guess I lucked out.

[[Na...]]

Exercise during / after withdrawal can be a blessing or a curse.

 

Elevated cortisol levels occur with exercise or any type of physical  / emotional stress. Cortisol can down-regulate the GABA receptors of the hypothalamus that regulate adrenal function. The adrenals produce dozens of hormones. As a result you can get more fatigue or other endocrine / hormonal dysregulation as a result. You can also be thrown back in a wave.

 

Starting low and going slow is the safest way to pursue this. If your symptoms of withdrawal come back or worsen, that is a clue to either reduce exercise or suspend it till the wave of symptoms improves. If you are feeling well with exercising, I'd be very slow in increasing intensity or duration. It is almost like tapering in reverse.

 

Everyone is different, and exercise can be tricky to engage in especially during withdrawal is what I have discovered. The benefits can be great, but if not done carefully, it can delay you from healing steadily.

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This very informative thread on exercising in the "chewing the fat section" is what did it for me.  I read and re-read it many times.  Then I implemented my own exercise plan and the rest is history. 

 

http://www.benzobuddies.org/forum/index.php?topic=77609.0

 

Oh and by the way, it was NOT easy.  Every single day, I was overwhelmed by the thought of getting started.  I ached (literally) when I was getting started.  I took a step by step approach.  Ok, I'm going to put on my exercise clothes, etc.  Now I'm going to step out of the house.  Now, I'm going to go a short ways out...and so on.  I rewarded myself with a hot bath and delicious meal after.  Good luck!

 

 

 

 

[[...]]

 

Starting low and going slow is the safest way to pursue this. If your symptoms of withdrawal come back or worsen, that is a clue to either reduce exercise or suspend it till the wave of symptoms improves. If you are feeling well with exercising, I'd be very slow in increasing intensity or duration. It is almost like tapering in reverse.

 

 

Absolutely and well said.  Also, as overwhelming as this may sound, consistency is another key success factor.  However, after several weeks, some neat things start to happen and words don't do it justice.  You'll just have to go for it and find out yourself.

[[gr...]]

I cant even spell excersise

[[be...]]

I have been a runner and endurance athlete for most of my life. This is what my mind and body is accustomed to and while I did have to tone it down during w/d, I still exercise according to I feel and use my body as a gauge. Too much can cause a spike and too little makes me feel bad as well.

[[Je...]]

Yes exercise has been shown to shorten healing time in people who can tolerate it.  Not everyone can, so not feeling like exercising is completely normal.  You have havoc going on in you CNS and Muscular systems right now.  If you need motivation, the money spent on a trainer to help motivate you and work out some of the muscle cramps/pains is COMPLETELY worth it.  It certainly is not easy and can be painful at first.  I have a lot of nerve pain and some tendinitis.  Do yourself a favor and start out slow and get some help with it if you need it.  It is the best thing getting me through all of this.