Living/rowing with chronic disease.

[GreenStratMan]

I was just wondering if there was anyone else on here who is living with a serious medical condition and who are willing to share their training/life experiences.

I have some kind of undiagnosed autoimmune disease which affects my nervous system primarily. I had the last flare up in March 21.It started with pain in my forearms and lead to me hardly being able to move properly, I had extensive paralysis along with excruciating pain. Funnily enough the flare up came shortly after my first covid jab, I think it was astrazenica.

Anyway, it took me weeks to be able to stand up and only with enormous effort. I was in hospital for two months. As it stands I have quite a bit of numbness in hands, feet, lower leg, glutes which is slowly receding. I have had autoimmune mediated hepatitis which has left me with extensive liver cirrhosis. I have quite a lot of muscle wasting. But I feel so lucky because not a day passes without me noticing some improvement somewhere. My walking is still quite laboured and my gait is not great, but it is getting better. I can get up the stairs now with only a little help from my arms although I'm very slow.

So, my consultant is happy for me to row. She is aware that I do about 30 minutes per day, which is split up into 1000 - 2000 metres at a time. I tend to go at 3 minute pace, sometimes 2.45 depending on I how I feel. I'm able to row with ( I think) reasonable form. I have been coached and have done a little rowing on the water many years ago for a short time, I'm no expert by any means. I feel reasonably strong on the erg, which I'm grateful for.

Before the last flare up, I was about halfway through the Pete Beginners plan and was doing 10k in 40 minutes, which I was pleased with. Prior to January 2019, I could do a 34.00 10k. I was very fit, but did a mixture of weight training, spinning, circuits and rowing on the erg.In late January 19 was when this whole thing started with recurrent brain seizures, I was in hospital for 2 months then too and had to learn to walk and talk again.

I'm hoping to remain stable this time.Rowing is helping with my fitness and keeping me moving and reducing ankle oedema. I like to get rid of my steroid belly as I'm only on a low dose now.

In spite of everything, my bloods have been spot on for a while now. In November 2018 I had underachieve thyroid, which. then went over active and which is now normal. My consultant said that was quite rare.

It'd be great to hear from others and I'm open to advice and tips. I hoping to overcome this, whatever it is. I believe in the power of the mind.I regularly do energy healing and self hypnosis. I have touch typed most of this, there was a time when I could hardly use my left hand at all.

Thanks so much if you've read this far.

[Sakly]

Hi Kevin,

I have only a light version of gastric mucositis currently, which is annoying and creates several problems, but surely not compareable to what you have written you went through and have to deal with now.
I have big respect for people like you to never give up and fight back to life.
No tips for you, but wanted to share my respect. Stay focused on your journey back

[Dangerscouse]

Same comments as Sascha. No medical advice, but a lot of respect that you keep going and don't give up as it's too much trouble.

[Andy]

Hi Kevin,

Well done, inspiring stuff!

- I’m 35, have arthritis in both my left wrist and knee. The knee is patellofemoral so it cracks/flares up if I sit for too long or bend more than 20 degrees. The wrist is just a chronic dull ache which worsens if I do any lifting or bending in the day.

I played rugby union for England age groups many years ago.. always been into fitness but now I struggle to do anything. Tried both the rower and ski erg in the past but sold each because of the above

The only thought I had was maybe to try rowing without using my legs, or with a very slight bend. not sure if it would be worth trying or not..

Keen for thoughts if anybody has advise!



Not exercising totally gets me down.

[GreenStratMan]

Hi Kevin,

Well done, inspiring stuff!

- I’m 35, have arthritis in both my left wrist and knee. The knee is patellofemoral so it cracks/flares up if I sit for too long or bend more than 20 degrees. The wrist is just a chronic dull ache which worsens if I do any lifting or bending in the day.

I played rugby union for England age groups many years ago.. always been into fitness but now I struggle to do anything. Tried both the rower and ski erg in the past but sold each because of the above

The only thought I had was maybe to try rowing without using my legs, or with a very slight bend. not sure if it would be worth trying or not..

Keen for thoughts if anybody has advise!



Not exercising totally gets me down.

Thanks.

I can thoroughly recommend Plant Paradox by Dr Stephen Gundry. Most diseases and disorders come from issues with our gut, on some level. He talks about leaky gut which causes toxins to roam around in our bodies. He also discuses lectins which are plant proteins which cause havoc they can mimic insulin for example. Also have a look at Divided Mind by John Sarno.

Do you take a vitamin D3 supplement? I take 4000 iu daily. D deficiency is a big thing too the daily recommended amount is no where near enough. Also omega 3, we can really get the correct type through diet, or at least in sufficient quantities.

[GreenStratMan]

Hi Kevin,

I have only a light version of gastric mucositis currently, which is annoying and creates several problems, but surely not compareable to what you have written you went through and have to deal with now.
I have big respect for people like you to never give up and fight back to life.
No tips for you, but wanted to share my respect. Stay focused on your journey back

Thank you. I’d encourage you to look at the plant paradox by Stephen Gundry. It’s useful information for us all.

[Sakly]

I’d encourage you to look at the plant paradox by Stephen Gundry. It’s useful information for us all.

I think I have a good idea what the root cause is. Changed my diet and will keep track of the changes.
Anyway, will have a look at it!