There are countless reasons for exercising regularly. I’m going to name my top 5 benefits to exercising with Hepatitis C. There are numerous reasons for getting up and moving. Your heart starts pumping, you build muscle mass, and you also experience many mental and physical changes as you work out consistently.
I’ve always been an advocate of getting outside and walking. I have also been the owner of many health club memberships and countless machines, and videos throughout the years. Working out with Jane Fonda was so much fun that I taught aerobics for years. Tae Bo was part of my regime for a while too. But nothing beats just getting out and walking or riding a bike. My doctor has approved me for both since being diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
I believe that one of the major benefits of my lifelong workouts is that it was much easier to recover from Hepatitis C treatment. I’m still working at getting back in shape after 43 weeks of triple therapy with Protease Inhibitors, Ribavirin, and injections of Interferon. I’ll add that the Procrit shots and the Promacta were necessary, yet I still feel that my overall health was enhanced by my general good health. Yes, I am in the end stage of liver disease. But I will continue to try and help my body all I can with a liver loving diet, low sodium, and a regular workout.
Here are my top 5 benefits to exercising with Hepatitis C:
- Exercise increases your muscle mass. Don’t forget that your heart is a muscle and needs to build strength as much as your other muscles do. Getting your heart to a sustained target rate can help you to exercise this important organ. If it is strong, it will not have to beat as often to do it’s job. Less beats are better! All of our organs are affected by the Hepatitis C Virus and need our support. As your heart pumps oxygen rich blood throughout your body, it also carries away waste and toxins. A caution for those with advanced liver disease, such as your best friend here: Talk to your doctor. If you have Portal Valve Hypertension, esophageal varices can form as a result of a clogged liver. Your blood pressure should be monitored, as well as your heart rate. My doctor is very specific regarding exercise and will not allow me to lift more than 5 lb. hand held weights. I had a bleed out and he also stopped me from any workouts that involve weight lifting machines for the time being. I build my muscle mass with yoga and from walking. (More on that in a later blog)
- Exercise helps your body to burn calories more efficiently. Some of us with Hepatitis C have trouble keeping weight on. Others end up with autoimmune or Thyroid problems that actually cause weight to accumulate. Treatment itself can create some problems in both of those areas. You may find that your liver is not metabolizing proteins and carbohydrates effectively. Read my blog about protein and how to use protein that is easy on your liver. No matter what, your body can work more effectively if you are burning calories by working out. Even when my weight was extremely low, this is one area that I did not give in. There were days when a little yoga and a walk to the mailbox was all I could manage, but I FELT better doing it!
- Exercise strengthens your immune system. It stimulates White Blood Cells to move about in your body. As these antibodies are activated, they release hormones that work to warn your body to defend itself against virus, colds, and the flu. Too much can have the opposite effect, so please discuss it with your doctor. If you are treating, you know what your last Complete Blood Count (CBC) is and should modify accordingly. The lesson here is that exercise strengthens every area of your body, even your weakened immune system.
- Exercise is a mood booster. The latest research has shown a direct link between depression and the Hepatitis C Virus. If you have talked with your doctor about treatment, you have probably been warned of the anxiety and depression that wreak havoc on your mind as a result of the medications. You may even have a prescription to help you with that. Most doctors insist on it. Mine actually told me not to wait and ask for one when I was standing on a bridge with a cell phone calling him in the middle of the night. Yet, I found that by adding a short walk to my routine, I could super charge into an even better mental state! You can too. During exercise, your body releases endorphins that can block pain receptors giving you a sense of physical well being. They are also like a sedative that have been proven to reduce stress. Think about a walk around the block next time you are good and mad. It is amazing how much better you will feel! And nobody gets hurt!
- Exercise gives you energy. You may think this sounds crazy. But I’m your best friend in this, and I swear this is true. When my body was putting roots down into the cushion of the couch during treatment, I made myself get up. At one point, my hemoglobin was 7. I HAD to keep working for insurance purposes. I was so mad at the world. You know I was stressed. Teaching in a large urban high school forced me to walk a minimum of 2 miles daily. I remember putting on my wig one day knowing that the hospital had a 3 pint transfusion waiting for me after work. I deliberately put on high heels. You might criticize me. My family was upset too. I was just SO MAD at the situation. I knew that wearing a pair of heels (red of course) would force my thigh muscles into a new position for exercise. I was having nightly leg cramps, and reasoned that my muscles must be atrophied. I stuffed my swollen feet into those shoes ….. and I walked. Believe it or not, I felt better. I felt stronger. I was mentally at the top of my game. My slump became a swag. If any of you men decide to try this, you can leave off the red heels part. Or not – suit yourself. I’ll still be your friend.
I’m not suggesting that you push yourself to the brink. I hate the thought of you over exerting yourself and having negative consequences. Be smart. Talk to your doctor. You know by now that I get how serious this virus is. I know that liver disease demands lifestyle modifications. I am just saying this: Regular exercise can help you get ready for treatment, endure it, and recover from it more quickly. It should be something that you are intentional about for the rest of your life.
Now I’m crying. Our precious life. For some of us, it was shattered by the diagnosis. Here is our chance to come back fighting. Take back some of what we lost. Gain strong footing again. Really truly live our precious life. I am your best friend. I would come over to your house right now and walk with you. If you couldn’t walk, I would stand and hold your hand beside the couch. But then after you rested, I would make you stand again.
There are many good reasons to fight for your health. These are just my top 5 benefits to exercising with Hepatitis C Virus. I think you’ve figured out that sometimes I am writing to myself, haven’t you? I’m heading out for a quick walk. Think of me. I’ll be thinking of you. These boots are made for….. walking, Karen:)
17 thoughts on “Top 5 benefits to Exercising with Hepatitis C”
Excellent ideas … I try to do them all … maybe not everyday though. 🙂
I’m still working on that too! It encourages me to know somebody else (YOU) is aiming in the same direction. Thanks! Karen:)
Hi Karen .. It was good to read your blog. You sound like such a strong person who’s sense of humour and enduring spirit will have you outlive this disease.
I too have HCV. I contracted it in the early 80’s through elicit drug experimenting. Fortunately for me, I was never much of a drinker and found out I had the virus in the mid 90’s. (Consequently went on Alpha Interferon for one year and relapsed)
I have always been an advocate for health and fitness and now at the age of 53 (look 43) am embarking on a fitness career as a personal trainer. I find that a clean diet that is free of processed foods, fats and sugars (except fruit) enable me to keep on top of chronic fatigue. However, I find that I am always in need of a nap in the afternoons on a daily basis to regenerate my batteries, so I can workout like a pro. At present I am considering going on the newest medication which is a protese inhibitor. (Next week I am having a fibroscan to see how much scarring I have). Very exciting to know that it will clear up the virus without the aggressive effects of interferon/ribavirin treatment (which carries the threat of auto-immune dysfunction). I too, like yourself am very determined to maintain good health and well-being for the rest of my life.
I can only surmise that you did nothing careless or stupid to contract this debilitating and chronic condition. So many of us innocently and unwittingly fall victim to the perils and evils that lurk! In a sense I see it as a sort of blessing, because I know if I didn’t have it, I would be like everyone else … partying, indulging and feeding off stress! In a way the disease has given me a reason to be moderate with myself (mentally physically and spiritually) and hence, well preserved!
Lori
Lori,
You have done incredibly well considering having Hepatitis C. I’m with you on the diet part. It is the the only thing that consistently works to stay on top of the fatigue.
I think you must have really good genetics too! Your strength in spirit, mind, and body are going to carry you right into a bright future. Keep me posted on the fibroscan and your treatment. You are a rarity to have such great health with HCV. I am constantly studying the effects of treatment, diet, exercise, mental health, and all things HCV related.
Your comment is very encouraging. I have to push myself to stretch some mornings. I’m hitting the yoga mat now.
I look forward to hearing more about your journey. I hope it goes well next week!
All my best – xoxo Karen:)
I have been diagnosed treatment start in Jan 2014 tell me more I am going for the triple therapy
Anita
Anita – There is a lot of info packed in here about triple therapy. I really hope that it is helpful to you.
Some days will be a struggle if you have side effects. The medicine is powerful. It gave me back my life!
This is a great thing to have time to get prepared. Go to the Start Here page and read about treatment. You can be strong going into treatment!
Please let me know how I can help you more. Email me any time. You can do this.
Thank you for stopping by,
xoxoxoxo Karen:)
Hi Karen
Thanks for the tips, I started triple therapy in November.. Some days I’m great other days, I really struggle, trying to work 3 days a week and a single mum of a 5 & a 7 year old can be extremely trying.. I have had days where I’m ready to quit..I wouldn’t but sure feel like it.. Thanks you have added that strong glimmer that there is light at the end if the tunnel .. I have always been active but in the last 6 weeks I’m depleted if energy.. I’m lucky at 40 I will be ready to rebuild my strength in 48 weeks.. I did forget to mention I also have a heart condition with a hr of about 48 BPM.. This only adds to my exhaustion… But I am determine to stay strong.. Thankyou
Hello Dear Melanie,
You are really something! I’m so proud of you! See, I noticed you just started treatment, single mom, 48 weeks, heart condition – and yet..? You posted your comment on the top 5 benefits to exercising blog. I’ll say it again: You are really something. Bravo! Standing ovation!!
It is easy to feel strong emotional connections to my readers. I’ve been there with you. Every ounce of love and strength that I have is coming your way this morning Dear Friend. While I am happy you are exercising, I caution you to take it easy on yourself if side effects get tough. Your little ones are so blessed to have you for a mom. You will be there for them with the health and joy that you deserve.
All my best to you with much love,
xoxoxo Karen:)
Hello,
Its really encouraging and helpful about learning the life styles and diet conditions and preparing your self for a treatment.
Well i am living with Hep C from last 7 years had treatments interferon for six months kinda stuff but didnt work for me. But it left its side effects for couple of months which could be gone quick if i consider Excersise, walk or And work out.
Well am always missing excersise in my life assuming doing a daily work or job is giving me help for it.
Which is kinda wrong to consider.
And in results i am always living Depression and stress.
I have learnt the healthy diet style but unfortuantley giving more preference to work than of health made me worse.
I have really made my mind now to
Start some workout no matter if it is.
For two or one day.
I am facing anxiety and heartbeat change now a days during my treatment of Pegaysys.
Fatigue levels are so high.
I am really happy to see you positive people.
Never let overcome these diseases on your mind and trying to beat it in natural way.
Hello, thank you for sharing your story. I am so sorry the treatment did not work for you. I know the feeling of treating and relapsing, it was awful. I was so sick aftewards it took a long time to get better. The ribavirin takes up to 6 months to leave the body so I was always tired. I wish I had started walking. I was just so sick and tired, I could not believe it could help. I finally decided I could feel bad on the couch or bad walking. I started taking very small walks, it did seem to help me. I felt much better on the days that I walked.
There are new medications out there that are curing up to 99% of the people. Harvoni is one of them that is just one pill a day. I have heard that it can give one headaches but it is much better than the old treatment. In addition to being easier it is a much shorter time, it can be 8 12 or 24 weeks.
I try to remember baby steps is how to get started. I hope you will keep in touch as you progress.
Take care, remember to drink water to help your liver work better
Dee
I’m trying to answer a few posts in addition to Dee’s great work. Your post really touched me. Yes! Food is medicine. Exercise, even a small amount is helpful so you won’t grow weak.
I also took Pegasys for almost a year. Depression is normal during this time. Just look at yourself and realize that it is not the real you thinking the thoughts.. It is the medication.
Have you been able to breath deep or do some meditation? It is good to stop and breath deeply for about 5 minutes even. This will reduce your heart rate and calm you. Maybe too much caffeine is not so good right now. I know it is tempting when you are tired, but for now Please do less activity.
Soon you will be better and this will all seem like a dream. Eat well and sleep my friend.
xo Karen:)
Hello, your post was very informative and it.touched me. I contracted hep c whilst doing intravenous drugs and came in contact with an infected syringe. When entering rehab I found out I had it but relapsing and being the addict I was it wasnt priority at the moment. That was in my mid 20’s and I’m 36 now, clean and sober for almost 5 years, don’t smoke anymore, never drank and am vegan now and got a lot of my affairs in order that come with the addict lifestyle. A couple days ago I went to get tested hoping the result was a fluke but of course it wasnt. They did a test to check out my liver, the same they do on pregnant women to see the baby. I get results next week. The only problem with this hep c is that my right hand trembled A lot. Sometimes I’m talking to someomenand without notice I see the other person staring at my hand and then look down and I have to control it. I’m very irritable too and my breath smells bad even though I brush and use mints amd i feel bloated. Sorry for talking alot. Ive never spoken to amyone about this. Thanks I hope you and everyone with this gets better.
Hi, welcome! I am Dee, I help Karen with her blog though have not been on here in a few weeks. I can’t tell if she has answered but I wanted to say your symptoms indicate you have liver damage, how much I don’t know. If I were you, I would try to cut out red meat, fried foods, increase water consumption to help your liver work better. Try to keep in mind that everything you eat or drink has to be processed by your liver so try to help it help you. I would try to eat whole food vs processed, i.e. lunch meat. Due to the fact that you have noticed fluids please try to reduce/limit your salt intake. When my Mom had to cut out salt we were amazed that just about everything contained salt, even my favorite milk :)Karen has information regarding liver loving recipes, link below. Are you having trouble sleeping? That was one of my first signs, getting night and day mixed up. Then fatigue. Do you have your blood work? You would look at your ALT and AST, Platelet Count, Hemoglobulin, Bilirubin, Albumin, can’t remember the rest off the top of my head. If you have any questions please let us know, we are here to help in any way we can.
https://www.ihelpc.com/liver-loving-recipes/
This gave a little hope on life.. Thanks Karen
You’re very welcome. I keep saying that its time to make an exercise video. Haha! I’m working hard to stay strong. I hope you are too.
xoxo Karen
So far this is the info the doc gave me.
Hep c type 1 A
F-zero fibrosis score.
Activity of liver is 1.
Viral load is 390,000 which is low.
No mutation.
Zepotier or harvony
Horvony is for 8 weeks.
So it turns out i was denied the medication because i wasnt sick enough yet. Smh. I still feel anxious, and my hands shake everyday, im moody, have brain fog and had to drop two college classes because of it and i get bouts of depression throughout the day everyday, wow, i never thought i would admit to thay. Smh. Anyways so they appealed it and i just got off the phone with my docs assistant n she said that the doc was gonna talk to me on monday because my appeal, from whai understood, wss not approved and the doctor was gonna talk to me about options. So idk. I dont wanna go on interferon and that other med cause i heard alot of horror stories. Hope you are in good health and spirits mam.
So much has changed since this got buried on my website.. I pray your treatment is over and was successful. I’m just glad you dropped by and were reaching out for help.
Has the brain fog improved? Are you going on with your life? I know that depression has been an issue and if you look for Karen Hoyt on Youtube there is a video about it. It’s something that we all struggle with, you know?
Once you’re virus free, I hope that life looks very different for you. All my best and please forgive my tardiness.
xo Karen
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