POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Positive Women => Topic started by: Donna on June 17, 2010, 09:43:01 am
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Hi,
I've been here briefly before but because of time differences find the response time a bit frustrating although it's first port of call when i have a question, so here goes.
I've been positive 13 years and on meds 3 years; VL undetectable and CD4 about 800 (risen from 185).
What i want to know is whether any anyone knows what effect long distance running has on the immune system, especially compromised ones? I got into running a couple of years ago and it has wonderful benefits ito state of mind, feeling good about oneself etc. However, this year, i started doing ultra marathons and find that the endorphin effect of running gets reversed when one runs extremely far (anything 42 km or more) and i suffer mild depression for a couple of days after long runs. I also know from other runners and my own experience that one often gets sick (colds and flu, bladder infections, that kind of thing) after long races, which other runners attribute to the effects of effort on the immune system.
My doctor says this is all very good for me and that i look the picture of good health, and largely i agree but these little niggles make me wonder if anyone actually knows?
Donna
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I'll bet if you contacted this group, someone might have some insights to pass along.
http://www.lgbtpov.com/2010/03/support-apla-runners-in-the-la-marathon-sunday/
Although from 1999, this article from The Body.com may be of interest to you if you get into marathon running.
Tips For HIV-Positive Runners
September 1999
People with HIV have a few more factors to consider when conditioning themselves for a marathon. For some, it may get tricky.
The National AIDS Marathon Training Program places runners into pace groups. In these groups, individuals share stories and support each other along the way. Building trusting relationships is vital in taking on the challenge of running a marathon. Establishing a buddy system is crucial for someone with HIV.
Try to find a special buddy, or two. Your buddy can check how you are doing, make sure you are drinking enough water and eating enough carbohydrates, and help you deal with aches along the way.
Medicine doses need to fit into your training and eating schedule. The most important thing is that you routinely take your meds on schedule throughout the week, and minimize any risk of developing drug resistance.
In general, taking medications an hour or so before the big run or event, and then after the long run, eight or 12 hours after the first dose, as prescribed, should work. If you must take medications during a strenuous run, make sure you have discussed this with your doctor. In addition, some medications have food complications, though this can usually be worked out.
Crixivan® can be taken with a very light snack, following the additional food list, and available at AIDS Project Los Angeles' HIV Resource Center. Many of these 40 suggested food combinations can serve as that high-carbohydrate, low-fat, low-protein meal to be taken one to three hours before the event. To be safe, increasing the daily intake of fluid another 48 ounces (six cups) seems wise.
ddI requires an empty stomach. On your long-run morning, this medication can be taken first thing in the morning as usual. Instead of having your usual meal after the one-hour wait, have the pre-event meal. If there is no time for your meal and you must run, make sure you start eating as soon as possible.
Viracept®, Norvir® and Fortovase® all require some amounts of substantial food to increase the absorption and reduce side effects. This may be troubling to the runner, who needs to avoid higher-fat foods pre-event. One tactic may be to take the medication with some meal before the event, but one that is lower in fat. By maintaining a vigilant daily medication routine, one lesser-fat meal will make less of a difference than if you were less guarded the rest of the week.
All in all, check yourself on how well you are taking your medications. Plan your typical daily medication-meal schedules, one schedule for the day of your long run, and one for the day of your short run. If you need assistance in planning your medications or learning about them, call Walter Campos at (323) 993-1612 to request a "Daily Routine Chart" and to schedule an appointment with a treatment advocate.
This article has been reprinted at The Body with the permission of AIDS Project Los Angeles (APLA).
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I dont know that much on the subject but I used to run quite a lot and do other gruelling physical exercises because of my job. I never had any problems at all. The only thing that I had to do was to take my meds at least an hour before commencing any activity. People bodies cope differently but I should think if your Dr said its ok you should be alright