Exercise?

[keyo]

I’ve seen on here that many have returned to exercise after their NASAH. How long after was it when you started back? I’m was quite active before this happened and not exercising for a month has made me feel weak.

As of now it’s all I can do to try & manage my cognitive activities - I’m not sure how to start factoring in physical activities too...
 

Just trying to get an idea. Any help is appreciated. Thanks 

[Super Mario]

I'm sure you have read that there are no hard, fast rules as everyone's recovery is different. When you feel able you could start to walk, slow and for a short distance, not forgetting you have to get back. Apart from the exercise the fresh air and change of scenery can lift your spirits.

 

I, personally, started taking slow and short walks, . I gradually picked up the speed and distance. For  any vigorous exercise I would contact your doctor for their advice.

[ClareM]

Hi, I started exercising by taking short walks about 4 weeks after my bleed. I progressed onto longer walks and eventually back to running which is what I was doing when I had my SAH.

I now run 3 times a weeks, about 4-5 miles each time. My Neurovascular Nurse specialist encouraged exercise but you should check that it is ok for you.

 

You are still early days so take it slowly

 

Clare xx

[Rory]

I  agree with folks that starting with walks is a good thing to do, gradually increasing distance.

You might also try some gentle yoga--I was doing an on-line chair yoga class that didn't involve my head going upside down. I'm 3 months in--the first few days I could barely walk a block, but now I can walk or cycle for miles. I'm also now doing more vigorous yoga classes.

 

I'm not yet back to where I was pre-NASAH, but pretty close. But I don't think my case was that severe--for other cases it can all take longer. I think a bit of cardio exercise may be better for your recovery than none at all.

[keyo]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. 

[Crazy]

I walked laps of the ward after about 10 days. I walked parkrun about  4 weeks after my bleed and subsequent clot. I ran it the week after. My wife was not happy. I certainly wasn’t right but really needed it. After about 3 months I was going alright. It’s been nearly 3 years and I’m running ultras and setting personal bests. 

Like everyone else said, everyone is different and you should ease into it but don’t let this setback set you back. 
 

Cheers,

 

Dave

[Tecumseh]

Like a lot of posters...your body/brain will tell you when you are overdoing it, just make sure you listen to it. For many months after my bleed if my HR got too high, my exercise too vigorous I would get a headache. A number of posters have remarked overdoing it makes them feel terrible the next day. I see “crazy” saying getting back 110% my advice is you might not be able to do what you did before and that’s OK.

 

[Bri]

Hi Keyo,

 

I had exactly the same concerns as you post bleed.

I was advised on here to wait until I had my 6 week neurology consultation.

Prior to that I was walking/jogging about a mile, a couple of times a week.

 

After the neurologist told me there was no reason to not get back to my previous levels of exercise, I built up my exercise levels at a steady rate.

 

As mentioned on here , your body will quickly let you know your limits. You must keep hydrated, it's so important post SAH, headaches and tiredness are going to be part of your life for a period of time(still with me after two years) it is worse when you haven't drunk enough fluids.

You will find your own limits.

 

I find that Looking up for extended periods e.g painting a ceiling, or bending over for a long time, e.g gardening. Leave me feeling washed out and a bit thick headed.

Keep up the positive outlook, summer is nearly here. Enjoy!

 

 

[Chris G]

Similar to others for me. I was told not to run again for 3 months until they could do a follow up scan. After that I was told to resume at what ever pace I wanted. For the 3 months I walked a lot. 

[Karissa]

I tried a 10 minute walk yesterday (10 days after the SAH, 5 days out of the ICU.) My doctor said I was fine to start walking- I think he was wrong. It went fine at the time, but I was basically ruined for the 24 hours immediately thereafter. It is so encouraging to hear people getting back to it (even if it takes time.) 

 

I had been training for a marathon and I was supposed to run it 4 days ago. I got the SAH 1 week before my race. I was/ am so devastated. It really helps seeing that I'll be able to run again someday.

[ClareM]

Hi Karissa please don’t be too disappointed, you are really early days post bleed. At your stage I was still in hospital. It took me a good month post discharge to be able to go for walks on my own or with my dog. 
 

Like you I run - though not marathons- and I was keen to get back to it but no way could I have done much for the first few weeks post discharge. 
 

However I have got back to running, it took time and I completed a C25k programme to get me back slowly. I now regularly run up to 5 miles three times a week with no issues. In fact running helps my brain fatigue. It’s the one thing I feel I can do better than pre SAH. 
 

So take it slowly, rest when you need and be kind to yourself. You’ll get there but maybe at a slower pace than you want. 
 

Clare xx

[Karissa]

Thank you Clare for your encouragement 😊 I love hearing that you're back to running. I recognize I jumped the gun, but knowing I can get back to it at all is so helpful and gives me hope