I saw this picture the other day, and it so struck a cord with me. For those regular followers out there you will already know how much I enjoy my sports, swimming, running, taekwondo and kickboxing. I last ran in October when I completed the Loch Ness Baxter’s 10k unfortunately I ran it in a Lupus flare, which afterwards floored me for over 2 months, and I obviously had to withdraw from the 1/2 marathon that I was signed up to, 2wks after the 10k.
I kept going with my Taekwondo, mainly because that is just working on the patterns and theory, but had to give the kickboxing side a miss for about 3wks, still to this day I sometimes struggle with certain aspects of the sport, but I always give it a go. I have a wonderful instructor who knows of my issues, and will quite often adapt exercises for me so I don’t miss out….however, when it comes to the technical side of the sport, I can pack a mean punch and strike an awesome roundhouse kick to the head 
lol
My point to this post is, I had an appointment with my rheumatologist on Monday afternoon. I am in remission just now which is GREAT! although, apparently, I have a puffy right knee, but it’s not bothering me. I finally admitted to him the extent of my sports, telling him also that even if I am flaring I will continue to participate in my sports. Not doing so for me, makes me depressed and I hate feeling idle regardless to the state of my lupus.
I could sense an eye roll coming on, I do recall him telling me to not participate in any high impact sports, and I could really not choose anything less high impact to my joints!
So, I just asked told him I can continue with my sports, if I am in remission, and have been involved in my sports at least twice a week regardless if I am flaring or not, there is no further impact to my joints or my internal organs. My lovely rhematologist told me he has 20yrs until he retires, so he will master the no eye rolling by then lol He has given his blessing for me to continue but to be sensible, which is what I have always done. I have said, there will be a time when I can no longer participate in what I do, but today is not that day and for as long as I feel fit enough to do it, then I will continue to kick ass and run!!
Have a flare free weekend
Can’t tell you what reading this means to me… I was dx with lupus in 2010, and have decided this year, it is taking a back seat to me being fit and healthy and lean again…. Reading that another lupie is doing it (and kickboxing was MY FAVORITE!!!!!!!) and is ok , you have given me a tremendous boost in confidence!!! I’m the process of beginning to run (but right now walking is all I can do but another Lupie who is a runner is training me the right way) – And my kickboxing starts for me in 6 weeks from Monday and I can’t wait!!!!!!
Thanks so much for writing this and I look forward to following your blog!!
Aww you are welcome, however, I must stress that I don’t recommend every lupie going out and kick fighting LOL…always err on the side of caution, if you feel fit enough then by all means, but start of slowly, I was a bit naughty and did go ahead knowing what I was doing was going to cause my Dr’s to flip out. But everyone knows exercise in one form or another is good for you, walking for 30 mins a day is better for me than mopping around, and because I am fit and still continue my sports, my flares are actually less painful (depending on what I do) but most definitely I am in remission for longer periods than I am in flare state
I won’t give up, I was kickboxing before my lupus and taking that away from me will quite literally push me into an unforgivable slump..good luck
xx
I was kickboxing too before I was dx…. for 3 years… and I remember distinctly, about 6 months before I stopped, I was feeling bad after workouts, not able to keep up my usual pace, and I knew something was wrong. I thought I was just burnt out… so I quit, figured I’d take a break, and then my dx came 6 months later.
But yes, I’m taking it easy – I am however envious of your roundhouse kick to the face!!! Never got that high but hey, you have me aiming for that!! Can’t wait to go back… nice and easy.. my instructors know me and my “modifications”…. but it will feel good, my right hook was pretty strong!! lol
My “hiatus” is OFFICIALLY OVER!
Thanks!! <3
Keep me posted with how you get on, I am sure within no time you will be kicking to the head soon
I LOVE that picture. I printed it out. I think it’s the perfect sentiment. I had major knee sugary just over a year ago and I remember so well the days I couldn’t do anything. It makes the picture all the more meaningful. Stay strong!
YOU GO GIRL!
You are so right about the emotional benefits of exercise! It helps increase endorphin levels which elevate mood and decrease pain. For me, it HAS to be non-impact, but my favs are spinning (on my bike on an indoor fluid trainer) and yoga. Your doctor should have been commending you for your activity, it could be part of the reason for your remission.