Resistance Training

Hi everyone, been a while since I was here! A little about me, I was diagnosed with ITP somewhere around 11 or 12 years ago. Platelets have always remained under 10K, usually 4K or 5K.

I've been following the Weight Watchers plan for the last 14 weeks and am down 23.5 pounds. My exercise of choice has been step aerobics since I really don't like anything that has jumping involved, you ladies with a larger chest probably know what I mean. The last time I spoke with my hema she said no jogging, running, jumping because of my low platelets. I'm curious how you feel about that statement.

Anyway, I'd like to add resistance training to my exercise program and wondering if I should be concerned at all with straining.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Kelly

something my hemo said to me, "High blood pressure and low platelets are a bad combination."

I assume the risk of brain bleed increases with strenuous exercise?? I don't really know whats right about exercise but its a good question! I often have platelets below 10K too. good luck!

I wouldn't risk training that raises blood pressure at those counts. I wouldn't even risk constipation at those counts.

Good for you for the weight loss and exercise!

If you might be interested, I have recently been loving the DDPYoga workouts. You can check it out online. No nonsense yoga with a great motivational trainer, it has me stronger and a little stretchier.
Erica

Regarding my doctor's statement,"high blood pressure and low platelets are a bad combination",
here is an explanation of how blood pressure raises during exercise. (from a web medical site)
hope its helpful- good for you that you're getting in shape. I'm changing my diet-getting off sugar, and tapering prednisone(I gained 30 lbs). Haven't lost any weight yet but feeling better!

Why does Blood Pressure Increase during Exercise?

When you are exercising your muscles need more oxygen. The heart then pumps more blood around your body with more powerful contractions which will make your blood pressure increase. Your systolic blood pressure increases during exercise as the cardiovascular system delivers more blood to the working muscles and your diastolic blood pressure stays roughly the same or decrease slightly.

A normal range for a systolic rate during exercise is between 160 and 220; if you are overweight the rise in blood pressure is somewhat higher. If you fall into the normal range and your pressure reaches 190 after exercising, this is a good cue that you will suffer from high blood pressure in the future. Weight lifters also have significantly higher systolic rates, this is because while they lift weights, there is a reduction in the amount of oxygen, because their muscles constrict. This requires the muscles and organs to get more oxygen rich blood.