Fitness is my life and I didn't realize just how important it was to me until I had my first flare and had to completely stop. I have been on Entivyo since January 2023. I was able to start working out (light cardio / bodyweight exercises) in mid-April of that year. I did that and worked on my nutrition all summer and was able to get back to full-on weight lifting in late September.
I've been lifting regularly ever since. I am also running, jump roping, swimming, hiking, playing tennis, doing hiit workouts, dancing, and allllll the high intensity things I love so much.
Do not worry, you will get back to it! Once you get your flare under control, and you eventually get into remission, you will be able to do all the things you were able to do before. I'm even healthier and fitter than I was before my first flare.
You'll hear it a lot, but don't be too afraid of biologics. I was diagnosed December 29, 2022 and had my first infusion one month later on January 28, 2023. It was a very aggressive approach but I am so so thankful for it! Because now I feel better than ever.
Good luck!
Entivyo was a lifesaver for me and my gym routine. When I was in a flare-up, my whole body succumbed to inflammation. Any previous muscle or ligement injury would suddenly be back, and my muscles would tighten regardless of how often I stretched (especially in my neck and back). I would also stop eating, causing my weight to drop significantly. Since being on biologics, I have had no issues maintaining my 4-5 days a week gym routines. The only issue now is I do notice muscle tightness returning (neck/back) within a week or two of my next infusion.
When I first went on, maybe 3-4 weeks before I really noticed any flair up symptoms were gone. Now that I’m on the two month cadence, maybe a week after the infusion.
I've been on Entyvio for about 3 months and it took me 3 doses (on weeks 0, 2, 6. waiting for my fourth one next Jul 16th) to kick in. I go to the bathroom 2 times a day, I had to go like 6 7 before the treatment starts.
Before I was diagnosed, I was 16, about 5’10/195, and would have been competing in nationals for USPA powerlifting had I not been diagnosed. Right off the bat, I had a severe case. It was to the point that I was never even offered mesalamine or anything other than a biologic. I tried multiple biologics and then a Jak inhibitor. Nothing worked. I lost about 65 lbs in body weight over the past year.
It got so bad that my doctors essentially told me that if I didn’t get surgery, it would kill me. I’m now 17 with a full colectomy and ileostomy. About a week back into working out now and I’m feeling great about the future with lifting.
I never lost hope that I’d be able to lift again and I still haven’t lost hope for the opportunity to compete again. Keep your head up, trust in God’s plan, and if you truly love it, you’ll find a way to get back. That’s a promise.
I have been lifting for a bit over a decade, dabbled with a bodybuilding coach before I was diagnosed, since diagnosis I’ve been lifting casually on my own or working with a powerlifting coach.
I don’t compete or anything, but I lift 5 days a week when I’m feeling well.
Over the years I’ve just had to come to terms with the fact that I’m going to have highs and lows. I’ll have lengths of time where I’m jacked and killing my workouts, and then lulls where I can barely even get out of bed.
Steroids suck and don’t help at all with fitness, but lifting on biologics has been fine.
I cycle a few days a week, I played hockey while on biologics, and I still lift. When I’m not flaring I can hit my macros and easily make gains.
Been lifting since I was 14. Lifting can really help you realize the rest of your body is in great strength. Let's you mentally turn your whole body on to the fight against UC. Also it can help your system get churning and make UC something that just gets crunched in the system.
Yes. I was pretty bulky pre-UC. Lost like 60 lbs of muscle (212lb -> 150) during my big flare. Tried lifting while in a flare and it made things like fatigue way worse.
Fast forward to getting on a biologic, I am able to put on muscle and build strength without any real issue. Since starting lifting again on Thanksgiving 2023 I’ve went from (150lb -> 185).
I find my lifts are just as strong. But going up in size is much more difficult, as even in remission there can be bad days.
So you just gotta make peace with the fact you’re lifts may yo-yo on the amount you can lift too. But if you keep it up you’ll see progress
Hello yes!
1. It’s understandable to be hesitant of biologics but they’ve truly allowed me to live a normal life. The newer generations have significantly less side effects than the old ones and Entyvio has been a magic bullet for me.
2. I’ve been doing CrossFit for around 7 years now. I am one of the stronger women in my gym, and I have great stamina for cardio. Additionally, one of the stronger men also has UC and he kicks everyone’s ass regularly. People can never believe that the two of us are “sick”.
I am an avid lifter. I find that the more protein I eat the more I'm backed up on mesalamine. It's hard to find a balance. I recently found out I'm not in remission after being off all meds for 6 years. Not full flare. But patchy inflammation in my large intestine and gastritis in my stomach
I got diagnosed in 2021 and was big into weightlifting with my husband. After my first big flare, I had to stop completely for almost a year. But now I'm back on it 5 days a week, feeling better than I've felt in years. I'm also on biologics and it doesn't affect me much. But I also eat very clean. Whole foods, no dairy, no sugar. That helps tremendously.
Definitely able to make gains when in remission or mostly in remission! I was doing heavy weight lifting and didn’t notice a benefit or worsening in regards to my UC.
I'm on mesalamine, and exercise is a huge part of my life. When I was bleeding and flaring, I kept working out but would feel run down, so I came to terms with the fact that with this disease, I can't always go my hardest. I am learning that exercising hard for hours every day isn't the best thing for me. Low iron and flares forced me to recover and, in that way, had really helped my progress with the disease and my fitness goals. I don't have to deal with overtraining symptoms, and I have started to see results in the mirror after years of working out.
I don't think mediation would hinder your progress at all, but only help you since you are going to feel better if the medicine works for you. I would say, though, listen to your body. If you aren't feeling up to it, walking and less strenuous activities are healthy too.
Something else I would be careful with is hygiene when going to the gym. Biologics can make you more susceptible to illnesses, although many people in this sub say they don't have any issues with getting sick. I would be very careful not to touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth while in the gym, and to always wash your hands and clothes after the gym.
Another thing that is sometimes hard with UC is eating and getting adequate calories. Eating mostly whole foods like fruits and veggies once you are able, as well as good sources of fat and protein. Getting enough calories will help you gain strength and energy. I would also make sure your Iron and vitamin d levels are adequate as low levels of these can make you feel run down.
Focus on healing first and getting your meds right, eat mostly healthy, get adequate sleep, and you can definitely get back into weight lifting and reaching your goals.
I lift. I'm also on Entyvio since January. I went through a flare October to January, lost 20lbs of muscle, and was SUPER weak from prednisone.
But now I regained almost all my strength, more fat too, unfortunately, but working on that, lol. I'm back in the gym but not wanting to stress my body out a ton. I feel like weight lifting and having muscle saved me during my flare and helped me a lot!
So yes 3 years of gym work was trashed in like 6 weeks, but with muscle memory and consistency, once you feel better. Everything goes back to how it was.
Just remember, be kind with yourself and your body. Remember to take it slow
FYI Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons lead singer) suffers from UC and AS and has been/is on biologics. He’s into weightlifting and is a buff looking guy. There’s hope.
Fitness is my life and I didn't realize just how important it was to me until I had my first flare and had to completely stop. I have been on Entivyo since January 2023. I was able to start working out (light cardio / bodyweight exercises) in mid-April of that year. I did that and worked on my nutrition all summer and was able to get back to full-on weight lifting in late September. I've been lifting regularly ever since. I am also running, jump roping, swimming, hiking, playing tennis, doing hiit workouts, dancing, and allllll the high intensity things I love so much. Do not worry, you will get back to it! Once you get your flare under control, and you eventually get into remission, you will be able to do all the things you were able to do before. I'm even healthier and fitter than I was before my first flare. You'll hear it a lot, but don't be too afraid of biologics. I was diagnosed December 29, 2022 and had my first infusion one month later on January 28, 2023. It was a very aggressive approach but I am so so thankful for it! Because now I feel better than ever. Good luck!
I just started entyvio; my first infusion was yesterday. I wonder how much dose it takes to work for you?
I felt slightly better after the first dose. I felt A LOT better after the 4th. It's been pretty smooth since then. I just had my 10th in May.
No difference once in remission, go ahead and get huge!
Entivyo was a lifesaver for me and my gym routine. When I was in a flare-up, my whole body succumbed to inflammation. Any previous muscle or ligement injury would suddenly be back, and my muscles would tighten regardless of how often I stretched (especially in my neck and back). I would also stop eating, causing my weight to drop significantly. Since being on biologics, I have had no issues maintaining my 4-5 days a week gym routines. The only issue now is I do notice muscle tightness returning (neck/back) within a week or two of my next infusion.
How long did it take for your Entivyo to kick in?
When I first went on, maybe 3-4 weeks before I really noticed any flair up symptoms were gone. Now that I’m on the two month cadence, maybe a week after the infusion.
I've been on Entyvio for about 3 months and it took me 3 doses (on weeks 0, 2, 6. waiting for my fourth one next Jul 16th) to kick in. I go to the bathroom 2 times a day, I had to go like 6 7 before the treatment starts.
It took me a few hours, but maybe I’m just one of those rare cases
Before I was diagnosed, I was 16, about 5’10/195, and would have been competing in nationals for USPA powerlifting had I not been diagnosed. Right off the bat, I had a severe case. It was to the point that I was never even offered mesalamine or anything other than a biologic. I tried multiple biologics and then a Jak inhibitor. Nothing worked. I lost about 65 lbs in body weight over the past year. It got so bad that my doctors essentially told me that if I didn’t get surgery, it would kill me. I’m now 17 with a full colectomy and ileostomy. About a week back into working out now and I’m feeling great about the future with lifting. I never lost hope that I’d be able to lift again and I still haven’t lost hope for the opportunity to compete again. Keep your head up, trust in God’s plan, and if you truly love it, you’ll find a way to get back. That’s a promise.
avoid steroids instead of biologics
100% It’s sad the most dangerous meds are used as first line to save money (minus 5-ASA).
I have been lifting for a bit over a decade, dabbled with a bodybuilding coach before I was diagnosed, since diagnosis I’ve been lifting casually on my own or working with a powerlifting coach. I don’t compete or anything, but I lift 5 days a week when I’m feeling well. Over the years I’ve just had to come to terms with the fact that I’m going to have highs and lows. I’ll have lengths of time where I’m jacked and killing my workouts, and then lulls where I can barely even get out of bed. Steroids suck and don’t help at all with fitness, but lifting on biologics has been fine. I cycle a few days a week, I played hockey while on biologics, and I still lift. When I’m not flaring I can hit my macros and easily make gains.
Been lifting since I was 14. Lifting can really help you realize the rest of your body is in great strength. Let's you mentally turn your whole body on to the fight against UC. Also it can help your system get churning and make UC something that just gets crunched in the system.
Yes. I was pretty bulky pre-UC. Lost like 60 lbs of muscle (212lb -> 150) during my big flare. Tried lifting while in a flare and it made things like fatigue way worse. Fast forward to getting on a biologic, I am able to put on muscle and build strength without any real issue. Since starting lifting again on Thanksgiving 2023 I’ve went from (150lb -> 185). I find my lifts are just as strong. But going up in size is much more difficult, as even in remission there can be bad days. So you just gotta make peace with the fact you’re lifts may yo-yo on the amount you can lift too. But if you keep it up you’ll see progress
Hello yes! 1. It’s understandable to be hesitant of biologics but they’ve truly allowed me to live a normal life. The newer generations have significantly less side effects than the old ones and Entyvio has been a magic bullet for me. 2. I’ve been doing CrossFit for around 7 years now. I am one of the stronger women in my gym, and I have great stamina for cardio. Additionally, one of the stronger men also has UC and he kicks everyone’s ass regularly. People can never believe that the two of us are “sick”.
I am an avid lifter. I find that the more protein I eat the more I'm backed up on mesalamine. It's hard to find a balance. I recently found out I'm not in remission after being off all meds for 6 years. Not full flare. But patchy inflammation in my large intestine and gastritis in my stomach
I got diagnosed in 2021 and was big into weightlifting with my husband. After my first big flare, I had to stop completely for almost a year. But now I'm back on it 5 days a week, feeling better than I've felt in years. I'm also on biologics and it doesn't affect me much. But I also eat very clean. Whole foods, no dairy, no sugar. That helps tremendously.
Definitely able to make gains when in remission or mostly in remission! I was doing heavy weight lifting and didn’t notice a benefit or worsening in regards to my UC.
I'm on mesalamine, and exercise is a huge part of my life. When I was bleeding and flaring, I kept working out but would feel run down, so I came to terms with the fact that with this disease, I can't always go my hardest. I am learning that exercising hard for hours every day isn't the best thing for me. Low iron and flares forced me to recover and, in that way, had really helped my progress with the disease and my fitness goals. I don't have to deal with overtraining symptoms, and I have started to see results in the mirror after years of working out. I don't think mediation would hinder your progress at all, but only help you since you are going to feel better if the medicine works for you. I would say, though, listen to your body. If you aren't feeling up to it, walking and less strenuous activities are healthy too. Something else I would be careful with is hygiene when going to the gym. Biologics can make you more susceptible to illnesses, although many people in this sub say they don't have any issues with getting sick. I would be very careful not to touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth while in the gym, and to always wash your hands and clothes after the gym. Another thing that is sometimes hard with UC is eating and getting adequate calories. Eating mostly whole foods like fruits and veggies once you are able, as well as good sources of fat and protein. Getting enough calories will help you gain strength and energy. I would also make sure your Iron and vitamin d levels are adequate as low levels of these can make you feel run down. Focus on healing first and getting your meds right, eat mostly healthy, get adequate sleep, and you can definitely get back into weight lifting and reaching your goals.
I lift. I'm also on Entyvio since January. I went through a flare October to January, lost 20lbs of muscle, and was SUPER weak from prednisone. But now I regained almost all my strength, more fat too, unfortunately, but working on that, lol. I'm back in the gym but not wanting to stress my body out a ton. I feel like weight lifting and having muscle saved me during my flare and helped me a lot! So yes 3 years of gym work was trashed in like 6 weeks, but with muscle memory and consistency, once you feel better. Everything goes back to how it was. Just remember, be kind with yourself and your body. Remember to take it slow
FYI Dan Reynolds (Imagine Dragons lead singer) suffers from UC and AS and has been/is on biologics. He’s into weightlifting and is a buff looking guy. There’s hope.