I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: RightSide on July 21, 2010, 08:33:31 PM

Title: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: RightSide on July 21, 2010, 08:33:31 PM
I've been looking at buying an entry-level elliptical trainer--the Schwinn 431--to get some exercise during the cold winter months when outdoor activities are curtailed.

http://tinyurl.com/c8vopg

But I'm worried about whether the constant back-and-forth motion of my arms on the handle bars will end up damaging the fistula I've got in my upper left arm.  I was told NEVER to lift anything more than about 10 pounds with that arm, or else the fistula could be damaged.  So now I'm wondering if I can do any exercise at all with that arm without damaging my fistula.
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: Riki on July 21, 2010, 09:13:39 PM
I have my fistula in my upper left arm too.  I don't know why it would cause any damage.. you're just moving your arm back and forth.  It's pretty much the same as if you were walking and swinging your arm.  Even a little exercise would be good for your vessels, I would think
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: monrein on July 22, 2010, 04:45:21 AM
I do the elliptical all the time and have for years.  Three to five times a week, 30-40 minutes at a time and I lift weights afterwards too.  Not big heavy weights but 10 lbs free weights each arm and occasionally more when I do weight machines. 
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: twiggymoo on July 22, 2010, 05:40:30 AM
I have my fistula in my upper right arm and I lift weights.  I do curls and flies with 25 pounders, and also use 35 pounders for pulling.   I also do pullups or chinups and the drs always say my fistula looks good. 
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: brmoore on July 22, 2010, 06:23:43 AM
 If in doubt, compromise and get a regular Treadmill.
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: RightSide on July 22, 2010, 08:16:45 AM
I do the elliptical all the time and have for years.  Three to five times a week, 30-40 minutes at a time and I lift weights afterwards too.  Not big heavy weights but 10 lbs free weights each arm and occasionally more when I do weight machines.
Do you have an AV fistula?
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: monrein on July 22, 2010, 09:46:03 AM
I do indeed.  My first was in my left forearm...clotted off a year after my first transplant in 1985...and my second is quite large and in my left upper arm, still thrilling and bruiting away a year and a half after my second transplant. 
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: Zach on July 22, 2010, 10:12:31 AM
I would say go for it!
 :beer1;

But always consult with your nephrologist first.

8)
Title: Re: Elliptical trainer--safe for upper arm fistula?
Post by: RightSide on July 22, 2010, 07:13:20 PM
I would say go for it!
 :beer1;

But always consult with your nephrologist first.

8)
Actually, my nephrologist told me about the elliptical trainer he bought for his own personal use, and recommended that same model to me!

I told him that I don't earn a nephrologist's salary.  (Maybe he can afford to spend $1,800 but I can't.)