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Proliferative Retinopathy And Running

R

runningwitht1

Member
Messages
17
Type of diabetes
Type 1
Treatment type
Insulin
Hi all,

I’m new here and have been trying to find an answer to this question and wondered if anyone has been through this or knows the answer!

I’ve been T1 for 29 years and am also a runner. I’ve run all my life and it’s a massive part of who I am, it’s not just exercise to me!

Have been pretty much complication free, but background retinopathy noted at the last couple of eye checks. Just over 2 weeks ago I had a sudden vitreous haemorrhage and as a result of that have been diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy in both eyes!

At the time of diagnosis the consultant told me I couldn’t run, swim, jump or lift heavy weights for 2 weeks. This is not currently a problem as I’m also recovering from a stress fracture in my foot. I have my first pan retinal laser session tomorrow and have been doing google research (I know this is not a good idea) and the information I’ve seen suggests running is not advisable at all with proliferative retinopathy.

I’m now in full panic mode as I know that proliferative retinopathy cannot be cured but perhaps can eventually be stabilised/burnt out with treatment.

Would I be able to return to running if/once the condition is stabilised it will I now never be able to run again because of this complication?

I’m otherwise in good health, pretty tight BG control, cholesterol, BP all very good, eat very healthy plant based diet.

Getting very stressed by the thought of never being able to run again. I’d normally go out for a run to un-stress myself but can’t!

Also noticed yoga is advised against - this makes me sad as when I practice a lot of yoga too!

Any info or experience with this topic gratefully received!!
 
It's important that while you have unstable proliferative diabetic retinopathy and you are at risk of further vitreous haemorrhage, you do not do any exercise that increases your blood pressure. This link http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/39/11/2065.figures-only gives the following advice :-

  • Avoid activities that dramatically elevate blood pressure, such as vigorous activity of any type.

  • Avoid vigorous exercise; jumping, jarring, and head-down activities; and breath holding.

  • No exercise should be undertaken during a vitreous hemorrhage.
When you have been treated for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, the new vessels that are prone to bleed can start to regress and the risk of vitreous haemorrhage starts to drop. Eventually the retinopathy will be deemed 'stable' - how long this takes can vary. You may then be able to return to your former exercise patterns but take advice from your ophthalmologist - explain the activities you enjoy and ask whether they are advised.
 
Thank you Dark Horse for your reply. That sounds a bit better than what I was imagining yesterday, if it can be stabilised.
 
I'm not a doctor, this is just my own experience. I had a retinal bleed 2.5 years ago. Its been treated with injections, but not laser at this stage. I was diagnosed T2 six months ago. I have continued to run (I'm a rugby referee). I still need the injections, but I haven't had further serious bleeds. Minor blleds have occurred when I have had bad coughing fits, but that is it. My advice is to take it easy for a few months and then see how things go. Not what you wanted to hear, but sound advice I think.
 
Thanks Dexterdobe!

The surgeon who did my laser yesterday assured me I will be able to run again. I need pretty intense laser to the left eye, 3 weekly sessions and then they’ll start on the right. He has suggested that I should be able to run again before the end of the summer. I hope he’s right!
 
Type 2 here but chiming on with a story about my T1 dad. He was a runner too and was told to stop after a few rounds of lasers. He's just been given the all-clear to start again but it did take quite a while (talking years). Naturally everyone is different, but there's certainly precedent for people getting back to their running following a series of bleeds.
 
Beautiful avatar!
 
Goodness, I feel for your dad. I am an elderly would-be runner and am constantly interrupting my training for health and other reasons and then finding it hard to get back. Starting again after years must be SO challenging. Please give him my congratulations and encouragement.
 
Hi everyone,

Thanks for all the replies!

I’ve had four rounds of laser in the left eye now and waiting for a vitrectomy on this as have been having recurrent vitreous haemorrhages.

Yesterday they started the laser on my right eye. I decided to ask my specialist again about running as this weekend gone I’ve spoken to two t1s who were apparently allowed to continue running between laser for proliferative retinopathy.

The specialist told me I can run! I had to ask him to repeat this and he said it’s fine as long as i don’t put too much pressure on my eyes, my eye pressures and blood pressure are low end of normal so he thinks little risk and the risk is a vitreous haemorrhage and he said as I’ve got one anyway he is happy for me to run.

To say I’m over the moon is an understatement! As soon as I’ve got over this cold I’ll be heading out for my first run in six months, I’ll be taking it gently and slowly to start with but I’m so happy!
 
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