Weight Gain

[coffeelover]

Hello Brooke!
Yes weight gain is a constant frustration and after many ups and downs I think I am finally ready to give up. Not on eating healthy and exercising, but on the worrying about the weight. I do attend Weight Watchers weekly (mainly to support a friend as I do not anticipate losing...but hopefully maintaining) and the past two weeks I have gained less than a pound, but still a gain. That is disheartening!
I had a short (very short) remission and after my set back and now that I am back on track. The weight is really the least of my worries.
I hope you can gain some peace with this disease and its issues. Life is so much better without the worries!
Good luck to you

[Sangye]

My body is so sensitive to pred, I think I could walk by a bottle of it and gain weight at this point. Since I went back on it (4 mg) daily and did rtx infusions in October and March (4 wks each time with 4 hits of 100mg solumedrol), I've gained 14 lbs. I have watched my diet so carefully. My chiropractor says I'm not eating enough. I know I'm not. But if I eat more (of anything, even steamed veggies!) I gain more weight. My metabolism is just a mess from this stupid drug. My thyroid is working fine--hard to believe.

[Cindy M]

I too am disappointed with the weight gain. I find between WG and the weight gain it all really controls my life. I keep hoping that next week will be better. I am finally lowering my preds again, I am going down by 5 mg every week. So I started at 60 mg and now I am at 50 mg and on thursday I will go down to 45 mg. I am hoping that my energy level will increase so that I can at least be a bit more active. Does anyone have any good advise for exercise. I have put on about 60 lbs and it has taken a toll on my lower back so any walking, standing etc and I am in total pain. Even stretching seems to be quite the challenge, I feel pressure in my head and sinus just from reaching or bending over. I really feel like I should be 90 years old.

[elephant]

Cindy start out slow and walk. Walking is the best exercise for you. I loved it when I went down on Prednisone, and I was so happy when I reached 10 mg. Yahoo!

[Nancy]

Hi Cindy, I know that with pts with severe rheumatic issues we always request water therapy. A pool heated to a warm degree and some therapy and extending to continued classes after therapy ends really help with joint issues/myopathies. The water also lessens any potential injuries from impact that you can get from walking or running. Another potential is a reclining bike - this limits the stress to the lower back, no impact and good cardio... I agree with the weight gain thing - not good. I tried a weight specialist - when he discussed the weight and prednisone combo - he said it would be quite difficult... Oh well... Any day above ground is a good day...

[Sangye]

Cindy, I hear ya. Since walking is hurting your back, I don't think that's a good place to start. Nancy's suggestions of pool therapy and stationary bike are what have helped me. A heated therapy pool is not the best for Wegs, though-- it's an inflammatory disease (too much heat). A regular temp pool will not weaken you as much as a hotter therapy pool will. You will not believe what you can do in a pool!! Walk at a depth where the water comes up to your armpits to start-- very easy, water will support your weight. Gradually work up to walking in shallow water. Only walk for 5 minutes at first, then move on to other standing exercises for arms, legs. Do less than you think you can-- you'll be totally wiped out when you get out.

I also have a pedal exerciser which I got at Walmart for $25. Fits under a desk. I can do it even on my weakest days and it helps keep fluid moving in my legs. Even though I do it mostly for circulation, it has strengthened my legs and core muscles, too.

I haven't been able to use the pool for several months but I'm thinking I'll get back to it in another week or so.