Overweight Celiacs

[tarnalberry]

I have some great shoes too, so I think that is covered. (I have a subscription to runners magazine, and they did a spread on tennies a couple of months ago, and went through all of the foot types and things like that. I picked a NB pair that are wonderful!)

I still recommend getting someone trained to look at your gait. You can't do it for yourself. I had a salesperson at a running shoe store (that's all they sold, and he regularly ran marathons) who said I was hard to read, talk to my PT; my PT said I was hard to read, talk to my ortho; my ortho - after a number of passes - said I very slightly pronate, and I could try inserts, but they probably wouldn't do much. Wouldn't you know it, it took care of about 60% of my knee pain! (I have chondromalacia patella - my knee cap doesn't track properly and is grinding off the cartilage on the back of the knee cap.)

But both the PT and the ortho noted that finding this sort of issue isn't something that someone can do on their own, and the same goes for verifying that your legs are the same length, which is surprisingly often not the case. (It did take a year of working with the PT and ortho to get to this point, I should note. It should be more basic, but it wasn't. :-( )

[MtLady]

[ It's interesting reading all your posts about exercise and diet.. One wonders what an overweight celiac does who honestly can't exercise anymore??? I'm sure some of you will say .. "you really can if you try hard enough".. and I'm smiling because once upon a time.. I would have also said that..and probably did.. If there is someone else out there who is like me and unable to do very much in the way of exercise.. who.. Just getting up and getting dressed.. fixing meals and keeping the house up (with help) is about all the energy one can expend.. If there is anyone else..who read the wonderful helps ( and I mean that !) and said to themselves.. Been there, done that and now, for what ever the reasons.. I'm not able to do it.. What do we do??? MtLady

[plantime]

MtLady, what is preventing you from exercising? If we know that, someone might have "been there, done that, wore out the t-shirt" and be able to help you.

Yesterday, I went to a jewelry party, and put on an outfit that was too tight a month ago. It fit absolutely perfect! I still have not lost any pounds, I am stuck at 192.5, but as long as the inches come off, I am happy. I have more energy for doing things, I sleep better, I even eat less as I exercise more. I have a bicycle on order, and I should be getting it this coming weekend. My neighbor has said that I can go to her house and use her pool any time I want, so that is a help, too.

[tarnalberry]

[ It's interesting reading all your posts about exercise and diet.. One wonders what an overweight celiac does who honestly can't exercise anymore??? I'm sure some of you will say .. "you really can if you try hard enough".. and I'm smiling because once upon a time.. I would have also said that..and probably did.. If there is someone else out there who is like me and unable to do very much in the way of exercise.. who.. Just getting up and getting dressed.. fixing meals and keeping the house up (with help) is about all the energy one can expend.. If there is anyone else..who read the wonderful helps ( and I mean that !) and said to themselves.. Been there, done that and now, for what ever the reasons.. I'm not able to do it.. What do we do??? MtLady

I've talked to a few people who really really can't exercise for a few reasons. Some have said that they can't walk at all, and hence can't exercise. But that doesn't exclude them from swimming. Some have noted that they have very bad hips, excluding the walking and swimming, but that doesn't exclude upper body workouts, including arm bikes. (My point being that some haven't figured out how to be creative enough to work around their restrictions.)

But some that I've talked to really have restrictions that can't be worked around. Fibro, particularly, seems to be the big one. Whole body pain and fatigue that makes things so difficult. That's when you've got to do just about all the weight loss by diet. And that makes it harder, since you've got fewer tools at your disposal. It's still doable, but it is a lot harder. Those I know with those sorts of conditions have also noted that they have some days that are better than others, and they take advantage of those days to do a little bit more (but not enough to put them in bed all the next day). That, and continuing to work with doctors (and pain management specialists) to help get through the day so you can do a bit more.

[penguin]

I've talked to a few people who really really can't exercise for a few reasons. Some have said that they can't walk at all, and hence can't exercise. But that doesn't exclude them from swimming. Some have noted that they have very bad hips, excluding the walking and swimming, but that doesn't exclude upper body workouts, including arm bikes. (My point being that some haven't figured out how to be creative enough to work around their restrictions.)

But some that I've talked to really have restrictions that can't be worked around. Fibro, particularly, seems to be the big one. Whole body pain and fatigue that makes things so difficult. That's when you've got to do just about all the weight loss by diet. And that makes it harder, since you've got fewer tools at your disposal. It's still doable, but it is a lot harder. Those I know with those sorts of conditions have also noted that they have some days that are better than others, and they take advantage of those days to do a little bit more (but not enough to put them in bed all the next day). That, and continuing to work with doctors (and pain management specialists) to help get through the day so you can do a bit more.

Tiffany, do you have any tips on how to excercise with severe anemia? I've been told to excercise but know I'm not supposed to too much this anemic... I have a gazelle, any ideas?

[tarnalberry]

Tiffany, do you have any tips on how to excercise with severe anemia? I've been told to excercise but know I'm not supposed to too much this anemic... I have a gazelle, any ideas?

Lots of very very low intensity exercise? I mean, like one to two hour extremely leisurely strolls (2mph sort of thing). My understanding with exercise and anemia is that when you're severely anemic, you don't have enough iron to carry enough oxygen to do a lot of extra work. So you don't do extra work, you go slow slow slow so you don't need much in the way of additional oxygen supplies to your muscles. I'd think a gazelle may make you work too fast...

Also, avoiding smoggy days, and avoiding hot days or times of the day, and staying well hydrated - very well hydrated to make sure that the hemoglobin you do have is able to freely travel through your circulatory system. You might even find yoga helpful - a slower hatha class, not a bikram or hot yoga class nor even and advanced vinyasa class, of course.

Have you had any luck getting your iron stores up? It would seem that treating the anemia would be the first order of business, but it seems you've been battling this one for a while.

[Fiddle-Faddle]

[ It's interesting reading all your posts about exercise and diet.. One wonders what an overweight celiac does who honestly can't exercise anymore??? I'm sure some of you will say .. "you really can if you try hard enough".. and I'm smiling because once upon a time.. I would have also said that..and probably did.. If there is someone else out there who is like me and unable to do very much in the way of exercise.. who.. Just getting up and getting dressed.. fixing meals and keeping the house up (with help) is about all the energy one can expend.. If there is anyone else..who read the wonderful helps ( and I mean that !) and said to themselves.. Been there, done that and now, for what ever the reasons.. I'm not able to do it.. What do we do??? MtLady

Well, you're on the right track already because you are starting PT/OT. They will have lots of very good ideas for you for starters. If you can afford it, I would suggest getting a LOT of help witht the housework--soemone else can do THAT for you, but only you can exercise for yourself. So if you have alimited amount of energy to expend, expend it on exercise, not housework! If you can't afford it, is there someone in your church or synagogue who can help you?

[penguin]

Lots of very very low intensity exercise? I mean, like one to two hour extremely leisurely strolls (2mph sort of thing). My understanding with exercise and anemia is that when you're severely anemic, you don't have enough iron to carry enough oxygen to do a lot of extra work. So you don't do extra work, you go slow slow slow so you don't need much in the way of additional oxygen supplies to your muscles. I'd think a gazelle may make you work too fast...

Also, avoiding smoggy days, and avoiding hot days or times of the day, and staying well hydrated - very well hydrated to make sure that the hemoglobin you do have is able to freely travel through your circulatory system. You might even find yoga helpful - a slower hatha class, not a bikram or hot yoga class nor even and advanced vinyasa class, of course.

Have you had any luck getting your iron stores up? It would seem that treating the anemia would be the first order of business, but it seems you've been battling this one for a while.

Thanks, Tiffany. I'm kind of afraid of overworking my heart, too. I mean, hell, my ferritin is down to 4 (taken a week ago)! I don't tolerate supplements so the dr. told me to eat lots of iron containing foods and to retest in 6 weeks, and we'll go from there. Basically, that makes me a carnivore for the next few weeks. Steak with oj and lots of it! Since I'm on a gluten challege, I'm eating cream of wheat and raisin bran as well. Pre-gluten-free that used to help me get back up to approaching normal. I would eat spinach, but it's non heme and also inhibits iron absorption.

I've done hatha yoga before and really liked it, maybe I'll look into that. Yoga centers are more plentiful than even starbucks here, and yet they still manage to be really expensive

[tarnalberry]

Thanks, Tiffany. I'm kind of afraid of overworking my heart, too. I mean, hell, my ferritin is down to 4 (taken a week ago)! I don't tolerate supplements so the dr. told me to eat lots of iron containing foods and to retest in 6 weeks, and we'll go from there. Basically, that makes me a carnivore for the next few weeks. Steak with oj and lots of it! Since I'm on a gluten challege, I'm eating cream of wheat and raisin bran as well. Pre-gluten-free that used to help me get back up to approaching normal. I would eat spinach, but it's non heme and also inhibits iron absorption.

I've done hatha yoga before and really liked it, maybe I'll look into that. Yoga centers are more plentiful than even starbucks here, and yet they still manage to be really expensive

See if any of the yoga studios (or community centers or teachers who teach out of their homes) have a "karmic yoga" program, or something of the kind. Many places will trade work in the studio for free classes - usually it's something like helping register students before class and cleaning up after class.

[MtLady]

Thanks for all the encouragement.. It really helps just to know you are there!!!

You asked why I can't exercize.. To name a few: Age, fybromyalgia, and arthritis.. Location and limited income.. I have started P.T. and it has flared up the fybro.. It's hard not to become discouraged when that happens because I get my hopes up..Well, I'll bet you know the rest.. I'm one who loved to run.. and did so for years and years.. even before it was the "in" thing!!!! Had a jogging injury with a resulting infection which put me in the hospital with intervienous antibiotics.. nearly lost my leg.. The fybromyalgia seemed to begin at that point... But continued on teaching (and loving it) caring for my own children and loving it.. being a helpmate to my husband ( and loving it..most of the time) teaching in my church etc etc etc.. If you dropped a ball .. I picked it up.. until finally ..too many balls in the air.. I had a breakdown.. eventually discovered the fybro.. several years later.. which seemed to disolve once I started the celiac diet .. but in the last year.. (starting with surgery a year ago) I've gone down hill.. until now.. I walk with a cane..and not very far..and dream of running again!!! I can't stand for any length of time without having to sit down.. The MRI says I have spinal stenosis.. which is a pinched nerve in my neck and lower back.. If I had all the surgerys that have been recommended.. there would be very little of me that isn't metal.. (exaggeration) It is a fact that my "tent pegs are pulling up and I'm getting ready to go Home" Question: I thought maybe I didn't have fybro..when the symptoms left at the beginning of my becoming gluten free.. are my symptoms from celiac disease or from fybro.. ie stiffness, pain, fatigue, sleeplessness???? MtLady

[Fiddle-Faddle]

Wow, you've got a lot on your plate there (and none of it seems to be chocolate ).

Have you seen a good chiropractor? I may have already asked you this--if so, sorry to be repetitive. I have been to 2 chiropractors. One convinced me that they are all quacks. The second (which my primary care doctor sent me to) relieved 80% of my back pain following a fall down the stairs (broke my tailbone and knocked 2 vertabrae out of place) in the first visit, and the rest after repeated visits. I worship the water he walks on (partly kidding).

Trouble is, I don't know how to differentiate between the good chiros and the quacks. The best I could do is to ask him if he knows any chiros in your city.

A lot of people on this board seem to be sensitive to other foods as well as gluten--many react to casein. You might look up Ursula--I think she has been through a lot that sounds similar to you, maybe she might have some good ideas, also Nini, floridian, and Jerseyangel.

Sorry I can't think of anything else helpful!

[mylady4]

I am in the same boat as many of you. I lost about 75 pounds about 2 years ago then it stopped, I switched eating plans and that is when the celiac started. I have also overtrained about 6 months ago and caused some significant hip and lower back issues (darn running on the treadmill and I do not recommend it anymore). I had to stop all cardio till my hips got better. I the mean time, the Dr.'s figured out I had celiac and I have gained about 13 pounds in less then 6 months. I was not nearly as sick as a lot of people on this board, just extremely bloated and lacking energy. I have been trying everything to get the wieght to come off but it will not budge and I am getting so frustrated. I swore I would never go back to over 200 (I was 255) but I am getting real close to it and none of my pants fit and I do not want to but the next larger size. I now have a weight room set up in my basement so I will have no excuse of not lifting (which I was getting really good at and very strong). I am able to bike or walk (45-60 minutes) almost everyday. I am learing to know not to push myself. If my hips feel really tight in the morning I know not to push it. I am just about to go back to my doctor and see if there is something else I could take to get them to feel better but I hate thinking about having to rely on a prescription medicine to feel better at my age (just turned 33).

For those who want to start doing yoga at home, Yoga Zone makes really good videos and they are easy to follow for the beginners. I have about 5 of them and love them (just have to do them).

Thanks for listening

Nicole

[MtLady]

I am in the same boat as many of you. I lost about 75 pounds about 2 years ago then it stopped, I switched eating plans and that is when the celiac started. I have also overtrained about 6 months ago and caused some significant hip and lower back issues (darn running on the treadmill and I do not recommend it anymore). I had to stop all cardio till my hips got better. I the mean time, the Dr.'s figured out I had celiac and I have gained about 13 pounds in less then 6 months. I was not nearly as sick as a lot of people on this board, just extremely bloated and lacking energy. I have been trying everything to get the wieght to come off but it will not budge and I am getting so frustrated. I swore I would never go back to over 200 (I was 255) but I am getting real close to it and none of my pants fit and I do not want to but the next larger size. I now have a weight room set up in my basement so I will have no excuse of not lifting (which I was getting really good at and very strong). I am able to bike or walk (45-60 minutes) almost everyday. I am learing to know not to push myself. If my hips feel really tight in the morning I know not to push it. I am just about to go back to my doctor and see if there is something else I could take to get them to feel better but I hate thinking about having to rely on a prescription medicine to feel better at my age (just turned 33).

For those who want to start doing yoga at home, Yoga Zone makes really good videos and they are easy to follow for the beginners. I have about 5 of them and love them (just have to do them).

Thanks for listening

Nicole

Hi Nicole.. I'm hoping some of the others will read this and respond to you.. I'm so new at this message board that I'm not sure how it works.. So hopefully some of the ones who really understand this will respond..

It sounds like some of my symptoms..which at one time before I was diagnoses with Celiac disease..I thought was fybromyalgia..( I'm still a little unclear on the diagnosis.). I do know this ...do what you can now!! You are very young..and there is a saying that unfortunately I'm finding to be true.." If you don't use it ..you will loose it." For years I jogged, hiked..skied etc..I was told I need to stretch..but I never had "time".. So those early mornings when you wake up so stiff.. stretch .I suspect your yoga tapes will really help.. If you have time for a warm bath..soaking helps. I could never do the the swimming.. Pools up here are too cold and I stiffen up.. I could do "Curves" and loved it

And above all else stick with the diet.. I'm finding I need to eleminate all the sugar and yeasty things as well as gluten.. No fun but neither is hurting like everything... Good luck.. MtLady

[tarnalberry]

For anyone interested in yoga, I *highly* recommend finding a teacher (at a studio, in someone's home, at a gym, at a community center, somewhere!) who can work with you. If money is a proble, do one class a month - $15 a month isn't a huge outlay. The thing is, a tape cannot look at you and correct your form. You *can* hurt yourself doing yoga. You *can* hurt yourself fairly badly. Please do look into working with a teacher. It looks relatively straightforward, but after five years of practice, and starting to train to become a teacher, I can tell you that it is not that simple.

I've known too many people to get hurt getting into the practice not taking it seriously. It is a wonderful exercise, a wonderful practice, and can be a wonderful addition to life, but it isn't 'just any ol' thang'.

[plantime]

Thanks for the tip on the yoga, Tifany. I never stopped to think that I could hurt myself, which I so do not want to do! I will see if I can find one in my area!

Hi, Nicole! Welcome to the thread! I am trying to lose weight, too, about 60 pounds. I have to deal with arthritis pain and muscle spasms, so exercising is slow and gentle. I have found I have more success with slow and consistent exercise. Lots of stretching helps keep the pain away, too.

[MtLady]

Thanks for the tip on the yoga, Tifany. I never stopped to think that I could hurt myself, which I so do not want to do! I will see if I can find one in my area!

Hi, Nicole! Welcome to the thread! I am trying to lose weight, too, about 60 pounds. I have to deal with arthritis pain and muscle spasms, so exercising is slow and gentle. I have found I have more success with slow and consistent exercise. Lots of stretching helps keep the pain away, too.

Hi Dessa, Thanks for answering Nicole!!! You and I have much the same problems.. Overweight, arthritis and muscle pain.. I'm having a lot more discomfort since starting the PT.. Had to use my rollator this afternoon while cooking .. It made it possible for me to sit and roll from place to place.. Standing for any length of time has become really hard..

By the way ..My today scripture is EX14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, You need only to be still".MtLady

[plantime]

Hi MtLady! One of my favorite scriptures is in Lamentations:" "Therefore have I hope" I try to remember this and remain upbeat, which helps me deal with the emotional aspect of my pain. Docs don't know why my muscles spasm, at first they just gave me muscle relaxers, but those kept getting stolen. Now I have been taught by a physical therapist how to stretch. At first it hurt real bad, and it still does during the stretches, but afterward, the pain relief is amazing! I still can't break a spasm when it gets real bad, I need the doc to administer meds for that, but I am empowered to deal with the small stuff!

[MtLady]

Hi MtLady! One of my favorite scriptures is in Lamentations:" "Therefore have I hope" I try to remember this and remain upbeat, which helps me deal with the emotional aspect of my pain. Docs don't know why my muscles spasm, at first they just gave me muscle relaxers, but those kept getting stolen. Now I have been taught by a physical therapist how to stretch. At first it hurt real bad, and it still does during the stretches, but afterward, the pain relief is amazing! I still can't break a spasm when it gets real bad, I need the doc to administer meds for that, but I am empowered to deal with the small stuff!

It's hard to pick a favorite isn't it?? I guess the one I come back to time and again..is Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding ..In all your ways acknowledge HIM and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and noursihment to your bones.".. My bones could certainly use nourshment right now..

I am so sorry about the muscle spasms they must be terrible.. I've had some really bad ones but have been able to get past them without medicating.. So I can't imagine what yours must be like..Do they involve your whole body???.. Mine involves my entire leg and lower back. It seems mine are related to not being hydrated.(I've eaten too much salt). I also have been able to combat them by standing in a tub of cold water.. Gets the circulation going..( Nothing like standing in a tub of cold water, in the dead of winter, in the middle of the night, with my heard against the wall..praying!!!)

Thanks for the encouragement about the physical therapy.. I'm sure hoping it works because it certainly does hurt.. I'm thinking that my back pain is a little better..so I'm hanging in there..

I'm wondering if anyone else has found that Alka-Seltzer Gold will often counteracts symptoms when I've eaten or been exposed to something that sets me off.. Just passing that on for what it's worth.. MtLady

[underdog]

Ive been gluten free for 9 weeks now. I haven't been tested for celic disease, not sure i even have it. i thought i would try not eating gluten to see if my gut feels better. I have fybromyalgia and with that people can have problems with gluten.

I havent had a problem going gluten free. I just have to make better choices on the foods i eat and less junk food. gluten free is easy compare to cutting out sugars, fats or junk foods.

I went to my doctor cause my gut was still bugging me and i needed a little input. (I've had the same Doc for 25yrs.) he told me i have a ulser and gave me some pepcid samples to see if it helps. he also told me i lost 11lbs. (i was about 220 or 80 lbs over weight) i dont look like i lost an ounce. if i really have lost weight then i finally found a way to lose weight. i've tried eating less or just eating less junk with no luck at all. so for now im gluten free for 70 more pounds.

If anyone has problems with food cravings. I've have really good luck with accupuncture. works with any kind of cravings.

[tiffjake]

By the way ..My today scripture is EX14:14 "The Lord will fight for you, You need only to be still".MtLady

I LOVE that verse and really needed it today! Thanks so much for sharing that !!!!!!

[plantime]

My worst spasms occur in my calves and right upper back/shoulder. They yank up so bad, I literally cannot move that part of my body. Hang in there with the pt, I hope it provides you with some relief soon!

[tarnalberry]

Have you talked to your doctor about a TENS unit? I had one for my knees (muscle imbalance problem) and for the pain in them, and it worked quite well for pain in my back as well. I threw my back out (playing frisbee?!?!) and it went into spasms so that I could hardly move at all and it really did help. (The basic premise is that you're overloading the bandwidth of the nerves with 'noise', so they can't send pain signals.)

[Guest Robbin]

Hi everyone. I agree with Tiffany a TENS unit can be a godsend. I had one for my back at one point when I could barely walk from the muscle spasms a number of years ago. I got it from a chiro.

I have fibromyalgia too. I was dx. about ten years ago, but suffered for many years before that. Since going gluten-free, the pain and extreme fatigue have lessened a lot, but some days all I can do is to cook dinner and drop. Cutting out the casein was one more level of relief and now I am limiting corn since it causes me alot of problems. I have more good days than bad which was never the case before. Also, I have had to restrain myself from overdoing it on the good days. I used to be so excited to have a "good feeling "day that I would go crazy cleaning, gardening, etc. that I would crash for a week or sometimes longer with extreme pain, exhaustion, and D. I think you should concentrate on your diet and maybe just something easy for awhile like arm curls with a soup can, "air writing " the alphabet with your feet while sitting, isometric-type-muscle flexing (not too much). Just a little tiny bit until you get through this fatigue. Fibromyalgia is a cruel illness, but I have noticed such a relief from constant pain and fatigue since going gluten-free/casein free, that I have been given hope when the drs. only told me "It won't kill you, but sometimes you will wish it did." I hope you get relief soon.

[mylady4]

Robbin, I hear you on doing too much when you are feeling good. I have had a really good weekend exercising. I went for an hour long walk two days and a 12 mile bike ride and I am not really that stiff and sore. I have been making sure to go and stretch. I just have to get myself in the habit of doing a 20 minute yoga at night before bed.

I have a problem with the chairs we have at work. The one that seems to bother me the least is too high for the station that I sometimes work at the the other chairs are too soft. By the end of the day, they are burinng. I will have to bug the safety lady again (4th time now) about geting me a different chair.

Underdog,

Are you tracking what you are eating? I know now that since I have been working out harder I needed to eat more, not less. I try to have some nuts in the house since they are a calorie dense food that does not take up too much room in the stomach. It seems to be helping since finally lost 2 pounds last week.

TTFN

Nicole

[Fiddle-Faddle]

I have a problem with the chairs we have at work. The one that seems to bother me the least is too high for the station that I sometimes work at the the other chairs are too soft. By the end of the day, they are burinng. I will have to bug the safety lady again (4th time now) about geting me a different chair.

TTFN

Nicole

It might be worthwhile to buy your own chair. That way , you KNOW it's right for you!