Topic : 1.Diabetes? FMS? CFS? Chronic PAIN? Your WLC Home

 I've been on another Dr. Phil board for about 1 1/2 years. I like the people. We talk a lot about drinking a lot of water, intentional exercise, etc. One of them said I was doing good with all of the health  problems I have. I was searching boards yesterday  and saw chronic pain, Diabetis, etc. under weight loss discussions I felt like mabye this is where I belong. I have Rhuematoid Arthitis, (COPD) severe  emphysema, and severe Depression.

 I was was also fasinated by your Vegan Diet.  I had heard of vegaterians, but not vegans. Maybe it's just a new word for something old. If I don't have Enbrel for my Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) I'm in so much pain I can't hardly function. My funding from a Foundation has run out. A new one is sending me a form to fill out with me also copies of my income, disability letter, copy of insurance card. The last time I signed up with the other Foundation it took 2 months. I could hardly stand up b/c of so much pain in my knees. I could hardly turn the ignition in the car. It usually took three tries. Enbrel costs $1,500.00 a month. You have to give yourself a shot in the thigh once a week. I think about how much better I'm going to feel. With my insurance I have to pay $377.04 a month. I'm on 20 prescriptions and 4 OTC meds. Three are suggested by my different Dr.'s   Anyway, this vegan diet sounds interesting but I don't know if I can do it. You mentioned that if anyone was interested to let you know so here I am.

As for diabetes if you wake up and your sugar is high you can sprinkle some cinnamon on top of your coffee grounds before you brew it. Cinnamon brings sugar down. Rye bread is good for people with diabetes b/c it takes your body longer to digest it than white or whole grain bread. I like Rye bread b/c it is sliced so thin.  Looks like people don't post too often on this board but maybe we can build it up.  Janice

     With fibromyalgia for over 10 years and pain with every step, I am now able to walk over a mile pain free. Six weeks ago I began reading, Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type, and within the first week noticed improvement. The list of foods to avoid was my first step. Our household is the same blood type and very supportive. However, all is not eutopia.  Even with diabetes under control, my weight is increasing 1/2 to 1 pounds per week for about 6 months. At first diagnosis and medication, I dropped 50 pounds in the first year and used toning tables as exercise because of the fibro pain. This is depressing because I'm eating better and exercising more. What's up with this?  Am waiting for a referral to see an endocrinologist. An herbalist says my adrenals are flat and my stress level is extremely high. Sleep is difficult and energy level is low.  Hopefully, help is on the way.

 I posted in June or July. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and COPD (severe Emphysema) . With out Enbrel I can't hardly move. Got a new foundation to help me. So that is good. The severe depression is getting rough. My Dr. quit last Dec. then left town and none of the other mental Dr's. I call them nerve Dr's are taking any new paients. You are suppose to go to your primary Care Physcian and he will renew whatever meds the nerve Dr. had you on. He can't monitor your medications.  The insurance co. wants me to go out of town about 50 milesaway to a big city but all those freeways make me too nervous. Anyway, if you have someone who you could walk with you at your pace even for short distance would help.

Wanting to exercise whatever amount you can is a positive sign. I go the the YMCA twice a week, my Humana insurance pays for it. I do chair exercises. We also use a stretch rope, weights, I use 2 lb., and a small exercise ball, like you can get at K- Mart or WalMart . I can tell you of exercises you can do with only the chair. It has helped me.

I have RA, OA, FMS, CFS, DDD, MPS, Herniated Discs, and a myriad of other issues.. I am getting Synvisc in my knee, I get regular IV treatments of Remicade, and take handfulls of medications every day.  The meds which save your life also sap your strength, and add weight to an already annoying problem.  I was SO pleased to see a Chronic Pain section for the Weight Loss Solution!

Since I am in a wheelchair, (Electric)  I do not even have the muscle strength to use a manual wheelchair..  My Biologicals sap my strength severely.  I tried a manual wheelchair in a mall once, and wound up being taken to the hospital... I was unable to speak or think straight.  They thought I had a stroke!  They didn't look in my purse for my information correctly, and did not realize that I am Immunologically compromised.

My lack of strength could have wound up to be a very, very serious issue in the hospital.  Thankfully, my husband was contacted...

At the moment, the only exercises I do are stretching.  I have to, in order to not "lock up".  Even those are terrifyingly tiring.  I worry that I will never lose weight.  My legs are of about no use.. I cannot walk, let alone do cardiovascular exercise based upon standing.  This is frustrating.

I do not want my lack of strength and weight to kill me.  I hope I can keep up with reading the boards and actually find some tips, tricks, and get on the right path!

Thank you for listening,

~Heather

I just wanted to add that I'm 31, female, and my weight varies greatly - depending upon my fluid imbalances and inflammation.  I weigh a mid to high average of 250lbs.

I also have Crohns, which makes food very difficult for me.  I take medications, get my colonoscopies, and keep out the foods and drinks which make it the hardest to deal with. 

My problems lie with some of my favorite foods; salads, and many other veggies.. Coffee, as anything with caffeine is a beast to me.  On bad days, I cannot eat anything.. which messes up my metabolism even more. 

My Gastroenterologist states that I would be very thin if it weren't for my other medications and illnesses.  Congratulations, me!  ahh.. I remember the days I used to be, but they still weren't fun.

~Heather

EVERY DAY DO SOME EXERCISE, IF YOU GET TIRED STOP, BUT KEEP UP THE EFFORT EVENTUALLY IT WILL PAY OFF.....YOU DO DOCTOR, HE CAN MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS.

JUST A CARING OVER WEIGHT PERSON....