So it's 2015, and I am still managing the dermatomyositis without oral medication. The last time I visited my dermatologist, she wouldn't put me back on the prednisone because I had never lost the weight that I gained from the prednisone previously. So, the idea that weight gained when you are on prednisone goes away when you get off of it is not always true. I never lost the weight.
Additionally, I had been depressing my immune system by eating sugar - on purpose - because it stopped the itching.
My dermatologist gave me 3 different topical medications: one for my neck and upper back, one for my head and scalp, and one for my hands and arms. I use the topical medications when the outbreaks are itchy and red and irritated. I use an antihistamine when the itching is out of control. It stops the itching, and she said I could continue to do that.
She also sent my to my general practitioner for consult and blood work. I had become pre-diabetic, pre-high blood pressure, and pre-high cholesterol. Basically, I was a mess and definitely over weight. I had gained 55 pounds in this process, and not able to get the weight off. I recognized the symptoms of being pre-diabetic. I was thirsty all the time and felt like I had to go to the bathroom - urinate - all the time. My skin was dry and flaky around my mouth, and my hands were horribly dry.
I cut all the sugar out completely and immediately. I'm not trying to kill myself just to manage dermatomyositis. I want my health in tact. I have a long bucket list, and my children are starting to have children of their own. I would like to be around to enjoy my family and my partner. I am motivated to change my situation is my point. If you are in a similar situation, you have to find your motivation. I personally want a high quality of living if I am going to be on this planet.
So I cut out sugar and started watching my carbs. I also made more of an effort to go to the gym to at least exercise on the treadmill, bike or in the pool. I started riding my bike. That is what my rheumatologist had told me would help. Keep moving, keep the lymph and muscles flushed out so I don't accumulate the bad stuff that causes the break down in the muscles and joints. I really had slowed down on the exercise.
In January my partner bought me a Vivofit. That has been amazing because I can track my calories - something I have NEVER DONE. I had no idea how much excess healthy food I was eating. Did you know an avocado is 350 calories!?!!! OMG I came to understand that I was eating healthy for like 2-3 people!! So calories and portion size reduced immediately. With the Vivofit, you can track your calories and daily activity. It reminds you to move when you have been sitting for too long, which improves your metabolism. Awesome!! I had lost about 10 pounds before I got it, and now I've lost another 10 pounds with it!! I also like that it helps me be aware of my movement by tracking how many steps I take in a day. If I hit my quota, I'm on the path to weight loss. If not, I know I will stagnate.
More than anything, I am simply more aware of my calories and my exercise. It's amazing. I really never had to do that before, so I was not aware. If you are in a similar place in your struggle with dermatomyositis, or even with weight loss, consider getting a device that allows you to track your food and exercise. However, I do NOT recommend this if you have a history of food disorders. My partner does, and she quit tracking her calories as soon as she was clear on food portions that worked because the idea of tracking was sending her back into food disorder mode. If you are under the care of a physician or counselor for a food disorder, you need to work with them before taking on using a tracker. IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT YOU DO NOT TRIGGER YOUR FOOD DISORDER :)
Be healthy ya'll!! Til next time!
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diabetes. Show all posts
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Friday, September 19, 2014
Anemia - Little known side affects
Since being diagnosed with the dermatomyositis, it's been a challenge to feel good and maintain a steady habit of exercising. I weened myself off prednisone a little over 2 years ago - trying to get the weight gain associated with prednisone under control.
Unfortunately, the prednisone weight did not fall off as my doctors had said it should, and as my friends who had also taken prednisone had said happened to them. In fact, not only did I maintain the weight, I gained more weight.
The most difficult and sapping item to digest is processed sugar. It requires large amounts of vitamins and minerals, which is why when you are sick, you should avoid sugar so that your immune system can function better to heal you or fight infection.
Based on this premise, a person with an overactive immune system, like myself, can calm the immune system down by eating sugar. Supposition: If I have high amounts of vitamins and minerals in my body from either taking a multivitamin or eating high quality foods, I find that my immune system is over active and my dermatomyositis gets worse. Similarly, patients with Lupus are cautioned not to eat vegetables with Vitamin K because it make the Lupus, also and autoimmune disorder/disease, more aggravated.
Because of this, and in an attempt to stay off the prednisone, I was eating refined sugar to keep my immune system from being out of control. So I eat a healthy diet, feel my immune system becoming over active, I eat sugar. I try to exercise, but the slow muscle recovery - a side affect of the dermatomyositis - made me minimize my work outs. Over time, I just continued to gain weight. Even though my immune system was being kept in check without meds, I was unwittingly causing other problems.
I did some research into anemia and exercise and found that low iron causes an apathy and lethargy in typical and usually active athletes in addition to the average "Joe or Joan". I never knew that and would never have considered that as part of the problem for me not being more active. Yes, the slow muscle recovery is a challenge, but combined with a biochemical reason that my body is resisting exercise has made it even more challenging.
I had been having the pre-diabetic and diabetic symptoms of being thirsty, having dry mouth , and having issues with frequent urination. Even though I recognized the symptoms, I refused to believe that I was actually pre-diabetic. No way ... not me. But then I had a rapid weight gain of almost a pound a week for almost 4-6 weeks. I was freaking out. Then I added beets.
The weight gain stopped. I actually lost weight immediately - both the recent weight gain, and started dropping weight I have had on me for the last 6 months. My thirst diminished, and so did the frequent urination. The other positive effects were that my brain fog and fatigue were also reduced. So now beets are a part of my diet almost every day. I continue to have the same benefits and weight continues to come off.
Unfortunately, the prednisone weight did not fall off as my doctors had said it should, and as my friends who had also taken prednisone had said happened to them. In fact, not only did I maintain the weight, I gained more weight.
Your Immune System
Most people do not realize that proper digestion takes measured amounts of vitamins and minerals. Depending on what you eat, digestion takes more or less of those vitamins and minerals. Additionally, for your immune system to function at its best capacity, your body also needs measured amounts of vitamins and minerals.The most difficult and sapping item to digest is processed sugar. It requires large amounts of vitamins and minerals, which is why when you are sick, you should avoid sugar so that your immune system can function better to heal you or fight infection.
Based on this premise, a person with an overactive immune system, like myself, can calm the immune system down by eating sugar. Supposition: If I have high amounts of vitamins and minerals in my body from either taking a multivitamin or eating high quality foods, I find that my immune system is over active and my dermatomyositis gets worse. Similarly, patients with Lupus are cautioned not to eat vegetables with Vitamin K because it make the Lupus, also and autoimmune disorder/disease, more aggravated.
Because of this, and in an attempt to stay off the prednisone, I was eating refined sugar to keep my immune system from being out of control. So I eat a healthy diet, feel my immune system becoming over active, I eat sugar. I try to exercise, but the slow muscle recovery - a side affect of the dermatomyositis - made me minimize my work outs. Over time, I just continued to gain weight. Even though my immune system was being kept in check without meds, I was unwittingly causing other problems.
Benefits of a Blood Test
I recently had a blood test that showed my cholesterol is borderline high, and I'm now pre-diabetic. All the sugar consumption has taken it's toll. I've gained over 50 pounds since my diagnosis 4 1/2 years ago and not been able to get it off. The other interesting thing my blood test showed is that I am anemic. I have been anemic before, but didn't realize how anemia affects your ability and willingness to exercise.I did some research into anemia and exercise and found that low iron causes an apathy and lethargy in typical and usually active athletes in addition to the average "Joe or Joan". I never knew that and would never have considered that as part of the problem for me not being more active. Yes, the slow muscle recovery is a challenge, but combined with a biochemical reason that my body is resisting exercise has made it even more challenging.
Beets
As I often do, I try to listen to my body about what I need. I had been reviewing the different foods that help with inflammation because inflammation is the primary cause of the problems associated with dermatomyositis. (Inflammation is being recognized more and more as the cause of most diseases - and thereby identifying the foods and activities that cause inflammation as a preventative to inflammation and disease has become more prevalent in preventive health care and disease control.) Beets are an excellent source of iron, a liver detoxifier, and an anti-inflammatory. But what I didn't know is that beets cause the color of your urine to change ... especially if you have difficulty digesting iron!! Eating the beets made a huge difference right away.I had been having the pre-diabetic and diabetic symptoms of being thirsty, having dry mouth , and having issues with frequent urination. Even though I recognized the symptoms, I refused to believe that I was actually pre-diabetic. No way ... not me. But then I had a rapid weight gain of almost a pound a week for almost 4-6 weeks. I was freaking out. Then I added beets.
The weight gain stopped. I actually lost weight immediately - both the recent weight gain, and started dropping weight I have had on me for the last 6 months. My thirst diminished, and so did the frequent urination. The other positive effects were that my brain fog and fatigue were also reduced. So now beets are a part of my diet almost every day. I continue to have the same benefits and weight continues to come off.
Anemia
The blood test showing the anemia was also an eye opener. And the research about the apathy. I did add an organic iron to my diet, and like the beets, the results are immediate and amazing. I actually feel like exercising and have started back to the gym and riding my bike. I am sleeping less (I was sleeping 10-12 hours a day) and have more energy and less brain fog. I feel like I am finally getting my life back.What I've Learned
While I thought that the sugar was a solution, over time, sugar has proven once again to be the killer it is known to be. In moderation a treat is not a bad idea, but not on a daily basis. Because I have been an active and agile athlete and then gone through this phase of not even having the desire to exercise, I can appreciate my good health even more. Of course I have compassion for others who suffer similar experiences, and I hope by blogging that at least one other person can glean some idea that takes them down a road to better health.
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