Weight Lost with RA | Arthritis Information
Has anyone had problems keeping weight on with this disease? I am dropping weight and my muscles are wasting and I have been perspriring profusely. I can't get in to see a dr. until 9/3/08! I can't afford to miss a meal anymore. I did in the beginning when my disease was very active. It was downright scary. I didn't have any problem with my appetite- I ate big greasy cheeseburgers with milkshakes etc. but the weight kept falling off, then it stabilized but I could not gain. I thought maybe I have cancer!
Then once my disease got under control it jumped back on 6 lbs at a time.
My muscles were atrophied too and I had terrible night sweats. Is your disease very active right now?
yes it is. I have been in remission 3 times and each time I can tell it's coming back because I start dropping weight. I hate this because I've never been a big person anyway. It makes me have to eat when I don't feel like it because I don't want to lose anymore weight. I take vitamins to help my appetite.I lost a lot of weight before I was diagnosed. I haven't put it back on...yet. But last night I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and thought my arms and face looked bonier than usual. I also find that the Tramadol I take seems to make me want to eat less. It's not fun feeling sick and looking that way too! Hope you feel better soon.
~Jodie
oh I could dream!!!
Actually.. initially.. I lost weight and quickly.. it 'was great! I needed to.
Now, and for the last year.. I've gained.. ALOT
Hopefully with my improvements I will return to "normal"
I hate looking so frail also. I just hate this.Yes I dropped down to nothing and haven't gained an ounce. My muscles are wasting as well. I hate looking in the mirror and shopping in the little girls department for clothes that may fitI try getting on my stationary bike to bring back some muscles in my legs. It just doesn't seem to work. I can't exercise very strenuously because I'm not strong enough. I don't know what to do but this wasting of muscle can't be good.Hi Aleva,
About a year before I was diagnosed I had terrible night sweats and the weight was melting away. I was not overweight to begin with so I know what you are saying about the frail look. Is there any possibility you can get in to see your doctor sooner? Perhaps they can put you on a waiting list and call you if an appointment becomes available. Good luck, Hiking_gal
I was thinking about calling them back and asking to be put on a waiting list. I ate so much yesterday and this morning I hadn't gained an ounce. Also my pulse is high but my blood pressure is normal to below normal.What meds did the dr. give y'all to make the weight come back?
Truthfully I think once my disease became controlled that is when I gained weight- but the prednisone sure helped by giving me an appetite that wouldn't quit! Remember- when I was sick it didn't matter how much I ate though.
I think I read somewhere that when your disease activity is high your metabolism is boosted 20% but it also breaks down your muscle and you store more fat.
When I'm feeling bad, I also run a low-grade fever - usually around 100. I know without even takiing my temp that it's up a bit. This is also when the fatigue goes through the roof and my hands, feet and hips hurt. I have absolutely no appetite, and usually have a bit of an upset stomach as well. Tylenol never does anything for pain, but it will knock down the temp and give me energy. NSAIDs will knock down the temp and help relieve the joint issues and fatigue. Once the low fever/fatigue/etc clears up, I have an appetite again. It's not uncommon for me to drop 5 pounds if I'm not feeling well for a few weeks.
I just gain and gain and gain. yes I can relate to you, have a lot of trouble keeping weight on, as I am only a small person I can't afford to lose weight. I try to stick to a good diet, no gluten,dairy,seafood etc but is so hard to keep looking healthy. I hate looking wasted and losing all the tone I once had, I was a gym junkie and hate not being able to do weight training like before. But I still do try with small weights to keep toned, and lots of dancing!!!Yeah I hate that I can't lift weights anymore either. I am trying with these 3 lb weights but they feel like 20 lbs. right now. Yesterday I ate breakfast, lunch and dinner and this morning it seems I lost another 1/2 lb. My fever is up a tad also and I popped 2 aspirins this morning and am feeling my temp go down. At least I know now that I am not the only one who has problems maintaining a healthy weight and that has caused me less stress. I think I'm going to try Ensure but I don't want to take too many vitamins because that keys me up even more. I already take a multi Vitamin to help me eat.
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