Various health issues and getting back on track

mightyminerva

Hello!

I was very active on MFP in 2012-13, and I was losing weight wonderfully well. Besides using the food tracker I was working out with Jillian Michaels DVDs, and I was at the lowest weight of my adult life.

In July 2013 I hurt my back, and after various doctors and therapies in two countries I'm still in pain. Last year I also started experiencing autoimmune and arthritis symptoms at 31 years old. I'd struggled with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and frequent illness as a teenager (through to the present day), but the physical pain really derailed my life. I had to quit my PhD, move countries, and try to make myself as comfortable as possible each moment of my life. This often means just driving to see friends, sitting at a desk, or standing in front of art at a museum are beyond my tolerance.

I'm current seeing a chiropractor and acupuncturist, and I walk as much as I can and do Pilates. Just this past Monday I also started an elimination diet at my doctor's order. It's been an incredibly difficult week.

I want to get back to losing weight, as I think that could only help my back. However, I'm scared to do so, and my energy isn't what it was those years ago. These years have also led to depression, and while I do my best to be sunny, cheerful, and optimistic it's so difficult! I could really use the support of the community here.

Thank you in advance!

mightyminerva

Bump.

ABabilonia

Wow, I really hope that the chiropractor and acupuncturist help you. I also suffered from a chronic condition and I know how hard is to keep the faith and the optimism up in though situations. Maybe you should take things slowly and start with slow walks and build from there. Good luck and if you want a friend feel free to add me

Leah_62803

I just want to say that I completely understand the back problem! I've had problems with my back since I was a teenager and it's steadily gotten worse (I'm 33). It's to the point now where I can't enjoy things like I used to. I tried to go to the zoo recently, something I've done at least once a year for the past 10 years, and I was in crippling pain after only an hour or so. The next day I couldn't even stand up straight.
I used to work out with the 30 Day Shred video and the 21 Day Fix workouts and now they are collecting dust because there's no way I could do them. I can't even walk around my house doing daily things without pain. It's so depressing.

I've had X-rays done (showed nothing) and I've been seeing a chiroprator. The chiro helped at first but hasn't helped at all since it's gotten worse. My next step will be an MRI but I'm nervous about it.

Hamsibian

It's like I'm reading my own story. The only differences are that I have Crohn's Disease, and I'm trying to gain weight. The sucky part is that I have so many food triggers, I am working with my acupuncturist to eat low carb (not keto thank goodness), and all my vegetables and fruits cooked. A modified version of Autoimmune protocol. It's overwhelming at times, but I feel amazing. I just reintroduced eggs, and so far so good! Easily the best decision I've ever made in regards to my health.

mightyminerva

@mccord62803 My x-rays and MRIs have shown nothing, and the MRIs I've had aren't scary themselves. They're noisy and boring, but that was the extent of my experience. I hope that you discover something helpful with yours!

I'm sorry you're in the same boat. Being so young with so much pain is just horrific, and not many people can understand why we have to calculate everything--car rides, standing time, the angle of seats, how many pillows we need on the bed, how many trips up and down stairs... We just have to persist, I suppose, and be as optimistic as we can.

mightyminerva

@Hamsibian That's so wonderful to hear! I'm sorry you have health issues, but that gives me hope that there is a trigger food (or more than one) that will help to decrease my symptoms. Do you have any recipes that have been especially helpful? Smoothies, oatmeal, and baked chicken or fish are getting rather boring...

Leah_62803

@mightyminerva I'm not so scared of the actual MRI, just the thought that I'll pay for it and then it might not even show anything. It was extremely discouraging when I had the X-rays done. I was in extreme pain and could barely walk and the doctor walked in smiling saying "everything looks fine in the xray!" Then sent me on my way.
I'm worried that if nothing shows up on the MRI, it will throw me into a depression. I feel like the MRI is sort of a last resort so I almost want to keep putting it off so I still have some hope...if that makes sense.

mightyminerva

@mccord62803 That makes complete sense, and I struggle with that, as well.

When I first hurt my back, the doctor gave me a slightly elevated form of Tylenol. I was able to see the physical therapist once fortnightly for about 15 minutes, and she never could really help because no one was able to give me a diagnosis. Nothing has shown up on any x-ray or any MRI, and it would be SO MUCH EASIER if I were able to get a diagnosis, especially if it were something visual like an x-ray/MRI.

I also get discouraged when I think about how people perceive me. The various imaging shows an otherwise healthy back. My bloodwork comes back without any inflammatory or thyroid markers to explain my intense foot/hand/leg pain. The tests show that I am "normal," but how I feel is anything but. I can't point to something tangible and show it to a doctor or friend to essentially prove I'm not overdramatic or lying. It's a very isolating and hard feeling.

I really do understand because I've been there. Heck, I'm still there. The only thing I can say is that maybe the MRI will show something. If not, I've found some relief with homeopathic remedies because I was turning into a guinea pig for painkillers with no treatment. I hope that you can find relief soon, and I know that there is always hope. There are days or weeks when it doesn't feel like it (this is that week for me), but I live for the days and weeks when everything is manageable.

I don't have any words of wisdom other than to say I understand, it's a terrible feeling, and I will support you if I can.

Leah_62803

Thank you. I'm glad that you've found some things for relief.

It's very small but I've found that my pain is a lot less if I sleep on my side with a pillow between my knees. It's annoying because I like to change positions and I can't, but there's a big difference if I try to sleep different. The night before last I rolled onto my back for a few hours during the night and yesterday I was in a lot of pain all day. Last night I stayed on my side with my pillow and today the pain is about half as bad as yesterday. It's enough of a relief that I'll probably be able to go for a walk today.

mightyminerva

I've found pillows to be a godsend. I currently sleep with a special curved one between my knees and sometimes one under the curve in my side. It doesn't always work--I've found that when I'm in a lot of pain I flip onto my stomach to relieve the pain and pressure in my hips and back. Of course, that has its own issues, too.

I hope you can go for a walk and that it's nice out!

Hamsibian

mightyminerva wrote: »

@Hamsibian That's so wonderful to hear! I'm sorry you have health issues, but that gives me hope that there is a trigger food (or more than one) that will help to decrease my symptoms. Do you have any recipes that have been especially helpful? Smoothies, oatmeal, and baked chicken or fish are getting rather boring...

Augh, I am just trying to learn how to cook lol! My favorite dish right now is a butternut squash and sweet potato soup. It's based off this recipe http://autoimmunewellness.com/aip-carrot-and-sweet-potato-chili/. I just added more squash and decreased the amount of potato. I also added cinnamon and ginger, and blend all the vegetables before I add the meat. Such a good breakfast!

I also make good lamb chops and roast - thank you Instant Pot!

mightyminerva

Ooo, thanks for the recipe @Hamsibian! It looks delicious! I actually just bought that Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook of hers! I did the baked pears yesterday for Easter dessert.