My kidney doctor decided all thats wrong with me is that I'm

I'm a cow.

I saw a nephologist back in June for proteinuria...and he did some tests...and has now decided that I'm just fat and that I should have gastric bypass. (He knows I'm bulimic and in OP treatment right now...theres no way I'd get approved for that.) It's so triggering for stupid doctors to say stuff like this...like I don't know that I'm fat and need to lose weight...I've been trying to lose weight all my damn life! He wants me to follow up next year b/c I guess the Creatinine levels are a bit high or something...I don't know...it's 4 pages of doctor speak and I don't understand half of it.:embarassed:

He also thinks I need to go on high blood pressure medication...what doctor suggests taking blood pressure medication after just one reading of high blood pressure? I was anxious! I had to travel over an hours drive to a hospital I've never been to...thinking something serious was wrong and I was dying...etc...of course it's going to be high! I was shaking and everything! Pulse was 120 and bp was 140/100. BP has been normal at every of my other doctors appointments...usually around 90/60, which is kinda low.

I just want to never eat again at this point. Everyone one of my stupid doctors (except my eating disorders team.) keeps telling me to lose weight like it will cure all my problems. I eat healthy...between 1000-1500 calories a day...and yet the scale keeps going up. I measure/weigh all my damn food so I know it's right. My nutritionist says I'm losing body fat but my scale at home continues to go up. I'm tempted to try fasting again...or severely restrict my calories (say under 300 a day.) it's the only thing that kept my weight down in the past. :frown:

Take a look at your quote again in your signature and tell yourself you will try and try and try doing this the right way. Restricting your cals is only going to slow down your metabolism and 300/day is really unhealthy. You should also get a second opinion on the blood pressure medication because one high reading does not justify medication. There is what we call "white coat syndrome" which is when a person goes into the doctor's office for some reason, the blood pressure shoots up. Take control of your health and your medical problems. You always have the right to a second third or fourth opinion

Thanks.

I'm not worried about my blood pressure b/c I have it taken a lot (I see a lot of doctors...) and it's usually normal...unless for some reason, I'm anxious.

Don't worry girl. I know doctors can be harsh sometimes. I feel like sometimes they just have no filter.
Anyway, considering what you have to lose, you actually MAY be a candidate for a short (I mean 2 weeks or less) VLC (very low calorie) program. BUT, and I can't stress this enough, this is ONLY to be done under the direct supervision of a doctor or dietician, and while on it, you need to make sure you take sufficient suppliments so you don't lose your vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. I would speak to a gastrointestinologist about it, they can give you a better idea of how this works, and how it effects your food metabolism. I'm no doctor, so this is just an educated opinion, and I'm not saying you HAVE to do this in order to see results (you don't), but in your case, it might actually be OK to think about doing if done correctly.

Best luck to you lady, we're all here if you need us.

my nutritionist would never approve of that...she won't even let me do low carb...she says that it increases obsessive thoughts and stuff...

my nutritionist would never approve of that...she won't even let me do low carb...she says that it increases obsessive thoughts and stuff...

And she may be right, that's the thing, it's a personal choice. But with a lot of extra weight to lose, it's not usually any where near as dangerous as it would be for someone with say 20 lbs to lose. I'll see if I can dig up the New England Journal of Medicine article I found on it (Yes I read NEJOM, and no, I'm not a doctor). For now, here is one from WebMD that talks about VLC programs.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/low-calorie-diets

Would it make my thyroid slow even more? B/c when I first started to get OP treatment at my eating disorders clinic...they did a metabolic testing thing where I breathed into a mask for 20 minutes...and I was only burning 500 calories a day...instead of the 2100 I should have been burning...so I had to have my thyroid pill increased.

Ok--I had more to lose than you when I started--140 pounds or exactly half my weight at that time.

Now, one thing I don't see in your post (did I overlook it?) was any mention of exercise.

Are you exercising as well as watching your calories?

Also, don't worry about BP meds if it's recommended. Go on for now if needed. It might help--it usually contains a duretic that can help with water retention.

I didn't go on an extreme low cal--diet when I started in April. I started at 1000-1200 calories a day, with my doc's ok. Since then, I've upped it to 1300-1400 a day as I keep plateauing and need the extra calories to support my exercise.

If you don't understand the doctor's report, then ASK! Demand answers--it's your right!

Don't give up--you can lose the weight. I've been heavy all my life but am determined now to finally get and stay healthy. You can do it, too!

I can't really exercise much...I have severe chronic pain...and asthma...so it's very difficult...just like keeping my apartment clean...is a lot of exercise for me and very painful. I clean for about 20-30 minutes a day...and then short walks to like check the mail or take the garbage out...which take 5-7 minutes or so to do...and includes going up and down lots of stairs...

I was put on BP medication once like 3 years ago and I passed out twice in a week...and the nurse at the day treatment program I was attending took my BP and it was dangerously low...and they called my doctor and she took me off it. I still pass out sometimes..once or twice a month on average...and I get dizzy when I stand up too fast.

Wouldn't taking a diuretic make me get more UTIs?

Ok--I had more to lose than you when I started--140 pounds or exactly half my weight at that time.

Now, one thing I don't see in your post (did I overlook it?) was any mention of exercise.

Are you exercising as well as watching your calories?

Also, don't worry about BP meds if it's recommended. Go on for now if needed. It might help--it usually contains a duretic that can help with water retention.

I didn't go on an extreme low cal--diet when I started in April. I started at 1000-1200 calories a day, with my doc's ok. Since then, I've upped it to 1300-1400 a day as I keep plateauing and need the extra calories to support my exercise.

If you don't understand the doctor's report, then ASK! Demand answers--it's your right!

Don't give up--you can lose the weight. I've been heavy all my life but am determined now to finally get and stay healthy. You can do it, too!

I can't really exercise much...I have severe chronic pain...and asthma...so it's very difficult...just like keeping my apartment clean...is a lot of exercise for me and very painful. I clean for about 20-30 minutes a day...and then short walks to like check the mail or take the garbage out...which take 5-7 minutes or so to do...and includes going up and down lots of stairs...

I was put on BP medication once like 3 years ago and I passed out twice in a week...and the nurse at the day treatment program I was attending took my BP and it was dangerously low...and they called my doctor and she took me off it. I still pass out sometimes..once or twice a month on average...and I get dizzy when I stand up too fast.

Wouldn't taking a diuretic make me get more UTIs?

I'm really sorry to hear about your trip to the doctor. It is silly for him to try to put you on BP meds after just one high reading, and I know it's upsetting to hear that your weight is causing health problems, but it's important not to take that stuff personally. Unless he actually said 'You're a cow,' he didn't want to hurt your feelings, he is just sharing with you his medical opinion. Doctor's can't tell little white lies or try to sugar coat things, and many of them do use doctor speak, because (in my experience) it seems easier to explain some bodily functions in medical terms rather than layman's terms; I'm *not* saying it's fair, just that the doctor probably doesn't have to people skills to TRY to explain things in a way he knows everyone can understand.

Can you afford a physical therapist/personal trainer (one who specializes in special populations)? That would help you get some exercise in, which would increase your metabolism and probably reduce your pain as well. Those with chronic pain or similar conditions can only do a few minutes of exercise at a time, so don't think that you're doing anything wrong. It just might help to have someone there to give you a structured plan and give you support.

Do you take any cranberry juice/extract? That has been linked to a reduction in UTI/bladder infections because it may reduce the chance of bacteria clinging to the walls of the bladder. I had a kidney infection once and it was awwwfulllll:sick: ...I had no symptoms of anything until it hit my kidney, so after that I took a lot of cranberry extract and still take it regularly.

I have no way to get to physical therapy...my dad takes me to doctors appointments and I already have too many appointments and he yells and complains at me a lot. I have to pay him $40 a month to take me to appointments...and I only get $660 a month in SSI to pay my bills and for food and all. I was in physical therapy like 4-5 years ago though for my knee after I first dislocated it.

I take cranberry pills but they don't really help much. I won't drink the juice though...too many calories. :embarassed:

Ok--I had more to lose than you when I started--140 pounds or exactly half my weight at that time.

Now, one thing I don't see in your post (did I overlook it?) was any mention of exercise.

Are you exercising as well as watching your calories?

Also, don't worry about BP meds if it's recommended. Go on for now if needed. It might help--it usually contains a duretic that can help with water retention.

I didn't go on an extreme low cal--diet when I started in April. I started at 1000-1200 calories a day, with my doc's ok. Since then, I've upped it to 1300-1400 a day as I keep plateauing and need the extra calories to support my exercise.

If you don't understand the doctor's report, then ASK! Demand answers--it's your right!

Don't give up--you can lose the weight. I've been heavy all my life but am determined now to finally get and stay healthy. You can do it, too!

I can't really exercise much...I have severe chronic pain...and asthma...so it's very difficult...just like keeping my apartment clean...is a lot of exercise for me and very painful. I clean for about 20-30 minutes a day...and then short walks to like check the mail or take the garbage out...which take 5-7 minutes or so to do...and includes going up and down lots of stairs...

I was put on BP medication once like 3 years ago and I passed out twice in a week...and the nurse at the day treatment program I was attending took my BP and it was dangerously low...and they called my doctor and she took me off it. I still pass out sometimes..once or twice a month on average...and I get dizzy when I stand up too fast.

Wouldn't taking a diuretic make me get more UTIs?

I'm really sorry to hear about your trip to the doctor. It is silly for him to try to put you on BP meds after just one high reading, and I know it's upsetting to hear that your weight is causing health problems, but it's important not to take that stuff personally. Unless he actually said 'You're a cow,' he didn't want to hurt your feelings, he is just sharing with you his medical opinion. Doctor's can't tell little white lies or try to sugar coat things, and many of them do use doctor speak, because (in my experience) it seems easier to explain some bodily functions in medical terms rather than layman's terms; I'm *not* saying it's fair, just that the doctor probably doesn't have to people skills to TRY to explain things in a way he knows everyone can understand.

Can you afford a physical therapist/personal trainer (one who specializes in special populations)? That would help you get some exercise in, which would increase your metabolism and probably reduce your pain as well. Those with chronic pain or similar conditions can only do a few minutes of exercise at a time, so don't think that you're doing anything wrong. It just might help to have someone there to give you a structured plan and give you support.

Do you take any cranberry juice/extract? That has been linked to a reduction in UTI/bladder infections because it may reduce the chance of bacteria clinging to the walls of the bladder. I had a kidney infection once and it was awwwfulllll:sick: ...I had no symptoms of anything until it hit my kidney, so after that I took a lot of cranberry extract and still take it regularly.

I have no way to get to physical therapy...my dad takes me to doctors appointments and I already have too many appointments and he yells and complains at me a lot. I have to pay him $40 a month to take me to appointments...and I only get $660 a month in SSI to pay my bills and for food and all. I was in physical therapy like 4-5 years ago though for my knee after I first dislocated it.

I take cranberry pills but they don't really help much. I won't drink the juice though...too many calories. :embarassed:

Oh ya, the juice is rubbish, mostly sugar which can actually cause more problems. Well, just make sure you're drinking a lot of water. I'd wait on the diuretic until you can ask a doctor. :flowerforyou:

There are personal trainers who make visits to peoples' homes; my previous MMA teacher actually did that because she worked with special populations, mostly the elderly (special pop. just means people who aren't the average 18-40 year old, basically...so elderly, kids, and those with any medical condition). It's somewhat expensive, but you may be able to save up for one monthly visit where they can work with you and give you recommendations on what to do for the rest of the month. They'd probably give you something like 5 minutes of speedwalking (based on the activities you can currently do) 3 times a week, and adding a minute every week. Then if you can handle any resistance at all, they may have you use something like 1/2 lb weight for a few exercises once a week. It's a very gradual incline, but it prevents extra pain and often will decrease your pain. I am just making educated guesses here based on what's used for fibromyalgia, but I think it would be worth looking into.

I wouldn't be able to afford it...I mean, I live off $660 a month...which has to pay my rent and everything. I have no extra money...by the end of the month, I generally have to go without food b/c I don't have money to buy any.

I think I might have fibro actually...I have every symptom of it...even IBS and bladder spasms...I've been afraid to bring it up to my doctor though b/c last time I mentioned my pain she just told me it was my weight...which resulted in me nearly getting hospitalized again.

Ok--I had more to lose than you when I started--140 pounds or exactly half my weight at that time.

Now, one thing I don't see in your post (did I overlook it?) was any mention of exercise.

Are you exercising as well as watching your calories?

Also, don't worry about BP meds if it's recommended. Go on for now if needed. It might help--it usually contains a duretic that can help with water retention.

I didn't go on an extreme low cal--diet when I started in April. I started at 1000-1200 calories a day, with my doc's ok. Since then, I've upped it to 1300-1400 a day as I keep plateauing and need the extra calories to support my exercise.

If you don't understand the doctor's report, then ASK! Demand answers--it's your right!

Don't give up--you can lose the weight. I've been heavy all my life but am determined now to finally get and stay healthy. You can do it, too!

I can't really exercise much...I have severe chronic pain...and asthma...so it's very difficult...just like keeping my apartment clean...is a lot of exercise for me and very painful. I clean for about 20-30 minutes a day...and then short walks to like check the mail or take the garbage out...which take 5-7 minutes or so to do...and includes going up and down lots of stairs...

I was put on BP medication once like 3 years ago and I passed out twice in a week...and the nurse at the day treatment program I was attending took my BP and it was dangerously low...and they called my doctor and she took me off it. I still pass out sometimes..once or twice a month on average...and I get dizzy when I stand up too fast.

Wouldn't taking a diuretic make me get more UTIs?

I'm really sorry to hear about your trip to the doctor. It is silly for him to try to put you on BP meds after just one high reading, and I know it's upsetting to hear that your weight is causing health problems, but it's important not to take that stuff personally. Unless he actually said 'You're a cow,' he didn't want to hurt your feelings, he is just sharing with you his medical opinion. Doctor's can't tell little white lies or try to sugar coat things, and many of them do use doctor speak, because (in my experience) it seems easier to explain some bodily functions in medical terms rather than layman's terms; I'm *not* saying it's fair, just that the doctor probably doesn't have to people skills to TRY to explain things in a way he knows everyone can understand.

Can you afford a physical therapist/personal trainer (one who specializes in special populations)? That would help you get some exercise in, which would increase your metabolism and probably reduce your pain as well. Those with chronic pain or similar conditions can only do a few minutes of exercise at a time, so don't think that you're doing anything wrong. It just might help to have someone there to give you a structured plan and give you support.

Do you take any cranberry juice/extract? That has been linked to a reduction in UTI/bladder infections because it may reduce the chance of bacteria clinging to the walls of the bladder. I had a kidney infection once and it was awwwfulllll:sick: ...I had no symptoms of anything until it hit my kidney, so after that I took a lot of cranberry extract and still take it regularly.

I have no way to get to physical therapy...my dad takes me to doctors appointments and I already have too many appointments and he yells and complains at me a lot. I have to pay him $40 a month to take me to appointments...and I only get $660 a month in SSI to pay my bills and for food and all. I was in physical therapy like 4-5 years ago though for my knee after I first dislocated it.

I take cranberry pills but they don't really help much. I won't drink the juice though...too many calories. :embarassed:

Oh ya, the juice is rubbish, mostly sugar which can actually cause more problems. Well, just make sure you're drinking a lot of water. I'd wait on the diuretic until you can ask a doctor. :flowerforyou:

There are personal trainers who make visits to peoples' homes; my previous MMA teacher actually did that because she worked with special populations, mostly the elderly (special pop. just means people who aren't the average 18-40 year old, basically...so elderly, kids, and those with any medical condition). It's somewhat expensive, but you may be able to save up for one monthly visit where they can work with you and give you recommendations on what to do for the rest of the month. They'd probably give you something like 5 minutes of speedwalking (based on the activities you can currently do) 3 times a week, and adding a minute every week. Then if you can handle any resistance at all, they may have you use something like 1/2 lb weight for a few exercises once a week. It's a very gradual incline, but it prevents extra pain and often will decrease your pain. I am just making educated guesses here based on what's used for fibromyalgia, but I think it would be worth looking into.

I wouldn't be able to afford it...I mean, I live off $660 a month...which has to pay my rent and everything. I have no extra money...by the end of the month, I generally have to go without food b/c I don't have money to buy any.

I think I might have fibro actually...I have every symptom of it...even IBS and bladder spasms...I've been afraid to bring it up to my doctor though b/c last time I mentioned my pain she just told me it was my weight...which resulted in me nearly getting hospitalized again.

Gosh, that is rough. I'd love to give you advice if you want it; of course I'm not a medical professional, but I feel comfortable at this point in my educational career to help people out. I do feel you on the money though...right now I'm like, I have $30 in the bank, do I want food or gas? :ohwell: I'd be a certified PT if I could afford the $300 exam :laugh: . I'm sure there are fibro support forums out there, and there are probably others who have had success with adding exercise. Like I said, what you're doing is correct, so keep up the activity you can handle, and add a minute each week. Don't try to work through pain, and if you want to use some resistance, use something really light, like a shoe or small water bottle 1/2 full.

It's tough to find a good doctor..I went through 3 gyno's before I found one that wasn't all 'up in my space' like "Hay, wanna hear a funny joke?!" Uhh....hehe...no:frown: But don't feel like you can't discuss things with your doctor, and let them know if they need to further explain something. That's their job!

yeah...I need to start doing my old physical therapy exercises again...leg lifts, wall slides, step ups...etc...b/c my knee has been popping out again. (I fell in the shower...twice...LOL broke the shower curtain rod and then fell again trying to step over the shower curtain that fell and grabbed the towel holder thingy on the wall and broke that...I'm good. :laugh: ) But...yeah...that kinda messed up my knee again a bit...came completely out for the first time in a long time...had to push it back in with my hand. But still wasn't as painful as the first time...that was horrible!

I have small free weights that I used to use...I think the smaller ones are 1 pound....but I can't use them b/c my collar bones hurt so bad...which I think is a pretty weird place to hurt, isn't it? Sometimes I can't even open the car door when my collar bones hurting bad. :huh:

(I'm not quoting this one because they were getting really long LOL)

OMG, I'm sorry about the fall!! :noway: Kudos on getting your knee back where it should be...I did that with my shoulder once, and it HURT. It subluxed (pretty much popped out and then in on its own) while I was doing triceps extensions with 80 lbs haha...it wouldn't have happened if I had stronger RC muscles, so now I do specific exercises for those muscles. Still not quite the same though, they're very lax now.

If you're having pain in a certain area, then by all means don't use it. But if you can just hold onto the weights for lower body work or even forearm curls, it will help. Sometimes just doing the motion of the exercise without resistance is all you'll be able to do, and that's fine too. Movement is the key, and adding weight and minutes is only something you do when you're ready.

Thats a good idea. Thanks.

I've thought about getting a beginners yoga dvd with my points I get for doing surveys...but I don't know if I'd be able to do that either.

(I'm not quoting this one because they were getting really long LOL)

OMG, I'm sorry about the fall!! :noway: Kudos on getting your knee back where it should be...I did that with my shoulder once, and it HURT. It subluxed (pretty much popped out and then in on its own) while I was doing triceps extensions with 80 lbs haha...it wouldn't have happened if I had stronger RC muscles, so now I do specific exercises for those muscles. Still not quite the same though, they're very lax now.

If you're having pain in a certain area, then by all means don't use it. But if you can just hold onto the weights for lower body work or even forearm curls, it will help. Sometimes just doing the motion of the exercise without resistance is all you'll be able to do, and that's fine too. Movement is the key, and adding weight and minutes is only something you do when you're ready.

Thats a good idea. Thanks.

I've thought about getting a beginners yoga dvd with my points I get for doing surveys...but I don't know if I'd be able to do that either.

Yoga is a great idea...it uses your own body weight and improves flexibility too. You should try it, you'll never know if you can unless you try. Just go for a couple minutes at first, some of the movements are as simple as standing with your hands above your head.

yeah...my joints are all really stiff...especailly in the morning...hopefully it would help.

I take a lot of medications...

30 mg Cymbalta
100 mg Neurontin, twice a day (was taking 3 times a day but it makes me super dizzy and I pass out a lot...hoping cutting back will reduce that.)
5 mg Buspar, 3 times a day.
50 mcg Levothyroxine
5 mg Vesicare (for bladder spasms)
Ortho Tri Cylcen
Miralax (as needed)


I will try to get my doctor to give me a referral to a rhuemetologist but I'm not good at standing up for myself. :embarassed: I went to her like 6 months ago b/c my legs feel like bruised all over...like just lightly toughing them makes me scream out in pain...and she said it's just b/c of my weight. :frown: now...it's spread to pretty much my entire body...my arms..stomach....chest...back...all feels really senistive to the touch.

Can you go to a new doctor?

I'm not familiar with most of your meds, but I know that both buspar and BC pills contribute to weight gain.

What makes me angry (and I had the same experience) is your doctors are telling you to get bypass surgery, but not looking at your meds as possible causes/contributors to your problem. With me, it was my Doctor saying "You're getting really fat. You should consider Overeaters Anonymous" (ouch.)

Do you have insurance? Physical therapy should be covered by it, if your doc refers you.

Were I you, I would google all my meds, and take print outs of side effects to your next appointment. I know it's hard to stand up for yourself, but you are the only one that can in this situation.

Physical pain can also be a symptom of anxiety and depression, or the cause of anxiety and depression. That doesn't mean it's "all in your head", mind you, but it's connected to the anxiety. (I'm assuming ther's anxiety because of the buspar).

Other things that may help your pain are:

heat therapy (moist heating pad or hot bath)
gentle stretching (like a "yoga for relaxation" DVD)
making sure you're getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation leads to major pain for me.
Maybe also you could find a low-impact cardio DVD to do in your house. Exercising indoors and in private would allow you to take a break if you need it, and minimize your asthma.

There are lots of overweight people who are not in chronic muscle pain, so blaming everything on your weight (which is either what your Dr. is doing or how it feels) doesn't seem medically sound to me.

(mind you, I'm not a Dr. . .just a patient. )

I used to go to OA :laugh:

I get Medicaid...they will cover physical therapy...but I have no way to get there b/c I don't drive.

Pretty much all my meds can cause weight gain...but I can't change them just for that. And theres not really much left for me, psych meds wise...to take...and since I'm feeling the best mood wise than I have all my life...I can't change it. (plus all psych meds have weight gain listed as side effects LOL)

I have been told that it could be my anxiety causing some of the pain...which I know is possible...raises cortisol levels and causes chronic pain...etc...my nutritionist thinks thats the cause. And I don't really sleep much usually...2-3 hours a night...sometimes will go days without sleep...constant racing thoughts won't shut up.