Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group feeling down today

Hi Guys,
I just came back from my Gp, where I was officially diagnosed with diabetes, hypertention and elevated cholesterol.They think that all the meds I am taking has something to do with all this. I think the Effexor is the biggest problem, but I have had tremendous neuropathic pain and finally relief with the Effexor and Amitriptyline.I have gain 40 Ibs in three years. I eat constantly at night ,completely out of control. I know better, but it just takes over me. I have been watching Dr.Phil lately and yesterday they gave an interesting tip on eating frozen grapes, you get the sweet taste but have to eat them slower. I stopped going to the gym when I took over the care of my mom who has Alzeimers and really put myself last. We finally placed her in July, so I now have to get back on track. I use to go to the gym 4-5 times per week, and walk and do the weight machines.I guess I am just tired of all of the complications . It is so hard to exercise when one I have NO energy and two my body hurts from the AS. I am so much better at offering advice them I am asking for it(once a nurse always a nurse) LOL I hope everyone is doing Ok, it is freezing cold here and snowing. I would love to travel south, as my brother is a travel agent, but my cash is preety tight right now, after moving into a great apt. and spending money on furniture.I must stop rambling, I hope everybody is doing ok, and I am loving this site.

Cheers
Janet
Ontario, Canada

Hi Janet,

Sorry to hear of your troubles. I also have elevated cholesterol and just recently started treating it with high doses of niacin. It is not something you just jump right into but in 2 months it brought my cholesterol down considerably. I feel it is a safe natural way to treat cholesterol. You do have to work your way up to it though as it causes flushing when you first start it. If you are interested in the regime let me know and I will PM it to you.

Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness.

Hi! I gained about 20 pounds when I was taking amitriptyline. I also had some other side effects that I didn't enjoy at all so I quit the stuff and actually felt better for a while. Good Luck - Helen

Hi Janet,
Sorry that you are down. Yummy..frozen grapes are great! I especially like them in the summertime. It sounds as if you have had a lot on your plate with your mom and all. Now that she is placed perhaps you need to make a little "Janet time". I know how difficult it is to get back on the right track. It sounds as if you want to, it is just a matter of motivation and lack of energy. Why don't you try to start out slowly, lil baby steps. Don't try to do too much if you go to the gym. Do light weights, less reps and walk slowly for awhile, gradually building your routine back up. Give yourself 20 minutes at the gym. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it is a start. Do you like popcorn? Maybe when you get the munchies at night you could pop some popcorn and sprinkle some cheese seasoning on it, you would be surprised how filling it is. I hope that you start feeling up.
Take care,
Cara

Janet,

I am sorry you are feeling down. I was told by my Doc that I was borderline diabetic(it runs in my family). My doc told me that I needed to watch myself I was and am a bit overweight still but I joined weight watchers and lost 60lbs The AS has me slowing down at the gym. Anyways to the point..I have some wonderful low fat recipes that I learned through weight watchers I can PM you if you would like. They are desserts and such you can snack on without pumping up the blood sugar level and lower in fat. They range from full meals to desserts, let me know.

Scott

Hi Janet in Ontario.

I feel for you with the weight thing - I have been there.

I see that Scott mentioned weight watchers. My daughter lost 60 lbs with weight watchers a couple of years ago. I find they are excellent. There is great support and teaching of healthy eating. She also goes swimming regularly. This would be an easier form of exercise then the gym wouldn't it ? - if you have a pool nearby.

I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Mine also suffered from Alzheimers. I really really admire you for taking care of her.

Sorry, I havn't said much.
I do understand how upsetting the weight thing is and I do truly admire you for looking after your mom

Take Care
Maggie

Hi Janet, I am Maxine, Mike's Mom and I am really getting caught up in all the
talk about AS, as we have never known anyone else with it. And now to learn you
are feeling down today, I am very sorry and hope things will begin to look up for you
now that you have your Mom placed. I know that is hard having to do that, as I had to
put my mom in a nursing home, and it is not an easy thing to do. Some things are beyond our control and now you must take some time for yourself and try to pamper yourself
a bit, you certainly deserve it.
Mike and I love this site, his Mom likes to talk more than he does, but I think he may
come out of his shell now that he knows there are so many people out there just like
him, waiting and praying for PAIN RELIEF.
Take care and God Bless.
Mike's Mom