Gaining weight 8 yrs post op

Sober 538 days and so proud of me, but very concerned about the 10 lbs I have gained since starting Cymbalta last November. Saw my PCP and the review of blood work is OK. He lowered my synthroid dose and took me off cholesterol medication due to horrible and crushing foot, ankle, and leg cramps. I have gained 10 lbs since November and he feels the Cymbalta is the cause. I am happy and feeling well on this medication so am reluctant to lower the dose. So what do I do????? I can feel these pounds like so much I am shocked. My waist is thicker, my legs feel thicker, I feel fat again and hate it.
I am walking more and watching all that goes into my mouth, food and drink. Increased my water intate and doing leg exercises over and over.....still having cramps but not as bad.
Have to see a hand ortho specialist since I have lost muscle mass around my right thumb. Thumb and first 2 fingers still very numb. Left hand sensations back from chiropractor working on my neck. Doctor thinks it is just severe carpal tunnel and Not ALS. Not looking forward to the neuro testing but it has to be done. All the thoughts going thru my mind are scary, but trying hard not to OCD about possible ALS, I had severe drop foot 6 years ago and this is a begining sign along with the neruophay I have in hands and legs. I worked so hard to bring the right paralyzed foot to use again. Needed to share, I have been away, reading daily but reluctant to post. Mostly I am a happy person each day, grateful for my life and the way life is going for me......so glad I am sober and thank God each day for the support he gives me to stay sober.
Monica

Monica,

I have a cousin who died of ALS, and when she was diagnosed, we all researched the hell out of the disease.  ALS is very different from all the other neurological diseases because there are no remissions.  Once the symptoms begin to appear, they only get worse.  YOu could not work through these tremors or weakness.   There are other forms of sclerosis that you could have and various dystorphies.  Also, your spinal nerves could have some inflammatory process going on that creates these sypmtoms.  I know that until a nerologists diagnosis your problem, you will worry…but ALS is not one that I think you need to worry so much about.  

The weight gain…the only thing that I can tell you is to write down what you eat, what you drink, and when you move.   After a week of keeping a journal of those three things, look at areas you can improve.  YOu know as well as I that the only way to gain weight is to take in more calories than you burn; likewise, the only way to lose weight is to take in less calories than your body needs to function.  Can you purge your refrigerator and cabinets of unhealthy foods?  I quit buying bread for my DH because he needed to get control of his weight.  I now buy flat breads and those little rounds that are so low in calories and high in fiber.  A really good snack that is high in protein and low in carbs is chick peas that have been cooked, drained, and either baked or fried with Pam or olive oil.  

I hope you are able to get a hold of the gain because the weight gain not only hurts us physically but does a tremendous damage to our emotional health, as you know.  

Good luck and congratulations on your length of sobriety. 

   My Dear Monica, 

    Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I wish I could help some how. Just know that I'm here for you and care about you very much. I'm glad you are so strong in your sobriety. It strengthens my resolve when I see your number of days. It must be very difficult to go through these problems with the neurological symptoms. Big hugs going your way. I can't teach you any new tricks when it comes to controlling the pounds that are easily gained when on certain anti-depressants. I know you are doing everything possible to get them off before it gets way out of hand. You are in my thoughts and prayers.    Mag    

Good mornin' ya'll.
Monica, you have no idea how happy I am to see you here again!
I can relate to the weight re-gain! I am now trying the Reader's Digest Diet. It is working so very well. Plus it actually has real food, and great recipes! I am tired of those diets where you have to eat exotic crap, starve yourself, or have nothing but liquids for days. My DH even likes the food! I spent one day making soups, dividing them up into the correct portions and stuck them in the freezer. The rest is easy!
I have no experience with ALS. Except what I have read and see on TV. But I do know it is a terrible, terrible disease. And I know that us OCD folks will obcess over the possibilities til we are in a frenzy. See your doctors! They will set your mind at ease. Thinking it is ALS has one advantage....when you find out what you have it has to be so much better than ALS you will be thrilled!
Still working on those elephant slippers my daughter wants. Having a very hard time getting the trunk right. It keeps looking like a tiny pe*is! We can't have a baby wearing THAT on his feet!
Everyone have a fantabulous day!

Monica,

Congrats on your continued sobreity and I have seen you make wonderful strides.  I do know that some medications that help us soften the edges can cause weight gain, but as Jeanne said, just keep a log for a week or two and see if there aren't any calories that you can elimate and if that is not the case, well then the medication would probably be the problem and only you can determine whether or not you can deal with 10 additional pounds in order to feel more balanced and then again that is if you gained 10 and it is stable.  Another thing is that you are 8 years older and therefore you caloric needs have changed, so I read. . .  as for the other more serious health things you are dealing with, hopefully medical results will prove that it is nothing that cannot be treated and dealt with, just try to live in the day you're in and not worry about things too far in advance.

Best wishes, Laureen

Thank you all for your support and suggestions. I got my old food log out and began today to write down my intake. My PCP does feel the Cymbalta is the cause of the weight gain. However I don't want a lower dose since it is working on my mental and most of my general muscle pain. I am keeping a very postitive thinking mind. Will see the specialist on Monday. Again thanks all.

Monica Dear...YOU are ART! You are a success and to hell with the ten pounds, it will come off. Don't stress about it the weight because it is what it is. Yep, it's the meds but you are feeling great. The point is....YOU are happy, SOBER and and a delight!!!!!

So just practice Mindful eating, try to leave at least 3 bites on your plate. Write down what your eating and what time and HOW your feeling at the time. Hungry? Bored or do you need to be "soothed by food"?

What happens is your tuning into your inner lizzard, the brain is working and deciding that your full or maybe you just don't want that piece of chocolate after all. Hugs Debbie

PS Monica you are my mentor! Chin up girlfriend, you are loved.

Monica.....first of all I think your sobriety is amazing. You have come so far and I am so proud of you!

As for the weight 10 pounds is frustrating. Try to be very cautious of what you eat. So many others have given you such great advice. I will just say you are and always will be a great inspiration to me!!

Love ya....hugs....connie d