For better or for worse, I am not one to back down. That is sometimes labeled as stubborn. As long as it is monitored and kept in check, I don't think it is necessarily a bad trait. But when it comes to medicine and health, having a stubborn or persistence problem is a real pain.
You might be thinking the results of my latest six week blood test was all doom and gloom. Well that is not the complete case. Let's start with the good:
-Glucose Levels continue to be normal range and excellent
-Blood Pressure best yet. Keep meds the same
-Cholesterol panels still good
-Thyroid OK. Keep same meds
-Liver and Kidney functions are good ~ this is really important because of all the medicine and supplements I am taking.
-B12 is perfect. Keep taking same dose of supplement
Now for the semi OK news. At first, this will seem like Kermit the Frog, throw your hands up in the air, and scream news, but then, let me explain:
-Weight has seemed to stabilize and has even slightly decreased.
I know what you are thinking. This is what your regular doc was so perplexed about in the first place, so actually loosing a little weight is super good. Well my specialist doc thinks this is from the drug Topiramate. If you remember from an earlier post, this is a drug that triggers a receptor in the brain and then works with your digestion (smoking can sometimes trigger the same receptor a little bit ~ But smoking is really really bad). To really deal with the Metabolic Syndrome we need to tackle what has not been really been conquered yet. Now for the not so good:
-Insulin Resistance is very strong
-Leptin resistance is still ongoing
-Testosterone is elevated and Estrogen levels are low due to PCOS and insulin resistance
Oh yes! A new diagnosis! Many ladies with Insulin resistance also have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (they are not sure which one causes the other). You may remember I was taken off birth control 12 weeks ago because my doctor believed I had it, but birth control is used to treat the condition (wow! This drug used for something other than non-pregnancy!). The results are positive. Boo.
So what is next? We are upping the Topiramate a little bit because that does seem to be working. We are leaving all other meds the same. I had a lot of trouble with Metformin causing an upset tummy/digestion with the added morning doses. So my doc wanted me to try and take more with my evening meal; three and maybe four pills because I had no troubles with the dinner pills. She said it did not matter taking all at once. Well, I have been taking three pills for a few days and all seems good. I will take four pills on Monday.
I have been experiencing some nasty lady trouble with PCOS, but I can't go back on birth control with treating Metabolic Syndrome. Well I could have a few months ago, but the FDA took all estrogen only birth control off the market for a while (I will go into this outrage in another post ~ Losers). So she is having me try a supplement called Inositol. There are two types. The one to try and help PCOS is the myo form. I am supposed to take 1000mg, but Super Supplements only had a pill form of 750mg. My doc thought they would have a powder. They were sold out of a powder that came in 500mg packets, but they were not sure if it was the myo form.
The last little potential hiccup (more of a pain in the butt for me) has to do common colds. One of my cabin mates on the cruise got a common cold during our trip. In turn, all the other cabin mates got a cold when we got back. Well, I am not allowed to take any over the counter cold or pain medicine through treatment. It is very bad for your blood pressure and even your liver. If things get uber bad, I can once during the cold take Afrin and maybe one other time at night take a 'drowsy' formula that does not have sudafed. But that is only as a last resort. As a teacher and former science museum employee, this is a sad state of affairs. Cold medicine has my been my trusty companions through the years. But I survived this cold and can survive others. So far, this has been the only cold in 8 months I have gotten since I have started treatment. I will keep my fingers crossed.
There is possible light at the end of the tunnel. We are making slow progress, but the concern is money, time, and what happens if there is a set back. I.E. something happens to me and I get put on Prednisone and gain weight. But there are some human studies being wrapped up that if all safeness is shown, could be a green light for me in six weeks. We talked a very long time about this and I am sure we will talk more if it is a go.
Capt Mel
Showing posts with label Weight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weight. Show all posts
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, June 16, 2012
And I Thought I had it Bad
One of the most demoralizing things that happened in the last year was after I completed my first half marathon and was starting training for my second half marathon. It was actually the tipping point for my general medicine doc to send me to specialists (so I guess it had a silver lining). It was the fact that I had gained 30 pounds.
A little back story. I do not weigh myself anymore. Only once since I stopped figure skating have I attempted to do so and it was as bad as when I was figure skating. I become obsessed. How low can I get the number to go? When I figure skated, we had weekly weigh ins. They were horrible events where you stepped on a scale in front of a whole group of people in a little leotard. I have numerous little tales about abuses that went on during these weigh ins that I think I will keep to myself.
But back to my 30 pounds gained story. I was completely shocked when she gave me this news. I knew I had not lost as much weight as I thought I would with all the training and cutting of food, but never had I thought I had gained weight. I was eating so little at that moment, I did not think I could cut anymore food without getting a completely light-headed feeling that makes you almost feel like you could pass out. That gives you an idea of how much I could cut food out of my life.
Fast forward to meeting with my Metabolic Doctor and relaying these events to her. Once I got through the whole story with a few more details, she started chuckling. Not the reaction I would expect from someone who is an expert in this type of field. And she had been so sensitive before. And then she said, "You think you have it bad? I have another patient who was sent to me because she was training for an Iron Man competition and gained 80 pounds."
Well that pulled all the wind out of my self pity sails. I can only imagine how frustrating that would feel. It is easy to be down in the dumps when you see no one around you having the same troubles you have. Leave it to the doc to give you some perspective!
Capt Mel
A little back story. I do not weigh myself anymore. Only once since I stopped figure skating have I attempted to do so and it was as bad as when I was figure skating. I become obsessed. How low can I get the number to go? When I figure skated, we had weekly weigh ins. They were horrible events where you stepped on a scale in front of a whole group of people in a little leotard. I have numerous little tales about abuses that went on during these weigh ins that I think I will keep to myself.
But back to my 30 pounds gained story. I was completely shocked when she gave me this news. I knew I had not lost as much weight as I thought I would with all the training and cutting of food, but never had I thought I had gained weight. I was eating so little at that moment, I did not think I could cut anymore food without getting a completely light-headed feeling that makes you almost feel like you could pass out. That gives you an idea of how much I could cut food out of my life.
Fast forward to meeting with my Metabolic Doctor and relaying these events to her. Once I got through the whole story with a few more details, she started chuckling. Not the reaction I would expect from someone who is an expert in this type of field. And she had been so sensitive before. And then she said, "You think you have it bad? I have another patient who was sent to me because she was training for an Iron Man competition and gained 80 pounds."
Well that pulled all the wind out of my self pity sails. I can only imagine how frustrating that would feel. It is easy to be down in the dumps when you see no one around you having the same troubles you have. Leave it to the doc to give you some perspective!
Capt Mel
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Anticipation
Next Tuesday, I have my 6 week check in with my doctor. I had my blood draw this last Monday and in total, I will have had 12 weeks of treatment. I must say, many of the things that I was told would happen have come to fruition. I first I had a burst of energy, but now, while I am not exhausted, but definitely tired at the end of the day.
I am still having trouble in the morning with my medicine. I wonder if this will stay the same or get better. I am within .2ml of where I am supposed to be with my injection medicine, but I rarely find relief with the nausea in the morning. I am also supposed to add metformin back into my morning dosage once I am at 1.2ml of victoza.
But, this statement is not one of wanting to call uncle. There are too many positive signs with my treatment. If you ever read the literature you get with your prescriptions, many times it has a statement that is similar to this: Remember your doctor believes this treatment will have more positives outcomes than the negative side effects.
But it is not easy. I am looking at 208 weeks of treatment. I will only have 12 under my belt. And some of my anticipation has to do with my visual appearance. I can't help but be a tad self consciousness. While I don't think I have gained any weight (unlike the first 6 weeks), I don't feel like I have had any significant weight loss. It feels weird to tell people I have to eat a meal. It could be just my own guilt, but I think people are more comfortable (or less judgmental) when they are around fat people who do not eat. I will persevere.
So cross your fingers, hope for the best, and maybe there will be some positive results!
Capt Mel
I am still having trouble in the morning with my medicine. I wonder if this will stay the same or get better. I am within .2ml of where I am supposed to be with my injection medicine, but I rarely find relief with the nausea in the morning. I am also supposed to add metformin back into my morning dosage once I am at 1.2ml of victoza.
But, this statement is not one of wanting to call uncle. There are too many positive signs with my treatment. If you ever read the literature you get with your prescriptions, many times it has a statement that is similar to this: Remember your doctor believes this treatment will have more positives outcomes than the negative side effects.
But it is not easy. I am looking at 208 weeks of treatment. I will only have 12 under my belt. And some of my anticipation has to do with my visual appearance. I can't help but be a tad self consciousness. While I don't think I have gained any weight (unlike the first 6 weeks), I don't feel like I have had any significant weight loss. It feels weird to tell people I have to eat a meal. It could be just my own guilt, but I think people are more comfortable (or less judgmental) when they are around fat people who do not eat. I will persevere.
So cross your fingers, hope for the best, and maybe there will be some positive results!
Capt Mel
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Oh The Things You Say To Your Kids
I am always amused at parents who tell me to watch what I say around their little kids. I am fully aware that a swear word will become the delight of that three year old. People forget that I have a lot of verbal self control due to the nature of my employment.
But do parents really think about what they are saying to their kids? Case in point:
When I was about 5 years old, I had my first dance recital. It was in the Old Gym of the high school in my rural town. It had these old wooden bleachers that circled the gym floor. Yes. Circled in a U shape. It was a very nice gym that was unfortunately remodeled and half the bleachers were taken out to become classrooms. And just this year, it was torn down. But I digress again.
I think I had two or three numbers. We had one costume change. I did tap, ballet, and maybe one other little thing. We did not get our costumes until that day. Some of them were one size fits all. I think I wanted the red sparkly top, and so did another little girl. Somehow, I ended up with the blue sparkly top and was quite disappointed. I had just turned five. It makes sense.
Instead of kind, but firm words from my mother, she belted out, "You don't want the red one anyways because it makes you look fat. Blue is more slimming."
Here is a pic of about when I was 5 with my dad. I do wish I had pants like that now. And hmmm... I just realized I am wearing a blue top!
Now sit back and imagine telling this little girl she is fat? I can't. I think it is awful.
And that folks, was the first time I can remember my mother mentioning how fat I looked. And very soon after that recital, I started figure skating. Another sport that is not forgiving when it comes to weight. And it was at that moment, that you could have probably said goodbye to any normal functioning metabolism. Because when you have a kid doing hardcore exercise training, it is disastrous to the body. But more on that later.
Words do hurt. And it is better to say something nice or not say anything at all. Especially when dealing with young children.
Capt Mel
But do parents really think about what they are saying to their kids? Case in point:
When I was about 5 years old, I had my first dance recital. It was in the Old Gym of the high school in my rural town. It had these old wooden bleachers that circled the gym floor. Yes. Circled in a U shape. It was a very nice gym that was unfortunately remodeled and half the bleachers were taken out to become classrooms. And just this year, it was torn down. But I digress again.
I think I had two or three numbers. We had one costume change. I did tap, ballet, and maybe one other little thing. We did not get our costumes until that day. Some of them were one size fits all. I think I wanted the red sparkly top, and so did another little girl. Somehow, I ended up with the blue sparkly top and was quite disappointed. I had just turned five. It makes sense.
Instead of kind, but firm words from my mother, she belted out, "You don't want the red one anyways because it makes you look fat. Blue is more slimming."
Here is a pic of about when I was 5 with my dad. I do wish I had pants like that now. And hmmm... I just realized I am wearing a blue top!
Now sit back and imagine telling this little girl she is fat? I can't. I think it is awful.
And that folks, was the first time I can remember my mother mentioning how fat I looked. And very soon after that recital, I started figure skating. Another sport that is not forgiving when it comes to weight. And it was at that moment, that you could have probably said goodbye to any normal functioning metabolism. Because when you have a kid doing hardcore exercise training, it is disastrous to the body. But more on that later.
Words do hurt. And it is better to say something nice or not say anything at all. Especially when dealing with young children.
Capt Mel
Friday, May 11, 2012
When You Don't Realize What You Have Lost
To date, I have had my first round of 6 weeks of medicine treatment, and I am five days into my second round of medicine treatment. At the end of the first six weeks, my doctor was not please with the progress. It was nothing I had done, it was just the med combo had not worked as well as well as she had wanted. My doctor described it as trying to stop a freight train, but not just stopping it, reversing it too. That takes a lot.
During the first 6 weeks, I did notice some changes in my energy level. But I don't think it was anything that significant. In just five days, I have noticed a lot more. My metabolic syndrome had progressed to such a state, that even 8 hours of sleep was not enough. Sometimes no amount of sleep was enough. I was groggy, foggy headed, and exhausted most of the time. At first, I attributed it to the stress of being a public school teacher. Lots of layoffs for my friends, huge class sizes, lower pay, and the threat of even more cuts/reforms from people who have no expertise in my field. It was and still is crazy.
I have had my longest days so far this week and while I am tired at night, I have been able to keep the going power. I have been getting up at 4:30am and getting home no earlier than 7:30pm. I am pretty tired right now, but it is a body tired and not necessarily a mind tired. I almost had forgotten what it was like to be active and on the go all the time. That used to be my life up until about a year ago, but then I started to slow down. I needed more sleep.
I feel good again. Five days. I can't wait to see how I feel 5 weeks from now.
The other thing I have noticed is enjoyment with eating. Now that may sound pretty funny from a very large, fat girl, but I don't think I have ever had this feeling before when was having meals. This even includes my childhood!
My doctor had told me that I would more than likely feel a change. Because of my wonky hormones in my stomach, when I used to eat food, the wrong signals were going to my brain and my mind would not be able to recognize that food was going into my body. So when people feel that 'I am stuffed feeling,' I would feel it much later (like an hour later). I always felt uncomfortable after a regular sized meal. If it wasn't the too much food feeling, it was an unsettling feeling. My stomach would churn and gurgle.
Now, I have no stomach problems after I eat. When I eat, I have this completely different feeling. My doctor said the best way to describe is that I am feeling satisfied as I am eating. And those are the best words I have right now. I am supposed to be very careful how I drink liquids/water and to sip, not gulp because my one medicine might make me feel nausea if I gulp. But I have gulped a little today because I have been so thirsty. But no negative side effects.
The only other bad news about this second round of treatment is that even with the new shot I am giving myself, I am experiencing nausea about an hour after the shot. It was pretty bad Wednesday and Thursday, but I emailed the nurse, and he had the placement of the shot change from my stomach to my upper thigh area. A little nausea today, but not too horrible. It is sure a weird type of nausea and not very pleasant.
So stay tuned! I have more historical stories about how I could get into such a condition and more info about obesity and the insulin/metabolic issue to come.
Capt Mel
During the first 6 weeks, I did notice some changes in my energy level. But I don't think it was anything that significant. In just five days, I have noticed a lot more. My metabolic syndrome had progressed to such a state, that even 8 hours of sleep was not enough. Sometimes no amount of sleep was enough. I was groggy, foggy headed, and exhausted most of the time. At first, I attributed it to the stress of being a public school teacher. Lots of layoffs for my friends, huge class sizes, lower pay, and the threat of even more cuts/reforms from people who have no expertise in my field. It was and still is crazy.
I have had my longest days so far this week and while I am tired at night, I have been able to keep the going power. I have been getting up at 4:30am and getting home no earlier than 7:30pm. I am pretty tired right now, but it is a body tired and not necessarily a mind tired. I almost had forgotten what it was like to be active and on the go all the time. That used to be my life up until about a year ago, but then I started to slow down. I needed more sleep.
I feel good again. Five days. I can't wait to see how I feel 5 weeks from now.
The other thing I have noticed is enjoyment with eating. Now that may sound pretty funny from a very large, fat girl, but I don't think I have ever had this feeling before when was having meals. This even includes my childhood!
My doctor had told me that I would more than likely feel a change. Because of my wonky hormones in my stomach, when I used to eat food, the wrong signals were going to my brain and my mind would not be able to recognize that food was going into my body. So when people feel that 'I am stuffed feeling,' I would feel it much later (like an hour later). I always felt uncomfortable after a regular sized meal. If it wasn't the too much food feeling, it was an unsettling feeling. My stomach would churn and gurgle.
Now, I have no stomach problems after I eat. When I eat, I have this completely different feeling. My doctor said the best way to describe is that I am feeling satisfied as I am eating. And those are the best words I have right now. I am supposed to be very careful how I drink liquids/water and to sip, not gulp because my one medicine might make me feel nausea if I gulp. But I have gulped a little today because I have been so thirsty. But no negative side effects.
The only other bad news about this second round of treatment is that even with the new shot I am giving myself, I am experiencing nausea about an hour after the shot. It was pretty bad Wednesday and Thursday, but I emailed the nurse, and he had the placement of the shot change from my stomach to my upper thigh area. A little nausea today, but not too horrible. It is sure a weird type of nausea and not very pleasant.
So stay tuned! I have more historical stories about how I could get into such a condition and more info about obesity and the insulin/metabolic issue to come.
Capt Mel
Monday, May 7, 2012
A Different Kind of Journey
Recently, I have had many acquaintances and co-workers give me a sheepish look and very quietly and politely ask if I have a life threatening illness and if I am going to die. I know some of them are just nosy, but many others are truly concerned.
And then I wonder if a person can be labeled as nosy if you are not trying to keep a secret. I digress.
In the past 5 months, I have been given such a different outlook on my life. An outlook that is amazing, scary, hopeful, and depressing all at the same time. And about what!? Weight. Hence the title of the blog: Weighing In. If you or anyone you know has ever made the following statements, this is the blog for you:
I have thought or said out loud many of these statements and more. This is my story on the struggle of weight loss, and this should be the path people take before they start fad diets, extreme exercise, or gastric bypass surgery. It is a long and complicated story, but I will start with the most recent history.
In June of 2011, I trained and completed my first official 1/2 marathon. My goal was under 4 hours and I made that goal. In the fall, a few of my friends wanted to do their first 1/2 marathons and I agreed to join them. We started training together. It was during this time, I had my annual physical and my doctor gave me that 'I have something very serious to say' look.
You see, I had gained another 30 pounds over the last year. And after all this exercise and training I was doing. She really wanted me to start seeing a nutritionist. In the next two months, I completed my second 1/2 marathon (again just under 4 hours) and started to see a nutritionist.
My nutritionist was horrified at my eating. And not how much I was eating, but how little. She put me on a plan. I told her right there I would gain more weight. No matter how much she talked about carbs being a log that keeps the fire going and protein being the kindling, I knew that with that much food (eating every 3-4 hours) would equal weight gain and not weight loss. We tried this for two months and those were exactly the results. More weight gain. I thought all hope was lost, but she was only encouraged. She then sent me to my current doctor who specializes in metabolic disorders (among other things).
At my first meeting, I laid everything out on the table. And surprisingly, the doctor had even more questions about my life. She was 99.9% sure I had a whole score of things wrong, but I was not to worry because with treatment, it was guaranteed I could get back to a normal weight and have a healthier life. I was scheduled for my first blood test. Here were the results:
For too long, all people have heard from the general population and media is that obesity is a three pronged approach: Eat Less, Eat Healthy, and Exercise More. But what happens when that doesn't work? In fact, 95% of all people who decide to try and lose weight by eating less and exercising more will fail to keep it off long term. Doesn't that tell you something is not working? It does. And many doctors know about it. It has been known for over 20 years. I have a hypothesis on why we don't know about it. First, it would ruin the weight loss industry. Second, it costs money to fix this problem.
Here is some outside reading until I write next time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/health/research/pairing-of-food-deserts-and-obesity-challenged-in-studies.html?_r=1&src=tp
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2012/04/biggest-loser-destroys-participants.html
So, I welcome you all in joining me on my journey and discover where I have been and where I am going!
Capt Mel
And then I wonder if a person can be labeled as nosy if you are not trying to keep a secret. I digress.
In the past 5 months, I have been given such a different outlook on my life. An outlook that is amazing, scary, hopeful, and depressing all at the same time. And about what!? Weight. Hence the title of the blog: Weighing In. If you or anyone you know has ever made the following statements, this is the blog for you:
- When I look at a hamburger, I gain five pounds.
- If I could work out 4 hours a day, I would not have any weight problems.
- I believe that people think I go home and eat buckets of ice cream every night.
- I wish I could eat like other people. If I do, I gain lots of weight.
- Eating less and exercising more is not giving me any results.
- I wish I had a new body. What I want to do in my mind, is hindered by my size.
- I exercise more than anyone I know, but I am still the largest.
I have thought or said out loud many of these statements and more. This is my story on the struggle of weight loss, and this should be the path people take before they start fad diets, extreme exercise, or gastric bypass surgery. It is a long and complicated story, but I will start with the most recent history.
In June of 2011, I trained and completed my first official 1/2 marathon. My goal was under 4 hours and I made that goal. In the fall, a few of my friends wanted to do their first 1/2 marathons and I agreed to join them. We started training together. It was during this time, I had my annual physical and my doctor gave me that 'I have something very serious to say' look.
You see, I had gained another 30 pounds over the last year. And after all this exercise and training I was doing. She really wanted me to start seeing a nutritionist. In the next two months, I completed my second 1/2 marathon (again just under 4 hours) and started to see a nutritionist.
My nutritionist was horrified at my eating. And not how much I was eating, but how little. She put me on a plan. I told her right there I would gain more weight. No matter how much she talked about carbs being a log that keeps the fire going and protein being the kindling, I knew that with that much food (eating every 3-4 hours) would equal weight gain and not weight loss. We tried this for two months and those were exactly the results. More weight gain. I thought all hope was lost, but she was only encouraged. She then sent me to my current doctor who specializes in metabolic disorders (among other things).
At my first meeting, I laid everything out on the table. And surprisingly, the doctor had even more questions about my life. She was 99.9% sure I had a whole score of things wrong, but I was not to worry because with treatment, it was guaranteed I could get back to a normal weight and have a healthier life. I was scheduled for my first blood test. Here were the results:
- Cortisol High
- Leptin lower than predicted
- Insulin resistance (genetic, but reversible)
- Average Glucose over 3 months elevated (pre-diabetic levels)
- 2 of 3 components of Metabolic Syndrome
- Seems to be no Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) but birth control could be masking it.
- Thyroid is low
- Vitamin D is low
- Vitamin B12 low
- Vitamin K and Zinc ok for now
For too long, all people have heard from the general population and media is that obesity is a three pronged approach: Eat Less, Eat Healthy, and Exercise More. But what happens when that doesn't work? In fact, 95% of all people who decide to try and lose weight by eating less and exercising more will fail to keep it off long term. Doesn't that tell you something is not working? It does. And many doctors know about it. It has been known for over 20 years. I have a hypothesis on why we don't know about it. First, it would ruin the weight loss industry. Second, it costs money to fix this problem.
Here is some outside reading until I write next time.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/health/research/pairing-of-food-deserts-and-obesity-challenged-in-studies.html?_r=1&src=tp
http://www.weightymatters.ca/2012/04/biggest-loser-destroys-participants.html
So, I welcome you all in joining me on my journey and discover where I have been and where I am going!
Capt Mel
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