Gaining weight? Losing Weight? Who doesn't struggle with weight some way or another? Well a big part of Cystic Fibrosis is a struggle with nutrition and weight. I have always struggled to gain weight, I was 45 lbs in 7th grade, and only in the last 5 months has my doctor/care team started feeling satisfied with my weight. whew, only took me 32 years!
Slowly over the last year I have been gaining 1-2 lbs between clinic appointments. At my last appointment (just in
July) my weight was 110 lbs. Which is pretty much the highest it has ever been. In 2012, I hit 109 briefly. (see side-by side picture) However, the goal is now around 115-120 (to have a few pounds extra for when I get sick). Doc K suggested I started taking a med to increase my appetite (non-steriod). I agreed, I usually always agree to what my doctors suggest. Doc said he hoped I reach my goal by my next appointment in September. However, after only 1 week on the med I had gained 6.5 pounds (116.5). He cut my dose down (to half dose). I'm currently not taking it for a week (do to it conflicting with an allergy test I have coming up next week). Even half dose I was still hungry all the time. But full dose was horrible.
Normally, I'm cranky only when I get really hungry. Anyone seen those funny memes? The "I'm hungry vs. after I eat" memes? Yes, that is me. Anyone who knows me will agree. Well, since starting this new med in July I have been super cranky. I'm always hungry, always miserable. I am always starving, feels like I'm starving to death. The weight gain was fast. Adding well 5% of your total body weight in a week. It made me lethargic and lazy that whole week.
So now it's beginning of August and I am trying to work on being more active & gaining muscle. Now that I have reached the goal weight range, I need to focus on getting more endurance walking and muscle mass. I am starting small, walking more during the week. I'm adding little workouts in the mornings a few days a week.
I try to remind myself how far I have come. Managing to get rid of my stomach tube after needing if for 17+ years. I
had my stomach tube put in during 7th grade, when I only weighed 45 lbs. and within 2 years I doubled my weight. The picture to the right is me freshmen year in high school (weighing about 95-100). After college, my stomach tube was having a lot of infections/leaking issues. It hurt and was raw and bleeding a lot. Up til the last 2-3 years was fine though (so I really do advocate people consider getting them if they are needed). But it was rough towards the end. I had to prove to myself and doctors I didn't need it. I started calories counting in 2012 and with 
Andrew's support & help I had it removed in 2014. Removing it had some complications. I had developed a fistula, where my stomach had adhered to my skin. So needless to say, I'm so glad that part it over! I'm proud of what I have accomplished. I hope to be able to keep this weight up & gain muscle/become a stronger.
It's hard to find all the time I need in the day to work out. Wake up, 2-3 hours of med treatments, pills, high fat/calorie breakfast, work, 2 more hours of meds, dinner, etc..I tend to sleep 8-10 hours per night and need every bit. But I will keep at it. I know I need to make it priority, just like my meds. I have stumbled a bit this week, because I'm coughing more and it feels like starting to get sick again. So we will see what happens. But, I want to remain focused on my weight and workout plans. Hopefully, in September my weight will still be up & I am even healthier. I have tried working out in the past, but it never lasts more than a few weeks. Any suggestions, tips, better workouts?
What workout videos/ YouTube channels, or protein drinks do you like? Feel free to pass on advice & words of encouragement :-) -this is my biggest challenge (weight/Muscle gain/exercise). Thanks!!!
We will keep everyone updated on my Allergy tests & dexascan too! Follow our FB page to read more updates!
Slowly over the last year I have been gaining 1-2 lbs between clinic appointments. At my last appointment (just in
July) my weight was 110 lbs. Which is pretty much the highest it has ever been. In 2012, I hit 109 briefly. (see side-by side picture) However, the goal is now around 115-120 (to have a few pounds extra for when I get sick). Doc K suggested I started taking a med to increase my appetite (non-steriod). I agreed, I usually always agree to what my doctors suggest. Doc said he hoped I reach my goal by my next appointment in September. However, after only 1 week on the med I had gained 6.5 pounds (116.5). He cut my dose down (to half dose). I'm currently not taking it for a week (do to it conflicting with an allergy test I have coming up next week). Even half dose I was still hungry all the time. But full dose was horrible.Normally, I'm cranky only when I get really hungry. Anyone seen those funny memes? The "I'm hungry vs. after I eat" memes? Yes, that is me. Anyone who knows me will agree. Well, since starting this new med in July I have been super cranky. I'm always hungry, always miserable. I am always starving, feels like I'm starving to death. The weight gain was fast. Adding well 5% of your total body weight in a week. It made me lethargic and lazy that whole week.
So now it's beginning of August and I am trying to work on being more active & gaining muscle. Now that I have reached the goal weight range, I need to focus on getting more endurance walking and muscle mass. I am starting small, walking more during the week. I'm adding little workouts in the mornings a few days a week.
I try to remind myself how far I have come. Managing to get rid of my stomach tube after needing if for 17+ years. I
had my stomach tube put in during 7th grade, when I only weighed 45 lbs. and within 2 years I doubled my weight. The picture to the right is me freshmen year in high school (weighing about 95-100). After college, my stomach tube was having a lot of infections/leaking issues. It hurt and was raw and bleeding a lot. Up til the last 2-3 years was fine though (so I really do advocate people consider getting them if they are needed). But it was rough towards the end. I had to prove to myself and doctors I didn't need it. I started calories counting in 2012 and with Andrew's support & help I had it removed in 2014. Removing it had some complications. I had developed a fistula, where my stomach had adhered to my skin. So needless to say, I'm so glad that part it over! I'm proud of what I have accomplished. I hope to be able to keep this weight up & gain muscle/become a stronger.It's hard to find all the time I need in the day to work out. Wake up, 2-3 hours of med treatments, pills, high fat/calorie breakfast, work, 2 more hours of meds, dinner, etc..I tend to sleep 8-10 hours per night and need every bit. But I will keep at it. I know I need to make it priority, just like my meds. I have stumbled a bit this week, because I'm coughing more and it feels like starting to get sick again. So we will see what happens. But, I want to remain focused on my weight and workout plans. Hopefully, in September my weight will still be up & I am even healthier. I have tried working out in the past, but it never lasts more than a few weeks. Any suggestions, tips, better workouts?
What workout videos/ YouTube channels, or protein drinks do you like? Feel free to pass on advice & words of encouragement :-) -this is my biggest challenge (weight/Muscle gain/exercise). Thanks!!!
We will keep everyone updated on my Allergy tests & dexascan too! Follow our FB page to read more updates!
By any chance was your appetite stimulant also a antihistamine? Just got out of the hospital a few days ago from my tune up and a collapsed lung. My appetite hasn't been that great the past year and was curious what other cfers use?
ReplyDeleteHi Breeann,
ReplyDeleteYes it was! Which is why I have to go off it for my allergist appointment. It has been working and I'm hoping to put off a tune up for a while. Hope you are feeling better since you got out of the hospital! Talk to your doctor, he may have a suggestion like mine did! :-) Take Care.