Over the past 6 months, I have lost 30 lbs. After finding out I had lyme and reading through some info, I see that it isn't all that uncommon to lose weight.
But I'm also noticing that I'm weaker than I used to be and that I don't have much muscle mass anymore. Anyone experience this? If so...any suggestions other than weight lifting?
Posted by 2young2dieMom (Member # 25434) on :
have you been evaluated for ALS?
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
No. Don't really think I need to be.
Posted by Runner17 (Member # 30272) on :
I think weight loss, loss of muscle mass and weakness is fairly common with Lyme. I read a blog about a woman who suffered Lyme for a while. When she was able to start working out again she was only able to lift 2 lb weights. After continuous training, she then went on to run a marathon.
I am much weaker now than I was. I ran a marathon in June, got sick in Augusr and now I can only run 3 miles. But I'm getting stronger.
Posted by elkielover80 (Member # 28368) on :
I have experienced the same thing, only I gained weight instead of losing it. I think I gained because of a high level of toxicity in my body. It's slowly coming off with tx.
Before Lyme, I ran at least 5 days a week and did weight training with it. At this point I can barely walk a mile on my treadmill I've lost a LOT of muscle.
I use resistance bands instead of weights and it allows me to quickly and easily change the resistance depending on my level of weakness for the day. Some days I just hold onto the band with no resistance at all.
I just started tx and can feel myself getting a wee bit stronger. It's encouraging to hear Runner17 mention being able to run again. I can't wait to hit the pavement!!
I think what you're experiencing is normal, I'd just encourage you to do a little each day, walking, stretching, pilates (I'm too weak for this most days) yoga. Anything to keep your body moving and loose.
*Avoid cardio during tx. It's too hard on the body and hurts more than it helps.
Posted by Deshi (Member # 30949) on :
muscles need to be used or they will be losed. This would be true of a normal healthy person, but just try and do light stretching and weights to keep tone. do not overdo it.
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
I actually ordered an imitation total gym. Found it on amazon for $149 and it had really good reviews from other users. My plan is to try and get a couple of workouts in this week. I'm finding my motivation to be severely lacking though!
I've been doing the stretching. It always feels so good! I haven't been consistent with the weights though. I'm hoping I am more motivated with the machine rather than the free wights.
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Also have vanilla and other flavors, check out the website.
Have you asked your doctor if your thyroid needs to be checked? A high thyroid can cause muscle and weight loss but there would be additional symptoms too. When my thyroid was hyper I had heart palpitations, tremors, ravenous hunger, couldn't sleep until 4am and flew through the day, etc....
*If* it turns out to be hyperthyroidism then please know I checked out the drug I131 used to kill the hyper thyroid, the radioactive iodine. Carries the risk of leukemia as "side effect" such a euphemism, it's ridiculous. I refused the drug and did methimazole instead and did very well with it.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes, CI
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
I had my thyroid checked. My TSH is low but all other thyroid tests were normal. That was one of the first tests I had done when I saw my PCP for all my symptoms. I actually had the TSH level checked again about 6 weeks ago. Still low.
This points to subclinical hyperthyroidism and actually, on my recent Ct-scan it showed I had a nodule on my thyroid. My guess is that is part of the problem. Not sure what the plan is and if I'm gonna get a thyroid scan or not. I haven't had my follow up appt with the doc yet.
Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
Hi Philly,
Im almst 27, when i was 18 I was working at a car wash (doing the actual detailing of interior). So I was active all day and then came home and lifted weights/did cardio 5 days a week. Then i began having back pains, fatigue, aches, and it snowballed into what we call Chronic Lyme.
Still, even when I didnt know what was wrong with me, I was 130 lbs at 5'8''. For a female, i still consider that thin. I weighed in the other day at my lowest, 109.
The abx, supplements, and the disease itself takes a toll. Some people gain, some people lose.
I agree, cardio should not be done during treatment. I did Insanity last year for 3 weeks (an intense program). I couldn't bring myself to work out up until recently. It really knocked me down a whole level.
I too am struggling on what to do to keep weight on, my stomach is so tiny and I hardly ever feel like eating.
My doctor suggested sticking to a nutrient dense diet, along with a good rice based protein, undenatured whey if you can have milk. (I'm supposedly allergic to dairy but I have Source Naturals undenatured Pure Whey protein). Lots of good fats.
If you google "nutrient dense foods" you should find a slew of info on good foods.
my t3 was also low, LLND put me on something for that. ( I love how i have no idea what I'm taking every morning ).
I do have more energy. Maybe it's the coffee though Posted by FYRECRACKER (Member # 28568) on :
I forgot to mention, for exercise I am doing ball exercises given to me by a good physical therapist. He actually told me to not stretch! (that won't apply to everyone). My bones are so flexible that my muscles work that much harder to keep them supported, hence the insanely tight muscles/knots.
I like the routine because it doesn't push me too hard or too little. And, it teaches me how to not get bored or impatient. Who knew ball exercises could stabilize your brain too!
Strength and Stability. Gradually get there, whichever way feels best for your body.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Hyperthyroid will cause weight loss all by itself. Throw a little Lyme in with it and you have some rough stuff to deal with.
A good high quality protein source should help with the muscle & weight loss - and metagenics isn't it in my opinion. Grain proteins are not complete. I think you need a milk/whey protein and/or egg protein and/or an amino-acid based protein supplement to add to your normal meals. Start slowly and gradually so you don't feel like you are over-eating. Eat or drink a little of the protein stuff every 2 hours so your body doesn't start burning your own muscle.
Posted by philly78 (Member # 31069) on :
Thanks. I'm gonna head on over to the Vitamin Shoppe today and see about some form of protein powder. I'm not sure what the ingredients are though. I'm not supposed to eat yeast. I hope this isn't a problem.
Posted by Deshi (Member # 30949) on :
bodybuilding.com is a great site for low price protein and other supplements
Posted by Kerry23 (Member # 28383) on :
yeast overgrowth: candidia will make you lose weight, my son lost 25 in 3 months and I lost 10. Make sure.....
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I've lost a LOT of muscle.![[Razz]](tongue.gif)