Topic: Questions about cellulite. It is just bizarre.
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Hi all.
I started a post a couple months ago because I had started getting "odd" cellulite.
I got a few responses from people saying, "oh....it's normal. Even though you're young and thin, everyone gets cellulite." I do realize a lot of people get cellulite, and it is fairly normal.
But mine does not seem normal. Not in my opinion. It has gotten really bad really quickly.
It is embarrassing to talk about, but I don't care. I am sick and I need to know if this is from Lyme, or some other disease that Lyme complicates. So even though it is embarrassing, I will talk about it because I need answers. If you don't have advice, just pretend you never heard this, because I'm really self conscious about it.
Basically, it is everywhere you would expect cellulite to be: butt, under butt, sides of thighs. Okay, fine....I can deal with that. But then it started creeping down my legs.
When I stand up, the area that moderately short shorts would show looks alright.
But when I actually squeeze the skin anywhere on my legs, it looks really really dimply....even where there arent' dimples, the skin just has no elasticity and looks ripply. I can basically even squeeze my CALVES and make them dimply. Is that normal?
Of course I'm not in great shape because I'm too sick to exercise....but it's not like I have a lot of jiggly fat. I am realtively slender; it is more like, the skin is just not tight.
My arms look decent; I'm not afraid to show them.....BUT, if I squeeze the loose parts, there are little dimples. Any pressure makes the cellulite show.
I know this sounds like "wah wah wah"......but it seems odd to me that this developed so fast.
I am worried about some sort of genetic issue made worse by Lyme---maybe something having to do with collagen.
A specialist that diagnosed me with dysautonomia told me that my blood pressure is low because I have a gene sometimes found in those with Brittish ancestory that causes problems with too much collagen. Since blood vessels are made out of collagen, too much is bad, because your blood vessels become too "stretchy" and cannot properly constrict. Thus, low blood pressure.
I won't go into all of it, but this diagnosis is pretty legit. He didn't do genetic testing, but he basically stopped the physical exam because with my flexibility he didn't need any more criteria.
He thinks the infections I have triggered all these issues.
ANYWAYS.....I just don't know what to make of all this. I should probably go back and ask HIM if this cellulite is related, but I thought I would see if anyone here has experienced this just due to Lyme and co's or being sick this long.
I know I'm not doing a good job describing my cellulite......but I showed my mom, and she was like, "Yeah, that is odd" in a serious manner, and she usually blows off everything.
Words of wisdom?
Thanks for listening!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have the same thing. I do work out and am in good shape, so it's always stumped me. I think it must have to do with Lyme liking collagen, but that's only speculation on my part.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Thanks Six.
Yeah, see, if I saw ANYONE out in public with how MY legs look when I put pressure on them......no matter what the person's size or age or weight, I would say to myself, "That just doesn't look right."
Such as, when I sit on the floor or in a chair, and tuck my legs under my body so i'm actually sitting on my feet.....small flexible people sit like that sometimes, it looks like how some Tibetan monk would sit......that is when it looks bad on my calves even.
If I saw that on someone else, I would be like, "wow, that person has some kind of strange skin/health issue"
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yep. I even have it on the front of my thighs ... I have no idea what it is from. Toxins? Breakdown of collagen? It's not a weight issue or an out of shape issue for me.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
disturbedme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 12346
posted
I have it too, but I was one of the people on your last post about this that said it was normal.
I think I'll always have issues with it, as most women do, but when I was working out big time (before I was sick) I noticed it got much better. My thighs and legs are definitely the area that have problems, as is the normal spot for most.
-------------------- One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar. ~ Helen Keller
My Lyme Story Posts: 2965 | From Land of Confusion (bitten in KS, moved to PA, now living in MD) | Registered: Jun 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
OMG I have it so bad, and I only had it very scarcley before I became ill... I was also in good shape. SInce becoming sick and gaining 70 horrible pounds... I am cellulite city... It is embarrasing and I also have strecth marks EVERYWHERE even under my arms from my arm pit to almost elbow
I HATE it... I feel like a a big fat dimply stretch marky yucky person and I am ONLY 25.
The stretch marks for me are horrible... I used to have such nice toned arms, I HATE showing them now.. I really dont know WHO gets strecth marks under their arms????
But YES just call me Miss Cellulite, and I am NOT proud of it.
It really just popped up on me ALL over too... and when I squeeze my skin... its terrible
-------------------- "You'll be surprised to know how far you can go from the point you thought it was the end" Posts: 946 | From Massachusetts | Registered: Apr 2008
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Yes, I had it on the front of my thighs too, Six. I have noticed that the short period of time when I was working out, it actually got worse. It was probably just coincidence though.
D-- Yes, I remember that you replied before. I don't hold it against you that you said it was normal! It's just that I'm still concerned about it
On a lighter note: I love how this post is right underneath "Vanilla Ice Cream: It's back on the menu" hahaha. Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I believe it is part and parcel of the disease process that we have going on. Sure, some of it could be the natural process of aging coupled with hormones and genetics but mine showed up very suddenly and all over, even in places that one would not expect so I tend to think it is related to my infections.
I was in really great shape when this first happened to me. It even showed up on the top of my shoulders. This was during the time when I was becoming really ill.
I noticed that when I started levaquin it got much worse on my legs. Don't know if it is lyme or bart or something else but I personally think it is the effect that the bacteria have on our collagen.
Buhner mentions that borrelia eats collagen. Cellulite appears when connective tissues (collagen and elastin) beneath the skin become weak.
Connective tissue is made up of fibers and acts as an anchor between the muscles and the skin. It also forms the chambers that hold the fat that lies beneath the skin.
As a result of weak connective tissue, fat becomes displaced and the fibrous bands that are supposed to tether the skin down start to trap this displaced fat creating the appearance of cellulite.
Some think that toxins are part of the problem. Moving the lymph might help.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Thanks for the good info, TerryK.
Maybe Bartonella could have something to do with it, because mine has been flaring lately. That is pure speculation though! I really need to get better soon....
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Absolutely have this on the top of my thighs and back of lower part of leg. Two top dermatologists at UCSF say it is crepeing. They both say it is part of the aging process(53).
Mine showed up two years ago right before I was diagnosed. I am certain it is acrodermatitis Chronica from Lyme.
The top of my thighs look like wrinkled cigerette paper, as do the back of my legs.
Barb
Posts: 281 | From san francisco | Registered: Jun 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
i have this also. Im 24 and 105 lbs and have been for the last 5 years...i always wondered about that too..ive had it bad on my butt and thighs..and calves.
also a lot of big blue veins where the cellulite is. and weird dark marks like viens almost but smaller all over my legs..
i was wondering if it was from the lyme because it appeared kindve quickly and seems excessive for someone my age and weight.
ive been doing yoga so hope that helps!
anything make it better??
-------------------- If Your Going Through Hell, Keep Going... Posts: 99 | From Shepherdstown, WV | Registered: Sep 2006
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Hope4Better,
You said,
"also a lot of big blue veins where the cellulite is. and weird dark marks like viens almost but smaller all over my legs.."
Oh my gosh! I have the exact same thing. I have the weird dark marks like veins.....I have posted about it a couple times. I also have some spider veins, but I'm not too concerned about those because I suppose a few are normal. They did come out at the same time as the cellulite and the little marks too though, so I guess it is still creepy.
My "real" spider veins are still there, but my little tiny dark lines seem to be going away recently since I reduced my beta blocker. Not sure if those two events are related or not.
I am 25 and also weigh between 110-115.
Hope we get better!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I just had this appear all over too. It happened over the past month or so. I have it all over butt, thighs, upper arms, and stomach.
I'm skinny too. In fact everyone tells me I need to gain weight. I think it has something to do with the infections. I just started dry brushing (to move lymph) and it is really helping.
posted
Dry brushing is using a natural bristle brush (I use a boar bristle brush) and brushing your skin to move your lymph.
Make sure you use the brush dry, not wet and start at your feet and work your way up the legs. Then you can go to your hands and up the arms. Then your stomach, chest, and back.
Move the brush in circular motions always in the direction towards your heart.
For the past month I've been dry brushing at least once a day before I get in the shower or bath.
You can read more about dry brushing by doing a search here on lymenet or on the internet.
posted
Oh, just so there's no confusion. I got the weird cellulite BEFORE I started dry brushing. I started the dry brushing to try and help it and to help the lymph system.
Within about a week of starting dry brushing I noticed a difference in the cellulite. It is still not completely gone though, just better.
One reason why people consider home remedies for cellulite is that spa and salon treatments tend to be expensive.
Many women with a mild or moderate cellulite problem look up possible home remedies also because they can fit them into their schedule more easily.
Moreover, these cures can be implemented in the comfort of their homes.
Weak connective tissue - the supportive tissue structure beneath the skin surface - is the reason why cellulite occurs. When this tissue is not strong enough, fat cells underneath it protrude into the skin's basal layer.
This causes the characteristic dimples and unevenness of cellulite. Other problems like fluid retention can also be caused when fat cells are not contained well.
All home remedies for cellulite must restore the connective tissue's strength for the cure to be effective. Such remedies must improve lymphatic flow and blood circulation. Does that sound like asking for too much of a home remedy? That's not necessarily so.
Home remedies for cellulite must focus on improving circulation. The easiest way to do this is to take up aerobic activity and exercises for at least half an hour every day. It is not necessary to go to the gym for this purpose.
Maybe a brisk half an hour walk every morning can be fitted into your schedule. This has innumerable other health benefits in any case.
Alternatively, you could do vigorous housework of some kind including gardening. Maybe you can put away that vacuum cleaner or other such devices and start to apply yourself to housework more than you normally do.
If you take up aerobic activity and do it daily, you should be able to see a distinct improvement in cellulite appearance in about three months or so.
Brush your skin gently before taking a bath. There are various self-massage routines you can easily do at home.
Make sure you massage the cellulite affected areas. Shower time or bath time may be best for this. When massaging your body, use massage stokes towards the direction of the heart at all times.
Detoxification to eliminate harmful substances from your body is always a good idea. It is an important component of home remedies for cellulite. Drink eight (or more) large glasses of filtered water every day.
Consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Include those that have high water content and / or a high fiber and nutrient content.
Avoid eating high-calorie, low-nutrient fast foods, fried foods, etc. It is true that even thin people can get cellulite; however, being overweight puts extra stress on the connective tissues and does your body no good.
It may be necessary to take extra vitamins and minerals to supplement your diet in order to enhance the body's ability to repair itself.
Take the doctor's advice on this before you go for it. For instance, copper and vitamin C are essential for keeping the connective tissue healthy.
These supplements help the production of collagen which is necessary for the connective tissue. Grape seed extract is said to tighten tissues and many anti-oxidant products contain this extract.
Home remedies for cellulite can be effective depending on the severity of your cellulite problem as well as the consistently with which you implement the remedies. Leading a healthy lifestyle will always contribute to containing cellulite appearance.
IP: Logged |
If any one has read Schallers book on Bart. it shows pictures and talks about nodules and cellulite as being Bart. related. I have it too.
Posts: 476 | From Columbus, Ohio | Registered: Aug 2007
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have this, and, like many above it was a very rapid, noticeable change. I actually noticed it happening before I realized I was 'sick' with something. It was very striking, especially the 'creep down' effect.
I was slim and in excellent physical condition when this started to happen to me. I had many bizarre skin manifestations of all sorts.
otm
Posts: 314 | From east coast | Registered: Oct 2007
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Wow, Stacyb. That makes a lot of sense about the Bartonella and cellulite. I have been complaining for 2 months that I feel like I'm a walking Bartonella infection! Those tiny veins I was getting scared me too.
I would soooo not doubt this "could" be Bart related.
A LOT of people get cellulite, so of course not all of them have Bart,but I think for those of us that get flares of Bartonella symptoms followed by this almost overnight appearance of bad cellulite.......we might be on to something.
Trust me, I wouldn't be posting about it if I thought it was normal.
Unfortunately, my LLMD and I still haven't agreed on the best way to treat my Bartonella while I'm on Mepron. The Bart has seemed to go haywire lately though.
I have also had a bad sore throat (which is a Bart symptom), to the point that I will sometimes go a complete day without my voice sounding like myself.
Okay, I'll stop rambling, but thank you so much for the info!
I really need to buy Shaller's book(s). Anyone looking into selling theirs? Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Fact is, we are becoming disfigured by this cursed disease, as badly as if we were injured in a car wreck.
One and only one of my doctor's said each time he sees me he thinks "where is that lovely lady hidden by all that swollen tissue?"
I looked grotesque, like a pig. Gained over 60 lbs. had no neck, round face with huge bags under eyes, my upper arms, abdomen and upper legs are all lumpy and dimpled.
Arms at rest looked like fat wings because of the swelling under my arms like I had sewn 2 pillows under each which made them stick outward.
I told my husband no way were we going to have sex because I felt such self loathing over appearance I couldn't feel appealling if I were drugged and/or hypnotized.
I am improving slowly, now have a neck and my face has some shape to it, swelling is going down and I am looking a little better, all this without loosing 1 pound!
I wouldn't wish this horror on my worst enemy!
Jan
-------------------- 3 Strains Mycoplasma and Chlymedia 2001. After treatment fine for all 2004. Major symptoms since 2005. Diag Aug 2008 Lyme. 400 mg/d doxy 500 2/d Ceftin Posts: 164 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
This thread is so interesting because I, too, am the same way! Since becoming really sick (it's been a gradual process over 15 or so years, but really bad for three), I have gone from pretty good shape to a disgusting wiggly dimpled pile
Unlike some lucky ones of you, I even have dimples on my arms. Gross! And I'm not big either. Thank good ness for clothes! I can hide everything pretty well Posts: 136 | From North Carolina | Registered: Apr 2007
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
That is so great to hear that you are getting back to normal, Jan!
Did your dimples go away too or did they stay?
Not that that matters as much as getting better and at least loosing some of the excess puffiness. Sorry you have been going through that.
While my body isn't too bloated, just ripply and loose-ish skin, my face does look a little....just...."inflamed." And my eyes look smaller, like they are not as open.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks Hoosiers! Yes I am still very "dimpled and lumpy" but can't help but feel that since face and neck and shoulders are looking better the rest will follow eventually.
Also, abdomen was swollen up to under my breasts so not only no waist line but looked pregnant. Now have about 4 inches under breasts that have "deflated", and the lumpiness is really apparant below. If I suck in stomach (which believe me ain't easy) you can see indentions about 2 inches around here and there amongst the portruding area.
Another surprise, cuticles around nails were cracked, split and dry, suddenly all healed and my nails grew out. That called for a manicure and at least my nails look fabulous.
Biggest concern now is legs ache and feel weak, like jello. Makes me not want to walk but I read exercise is a MUST. Thinking of getting a cane for temporary help.
Anyone else have this?
Jan
-------------------- 3 Strains Mycoplasma and Chlymedia 2001. After treatment fine for all 2004. Major symptoms since 2005. Diag Aug 2008 Lyme. 400 mg/d doxy 500 2/d Ceftin Posts: 164 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have this cellulite thing going on too. I have for years and years. I'm 38, thin, always been fit.
Carly
Posts: 797 | From New York | Registered: Feb 2008
| IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
Glad it's been getting better, Jan.
What has helped? Antibiotics? Have you done any treatment for Bartonella?
Walking would probably be good....I try to do it when I can. Also, sometimes when I'm showering or bathing I massage my legs, etc with a washcloth (sort of a rough one) to try to get the blood moving. Don't know if it actually helps.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't know whether to feel better or worse that I'm not alone in this... ick. Mine gets much worse when I'm flaring up, and of course there's also the weight gain that comes with flaring. Does a real number on one, doesn't it?
-------------------- "Looks like freedom but it feels like death.. It's something in between, I guess"
Leonard Cohen, from the song "Closing Time" Posts: 822 | From California | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
lymeparfait
Unregistered
posted
This is happening to me overnight! I have always been in very good shape. I am not
gaining weight on the scale, but definately loosing muscle and tone, and gaining body mass.
My pants don't fit. My bras are two sizes too
small in several months. I can actually feel it coming on. Lots of cellulite on a thin
person! I am not eating any differently...always a healthy eater! This all began with treatment. I feel my immune
system is attacking my connective tissue as I am taking antibiotics. I also feel that I am not absorbing the fish oil and supplements
correctly , and they are plumping out my cells. Almost like they are being absorbed in my fat tissue, TOXIC...and not moving through my body
correctly. I need to detox! I'm afraid I may stop treatment because I hate the feeling of being fat. My body shakes like jello! I have
lyme , Ehrlilchiosis, and possibly bartonella( my diagnosis although test neg.)
I also have LUPUS! So I was thinking this is a
response to the LUPUS.
Do any of you posters gaining cellulite have LUPUS?
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
-
This book offers explanations regarding borrelia and Cpn and such body changes. It also offers hope in that when the infections are controlled, life can get better - and so can our figures.
This book has changed how I feel about myself. I see the puffiness not as a character flaw but just another symptom that, hopefully, will improve. "Puffiness" "Swelling" is what I really think it is.
The Potbelly Syndrome: How Common Germs Cause Obesity, Diabetes, And Heart Disease (Paperback) - 2005
by Russell Farris and Per Marin, MD, PhD
8 customer reviews and you can look inside the book
=========
And - there has been much written about a certain kind of seaweed that burns the kind of fat that we don't want.
I have to look that up but www.mercola.com has some information on it (Fucoidin or something like that). PubMed, too, has much for the seaweed name (not the brand name).
It really is quite promising but I need to find out if it would wire me as other kinds of seaweed seem to do. Seaweeds contain a natural MSG and I need to find out about that, too. In that form MSG may be okay, but I'm not sure yet. It is excitatory.
Although the new product says it is not, I still need to search more to be sure.
I may come back later with some of my search notes on that.
I haven't the chance to read this thread thoroughly, (would like to come back later to do so,) but just wanted to add that I too - quite recently (< 6 mos.) have this bizarre affliction.
Like, onthemend, it was something that I noticed first before getting real sick-sick.
True, I am currently unable to exercise but this was so sudden and strange.
I was obese at 220 lbs. and did not have this. Yet, at 150 lbs - I look like some lumpy bag of flesh.
The very prominent blue/green veins too - all new. Though the veins come and go in intensity and areas. Posts: 68 | From Pittsburgh | Registered: Aug 2008
| IP: Logged |
Angelica
Unregistered
posted
If any of you are seeing a good naturopath or someone good with supplements ask them if adding in more copper would help with this problem or not.
Maybe you could get your copper levels checked first to see if they are low.
It would be interesting to see if it actually works on someone with Lyme to improve cellulite. I have a suspicion it might help.
IP: Logged |
Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I will ask next time I see mine, Angelica...though don't know exactly when that will be.
Thanks for the advice.
I am still wondering how linked this could be to Bartonella.
I tried dry brushing again, and I feel like it helps some. Believe it or not! Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just want to weigh in as someone whose cellulite is not bartonella-related.
In addition to any bacteria-specific causes, cellulite is linked with gentics, collagen damage, aging, toxins, and weight.
I've seen my mother's legs. She is a very thin woman, no lyme, but Definitely has cellulite. So, when I was 25 (pre-lyme), I first noticed a tiny bit of cellulite on the tops of my thighs. I have always been on the very low end of my healthy weight range. This was just normal aging for me.
When I got lyme (age 29), I was in great shape! I ran 20 miles a week and climbed regularly. Still had some cellulite. But, in the past year, I've gained a LOT more cellulite. Like lymeparfait, I did not gain weight, I just lost all my muscle and traded it for fat. With the bacteria and the antibiotics, I think my body is just in toxic overload.
I didn't know that Buhner said Bb attacks collagen. That's an interesting factor.
I read some humaworm users say their cellulite disappeared after taking humaworm. (Mine did not.) If this is true, doesn't it support the idea that parasites (or bacteria) are ultra-loading our systems with more toxins than we can easily get rid of - leading to puffiness, cellulite, bloating, etc.??
Posts: 227 | From Northern CA (bitten in Illinois) | Registered: Jan 2008
| IP: Logged |
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
I do work out and am in good shape, so it's always stumped me. I think it must have to do with Lyme liking collagen, but that's only speculation on my part.![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
It's just that I'm still concerned about it ![[confused]](graemlins/confused.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
hahaha. ![[bonk]](graemlins/bonk.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic