Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Hi, I was just wondering if anyone here is unable to gain weight easily? The first 2 years when I was sick (bedbound at times) I gained weight and now I can't keep it on.
My LLMD asked me if I was anorexic or bulimic (although I have a large ribcage for a woman and probably when I laid down it made me look emaciated since my ribs jut out).
I eat more than my husband, but I am still breastfeeding my 2 year old though she also eats food and I am working on weaning her because once my tests results come back and if it's positive I'll have to start treatment.
posted
I was losing alot of weight prior to getting diagnosed with lyme and treating it. I was eating alot too but wasn't breaking down my food properly so I constantly had alot of digestive issues.
If you aren't taking a broad spectrum digestive enzyme every time you eat and Betain HCL when you eat protein most likely your food isn't being digested properly causing malabsorption.
I suspect the abx are causing me to gain weight too but I can't be sure...
Once I started abx and digestive enzymes the weight came back immediately, so now I look healthy but feel crappier than ever Posts: 348 | From maryland | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
I lost 30 pounds on antibiotics and have only been able to regain 10. My food absorption seems fine, but I am super thin. Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8887 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Some people are just naturally thin...I've always been a small thin person. It's funny how society accepts obesity but if you are thin you get constantly questioned about how much you eat.
I always get asked how much do you weigh? What do you eat? If I were overweight, would people be asking me the same questions? It's rude!
Posts: 348 | From maryland | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I also became very thin from Lyme treatment. And besides the yeast diet I avoid all gluten, dairy ,eggs and beans so there very little to put on the weight.I think parasites also play a big role. Most all westerners on a american diet have them. Yuk ,I know ! When I herd that I started to treat for that and sure enough. I havent tried this particular cleanse but I have read on here that Human Worm is a good one if your intrested.
Posts: 203 | From tipp city oh.45371 | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have lost alot of weight when i furst got sick I was 145, now i weight 110 with shoes and all on.
I can't keep weight on or gain any for that matter.
-------------------- Christina Posts: 102 | From Lacey Washington | Registered: Jul 2008
| IP: Logged |
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I agree with Kissis - check for parasites or better yet, just go ahead and treat. The tests aren't very reliable.
The majority of people with lyme gain and can't lose. That is me. I eat very little but look like I eat a lot.
Toxins, inflammation, food allergies, messed up hormones like leptin and msh and other things mess up our metabolism once we have lyme disease.
As you probably know, breastfeeding takes a lot of calories.
Consider looking into any co-infections that you have to see if it makes sense that one could be causing this problem.
Check for allergies to food as well as celiac which is a problem with wheat. Some people can't gain when they have these problems, others have the opposite and can't lose.
Hope you find a solution.
Mandy wrote: If I were overweight, would people be asking me the same questions? It's rude!
I'm sorry people are rude to you. Unfortunately this kind of behavior seems to extend to anyone who isn't average looking. This happens all the time to people who are overweight too. It is unfair, especially when you can't do anything about your weight. Hang in there. Just know that your weight is not a measure of your worth.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
Angelica
Unregistered
posted
Are you worried about passing on Lyme by breast feeding? I hope this question is not too personal but I think Lyme can be passed through mother's milk.
IP: Logged |
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Thanks everyone. I've considered the possibility of parasites or gluten intolerance. My family is generally pretty thin, but I was always about 130 lbs (at 5'5") and pretty muscular (had been a gymnast and sprinter before I got sick).
I also have SEVERE anxiety, sometimes I pace when I get anxious even if I'm tired, my body will just not calm down, I suppose I burn a lot of calories when I'm in this state (sometimes for an hour or more at a time).
I used to not eat much when I was newly sick and couldn't lose the weight and I was 19, so my metabolism should have been fine since I'd been an athlete until I was 18.
This is so annoying and confusing. I was a little offended when the doc asked me just because I am sooooo all about women being kind to their bodies after watching my SIL starve herself with anorexia (and she still has it).
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Angelica, Yes, I'm trying to wean now, I figure since she's been nursing for 2 years then it's probably too late. I'm also waiting for the 'official' results to see if I have Lyme.
We are currently living with relatives and I can't wean her because she is going to be pretty upset and we don't want to wake everyone up in the middle of the night. We are moving back home to OH where our house never sold (from CA) and I will wean her then as we won't have to worry about noise. I weaned my other 2 children at age 2.5 years and they could wail pretty loudly at night in protest, lol!
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Angelica, Yes, I have recently read that it CAN be passed via breastmilk. I figure since she's been nursing for 2 years then it's probably too late. I'm also waiting for the 'official' results to see if I have Lyme.
We are currently living with relatives as of last week and I can't wean her because she is going to be pretty upset and we don't want to wake everyone up in the middle of the night.
We are moving back home to OH next week where our house never sold (from CA) and I will wean her then as we won't have to worry about noise. I weaned my other 2 children at age 2.5 years and they could wail pretty loudly at night in protest, lol!
posted
i lost tons of wieght at first, i was a skeleton by the time i was finally diagnosed! it took a while of abx treatments, but i gained 10 or 12 pounds in the 6 weeks between my last 2 llmd appts. i just started eating more. protein shakes in between meals. i eat dinner, then a second meal with a bunch of fat to take my mepron with a couple hours later.
now i recently added creatine into my regimen, to add muscle mass.
so, i might not be right, but i think if you eat lots, esp extra protein and decent amount of fats, you can begin to put on weight.
btw, i tested positive lyme, babs, myco, and rmsf in june.
-------------------- do your best to educate the rest because 9 out of 10 doctors don't know jack about tick borne illnesses Posts: 437 | From shawangunk mountains, ny | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
This is a long shot, but a malfunctioning (overfunctioning) parathyroid can also make it hard to gain weight. It can put a whole lot too much calcium into your system, causing weight loss and eventual calcification of organs. There are blood tests for it.
-------------------- Just because it' s not nice doesn' t mean it' s not miraculous. --Terry Pratchett Posts: 121 | From Nazareth, PA | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
Weight loss was definitely an issue for my husband. He's started to gain weight now but it was a real struggle.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
| IP: Logged |
We did the same thing as you .... moved, house in Indiana didn't sell, so we had to move back there. Finally, after a couple more years it sold and we were able to move to Ohio, where we wanted to be.
I understand what it is like to move back to a house you were trying to move from. It is stressful, and I'm sure it contributes to how you feel. Feeling settled should help you a little.
I do have trouble keeping weight on. It's just part of it for some of us. I did gain some weight back when I treated for parasites.
A nursing baby takes a lot of calories, especially when they are older. I ate an obscene amount of food when I was breastfeeding, LOL. When you start treating, you can ask for drugs that are okay while breastfeeding. It might help with the weaning to do it over time .... and as you said, the baby is already exposed.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
| IP: Logged |
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
thanks everyone for your suggestions/stories. Seems like there can be a lot of different problems that could cause it, one just being that I am still nursing a toddler.
I'm going to reread this thread and write down everyones suggestions.
posted
Thanks nwisserf for suggesting that test. I think I need that parathyroid test too. I think my calcium has been high before as well.
IP: Logged |
I have Lyme and Co's. I have never been a very big person, average 5'5" and around 125 lbs. give/take a few pounds. I am now down to 110 lbs. and struggle to keep from losing more.
I am hypothyroid (I think due to Lyme) so take Armour Thyroid. My LLMD checks thyroid levels every couple months and she says I'm okay now.
I try to eat lots of fat, avocados, protein...but it is a struggle. I think the Lyme and Co's have my body and metabolism so out whack...it's just one other symptom for me, IMO. I know many others have the opposite problem, neither are good.
I am hoping, that once I see some progress in treatment (thinking positively) this will improve.
I get comments too - people wondering if/what I eat. Then if people see me with plates of crazy/healthy-type food they think I'm just a freak about watching my weight...when really I'm just trying to get control of my health and control of these infections...if they only knew! I would kill for a pizza....all to myself! And...I cannot tell a lie...I do cheat sometimes, due to lack of willpower and also to ingest massive calories! Hope it improves for you! TS
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
posted
I'm 5'8 and got down to 110 lbs and barely could wear size 0 pants before receiving treatment. I totally understand...even family members would sit me down and ask if I was bulemic because they saw that I was eating quite a bit, but just didn't understand how I was so thin.
I didn't either, but praise God I found out! After a few months of treatment, plus daily muscle shakes (I take Cyto-Gainer... you can get it at GNC), I gained back 15 lbs.
Best wishes!!
Posts: 453 | From TX | Registered: Aug 2008
| IP: Logged |
Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I think I am going to get the "skinny" award here.
I have Lyme and co-infections.
I have always been thin prior to children.
I put on 50lbs with my first pregnancy.
Only 30 with my second.
I am 5'7".
I think now I am about 98lbs soaking wet.
I've lost over 30lb so far.
Believe it or not, I am also hypothyroid.
I have had people tell me how skinny I am (family included).
I eat well, but on babesia treatment, I am more likely to eat several smaller meals.
I hope to put on about 10 lbs.
When people ask me if I want cake or something....and I nicely refuse....
The comments of "Oh you just can't be on a diet!" emerge.
My breasts are almost gone (from a C cup to an A),
But really I feel pretty good.
I just wish I had kept my pre-pregnancy clothes.
I now have a hard time fitting into a size 1/2.
However, I still have some cushion in the rear.
I hope that once I finish babesia treatment, my weight will adjust upwards.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I wanted to mention that high blood sugars can cause one to be thin even though they are eating a lot.
This happened to my brother. He was eating 5,000 calories + per day and was very very thin. He was almost bedridden so it wasn't his level of activity, it was that his blood sugars were high.
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/diabetes/hyperglycemia.html There may be few or no symptoms of high blood sugar. Common symptoms are: Dry mouth Thirst Frequent urination Urination during the night Blurry vision Fatigue or drowsiness Weight loss Increased appetite
I hope anyone who can't keep their weight up has talked to their doctor and had an A1C which will give a picture of your blood sugars over the past few months. http://www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/a1c-test.jsp
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Lol, I think I might even be worse than Geneal...(though this really isn't a competition any of us would want to win! lol!!)
So I completely empathize with you all, especially you Geneal. Being severely underweight is torturous!
I'm 5'7 and I dropped to 83 pounds. Yuckiest feeling ever.
Luckily I was able to gain back about 25 pounds, but I still have a long way to go. Currently, I'm stuck. I think I *might* have finally hit the 18 range on the BMI chart though!!!
I hope you can all reach a healthy BMI soon as well (though I think we all should aim a little higher than 18...I'm workin on it!) Posts: 710 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
| IP: Logged |
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Ok, I feel MUCH better now, even though I wish you guys weren't going through this too. I totally understand about refusing the cake and stuff, I feel like such a weirdo wondering what others are thinking (such as being on a 'diet' or something, lol!).
I know that my sugars are OK because I check them sometimes, my husband is a type one diabetic, so he has a glucometer. My sugars are NEVER over 100, almost always in the 70's, after I eat in the 80's.
I used to have SEVERE difficulty swallowing in 2003-2004. My daughter was born in 03 and I lost down to about 100 lbs (I'm 5'4 1/2" =) and I looked like I had breast implants since I was breastfeeding and very skinny.
How long have you all had Lyme's? Maybe the long termers are more apt to have problems with this? If my test is positive (which is most likely will be), it will be 12 years for me.
My cousin has a friend who has been chronically ill for years. I was telling my cousin about the symptoms of Lyme and she believes her friend may have it. She also said that she is very skinny and can't put on weight.
Hmmmmm.... I think my hormones may be out of whack too, I'm going to try some natural progesterone cream to see if it helps.
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Ok, I feel MUCH better now, even though I wish you guys weren't going through this too. I totally understand about refusing the cake and stuff, I feel like such a weirdo wondering what others are thinking (such as being on a 'diet' or something, lol!).
I know that my sugars are OK because I check them sometimes, my husband is a type one diabetic, so he has a glucometer. My sugars are NEVER over 100, almost always in the 70's, after I eat in the 80's.
I used to have SEVERE difficulty swallowing in 2003-2004. My daughter was born in 03 and I lost down to about 100 lbs (I'm 5'4 1/2" =) and I looked like I had breast implants since I was breastfeeding and very skinny.
How long have you all had Lyme's? Maybe the long termers are more apt to have problems with this? If my test is positive (which is most likely will be), it will be 12 years for me.
My cousin has a friend who has been chronically ill for years. I was telling my cousin about the symptoms of Lyme and she believes her friend may have it. She also said that she is very skinny and can't put on weight.
Hmmmmm.... I think my hormones may be out of whack too, I'm going to try some natural progesterone cream to see if it helps.
Ocean
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3496
posted
Ok, I feel MUCH better now, even though I wish you guys weren't going through this too. I totally understand about refusing the cake and stuff, I feel like such a weirdo wondering what others are thinking (such as being on a 'diet' or something, lol!).
I know that my sugars are OK because I check them sometimes, my husband is a type one diabetic, so he has a glucometer. My sugars are NEVER over 100, almost always in the 70's, after I eat in the 80's.
I used to have SEVERE difficulty swallowing in 2003-2004. My daughter was born in 03 and I lost down to about 100 lbs (I'm 5'4 1/2" =) and I looked like I had breast implants since I was breastfeeding and very skinny.
How long have you all had Lyme's? Maybe the long termers are more apt to have problems with this? If my test is positive (which is most likely will be), it will be 12 years for me.
My cousin has a friend who has been chronically ill for years. I was telling my cousin about the symptoms of Lyme and she believes her friend may have it. She also said that she is very skinny and can't put on weight.
Hmmmmm.... I think my hormones may be out of whack too, I'm going to try some natural progesterone cream to see if it helps.
Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I've had my blood sugars tested many, many times.
They are always within the normal range.
I actually have a tendency to have low blood sugar.
Probably due to the florinef.
I do better on smaller meals and eating more frequently.
Try to nibble on higher protein food stuff.
However, I do occasionally not just indulge, but maybe over indulge.
I have to admit that yesterday I had a caramel apple.
Oh my goodness was that good.
Every little bite counted. I took many little bites.
Good news is that I didn't wake up with a white tongue this am.
I think that it is hard to keep weight on partly due to diet
And partly due to the body being in a fight mode constantly.
Probably burn more calories to just be than other people.
I am sure the POTs contributes also.
How can it not when my heart beats rapidly on and off during the day.
However, my blood sugar levels are good.
Thyroid is good with meds.
Cholesterol is good.
Just sometimes feel like the Wicked Witch...I'm melting, melting.....
Maybe that caramel apple helped (it certainly helped my sweet tooth) .
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
Geneal
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10375
posted
I've had my blood sugars tested many, many times.
They are always within the normal range.
I actually have a tendency to have low blood sugar.
Probably due to the florinef.
I do better on smaller meals and eating more frequently.
Try to nibble on higher protein food stuff.
However, I do occasionally not just indulge, but maybe over indulge.
I have to admit that yesterday I had a caramel apple.
Oh my goodness was that good.
Every little bite counted. I took many little bites.
Good news is that I didn't wake up with a white tongue this am.
I think that it is hard to keep weight on partly due to diet
And partly due to the body being in a fight mode constantly.
Probably burn more calories to just be than other people.
I am sure the POTs contributes also.
How can it not when my heart beats rapidly on and off during the day.
However, my blood sugar levels are good.
Thyroid is good with meds.
Cholesterol is good.
Just sometimes feel like the Wicked Witch...I'm melting, melting.....
Maybe that caramel apple helped (it certainly helped my sweet tooth) .
Hugs,
Geneal
Posts: 6250 | From Louisiana | Registered: Oct 2006
| IP: Logged |
cantgiveupyet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8165
posted
Weight loss has been a huge problem with me from the start of illness.
I was able to gain back 10lbs overnight once back in 07, but this past March I had an increase in appetite and lost it all again, im struggling to maintain 96lbs at 5'3.
At my worst i was 89lbs.
My sugars have been checked too,and they are fine.
I am hypothyroid and actually my TSH is on the high end now, which usually means weight gain, but not so for me.
-------------------- "Say it straight simple and with a smile."
"Thus the task is, not so much to see what no one has seen yet, But to think what nobody has thought yet, About what everybody sees."
-Schopenhauer
pos babs, bart, igenex WB igm/igg Posts: 3156 | From Lyme limbo | Registered: Oct 2005
| 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!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
Unfortunately this kind of behavior seems to extend to anyone who isn't average looking. This happens all the time to people who are overweight too. It is unfair, especially when you can't do anything about your weight. Hang in there. Just know that your weight is not a measure of your worth. ![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[dizzy]](graemlins/dizzy.gif)
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic