FM, weight loss & IVF

Support
1

Hello.

I'm new here & not sure how to find actual relevant results with a search on the site!

I am 34, have FM, am overweight, hypertension, t2 diabetes, depression & anxiety, and plan to begin IVF with my soon-to-be-husband at the end of the year.

My health plan involves me taking charge to:

*lose weight that i've battled with for more than a decade

*reduce and change medications to pregnancy-friendly versions (with visits to Endocrinologist every 2-3 months)

*get good control of my blood sugar levels through diet and medication

*increase general fitness and well-being

Sounds all very sensible and relevant. But, how do I suddenly make all these changes seeing as I've been wanting to but struggling for years already???

Obviously I'd also like to lose weight for my wedding - and have not even LOOKED at dresses yet, with less than 5 months to go...

With an initial medication change, my FM has flared and left me basically bed-ridden for most of February, and despite reverting back to my old meds, my FM remains irritated and I'm lapsing weekly or more, rather than my previous monthly episodes or incapacitation!

I've had to reduce my already part-time hours at work, and have been frustrated at not being able to use my time at home constructively - either to exercise gently or craft hand-made items for my wedding. I've been so weak and lethargic, with accompanying fibro-fog...

I know that no one else in the world can make these changes for me - but I'm just at a loss as to how to make them myself?!

What are your thoughts / experiences / advice for me?

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Hello B, I have joined Curves. It helps me because I've always been active and was a runner.. I don't know if it's in your area but you can look for locations on your computer.. It has 10 or so machines to work on muscle and 10 or so platforms to do cardio. Unlike a gym its only women and we all come in different shapes and sizes and ages. No competition!! What I like about this program is you can push as hard as you want to. (or not) depending how you feel that day. They also have a weight loss program for anyone who wishes to join. It costs $12.00 per week whether you use the weight loss program or not.. They will weigh you and coach you and help you along the way.. I know it may sound overwhelming to become part of an exercise program but it does help. As they say "Use it or lose it". I go three times a week and look forward to it because I feel like I'm in control and not the FM... Hope this helps.. Take care :)

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I have struggled with weight over half of my life and it has always been hard to lose weight. Put the fibro pain I now have on top of it I barely exercise. When I have gotten out and feel better is when I am hanging out with my friends and we go fun places out in nature and walk around. If you don't think of it as exercise and just a beautiful walk in nature it may help. Try to do things that are fun and you like to do. Anything you do that gets you off the couch or out of bed is exercise. I bought a pilates ball a long time ago and never used it. Now I sit on it at home because it is more comfortable and you can probably do light exercise on it while watching your favorite show or doing crafts.

Whatever you do take it slow. I have noticed when I have gone on walks with friends for exercise I can barely stand over 15 minutes at a time. I would really work with someone who understands fibro rather than someone who gives this advice to all woman that want to begin IVF.

Good luck and if you figure anything out let me know as I am trying to lose weight from the medicines and emotional eating I have been doing for the past few months.

4

Hi B,

Good to hear from you! Have you considered the arthritic swim classes at the YMCA? They are in a heated pool.

At one time I had such success at this that I started taking swimming lessons there, but had some severe reactions to the cold water, which is a big problem with the Raynaud's. Was also getting all over body spasms, so the Rheum took me out of the water. Since I started taking Enbrel, I have not had any of what he calls 'muscle attacks' so, perhaps it's time for me to consider getting back in. The new MRI's are to be taken this Thursday, which may give me some answers.

The more water, fresh organic vegetables and fruits we put in our bodies the better we will be!

Talk to your Doctor, see what he has to say!

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