Lymphedema, CVI, Weight Gain even though dieting.

[renita]

I was diagnosed with Lymphedema 6 yrs. ago. I have managed it, and lost weight, but in Sept. 2010 I went into Atrial Fibrillation. So there were many new meds with my heart condition. I am still in A-Fib and they are controlling it with meds. The problem is since I've been on these meds, my weight has struggled to continue to go down. I have alot of weight to lose and have lost alot of weight, but I need to get more off of me to get better all the way around. My body started to lose again about 3 months ago and I thought things were turning around for me, but these past 2 weeks, it's not going as great. I've started to climb the ladder (Scale) and my weight has gone up by 8-9 lbs. in the past 2 weeks and it's not because of anything different I have done.
I had a Primary Dr. Appt. last Tuesday and he was a different Dr. and told me it was to be expected with the Chronic Venous Insufficiency that I suffer with. I told him I haven't ever been told I have that. He gave me some information on it, but I am really troubled now.
I have been doing exercise at least 4 times/week for 30 min. each day. I use a Swiss ball and Resistance Tubes. It has helped to tone my body, but I'm just not losing. I am very frustrated by this. The Dr. said I'm doing all the right things. Every time the scale goes up, I get worried that I will be in the same state I was 6 yrs. ago. I had to go to the ER and ended up in the hospital for 1 month. I had CHF and the worst case of Cellulitis they had ever seen. My body was "weeping" and my legs and arms,backside,hips,stomach were all affected by the Cellulitis. I had over 160+ lbs. of water on me. Within that month, they pulled 130 lbs. of that off of me, with special diet and meds. It scares me, because when I got that way, I couldn't do anything right it seemed. I was eating a low calorie, low sodium diet. I tried Weight Watchers, Low Sodium Diets, etc...Nothing worked back then.
Again, my body had been losing, but I haven't been able to lose anymore than 50 lbs. in about 18 months on Weight Watchers. I do try to watch my sodium, but I don't do very well on that as I should, but it still shouldn't cause these results. I am also Perimenopausal, so that has alot to do with it being more difficult also. Understand 6 yrs. ago I weighed 653 lbs. Now I weigh 444 lbs. Obviously, I have a ways to go and I feel like in order for my heart to get better and my overall health to progress, I need this weight off of me. My question is; is there anyone else who has Lymphedema and CVI? What do you do? Please help if you can.
Thanks so much for listening.

[Trish]

You have had quite a roller coaster ride between the A/Fib, and weight issue. I suppose it sounds like a silly question, but have you had a thorough a complete physical with a cardiologist to get the A/Fib under control and a weight specialist to try to get that down? I'm certain you've read a lot in the new suggested guidelines for controlling weight. You'll probably want to read the most recent from the National Lymphedema Network www.lymphnet.org on weight control and you'll want to study the new guidelines on exercisel

Best wishes for finding a good answer quickly.

Trish

[renita]

Thank you for the message Trish.
Yes, I do see the Cardiologist regularly. I've got another appt. with her in 2 weeks for a follow-up. I'm still in A-Fib, but it's not quite so often or at least I don't feel it as often.

I keep getting bouts of cellulitis though. I've had 2 in the last 2 months. Once on each foot, due to knocks from different things. I try to be careful, but it seems like my feet and legs are targets for this disease.

I also am on Weight Watchers, but I follow the healthy guidelines, but do struggle with sodium and I am working on that. Sugar has also been a problem for me lately. Since I can't have the salt,I guess I resorted to some sugar and now it's in my system and can't seem to get it out. I crave it. I'm working on that too, because now my stomach is full of Lymphedema, and I do the massage regularly and I also exercise regularly.

I got to go back to swimming laps now that the Cellulitis has healed up and I did 15 laps Monday night, but I also exercise with resistance tubes at least 4-5 times/week for 30-40 min. each time. I also use a swiss ball to do some core exercises and to help me try and stretch out my legs and hopefully the bouncing will help the Lymphedema. It's just a constant and wears you out just trying to be halfway healthy. I guess I'm paying for the sins of my youth. I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, but didn't think it was a problem, but little did I know there was a whole bunch of stuff brewing inside of me, waiting to explode. And sure enough, it happened and now I'm having to face this monster.

[Trish]

You mentioned having problem staying on a salt-free diet. I know that feeling, I've struggle with it for ages. Here are a couple of things I've learned that have helped.
(1) Learn to read labels. There are increasing numbers of low sodium products available. On the other hand some labels are deceiving.
(2) Avoid processed foods such as prepared or frozen meals. They are loaded with salt.
(3) Try to eat at home as often as possible. The food in restaurants is also loaded with salt. Your goal is to cut back on the salt and at home you can control what goes into how things are prepared.
(4) I've learned that one of the best seasonings is lemon juice. It gives your food a nice tang -- without salt. Another family favorite is to buy salt-free beans. Drain off the liquid and replace it with a little molasses or a sauce known as Smokey Joes. It tastes like bar-b-que sauce.
(5) Keep trying. Cutting back on salt is a progressive process -- but it is worth the effort.

Good luck, Trish

P.S. Read the Lymph Notes article "Salt and Lymphedema." It has good information. You can find it listed in the table of contentents.

[renita]

Thank you Trish. I appreciate that. I will definitely check out the article on Salt & Lymphedema.
Just got back from a visit with a friend at Panera bread.
I opted for a classic salad without the dressing & cheese and I brought my own Honey Mustard Dressing that I make with 2 tsp. of mustard,2 tsp. of Olive oil and 1 tsp. of Honey and 1/2 tsp. of Mrs. Dash Southwest Blend (Love the Mrs. Dash products)

I also had 2 slices of their Miche Country Bread with 1 pc. of Provolone cheese, just plain. I felt like I made some good choices and drank just water.

I just love salt and it's hard to get away from it when you are out. I looked ahead on this one though and was able to make some better choices.

Thanks again for your input. I do appreciate it. Hoping you are getting along with your Lymphedema also.

renita

[renita]

I had 2 cases of Cellulitis over the past 3 months and now they have healed up with Antibiotics and a minor surgery on my foot to remove some clots that had formed.

Anyway, I am down 75 lbs. now since I've been on WW which was 2 yrs. ago. I was 653 lbs. in 2005 when I was so very sick and the bad bad Lymphedema.
Today, I weighed 417. I've lost a total of 236 lbs. in the past 7 yrs., even though I'm in A-Fib and on all these meds. It's coming off. I'm getting there, it's just taking some time.

I do get afraid though, when I gain 15 lbs. or more with this Cellulitis. I always wonder if I'm going to end up where I started. Always thrilled when the weight drops back off.

[Ann]

It takes real determination to get that much weight off and I'm sure it wasn't easy.

You mentioned salt, and I know at first eating things without salt is no fun at all; however, there are substitutes, such as lemon juice, to give flavor. It is like retraining your taste buds but by the time you regularly read labels, avoid processed foods (canned or frozen items) and eating in restaurants -- this becomes the new normal.

You have already proved that you have the will power to do it and I wish you well you keeping up the good work so that you will feel better and enjoy life more.

Ann, from Lymph Notes

[renita]

Thank you Ann
I have to tell you I have every blend of Mrs. Dash there is in my pantry.