RA, Med.'s and Weight Gain!!!

     Thank you so much for commenting. It makes me feel better to know that I'm not the only person who has trouble with RA and over weight issues.  Maybe we could start a diet and exercise plan together, if you are interested.  They say that if you have a diet and exercise buddie, it helps.  I really don't feel comfortable exercising around other people.  Other people really don't understand the RA and flare up thing.  Thanks again.  It takes valuable time and effert to comment and I really do appreciate you!

I know you may not believe it, but I started walking every day, and now I do "Walk Away The Pounds" with Leslie Sanson, and my mobility has improved incredibly!!  It seems conterproductive to "exercise" with RA, but I can't say enough about just walking 1 mile a day at least 5 days a week, and how much better I feel and how much my mobility has improved.  Hubby says I don't complain about pain nearly as much.  Try gentle exercise or walking.  I PROMISE you will feel better, and better manage your weight.

I will try that, does the pain gradually ease? or is it a struggle at first.

     Thanks for commenting!  You've got me motivated now.  Awesome job on the walking.  I'm currently at work, but I'm going to go for a walk on my break!  I've not been walking consistantly, like your walking at least 1 mile, 5 days a week, but I'm going to do it! 

     As far as the weight issue,...I'm still battling the bulge.   I have recently started keeping a food journal (just a small note book) to jot down everything I eat each day and keep a running calorie count.  I was amazed at how those little calories can add up thur the day!  It seems to help me.  I'm also not "dieting" (evil word),...I'm just trying to eat healthy and fit in all my fruits, veggies and whole grains, limit the fat and keep my calories for the day between 1500 and 1800.

     Good luck to you.  You are an inspiration!  May your walking trails always lead to happiness!

     Thank you very much for your positive feed back!!!  I really needed a reality check to remind me that its a good thing to be pleased with myself for losing a pound, instead of beating myself up for gaining 50 pounds in 2 years!  I'm great at beating myself up, but terrible at cutting myself any slack what so ever.  I want the weight off tomorrow too!!!  Its really great to be able to communicate with people who have RA like me, and to find out that I'm not the only one who has had problems with weight gain.  I'm going to get started on losing the weight in a healthy POSITIVE way!!!  Thank you so much for your help!!!

     Congrat.'s on the Weight Watchers and doing so well with it!!!  Excellent job!!!  I've always wanted to do weight watchers, but was afraid of going.  I'm not sure I want to share my "weight issues" with a lot of people.  I'm really quite ashamed that I've done this to myself.  I really feel weak and that I've got no self control.  What a "wimp"! 

     I'm so glad that you commented and told me about the WW though.  I'm a shift worker and can't make the meeting on a regular basis, because of my rotating schedule, but,...do you think the online WW would be good for me???  I'd really like to get myself together and get on the "fat wagon" and off the "self distructive wagon".

Have you tried the "Colarad" yet???  Thanks for the information.  I'm going to check it out!

Problem is, quick fix diets don't teach you how to eat.  you can go on a diet, lose all the weight you want or can, and if you don't address those habits that make you eat in the first place, you're not gonna keep it off.  that's why gastric bypass doesn't work either. it's a quick fix, but you don't change your habits, that weight comes back and then some! (i've got several friends who've had it....and gained it back).

WW is a great program because you do share your eating issues with others WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS YOU.  you become their inspiration too, even though you think THEY are your inspiration. it's funny to see how alike you are, yet how different.  kinda like being here on this online community.  we're all dealing with the same trials and tribulations.  one person can be an inspiration to you, and yet, they're seeing you as an inspiration as well.  i swear by WW. it took me 3 days to gather the courage to go, but now, it would take an act of God from keeping me from going!  i've missed only about 3 classes in the 19 months i've been going.  it's the best $13 a week i've ever spent.   and 60 lbs down, (with my last pound lost in june right after RA troubles started) i can say i've changed one thing in my life that i didn't use to have control over.   i still have about 50 to go....but one step at a time.  i've got the rest of my life.  

just curious, has she had her eyes checked regularly since being on plaquenil, i just started plaquenil and trying to figure this medicine out. how long has she been on it

     Thanks for the comment!  What you've gained in pounds, you've lost in negative baggage!  I've heard that our weight can vary within 5 pounds anyway.  If we are outside of that 5 pound band, then I thought that was actual weight gained or loss.  Does the WW group say anything on that? 

     Thats the hardest thing for me, I think, trying to remain positive!  Its really easy to be dragged right down into the depths with the RA.  If I ache all over, I seem to fall right into the depths, if I don't really focus on not doing it. 

     Excellent job on the positive attitude!!!  That's as hard as losing the weight sometimes!