I thought I was supposed to feel better as I lose weight!
July 14, 2009 3:06 AM Subscribe
I've lost nearly 90 LBS, but I feel like poo constantly. I've had increasing foot problems, and just generally tired, and sick all the time. Have any of you gone through a dramatic weight loss and felt horrible, or developed problems that didn't exist before the weight loss?
Over the last 6-8 months I've lost somewhere near 90lbs. I'm still not at my goal, but I am getting there.
Before I started losing weight I would have occasional foot problems (like maybe 1-2 times a year) that would be diagnosed alternately as gout or "foot pain because I'm fat". Usually the Dr. would prescribe a course of pain medicine and then after a week or two it would go away and I would be good for a long while.
So now I'm doing everything I can to lose weight, and its coming off, but I have had nothing but problems since I hit about the 50lbs lost mark. The Dr. has since put me on allopurinol, along with blood pressure medicine, and I am also taking Straterra (which I credit most of my weight loss to, as I seem to "care" less if I am hungry).
The foot pain doesn't *seem* like the gout pain I have experienced before, but its extreme. If I keep off of it for a few days, it starts to feel better, but as soon I start walking again it gets really bad. It is super tender, and if someone bumps into it, or I bump it against something I feel like screaming. I have trouble sleeping some nights with this latest round of it, because it keeps waking me up when I toss and turn during the night.
To cover a few bases:
- I have new shoes, New Balances that I actually got fitted for, and they have a thing in them to correct my slight walking on the side of my feet problem
- I've seen multiple Drs, and gone through all the standard stuff a couple times.
- I know your not my Dr, and I'm trying to find a Dr. somewhere besides locally, because I feel that the local "Medical group" tends to push people out the door as fast as possible. I personally feel there may be some deeper issues with my weight and my constant struggle with it that need to be addressed. I guess I'm just asking if any other mefites have lost a bunch of weight and had more problems then when they had the weight on.
Over the last 6-8 months I've lost somewhere near 90lbs. I'm still not at my goal, but I am getting there.
Before I started losing weight I would have occasional foot problems (like maybe 1-2 times a year) that would be diagnosed alternately as gout or "foot pain because I'm fat". Usually the Dr. would prescribe a course of pain medicine and then after a week or two it would go away and I would be good for a long while.
So now I'm doing everything I can to lose weight, and its coming off, but I have had nothing but problems since I hit about the 50lbs lost mark. The Dr. has since put me on allopurinol, along with blood pressure medicine, and I am also taking Straterra (which I credit most of my weight loss to, as I seem to "care" less if I am hungry).
The foot pain doesn't *seem* like the gout pain I have experienced before, but its extreme. If I keep off of it for a few days, it starts to feel better, but as soon I start walking again it gets really bad. It is super tender, and if someone bumps into it, or I bump it against something I feel like screaming. I have trouble sleeping some nights with this latest round of it, because it keeps waking me up when I toss and turn during the night.
To cover a few bases:
- I have new shoes, New Balances that I actually got fitted for, and they have a thing in them to correct my slight walking on the side of my feet problem
- I've seen multiple Drs, and gone through all the standard stuff a couple times.
- I know your not my Dr, and I'm trying to find a Dr. somewhere besides locally, because I feel that the local "Medical group" tends to push people out the door as fast as possible. I personally feel there may be some deeper issues with my weight and my constant struggle with it that need to be addressed. I guess I'm just asking if any other mefites have lost a bunch of weight and had more problems then when they had the weight on.
First of call, congratulations on your weight loss!
Do your feet hurt when you *don't* wear your new NB shoes?
What are you eating now? If you're "feeling like poo", it could be you're not getting a good balance of nutrients...
How did you lose the weight, out of interest?
posted by mahke at 3:41 AM on July 14, 2009
Do your feet hurt when you *don't* wear your new NB shoes?
What are you eating now? If you're "feeling like poo", it could be you're not getting a good balance of nutrients...
How did you lose the weight, out of interest?
posted by mahke at 3:41 AM on July 14, 2009
Are you sure that feeling like crap isn't a side effect of those medications?
Do you drink enough water, and is your diet really okay--if you don't care that you're hungry, are you actually eating enough? 6 to 8 months is a short period of time to lose 90 pounds. That's a ton of weight, and congratulations--I bet it feels awesome--but make sure that you're still providing enough fuel for your body.
And--what are you eating? There are foods that trigger gout, or make it worse.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:43 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Do you drink enough water, and is your diet really okay--if you don't care that you're hungry, are you actually eating enough? 6 to 8 months is a short period of time to lose 90 pounds. That's a ton of weight, and congratulations--I bet it feels awesome--but make sure that you're still providing enough fuel for your body.
And--what are you eating? There are foods that trigger gout, or make it worse.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 3:43 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Just got checked for diabetes about 6 months ago, while my Dr. was trying to shoehorn me into all the Fat Guy diagnosis'. I'm good on that front.
I'm surprisingly healthy for being a big guy. I would even argue the High BP diagnosis, as he only put me on it because it was "a little" high the last few visits, which were all in the morning after getting my wife and kids ready and out the door (with all the associated yelling and screaming), and then rushing to the Dr, and having my BP taken right away. Historically it has never been high.
I also don't have problems with cholesterol, etc etc.
I have pretty decent stamina, my skinny wife gets winded easier then I do.
I don't snack, drink soda, or eat candy bars/chips/etc. We only eat out 1/2 times a month.
I have a very active job, and I have for the last 5-6 years (minus a two year stretch in IT, which was still moderately active, with lots of rushing to peoples desks/conference rooms).
I think the only reason I am losing weight now, is that with the Straterra, it seems to take the "caring" edge off. I don't care if I'm hungry/horny/etc. I can eat a cup of rice, with half a chicken breast and not care that I'm still hungry afterward.
posted by JonnyRotten at 3:50 AM on July 14, 2009
I'm surprisingly healthy for being a big guy. I would even argue the High BP diagnosis, as he only put me on it because it was "a little" high the last few visits, which were all in the morning after getting my wife and kids ready and out the door (with all the associated yelling and screaming), and then rushing to the Dr, and having my BP taken right away. Historically it has never been high.
I also don't have problems with cholesterol, etc etc.
I have pretty decent stamina, my skinny wife gets winded easier then I do.
I don't snack, drink soda, or eat candy bars/chips/etc. We only eat out 1/2 times a month.
I have a very active job, and I have for the last 5-6 years (minus a two year stretch in IT, which was still moderately active, with lots of rushing to peoples desks/conference rooms).
I think the only reason I am losing weight now, is that with the Straterra, it seems to take the "caring" edge off. I don't care if I'm hungry/horny/etc. I can eat a cup of rice, with half a chicken breast and not care that I'm still hungry afterward.
posted by JonnyRotten at 3:50 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: I stay away from most of the gout foods, especially the "big ones".
I try to eat a pretty balanced diet, but I know I am WAY under what my caloric intake should be. But its either this, or stay fat, as no Dr. I have ever been to has looked past the "Eat less, excercise more" solution for my weight.
I actually suspect there is a deeper cause, but when your big, that seems to be the Dr's solution for everything. I've even had Dr's refuse to test further because I would have "Obvious outward signs" if something was wrong with my thyroid or some other system.
I've been big my entire life, and even back in highschool when I wrestled and worked out 2 hours a night for practice, I only maintained a weight, never losing.
But I got on Straterra, and the weight started to come off, but I know I am eating far less then I should.
My overall goal is to lose enough weight that the Dr's stop dismissing any problem I have, and then maybe I can get a decent diagnosis.
My general daily diet is:
Breakfast - 1-1.5 cups of ceral/oatmeal with about 3/4th cup of whole milk. Sometimes I will have Rice with egg instead.
Lunch - 1.5 cups of left overs, or rice with some meat on it. Occasionally rice with half a tin of canned tuna in water. Sprinkle of Furikake, occasionally a dash of soy sauce.
Supper - Usually something home cooked. Last night it was about 1.5 cups of pasta with a splash of sauce, and 3 small meatballs.
No soda, no snaks, started drinking my coffee black.
YEah, my feel still hurt when I don't wear my new shoes. I got them about 3 weeks back because I suspected my old beat up pair was the cause.
I drink alot of water. During work, its mostly coffee/tea but I also try to drink 2 16oz bottles of watter throughout the day too. Then at home I have 4-5 big glasses a night.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:07 AM on July 14, 2009
I try to eat a pretty balanced diet, but I know I am WAY under what my caloric intake should be. But its either this, or stay fat, as no Dr. I have ever been to has looked past the "Eat less, excercise more" solution for my weight.
I actually suspect there is a deeper cause, but when your big, that seems to be the Dr's solution for everything. I've even had Dr's refuse to test further because I would have "Obvious outward signs" if something was wrong with my thyroid or some other system.
I've been big my entire life, and even back in highschool when I wrestled and worked out 2 hours a night for practice, I only maintained a weight, never losing.
But I got on Straterra, and the weight started to come off, but I know I am eating far less then I should.
My overall goal is to lose enough weight that the Dr's stop dismissing any problem I have, and then maybe I can get a decent diagnosis.
My general daily diet is:
Breakfast - 1-1.5 cups of ceral/oatmeal with about 3/4th cup of whole milk. Sometimes I will have Rice with egg instead.
Lunch - 1.5 cups of left overs, or rice with some meat on it. Occasionally rice with half a tin of canned tuna in water. Sprinkle of Furikake, occasionally a dash of soy sauce.
Supper - Usually something home cooked. Last night it was about 1.5 cups of pasta with a splash of sauce, and 3 small meatballs.
No soda, no snaks, started drinking my coffee black.
YEah, my feel still hurt when I don't wear my new shoes. I got them about 3 weeks back because I suspected my old beat up pair was the cause.
I drink alot of water. During work, its mostly coffee/tea but I also try to drink 2 16oz bottles of watter throughout the day too. Then at home I have 4-5 big glasses a night.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:07 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: Also, thanks for the congratulations, mentally it feels awesome, especially to see my clothes hanging off me, and all the extra skin. Physically it feels like shit and I want to go back...
Meh - Spell checking FAIL in the last two replies too. Its too early.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:12 AM on July 14, 2009
Meh - Spell checking FAIL in the last two replies too. Its too early.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:12 AM on July 14, 2009
It doesn't sound like you're getting enough nutrients, if all of your meals are carbs with some meat. I feel like crap when I end up with that sort of diet, too. Are you getting any fruits and vegetables? Maybe a good goal would be trying to get 5+ a day.
posted by Solon and Thanks at 4:28 AM on July 14, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by Solon and Thanks at 4:28 AM on July 14, 2009 [4 favorites]
Of my uncles was on a medication - I believe hydrochlorothiazide, to treat high blood pressure, I think? - that as a side effect caused him to get gout in his feet. Googling for that it says it's a diuretic and that some other diuretics can also cause gout.
Alternatively, I'm overweight and simply from walking too quickly or on a hill I sometimes cause a stress fracture in my foot. These have left bone knots where they've healed, visible on x-rays or I can even feel them by sort of pinching my feet firmly to feel the bones. But I actually didn't even know that I was causing these fractures for several years until a doctor diagnosed it - I just had inexplicable foot pain but I could still walk and everything. So could your diet or some other factor be causing the bones in your feet to weaken and experience fracturing?
posted by XMLicious at 4:38 AM on July 14, 2009
Alternatively, I'm overweight and simply from walking too quickly or on a hill I sometimes cause a stress fracture in my foot. These have left bone knots where they've healed, visible on x-rays or I can even feel them by sort of pinching my feet firmly to feel the bones. But I actually didn't even know that I was causing these fractures for several years until a doctor diagnosed it - I just had inexplicable foot pain but I could still walk and everything. So could your diet or some other factor be causing the bones in your feet to weaken and experience fracturing?
posted by XMLicious at 4:38 AM on July 14, 2009
It is super tender, and if someone bumps into it, or I bump it against something I feel like screaming
Sure sounds like gout.
The diet you've outlined looks pretty heavy on starch and protein, and pretty light on for vegetables and fruit. I'd recommend adding lots of salads and seeing if that improves things. I'd also recommend cutting back on the coffee, and drinking more water. But these are just commonsense recommendations based on my own experience as a normally fat guy who has in the past managed a 60kg loss; they have no specific medical basis.
You might also toy with the idea of tempering your loss rate a little. Three pounds a week is an awesome motivator, and good on you for achieving that, but losing weight at that rate will definitely be causing your body to eat its own muscles - your effective meat intake might be rather higher than you think it is, and that might well be contributing to gout.
posted by flabdablet at 4:42 AM on July 14, 2009
Sure sounds like gout.
The diet you've outlined looks pretty heavy on starch and protein, and pretty light on for vegetables and fruit. I'd recommend adding lots of salads and seeing if that improves things. I'd also recommend cutting back on the coffee, and drinking more water. But these are just commonsense recommendations based on my own experience as a normally fat guy who has in the past managed a 60kg loss; they have no specific medical basis.
You might also toy with the idea of tempering your loss rate a little. Three pounds a week is an awesome motivator, and good on you for achieving that, but losing weight at that rate will definitely be causing your body to eat its own muscles - your effective meat intake might be rather higher than you think it is, and that might well be contributing to gout.
posted by flabdablet at 4:42 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: YEah, I forgot to mention that I get *close* to 5+ a day of fruits and veggies.
I've had my foot x-ray'd twice now, and neither has shown any fractures or related trauma.
I'll have to google my BP medicine, but I am pretty sure it has an added diuretic.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:43 AM on July 14, 2009
I've had my foot x-ray'd twice now, and neither has shown any fractures or related trauma.
I'll have to google my BP medicine, but I am pretty sure it has an added diuretic.
posted by JonnyRotten at 4:43 AM on July 14, 2009
Besides your foot problems you don't mention what if anything else is making you feel bad. I get the sense that is more than just the foot problems. I was on Stratera for ADHD a few years ago and it made me miserable. I just generally felt bad. The Dr. switched me to Adderall and it was a huge change it helped the ADHD I stopped feeling horrible and on top of that I lost about 20 pounds. I didn't have any specific physical pain but my body just didn't feel right and mentally I was in the toilet.
posted by jmsta at 4:43 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by jmsta at 4:43 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Do you pee constantly? If so, it might really be that you're not drinking enough water to compensate for the diuretic in the blood pressure medication. Gout's related to dehydration, or at least that's what my Google search just told me.
Is the blood pressure thing a permanent problem or is it weight related?
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:50 AM on July 14, 2009
Is the blood pressure thing a permanent problem or is it weight related?
posted by A Terrible Llama at 4:50 AM on July 14, 2009
It might be well worth it to go to see a nutritionist and see if they can help you. Also, are you taking vitamins and supplements? Weight loss can be quite taxing and depleting.
posted by paperzach at 4:51 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by paperzach at 4:51 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: I can't say the Straterra has helped my ADHD at all, but it has done alot towards my depression/anxiety. My wife has seen a huge difference, and when I don't take it right away in the morning, she knows it. I've done stuff since I started taking it that I haven't done in a long time, like spend time at the zoo, willing go to our crowded church, etc.
I've been dreading talking to my Dr. about changing, because the depression / weight loss aspect has been so good.
But yeah, even when its not my foot, I just kind of feel like you described most of the time, though mentally I wouldn't say I feel in the toilet. I don't feel happy or sad or anything really, I don't know how else to explain it.
I pee about 8 times a day or so, I would say. I feel that my water intake is higher than my output.
I mentioned previously, that I've never had high BP, except when getting it checked while stressed. I don't use alot of salt or eat alot of salty foods.
I should see a dietician again at some point. I saw one years ago, but did not see positive results (I know it takes time, I'm talking over a year plus of visits)
posted by JonnyRotten at 5:01 AM on July 14, 2009
I've been dreading talking to my Dr. about changing, because the depression / weight loss aspect has been so good.
But yeah, even when its not my foot, I just kind of feel like you described most of the time, though mentally I wouldn't say I feel in the toilet. I don't feel happy or sad or anything really, I don't know how else to explain it.
I pee about 8 times a day or so, I would say. I feel that my water intake is higher than my output.
I mentioned previously, that I've never had high BP, except when getting it checked while stressed. I don't use alot of salt or eat alot of salty foods.
I should see a dietician again at some point. I saw one years ago, but did not see positive results (I know it takes time, I'm talking over a year plus of visits)
posted by JonnyRotten at 5:01 AM on July 14, 2009
I've lost 30lb over the last year and, it has to be said, I feel physically infinitely better. I sweat less, and lose my breath less, and can now bend down to tie my shoelaces... So I genuinely don't think that weight loss can make you feel physically worse.
But I can offer the following perspective.
I remember reading a diet book once that asked at the beginning if the reader wanted to lose weight. It was a profound question to ask and shocked me. Did I really want to lose weight? Really?
For example, if you're married, are you worried your spouse might stop liking you if you make such a major change in your appearance? It can be something as silly as worrying that you might become more attractive to members of the opposite sex, when you've spent a lifetime being effectively invisible. As far as society is concerned, thin people somehow have more value than obese people.
Weight loss is a significant mindf**k.
posted by humblepigeon at 5:02 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
But I can offer the following perspective.
I remember reading a diet book once that asked at the beginning if the reader wanted to lose weight. It was a profound question to ask and shocked me. Did I really want to lose weight? Really?
For example, if you're married, are you worried your spouse might stop liking you if you make such a major change in your appearance? It can be something as silly as worrying that you might become more attractive to members of the opposite sex, when you've spent a lifetime being effectively invisible. As far as society is concerned, thin people somehow have more value than obese people.
Weight loss is a significant mindf**k.
posted by humblepigeon at 5:02 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
Ten pounds or more a month seems like really aggressive weight loss, so your general sense of bleh may be due to that. What's your ultimate target weight and how far do you have to go? How much exercise have you been getting?
Have you tried switching back to your old shoes to see what happens? A really well made shoe that doesn't fit is just a different kind of bad shoe. (Gout seems likely, but that's an easy thing to try.)
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 5:17 AM on July 14, 2009
Have you tried switching back to your old shoes to see what happens? A really well made shoe that doesn't fit is just a different kind of bad shoe. (Gout seems likely, but that's an easy thing to try.)
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 5:17 AM on July 14, 2009
IANAD, but I second the suggestion of adding a quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to your regimen. Particularly, if your potassium/calcium/magnesium trace intake is low, you may fatigue easily, have trouble metabolizing carbs, and expend a lot of water intake getting rid of sodium in your urine, as your body tries to maintain electrolyte balance. Many people on weight loss regimens find that this kind of mineral imbalance often results in lower leg and foot pain, and tendency to cramp more easily than you should. You needn't over do with expensive megadose/megadollar stuff, but you may find that adding a quality daily supplement to your diet does wonders.
posted by paulsc at 5:18 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by paulsc at 5:18 AM on July 14, 2009
Seconding the congratulations, JohnnyRotten.
Is the Straterra a med that you need to stay on until you reach your goal weight? My natural instinct is to look towards medicinal side effects when doctors have no answers. Unfortunately, your current diet sounds pretty much the one that my students (middle-aged Japanese women) swear by in order to justify the dessert buffets available, hereabout. In other words, extremely low-calorie and lacking in fresh vegetables and fruits. Which is not meant to insult your home cooked meals, but what you described above lacks the same balance that theirs do. They eat veggies, but often nimono (boiled within an inch of their lives, in regular-sodium soy sauce, etc.) and furikake...and call that a portion of veggies, which it just isn't.
Enough of me insulting your obviously successful (in some ways) diet...the foot pain could be so many different things, and I would agree that doctors have a tendency to look at the package and make assumptions (I'm a 5'9" woman who lives in central Japan...even in California, I'm a borderline plus size) and I have on more than one occasion had doctors wave me off with a "lose weight, you'll feel better!" diagnosis, only to end up back at the hospital, ("oops, we missed that kidney stone!", "oops, we missed that [thank god] benign tumor", "oops, we missed that torn muscle!" ad nauseum....)
Anyway, there are a number of problems that could have absolutely nothing to do with your diet or weight and if no one has suggested plantar fasciitis, I would seriously look into. My husband is trim and fit as hell (grrrr....) and has suffered from bouts of this that have had him waking up in such severe pain he ended up at the hospital. And they couldn't brush him off like they probably would me. Now he has a special insole (actually a rigid heel cup, which surprised me. I thought he'd need something soft, but the therapy actually requires a hard form) and has to do special stretches and ice his foot every day when he gets home from work. There is also a night splint which some doctors recommend.
Finally, there are bone spurs. My mother and I both suffer from them and sometimes, it's unbearable. If the doctors have x-rayed your feet they are pretty easy to diagnose.
I hope you find a doctor soon who is willing to acknowledge all the progress you've made and look past the remaining weight at the possibility of another (hopefully addressable) condition which could be causing you this pain.
posted by squasha at 5:18 AM on July 14, 2009
Is the Straterra a med that you need to stay on until you reach your goal weight? My natural instinct is to look towards medicinal side effects when doctors have no answers. Unfortunately, your current diet sounds pretty much the one that my students (middle-aged Japanese women) swear by in order to justify the dessert buffets available, hereabout. In other words, extremely low-calorie and lacking in fresh vegetables and fruits. Which is not meant to insult your home cooked meals, but what you described above lacks the same balance that theirs do. They eat veggies, but often nimono (boiled within an inch of their lives, in regular-sodium soy sauce, etc.) and furikake...and call that a portion of veggies, which it just isn't.
Enough of me insulting your obviously successful (in some ways) diet...the foot pain could be so many different things, and I would agree that doctors have a tendency to look at the package and make assumptions (I'm a 5'9" woman who lives in central Japan...even in California, I'm a borderline plus size) and I have on more than one occasion had doctors wave me off with a "lose weight, you'll feel better!" diagnosis, only to end up back at the hospital, ("oops, we missed that kidney stone!", "oops, we missed that [thank god] benign tumor", "oops, we missed that torn muscle!" ad nauseum....)
Anyway, there are a number of problems that could have absolutely nothing to do with your diet or weight and if no one has suggested plantar fasciitis, I would seriously look into. My husband is trim and fit as hell (grrrr....) and has suffered from bouts of this that have had him waking up in such severe pain he ended up at the hospital. And they couldn't brush him off like they probably would me. Now he has a special insole (actually a rigid heel cup, which surprised me. I thought he'd need something soft, but the therapy actually requires a hard form) and has to do special stretches and ice his foot every day when he gets home from work. There is also a night splint which some doctors recommend.
Finally, there are bone spurs. My mother and I both suffer from them and sometimes, it's unbearable. If the doctors have x-rayed your feet they are pretty easy to diagnose.
I hope you find a doctor soon who is willing to acknowledge all the progress you've made and look past the remaining weight at the possibility of another (hopefully addressable) condition which could be causing you this pain.
posted by squasha at 5:18 AM on July 14, 2009
arrgh, just saw what you added up there about your veg intake. see what I get for answering the phone in the middle of a comment?
posted by squasha at 5:20 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by squasha at 5:20 AM on July 14, 2009
congratulations on your weight loss. having lost slightly less myself over a longer period I think I know hoe you currently feel. enjoy every second of it, the sensation will not last.
something very basic I think I should ask anyway: has your doctor looked at your soles to see if you have a callus down there? that sounds like the most basic thing in the world but walking around with one of those can be excruciating.
if you permit me a hijack: I found this comment of yours very interesting: "I am also taking Straterra (which I credit most of my weight loss to, as I seem to "care" less if I am hungry)." would you mind telling me more about that?
posted by krautland at 5:36 AM on July 14, 2009
something very basic I think I should ask anyway: has your doctor looked at your soles to see if you have a callus down there? that sounds like the most basic thing in the world but walking around with one of those can be excruciating.
if you permit me a hijack: I found this comment of yours very interesting: "I am also taking Straterra (which I credit most of my weight loss to, as I seem to "care" less if I am hungry)." would you mind telling me more about that?
posted by krautland at 5:36 AM on July 14, 2009
Wow! 90 pounds. Congratulations, that's a lot of weight and it sounds like your discipline and persistence are paying off. I'm sorry to ask what might be an obvious question, but have you seen an orthopedist/orthopedic surgeon who specializes in feet and ankles? I had a pretty run-of-the mill bunion that caused me a lot of pain, and went through several GPs who didn't know what to make of it. Nerve injuries and ligament damage wouldn't show up on an x-ray. A properly trained specialist will know how to look for other kinds of damage or wear that consists of something other than a broken bone.
Good luck.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 5:37 AM on July 14, 2009
Good luck.
posted by foxy_hedgehog at 5:37 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: I think maybe I'll see a foot dr asap, there is one in our medical group, hopefully they are good, and I can see them without a referral. I am also going to get some vitamins/supplements as suggested in case I am missing things in my diet.
The straterra isn't for the weight loss, it was prescribed for ADHD and mild depression/anxiety. I feel it really helps the second part, not so much the first one. I will also evaluate whether or not I should consider switching medicine, and maybe get one specifically for ADHD, and one for the depression/anxiety.
Lots of good advice so far!
posted by JonnyRotten at 5:56 AM on July 14, 2009
The straterra isn't for the weight loss, it was prescribed for ADHD and mild depression/anxiety. I feel it really helps the second part, not so much the first one. I will also evaluate whether or not I should consider switching medicine, and maybe get one specifically for ADHD, and one for the depression/anxiety.
Lots of good advice so far!
posted by JonnyRotten at 5:56 AM on July 14, 2009
I was just diagnosed with neuritis in my feet, and my podiatrist recommended extra B-complex vitamins.
posted by jgirl at 5:58 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by jgirl at 5:58 AM on July 14, 2009
Thyazide diuretics can cause gout - it's a known side effect. There are a number of different drug approaches to BP management, and if this is your problem it should be relatively easy to switch medications. However, if as you say in one of your comments you only have high BP when going to the doctor you shouldn't be on BP medication in the first place (this is called "white coat hypertension" - patient is only hypertensive when confronted with a doctor!). Have you had a 24 tape of your BP?
Have you had your bowel problems investigated in of themselves? It's possible that this has bugger all to do with your weight loss, and the timing is just a coincidence. If you have loose stools, blood in the stool, black stools - get it checked out right now. If not - get it checked out anyway!
krautland - decreased appetite is a common side effect of Strattera (along with just about every other ADHD medication). JonnyRotten is probably fairly typical in this.
posted by Coobeastie at 6:00 AM on July 14, 2009
Have you had your bowel problems investigated in of themselves? It's possible that this has bugger all to do with your weight loss, and the timing is just a coincidence. If you have loose stools, blood in the stool, black stools - get it checked out right now. If not - get it checked out anyway!
krautland - decreased appetite is a common side effect of Strattera (along with just about every other ADHD medication). JonnyRotten is probably fairly typical in this.
posted by Coobeastie at 6:00 AM on July 14, 2009
First, congrats on making this great change in your life. You deserve a lot of credit.
Just looking at your diet, I am not seeing much fat at all. While dieters tend to stick away from fat, as it has 3x the calories per gram, your body needs it to properly function. Instead of endless chicken breast, I would throw a piece of salmon in there every once in a while. Have some salad with olive oil on it. Fat has a bad rap, but your body needs it.
So, i am nthing the suggestion you see a nutritionist. Someday, you are going to need a diet and exercise plan to maintain your weight rather than drop it. A nutritionist will be helpful then, and I think they will be helpful now.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:04 AM on July 14, 2009
Just looking at your diet, I am not seeing much fat at all. While dieters tend to stick away from fat, as it has 3x the calories per gram, your body needs it to properly function. Instead of endless chicken breast, I would throw a piece of salmon in there every once in a while. Have some salad with olive oil on it. Fat has a bad rap, but your body needs it.
So, i am nthing the suggestion you see a nutritionist. Someday, you are going to need a diet and exercise plan to maintain your weight rather than drop it. A nutritionist will be helpful then, and I think they will be helpful now.
posted by munchingzombie at 6:04 AM on July 14, 2009
Consider checking into (or having checked) gall bladder issues. They can crop up with a lot of weight loss.
posted by gjc at 6:12 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by gjc at 6:12 AM on July 14, 2009
I just had terrible foot problems. I would describe them very similarly to what you wrote here. I thought it was related to a bad back. Sciatic nerve issues. Called my doctor. Over the phone, he said maybe it is just a foot issue. Went to see him next day. Had to use a walker to get from bed to car. His nurse guessed gout. He came in and asked me one question. Did you have the chills in the last few nights? I had. Lyme disease. Obviously not all foot issues are Lymes, but the coming and going nature and the systematic symptoms (no broken bones?) could be something that manifests itself in joint pain, etc.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 6:23 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by JohnnyGunn at 6:23 AM on July 14, 2009
You say that your caloric intake is way below what it should be. Even if the Strattera makes you "not care" that you're only eating a little bit, you still need to eat appropriately for your age/activity level/etc. Trust me, I've been there. Adderall killed my appetite to the point where I had to stop taking it because I was so cranky from not eating. You will feel like hell if you're not getting enough calories to function. I know that all nutritionists are not created equal, but maybe you could try another one? You may find someone that you click with this time.
posted by corey flood at 6:32 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by corey flood at 6:32 AM on July 14, 2009 [1 favorite]
I would assume that as you've become less encumbered by your weight, you've also become more active and more mobile. Any preexisting weakness in the tendons of your foot would likely be aggravated by the increased activity.
It's typical (by my understanding anyway) for large changes in weight to cause some short term problems while your body struggles to regain equilibrium. If the problems are serious or long lasting, it could mean that your body is changing faster than it is able to adapt. In that case, you may want to slow down and eat more.
As more and more weight comes off, there will be less and less stress on your feet. Your feet will also become more adapted to the increased activity.
I had foot problems at 270 lbs, and they didn't go away for good until I dropped below 230. I've been hovering between 190 and 220 since then without any recurrence.
Congratulations on your 90 lb weight loss! I'm confident that if you continue then the rest of these problems will fix themselves with time. However, it would be a very smart idea to see a foot doctor and a nutritionist in the mean time.
posted by tipthepizzaguy at 7:09 AM on July 14, 2009
It's typical (by my understanding anyway) for large changes in weight to cause some short term problems while your body struggles to regain equilibrium. If the problems are serious or long lasting, it could mean that your body is changing faster than it is able to adapt. In that case, you may want to slow down and eat more.
As more and more weight comes off, there will be less and less stress on your feet. Your feet will also become more adapted to the increased activity.
I had foot problems at 270 lbs, and they didn't go away for good until I dropped below 230. I've been hovering between 190 and 220 since then without any recurrence.
Congratulations on your 90 lb weight loss! I'm confident that if you continue then the rest of these problems will fix themselves with time. However, it would be a very smart idea to see a foot doctor and a nutritionist in the mean time.
posted by tipthepizzaguy at 7:09 AM on July 14, 2009
I was thinking about this at the dentist this morning (seriously) and was wondering if a contributing factor might be the speed of the weight loss. You've got these feets that have been carrying around your weight in this very specific way for years and years. With a 90 pound weight loss, there must be tons of little ergonomic motion adjustments your body has made to figure out how to keep you from tipping over. It was all set up to keep you up and running at 90 pounds--all of those little compensatory muscles in your feet and calves. I can see how as awesome as that might feel for your skeleton, it's a pretty big shake-up in a lot of ways.
Your doctor sounds incurious. I hate incurious doctors. It's really, really hard to find a doctor who wants to ask the questions and look at the whole view and has the time and intellectual curiosity to pursue it. You don't sound knocked out by your medical care. Maybe you're taking high blood pressure medicine because of the strattera and gout medicine because of the high blood pressure medicine, but who knows? I think you might want to ask around about finding another GP who's a bit less of a shoulder-shrugger.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:13 AM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
Your doctor sounds incurious. I hate incurious doctors. It's really, really hard to find a doctor who wants to ask the questions and look at the whole view and has the time and intellectual curiosity to pursue it. You don't sound knocked out by your medical care. Maybe you're taking high blood pressure medicine because of the strattera and gout medicine because of the high blood pressure medicine, but who knows? I think you might want to ask around about finding another GP who's a bit less of a shoulder-shrugger.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 7:13 AM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
I know you do not want to hear this but you mind need to eat more. Your lack of energy could be because you are slowly starving yourself. You should aim for 1600-1800 calories a day regardless if you want to eat or not. Think of it this way, if you are running at lets say 1600 bare minimum calories required a day just to function normally and you are only eating 1500 a day with exercise, that extra energy requirement is going to come from somewhere. This would lead you to weight because your body has to cannibalize itself, leaving you with little to nothing extra to run on. Caffeine and other stimulates can only take you so far. Maybe you should start carrying a food that is super high in energy giving nutrients but yet low in bad stuff. Almonds, raisins, banana chips, and a few of those sesame stick things make an excellent trail mix. Carry something like that with you and pop a mouthful only when you feel really run down.
posted by Mastercheddaar at 7:22 AM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Mastercheddaar at 7:22 AM on July 14, 2009 [2 favorites]
A friend of mine had foot pain that turned out to be related to undiagnosed Celiac disease. Could be worth checking out with a doctor, or you could attempt a gluten-free diet for a while and see if you notice any relief.
posted by hermitosis at 7:25 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by hermitosis at 7:25 AM on July 14, 2009
Incidentally, Celiac is also connected with weight loss.
posted by hermitosis at 7:27 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by hermitosis at 7:27 AM on July 14, 2009
Straterra is some freaky stuff. My teenage son had a terrible reaction to it some years ago and I did some research then. It's hard on your liver and in fact it's not often prescribed anymore - at one point they took it off the market completely. I would not take it, myself, and if I were you I'd seriously consider switching meds.
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:30 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by mygothlaundry at 7:30 AM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: I guess if I look back, my weight loss, and my problems both started not too long after being prescribed Straterra. And I've never had so many gout/foot issues before in my life.
I will pursue this train of thought with the Dr. today. I won't lie, I'm afraid to go off of it and not be able to keep up my weight loss.
posted by JonnyRotten at 7:45 AM on July 14, 2009
I will pursue this train of thought with the Dr. today. I won't lie, I'm afraid to go off of it and not be able to keep up my weight loss.
posted by JonnyRotten at 7:45 AM on July 14, 2009
It sounds like you got bad health care, in that the doctor ascribed the foot issues to your weight. Since you've now lost an immense amount of weight and the foot issues have gotten worse, not better, that is a pretty clear indication that the foot issues were not connected to your weight.
If this was me, I would get a new doctor.
But failing that, cherry juice is one of the most effective home remedies for gout out there (most doctors recommend it in addition to prescription medications). Why not try adding some of that to your daily intake? It can't hurt, and it might help.
Also, yeah, if you're starving yourself in terms of your daily nutrient and calorie intake, you're going to feel like crap. Health is more important than weight loss, and health is especially more important than rapid weight loss. Slow and steady wins the race--your body can't distinguish between extreme dieting and famine.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:54 AM on July 14, 2009
If this was me, I would get a new doctor.
But failing that, cherry juice is one of the most effective home remedies for gout out there (most doctors recommend it in addition to prescription medications). Why not try adding some of that to your daily intake? It can't hurt, and it might help.
Also, yeah, if you're starving yourself in terms of your daily nutrient and calorie intake, you're going to feel like crap. Health is more important than weight loss, and health is especially more important than rapid weight loss. Slow and steady wins the race--your body can't distinguish between extreme dieting and famine.
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:54 AM on July 14, 2009
Congrats on your weight loss! I've been there, done that. Everyone is different. I wonder if your pre-existing health problems may be just as much related to your other health issues and medications as it could be from the weight loss itself.
Other things to consider:
1) When I lost weight I became more active and engaged in activities I hadn't before, which exposed me to more things that could cause injury or illness. Is your lifestyle different, exposing you to new activities, environments, etc?
2) Diet can affect your health. When I lost about 75 lbs I started losing my hair and having other issues. Turned out I had a thyroid problem that my new vegan diet exacerbated, so I solved one problem but caused another. Are you getting enough calcium? Are you stretching and warming up before you engage in activity? These were new adjustments i had to make as I found myself walking and working out more.
3) Is it possible that with your weight loss, you are no longer in need of certain medications or in need of them in the same dosage? I know it sounds weird, but it doesn't hurt to check things out.
4) Is it possible that with your weight loss your balance has changed, causing your feet to be strained in different ways? Or, could you be overdoing it, basically?
Have you seen a D.O. (I believe that's the term)? A osteopath is trained just like a medical doctor, but above that is trained to see the body holistically and to look at how changes in one part of the body can affect another. Your weight loss has major effects in many areas of your life and a D.O. may do a better job and seeing how your foot problems are related to other things going on with your health.
posted by Piscean at 8:10 AM on July 14, 2009
Other things to consider:
1) When I lost weight I became more active and engaged in activities I hadn't before, which exposed me to more things that could cause injury or illness. Is your lifestyle different, exposing you to new activities, environments, etc?
2) Diet can affect your health. When I lost about 75 lbs I started losing my hair and having other issues. Turned out I had a thyroid problem that my new vegan diet exacerbated, so I solved one problem but caused another. Are you getting enough calcium? Are you stretching and warming up before you engage in activity? These were new adjustments i had to make as I found myself walking and working out more.
3) Is it possible that with your weight loss, you are no longer in need of certain medications or in need of them in the same dosage? I know it sounds weird, but it doesn't hurt to check things out.
4) Is it possible that with your weight loss your balance has changed, causing your feet to be strained in different ways? Or, could you be overdoing it, basically?
Have you seen a D.O. (I believe that's the term)? A osteopath is trained just like a medical doctor, but above that is trained to see the body holistically and to look at how changes in one part of the body can affect another. Your weight loss has major effects in many areas of your life and a D.O. may do a better job and seeing how your foot problems are related to other things going on with your health.
posted by Piscean at 8:10 AM on July 14, 2009
My idle speculation is that your posture and gait may have been so determined by compensating for your previous weight that they're wrong for you now, but you haven't yet adapted to the difference.
posted by Zed at 8:29 AM on July 14, 2009
posted by Zed at 8:29 AM on July 14, 2009
I won't lie, I'm afraid to go off of it and not be able to keep up my weight loss.
Well, there are other drugs that have weight loss as a side effect, including some anti-depressants (not all though! Some can just make you want to eat cake for breakfast, apparently.)
In your original post, you sounded a little disenchanted with the diet and exercise mantra you'd been hearing about weight loss, but it really is the only way to lose weight and keep it off unless you want to resort to surgery. And it is in fact how you lost the weight you did--it was just that you were distracted by other things that kept you from thinking about food. If you have to give up the Strattera, maybe think about how to continue that level of distraction--ie., by being busy enough that you're more interested in doing what you're doing than having to go make a sandwich.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:02 AM on July 14, 2009
Well, there are other drugs that have weight loss as a side effect, including some anti-depressants (not all though! Some can just make you want to eat cake for breakfast, apparently.)
In your original post, you sounded a little disenchanted with the diet and exercise mantra you'd been hearing about weight loss, but it really is the only way to lose weight and keep it off unless you want to resort to surgery. And it is in fact how you lost the weight you did--it was just that you were distracted by other things that kept you from thinking about food. If you have to give up the Strattera, maybe think about how to continue that level of distraction--ie., by being busy enough that you're more interested in doing what you're doing than having to go make a sandwich.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 9:02 AM on July 14, 2009
Zed said:
My idle speculation is that your posture and gait may have been so determined by compensating for your previous weight that they're wrong for you now, but you haven't yet adapted to the difference.
Have a physical trainer or physical therapist check your posture and run through some exercises with you. I lost 100 pounds, but did not change my posture to reflect that weight loss. After about a year, I had a horrible pain in my left hip, to the point that I could not walk normally when I woke up in the morning.
After consulting with a physical trainer, I found out I was still walking as if I weighed 260 pounds and I was shortening my hip flexor muscles. He gave me several very easy, low impact exercises that improved my balance and helped strengthen those muscles.
Congratulations on your weight loss! If your doctor is still blowing you off after all this, get a second opinion.
posted by lootie777 at 11:31 AM on July 14, 2009
My idle speculation is that your posture and gait may have been so determined by compensating for your previous weight that they're wrong for you now, but you haven't yet adapted to the difference.
Have a physical trainer or physical therapist check your posture and run through some exercises with you. I lost 100 pounds, but did not change my posture to reflect that weight loss. After about a year, I had a horrible pain in my left hip, to the point that I could not walk normally when I woke up in the morning.
After consulting with a physical trainer, I found out I was still walking as if I weighed 260 pounds and I was shortening my hip flexor muscles. He gave me several very easy, low impact exercises that improved my balance and helped strengthen those muscles.
Congratulations on your weight loss! If your doctor is still blowing you off after all this, get a second opinion.
posted by lootie777 at 11:31 AM on July 14, 2009
I have no idea on the foot pain, but not eating enough definitely makes me feel tired and sick all the time. You may have plenty of fat reserves, which your body can use to some degree for energy, but you also need dietary fat, protein, and carbohydrates, with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Too-rapid weight loss is very hard on your body, and if you're not eating enough and hungry (regardless of the Strattera making you not care that you're hungry), you need to eat more.
posted by insectosaurus at 2:34 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by insectosaurus at 2:34 PM on July 14, 2009
I agree with gjc... gallbladder. You need to get it checked out.
posted by bkeene12 at 8:27 PM on July 14, 2009
posted by bkeene12 at 8:27 PM on July 14, 2009
I was still thinking about your pain this morning, so I asked a personal trainer if she's heard of anything similar with one of her clients. She asked if you had foot pronation issues, prior to the weight loss, and I remembered you had mentioned a "slight walking on the side of my feet problem."
She said she did have a client whose feet had a hard time re-adjusting to *not* carrying the weight it was accustomed to...which sounds odd, but I guess the feet might be adjusting to walking with an all new gait. And rapidfire, since you've dropped the weight so quickly.
Maybe foot doctor would be a good next step. Especially if your blood shows no elevated uric acid levels.
posted by squasha at 8:36 PM on July 14, 2009
She said she did have a client whose feet had a hard time re-adjusting to *not* carrying the weight it was accustomed to...which sounds odd, but I guess the feet might be adjusting to walking with an all new gait. And rapidfire, since you've dropped the weight so quickly.
Maybe foot doctor would be a good next step. Especially if your blood shows no elevated uric acid levels.
posted by squasha at 8:36 PM on July 14, 2009
Response by poster: So taking into account alot of the advice here, I went to see my Dr. yesterday, he wants to aspirate the fluid from the joint to get a decisive answer if it is gout, and he also referred me to a Podiatrist. I started taking a multivitamin as of this morning to help supplement anything I may be missing, and I'm going to work on balancing things out a bit with my diet, maybe slowing down the weight loss a little bit.
If things don't clear up, then I am going to look at changing medicines, and getting a new Dr.
Thanks for all the great advice and comments so far!
posted by JonnyRotten at 8:11 AM on July 15, 2009
If things don't clear up, then I am going to look at changing medicines, and getting a new Dr.
Thanks for all the great advice and comments so far!
posted by JonnyRotten at 8:11 AM on July 15, 2009
I have real problems with NewBalance shoes. Because I was, at one time, a ballet dancer and did a lot of en pointe work (toe shoes) I totally screwed up the area where my big toe joins the rest of my foot. I had surgery there, and my surgeon recommend NB.
I kept rebreaking that foot, right where the pin was, over and over...and we finally figured out it was the shoes that were aggravating the situation.
Try a different brand. I've had good luck with reebok and an ortho insert.
posted by dejah420 at 12:17 PM on July 20, 2009
I kept rebreaking that foot, right where the pin was, over and over...and we finally figured out it was the shoes that were aggravating the situation.
Try a different brand. I've had good luck with reebok and an ortho insert.
posted by dejah420 at 12:17 PM on July 20, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by jedrek at 3:35 AM on July 14, 2009