Multiple health issues -- please help!

nndidiamaka · September 2011

Hi there,

I usually frequent the Toddler & SAHM boards, but I am having some health problems and could use your advice.

A little back-story: I've struggled for almost a year now with debilitating fatigue and increasing pain all over my body. After several months and several doctors, they found that I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis as well as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Chronic Pain. I have "several" of the markers for Fibromyalgia, but not enough to make an official diagnosis. The Hashimoto's is being controlled with Synthroid, but I'm still tired ALL THE TIME (sometimes napping 2-3 hours in the afternoon with my son). My pain is better with Cymbalta, but it hasn't gone completely away, and any exercise makes it worse for the several days following.

The last time I went in to have my thyroid levels checked, they also tested my cholesterol, and found that it was too high. (Side note: the blood sample was taken the week after we got back from a week of bad eating at Disney World, so I'm sure this skewed the results some.) The endocrinologist has referred me to a nutritionist and given me 3 months to lower my cholesterol on my own, and if that doesn't work, she'll put me on some medication to lower it. Problem is, the nutritionist appointment isn't for another month, and I'd like to get working on it now. I'm currently about 15 pounds overweight (5 of which came after Disney), and I'd love to get my BMI down so I'm in the "normal" range -- a number I haven't seen since I was a young teenager.

My problem is finding a regimen that will work for my unique situation. I'm too tired to work out in a gym, and when I do, my pain flares up really bad for the next several days. I don't mind dieting, but DH is a VERY picky eater and really doesn't eat many vegetables when I cook them. I'm also an emotional eater and crave carbs and sweets like there's no tomorrow.

What can you suggest for nutrition and exercise that will help me accomplish my goals of lowering my cholesterol and BMI?

Thank you so much for your help.

bbo62808 · September 2011

I would def. start hitting up a pool. You can do amazing workouts in the pool that are non-impact/weight bearing which for someone w/your health history would def. benefit from.

See if there is a class to get you started, and then you can always swim laps.

As far as diet goes--who cares if your husband is a picky eater? eat your veggies! If he doesn't want to eat them he doesn't have too...his diet does not have to be your diet. Keep carbs/sweets out of your house if you are an emotional eater and you tend to binge or eat them out of feelings. Easiest way to NOT eat them is to NOT have them in the house

Drink a lot of water!

CLLDLL · September 2011

I really like the PP idea of using the pool to workout. Also you might try a low impact workout video or class at a gym. As far as diet, anything you do better today compared to what you did yesterday is an improvement. If you eat only white bread, try replacing one or two servings a day with whole wheat. My DH is also a picky eater, but I just make my veggies on the side. So for example, when I make spaghetti, I make meat sauce for him, but while I'm making that, I saute onions, green peppers, and julienned carrots in a pan with some olive oil & garlic. Then I mix the veggies into my portion of the sauce. A good rule of thumb is to be sure 1/2 of what you eat at each meal is fruits & veggies. Good luck!

sunandsurfmama · September 2011

I am a Group Exercise teacher and I find students describing what you are describing tend to enjoy Aqua, Pilates and Gentle Yoga. Then once you feel better you can add other disciplines in.

As far as diet, have you researched eating foods that work on decreasing the amount of inflammation in the body (avoiding nightshades). It is a fascinating read! Also balancing the PH in your body with certain food can help

Even if you limit or omit certain foods only temporarily (gluten, sugar), it can really help.

Good luck! I hope you find something that works for you.

mertense · September 2011

I have to agree with pps about the pool workouts. They are much easier on you joints and may help with the pain. I'm sure your doctor informed you that high cholesterol is a side effect of Hashimotos. I have to have mine checked constantly as I also have Hashimotos and my dr. wants to make sure I keep it down. For healhty eating I did Advocare for a month and lost 11lbs, granted DD had just weaned so I'm sure that helped too. You don't have to do the actual supplement formula but their ideas for healthy dinners and following their eating guide really helped dh and me. Good luck with your healthy eating and workout regimen!

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