newbie here

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-28-2003
newbie here
11
Fri, 09-12-2003 - 11:43pm
Hi, I'm Samantha. I'm 45 & really need to get into shape. Lets start off what what wrong with me. I'm 5 ft 3 & 1/2, 226 lbs. Have Grave's Disease (but destroyed my thyroid a year ago & gain 20 lbs ) heart defect, Wolfee Parkinson White sydom--have had one surgery 2 years ago on my heart, need to repeat it, am waiting for the FDA to approve a new lazer surgery to repeat with. Have Ostroarthritis in both of my knees, need a total knee replacement on my left knee due to the demanage done by the arthritis. Dr won't do it due to me being too young (HUH??) Am at a level 8 to 9 pain with it almost 99% of the time.


I drive a school bus, and work part time as a secretary--so am pretty much a sit down & be still gal. I was thinking about the Atkin's diet, but not sure yet. I am very lactose intol--can't eat dairy things but once a week. I do go to the Y to swim (the one exerice I can do that doesn't cause me alot of pain in my knees)

Ok folks what do you suggest? I am open to ideas here.

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 8:46am
First of all welcome to Getting Fit Over 40 and Beyond. Second of all...give yourself a break girl! As I was reading your post, I'm feeling my shoulders slump. I'm sure there are a lot of things that you have going for yourself. Let's capitalize on that. As to what you can do; what has worked for you in the past? What does your Dr. recommend? I don't feel qualified to make any suggestions on exercise or diet with you having a few things going on. I would seek help from your Dr. or a dietician for starters. OK now...tell us the great stuff about you. I know there's a lot your leaving out :-)

Welcome to Getting Fit Over 40!

Phyllis

Live With Passion!

Phyllis

Avatar for dmm11730
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 9:29am
I agree with Phyllis, welcome to the board. Good luck on your healthy journey. You can do this, with the right guidence and support. Speak with your doc and get his/her opinion. Let us know what is suggested. Lets here more about you and your goals. We welcome hearing more from you.

Deb

Debbie

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 12:13pm
Hi, Samantha!

Welcome to the board. Hey! Sounds like you're a fighter! You will be fine here.

Slow and steady determination is my suggestion. I don't diet, but I will cheer you on whatever you decide to do, hon!

Hope to talk with you. I am back from a few weeks hiatus. If you need anything, holla!

Cee


CeeCee

Avatar for imthebigsister
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 1:26pm
Welcome to the board, Samantha!

You're doing something good for yourself by reaching out here. Congratulations. You're going to the Y to swim. Good for you; you've found a great exercise for yourself that doesn't impact your poor knees. Keep at it, and talk to your doctor about additional exercise you can do that takes into consideration the cardiac challenges you're facing.

I don't get your doctor's reasoning behind why he won't recommend knee-replacement surgery for you, especially since you're in that much pain all the time. Maybe his concern is more about your weight and cardiac issues and potential risks from surgery?

Take care of yourself, Samantha. No MDs here, but a lot of concerned ladies who are willing to help you help yourself.

Donna

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2001
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 3:24pm
I'm so sorry that you have to deal with such pain on a daily basis.Does your hospital have a nutritionist on staff?That would be a good place to start for an eating plan.Talk with your DR and see what kind of suggestions he has.Good for you for taking the first steps.Post with us and we'll give you lots of support.

Miss P




 

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 5:40pm
Welcome to the board, Samantha!

Rhonda

       ~~Rhonda~~


<

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2001
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 6:16pm
Welcome Samantha!

Sounds like you do have a lot of physical things to deal with at one time. I would definetly speak with a doctor about appropriate exercises for you and if he/she could work with you on an eating plan or perhaps put you in touch with a nutritionist. Good luck to you and hope you post with us often to offer you lots of support and encouragement and to get to know you better!

Susan

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-27-2001
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 10:40pm
Samantha, welcome to the board. You've gotten lots of good advice. I'll just say, keep coming back. This is a great place to be! Nancy
Nancy

"Make Choices that bring you joy"  cl-Patty


 


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: imamamouse
Sat, 09-13-2003 - 11:12pm
So sorry you are going thru such pain, Samantha! Will say some prayers for you and I hope your doctor can somehow help your physical condition. I would echo the ladies here on getting nutrition and exercise advice from a medical doctor. Keep us posted on everything.

Hugs,

Kat

Katherine (Kat)
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2000
In reply to: imamamouse
Sun, 09-14-2003 - 8:56am
Welcome! I too would seek the help of a nutritionist. I'm guessing that the doc would prefer you to take care of your weight before he resorted to surgery - every 10 extra pounds you carry is like 30 pounds of pressure on your joints. Still, I wonder why he's not referring you to a dietician? I don't know if I'd do Atkins - it takes some aspects of regulated eating to extremes, which might not benefit your current health problems and might add other conditions (ketosis and kidney problems come to mind).

How often do you swim? That's a great form of aerobic and resistance exercise.

Cussette

C

Pages