Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hi (and all), Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads)and had physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat explains the other extent!) Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and THEN have energy to give a show! This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can too. Connie post-op vanity Gang, I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. Can I expect to start looking a little better after I recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good nights rest. Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could deal with the last two problems:) I guess this silly question stems from the fact that I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey began for me. I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) I just don't want to continue to have these dark circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able to exercise without pain and sleep again? I know everyones experience is different, but I would appreciate any comments. Thanks, (in VA) __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hello all- Before surgery I had put on about 15 lbs that I did not want. I was still active at work so it was not worse. I am now able to exercise again. I went on a diet and lost the 10 or so lbs that I needed to. You have to have the willpower to do it and stick to it. It is pretty important to eat more protein than carbs and some fat in your diet. Hubby is a bodybuilder so we always are playing around with diets. I am maintaining at my current weight now with exercise. Remember I am the one who went jogging. Don't recommend that to anyone. =) Take care- in Texas > Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads) and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hello all- Before surgery I had put on about 15 lbs that I did not want. I was still active at work so it was not worse. I am now able to exercise again. I went on a diet and lost the 10 or so lbs that I needed to. You have to have the willpower to do it and stick to it. It is pretty important to eat more protein than carbs and some fat in your diet. Hubby is a bodybuilder so we always are playing around with diets. I am maintaining at my current weight now with exercise. Remember I am the one who went jogging. Don't recommend that to anyone. =) Take care- in Texas > Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads) and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 29, 2002 Report Share Posted May 29, 2002 Hello all- Before surgery I had put on about 15 lbs that I did not want. I was still active at work so it was not worse. I am now able to exercise again. I went on a diet and lost the 10 or so lbs that I needed to. You have to have the willpower to do it and stick to it. It is pretty important to eat more protein than carbs and some fat in your diet. Hubby is a bodybuilder so we always are playing around with diets. I am maintaining at my current weight now with exercise. Remember I am the one who went jogging. Don't recommend that to anyone. =) Take care- in Texas > Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads) and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2002 Report Share Posted May 30, 2002 Hello A little late on this post but anyway.....I gained so much weight....I know one of the only ways I will feel better is to lose it.....I grew up on a farm and have always been active. I hated myself but......WATER AEROBICS has been my God sent. I am toning back up along with losing the weight. I go excessively because I love it SO much (5-6 times a week) There is no impact....Just start easy and becareful with the neck stretches. I even love crunches in the water (up to 200 now just watch that posture)....and you feel it trust me....I have also graduated to the bike and olliptical treadmill (no impact) Just take it easy. I stay away from the stair machine because I turned my neck once on it and was layed up for 3 days. I have always been active but never an exercise freak like now. Most of the time I am the youngest in the class but hey I love it. The great thing is You don't have to know how to swim. I can't and I hate my face in the water and I LOVE it. Just remember everyday is different so try not to over do it. After aerobics I sit in the whirlpool for 20 min....(that is all I can take otherwise I hurt all over) Sleeping I still have some hard nights but you can find a comfortable position everything just takes time. I have had many many balling sessions " I am 25 and shouldn't feel like I am 80 " I get fustrated at least once a day with my condition...I still have numb hands and my head swells up and I feel like a walking accident (clumsy) and many other symptoms Just remember it isn't going to ever be gone so you have to learn to make ACM compromise to your life...with a few compromises on your end. I use to play softball and bail hay and such....I would get an unexplained headache but still did it. Now I may never do those things but I do know the healthier I am the more chance. Best of luck and feel free to email me everyone needs positive feedback when trying to lose the extra. NO MATTER WHAT...It is the person inside that counts, We are all beautiful!....Keep smiling even when you hurt...it helps my heart stay peaceful Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads)and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2002 Report Share Posted May 30, 2002 Hello A little late on this post but anyway.....I gained so much weight....I know one of the only ways I will feel better is to lose it.....I grew up on a farm and have always been active. I hated myself but......WATER AEROBICS has been my God sent. I am toning back up along with losing the weight. I go excessively because I love it SO much (5-6 times a week) There is no impact....Just start easy and becareful with the neck stretches. I even love crunches in the water (up to 200 now just watch that posture)....and you feel it trust me....I have also graduated to the bike and olliptical treadmill (no impact) Just take it easy. I stay away from the stair machine because I turned my neck once on it and was layed up for 3 days. I have always been active but never an exercise freak like now. Most of the time I am the youngest in the class but hey I love it. The great thing is You don't have to know how to swim. I can't and I hate my face in the water and I LOVE it. Just remember everyday is different so try not to over do it. After aerobics I sit in the whirlpool for 20 min....(that is all I can take otherwise I hurt all over) Sleeping I still have some hard nights but you can find a comfortable position everything just takes time. I have had many many balling sessions " I am 25 and shouldn't feel like I am 80 " I get fustrated at least once a day with my condition...I still have numb hands and my head swells up and I feel like a walking accident (clumsy) and many other symptoms Just remember it isn't going to ever be gone so you have to learn to make ACM compromise to your life...with a few compromises on your end. I use to play softball and bail hay and such....I would get an unexplained headache but still did it. Now I may never do those things but I do know the healthier I am the more chance. Best of luck and feel free to email me everyone needs positive feedback when trying to lose the extra. NO MATTER WHAT...It is the person inside that counts, We are all beautiful!....Keep smiling even when you hurt...it helps my heart stay peaceful Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads)and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 30, 2002 Report Share Posted May 30, 2002 Hello A little late on this post but anyway.....I gained so much weight....I know one of the only ways I will feel better is to lose it.....I grew up on a farm and have always been active. I hated myself but......WATER AEROBICS has been my God sent. I am toning back up along with losing the weight. I go excessively because I love it SO much (5-6 times a week) There is no impact....Just start easy and becareful with the neck stretches. I even love crunches in the water (up to 200 now just watch that posture)....and you feel it trust me....I have also graduated to the bike and olliptical treadmill (no impact) Just take it easy. I stay away from the stair machine because I turned my neck once on it and was layed up for 3 days. I have always been active but never an exercise freak like now. Most of the time I am the youngest in the class but hey I love it. The great thing is You don't have to know how to swim. I can't and I hate my face in the water and I LOVE it. Just remember everyday is different so try not to over do it. After aerobics I sit in the whirlpool for 20 min....(that is all I can take otherwise I hurt all over) Sleeping I still have some hard nights but you can find a comfortable position everything just takes time. I have had many many balling sessions " I am 25 and shouldn't feel like I am 80 " I get fustrated at least once a day with my condition...I still have numb hands and my head swells up and I feel like a walking accident (clumsy) and many other symptoms Just remember it isn't going to ever be gone so you have to learn to make ACM compromise to your life...with a few compromises on your end. I use to play softball and bail hay and such....I would get an unexplained headache but still did it. Now I may never do those things but I do know the healthier I am the more chance. Best of luck and feel free to email me everyone needs positive feedback when trying to lose the extra. NO MATTER WHAT...It is the person inside that counts, We are all beautiful!....Keep smiling even when you hurt...it helps my heart stay peaceful Hi (and all), > > Supposing your surgery is a success and you have no other medical problems > in addition to your ACM... it's all up to you and how bad you want it! > > Since surgery 2 years ago I've gained 22 pounds, and I was already about > 35lbs over weight then. I've tried 2 diets (good ones, not fads)and had > physical therapy. I just didn't have the will power to last on anything, > and still don't. I also have low back pain, and since surgery have a swan > neck (this appeared at 1 year post op). My regular gp says I still have > fibro, which would explain fatigue and joint pain to some extent. (fat > explains the other extent!) > > Dr. B. has told me loose weight and get in shape. Go to physical therapy > for the weak neck muscles and to build up stamina and then join a gym. It's > definitely what I need.. but so hard to do. I have 3 skinny kids at home > (10, 12, 14) who are always munching and always on the go. Just keeping up > with housework sometimes is too much. I also just quit my evening job (home > parties) because I can no longer lift the stuff in and out of the car... and > THEN have energy to give a show! > > This is not to discourage you, but to say it's all up to you. I too am > turning 40 next year. I use to backpack and ride my bike or roller skate > all over my city. Now I get tired walking to the car. Will power, friends > or family to encourage you, and I believe you can do it. Hopefully I can > too. > > Connie > > > > > post-op vanity > > > Gang, > > I hate to sound so vain and shallow, but for those of > you who've had surgery, I want to ask a question. > > > Can I expect to start looking a little better after I > recover from surgery (scheduled July 1)? I've put on > weight, started getting that cottage cheese look on my > inner thighs, and have dark circles under my eyes. > > > I can't exercise due to lower back pain, and the > circles are from fatigue/inability to get a good > nights rest. > > > Sleep problems for me range from pains that keep me > awake, inability to fall back to sleep after waking, > thinking too much, 3 young children, and a snoring > husband:) Prior to the onset of symptoms, I could > deal with the last two problems:) > > > I guess this silly question stems from the fact that > I'll be turning 40 this year. I've always felt and > looked younger than my age, but that's hasn't been the > case in the last 1 1/2 years when this chiari journey > began for me. > > > I can deal with the shaved hair - it will grow back:) > I just don't want to continue to have these dark > circles and carry this extra weight. Will I be able > to exercise without pain and sleep again? > > > I know everyones experience is different, but I would > appreciate any comments. > > > Thanks, > (in VA) > > __________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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