Weight gain from opioid pain meds?

Hello everyone...I don't know if this post belongs here -- I thought, maybe so, since those of us looking for other options may be, like myself, in pain while doing so.

Since going on daily pain meds, plus the continuous Pill, I've gained over 30 lbs! I was chunky as an adolescent, but didn't diet until I got a crush on a boy -- then I wanted it all off, asap!!!! It was hard to lose, but I did (and got the boy, at least for a while!) At 19 my periods almost stopped, and when we checked that out, I found out why I had weight issues; I had very low thyroid levels. Once I took thyroid pills, I gained energy and was able to eat normally, and was more active.

The stresses of adult life -- losing my parents, job stress -- made me even thinner; I went from 115 or so to 100. I'm only 5'2" and am kind of large up top, so I didn't look anorexic or bony.

But now that I've gained, people ask me if I'm pregnant; or worse, just assume I am and ask when I'm due!!!!! The worst part is knowing that I'm eating no more than I used to, and exercising only slightly less -- I force it, even through pain and fatigue. Still, the weight stays on. My internist said to try Atkins; I can't stand the thought of it, as I'm a near-vegetarian. Besides, taking meds 4x a day, my stomach needs the calming effect of a small cracker or portion of rice, not a hunk of steak (which I haven't touched in 20 years)!

My pain dr., though, said that half of it is probably fluid retention from the Pill and the narcotics, and the other half to simply not being as active doing normal things in life like walking around a mall or standing up to cook. Workouts aren't the only way we burn calories, he said. His view is that once we solve the pain problem and I can stop the meds, I'll go back to normal.

You know how these diseases attack our relationships, sex life, careers, etc......well, I'll add self-esteem to the list! It seems trivial, but I used to take pleasure in buying a nice but small wardrobe now and then -- I'm hardly a designer clotheshorse -- and having confidence in how I looked. Now I can only tolerate drawstring and elastic atop my painful, swollen middle.

I'm going to buy clothes this p.m., and dreading it, but if I don't, I won't have a stitch that fits me once it's warmer out. I'll ask the saleswoman to shut the 3-way mirrors!

Thanks, as always, for listening.....and painfree wishes to all!

e+a

Hi endoplusadeno,

I'm sure the weight gain is just one more frustration for you. I have read that weight gain is associated with bc pills, but can't say I've read anything here about weight gain being associated with narcotic pain killers. Have you read the patient literature about your pain killers? If you do a search on the web using Google or some of the other search engines, you should see links to information about your drugs. I've checked out a number of things that way in the past. Some of the sites have provided a list of possible side effects, so you might find something that way.

Be sure to search on the brand of pain killer you are using.

Hope the shopping went better than you expected.

Beth

I found that weight gain is very common with the whole pharmacopaeia of meds I am taking, including Zoloft. In total, I am taking weight gain cocktail!

Thank you for asking about the shopping! I feel trivial griping when it's a luxury and, more importantly, there is death and destruction on the news 24-7, and when I know that somewhere in the world, a Sister is undergoing surgery or is otherwise in pain. As seldom as I buy anything, I still feel lucky.

Anyway, it wasn't so bad. I know a very kind saleswoman -- she is also an endo patient, so she understands -- who set up a dressing room with as many loose and comfy outfits as she could find. I picked out as few as I could get away with, as my determination to slim down is stronger than ever.

With that, I am off to exercise. Thanks again for your unwavering support!

Painfree wishes,

e+a

The opiates could certainly contribute to weight gain and bloating, particularly with your endo. The constipation that they can cause, coupled with swelling and bloating from your underlying condition, could add an easy couple of inches -- or more -- to your waistline.

I've found a manufacturer of lovely, wearable clothes...don't know where you live, but I'm living in these pieces that I've bought from them. Elastic-waist, soft flowing fabrics. Some of the stuff is just way too flowery for my normally tailored tastes, but they have lovely fabrics and most of their pants have drawstring and/or elastic waists. They also have dresses that are loose and flowing, just the thing for unpredictable waistlines, bloated and uncomfortable tummies, and they're currently running a sale on many of their items. The name of the manufacturer is April Cornell . They're quite affordable when on sale, too!

I still have "swelly belly" even at almost a year post-hyst, which I suspect is returned endo (they may have left a scrap of ovary behind, things were such a mess in there last year). And I've put on ten pounds that is NOT budging in spite of careful diet and as much exercise as I have energy for, as well as my active work and volunteer life. I guess I just have to give up my dream of ever seeing my size 6 self ever again! Although there are many who comment that I should just "accept" the weight gain ("after all, it's only 10 lbs"), I still feel that if I don't keep on it as much as possible, it could turn into 20 - 30 lbs. Been there, done that! I've had to lose 50 lbs off my 5'5" frame before, so I know what that is like.

It may also be, BTW, that the hormonal "derangement" that severe endo causes (it interferes with the estradiol/estrone conversion, creating extra estrone...and that's the type of estrogen found in belly fat) is also at the root of the weight gain for you. In short, LOTS of reasons!

Glad you were able to find some comfy clothes. I've got two pairs of the April Cornell pants, and I live in them. One of my jobs requires scrub clothes, but for the other one, I do have to dress nicely...I have a wealthy patient base in that practice, and I try to dress as well as I can (professionally, of course) for that two days a week. I've always gotten compliments on my outfits from them, as they're "different", feminine, and incredibly soft and comfortable!

Good luck with this. I so know that feeling of having this disease control your body for you...and to wonder if you'll ever get your life, let alone your figure back...

But I will tell you that, with the right HRT combination, I'm able to do more than I could for the two years prior to my hyst, exercise-wise, and if I don't exactly have my "girlish" figure back, at least the hyst gave me the ability to regain my strength finally! There is a at the end of this tunnel (at least, there was for me...)



Audrey

I was on the Pill several years ago & it caused me weight gain. I've been on Narcotic Pain meds for the past 4 yrs & havent experienced it...
Sounds like a combo of things for you I know I am a lot less active than my pre surgery days Sometimes I look back & cant believe what I could accomplish back then...it seems soo very long ago. I'm only 34...I am also 5'6" & 118 lbs. Before my last surgery for Bowel Obstructions I had dropped down to 109 which is tooo skinny. I have to sometimes force myself to eat b/c of the digestive pain & nausea.
I've read where Narcotics can cause you to crave sweets as well, it has for me.
I'm glad you have a good friend who understands & was able to help you w/ some comfortable outfits I have to do something myself! I work in a uniform but have been living in sweat pants & PJ's
Thanks ((Audrey)) for the link...((((hugs))))) to each of you....

First of all, it's a pleasure to meet you, Audrey. Thanks for the encouraging words. I will certainly search out April Cornell -- I hope they make petites -- in the height sense, I still qualify for that anyway! Right before I logged in (instead of paying a stack of bills that I promised to tackle), I was browsing a Lands End catalog, and they also have several elastic waist and drawstring pants. J. Crew also makes drawstring khakis. I was quite skinny when it all began, and at some point I reached a healthy weight. I didn't notice the extra lbs creeping up until I had to buy a gown for a family occasion. It turned out fine because of this magical person who helped me again yesterday (who's known me since I bought size 2's from her and has since become a friend -- she is, after all, a Sister)!

[Edit to post: I just went to the April Cornell site. Nice things!!! Very much like Lilly Pulitzer - classic and feminine. I saw some cropped drawstring pants that I think would look nice.....I will ask if they'd be OK for my height.]

Since then, I've tried to diet, but don't know how much less I can possibly eat. I went to a nutritionist a few years ago for FM pain (no result, btw) and kept food diaries for her. I took them out this week and saw that I ate even more then than now!!! So it's hard to know what to do about food.

I am so sorry to hear that you suspect a return of the dreaded endo; I will send out positive thoughts that it is just the pain of healing that's troubling you, and that it will go away without your having to suffer any more treatments. It is incredible that you have enough stamina to work two jobs! I truly envy and admire that. I closed my freelancing biz after the pain from constant typing became too much. The kind of clients I had were too deadline-oriented for me to slow down and take breaks; I was online for 8-12 hours/day, and my upper trapezius (sp?) is in a permanent spasm now b/c of it, added onto years of the same type of work at corporations, also, before ergonomics were ever mentioned.

I've also been told that in addition to the endo, adenomyosis causes swelly-belly, not to mention being on continuous Pills, so I suppose I've got a triple whammy! My pain dr. has offered me diuretics; they do take off several lbs and improve my appearance, but I turned down taking them on a regular basis b/c, even with adding back the potassium they deplete, I was still even more fatigued than usual while on them. Besides, I'm already juggling so many prescriptions.

And Sheri, I know what you mean by being more active pre-, well, whatever the catalyst of chronic pain was, surgery in your case, return of symptoms in mine. (Btw, how did the doctors explain how you went into an OR without chronic pain and came out with it? I hope the question doesn't offend you or bring up painful memories, and am sorry if it does.) I didn't realize how much you suffer with digestive difficulties. The meds are hard enough to tolerate as it is! Would you mind comparing med regimens via e-mail? I have a feeling I'd be better off on something else and I know that most people keep this info private, so it's fine if you'd prefer to keep it that way. If not, I'm at floatingmailbox@yahoo.com. (You may see a name there --t's not real!)

Hugs and painfree wishes to you both...and have a good weekend!

e+a

Oh my goodness, I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one who is having this problem ! I, too, have gained about 30 pounds over the last year. And it's caused a myriad of other problems for me, having to buy new clothes, for personal use and for work, feeling like I look bad, so not really bothering with much makeup, or hair styling, always in turmoil... either feeling miserable because of the weight gain, or not caring anymore, which is not like "me" at all (depending on my mood). I'm afraid that , as many people have stated, that there are many medicines that contribute to this... I think the number 1 culprit is the antidepressants... 2nd only to the birth control pills for me. I have never heard that narcotics lead to sweet cravings... but it does seem that way, now that I think about it.

Some days, I try harder than others. But I get discouraged so easily ... I guess because everything else is so out of control. One very important thing to NOT forget is WATER ! Drink water.... there are many benefits...... decreasing constipation, makes you feel full, helps to eliminate fluid (diuretic) , and it does have some metabolic benefits... (can't really speak very intelligently about glycolysis and the KREBS cycle, but it's important there LOL)!

Thank you all, for sharing your feelings so freely. I have wondered if I was unusual in my weight gain and feeling so bad about it...now I know..... NEVER alone, as long as this forum is here !!

s

	Quote:
(Btw, how did the doctors explain how you went into an OR without chronic pain and came out with it? I hope the question doesn't offend you or bring up painful memories, and am sorry if it does.)

I had been having severe pain & bleeding that would last for weeks & months at a time. It had started getting really bad about '96. I became pregnant w/ my DS at the end of '98 so that entire time things were better. I was told that I would never carry another child, I have 2 DD's but I did! He was born in Sept '98 & things really went downhill The pain & bleeding became worse. I knew I had Fibroids..I was treated with numerous Hormone therapies, underwent 3 D & C's to try & alleviate the bleeding all to no avail. I would frequently have bad PAP's. My Gyn did a Hysterscopy, & Cervical Biopsy in an attempt to get to the bottom of things. He had discussed a Hyst before my pregnancy, I'm so glad I didn't have it done then! I had reached a point where I had been bleeding non stop for 3 months straight, severely Anemic & in constant pain. He said we needed to go ahead with the surgery, I'd been thru enuf. This was in Nov '99...I started researching. Well, after reading some of the horror stories out there I was thinking no way!! Then I found HS & read for hrs, days & weeks My Hyst was scheduled for Jan 4 2000. I asked my Surgeon all the questions/concerns I had learned about, he assured me that this surgery would be the best thing...no more pain & bleeding. I thot YES, how could it hurt if nothing was in there. I wanted to retain my Ovaries if at all possible, he said he would check them out & if there were health they would stay, which they did. When I woke up in my room I was screaming & crying from the pain. I have a decent pain tolerance but this was unreal. I had a PCA pump but it had caused me to stop breathing so it was removed. I remember begging for something for the pain..a couple hrs later it got better w/ the use of several different meds. My pain was unreal for the first 3 weeks, I was using 100 mgs of Demerol every 4 hrs
The surgical pain started to get better but I had this severe pain in my right side. Each visit to my Dr he proclaimed it to be healing..well it was getting worse. Finally at 12 weeks Post he ordered some tests. A Transvaginal U/S revealed a large mass by my right Ovary, the ovary itself was enlarged & covered w/ multiple blood-filled cysts. Not knowing what the mass was he scheduled a Lap & RSO thinking my right Ovary was the source of the pain. I awoke from that surgery screaming in pain too. The mass turned out to be Adhesions adhering the Ovary to my cuff, the blood supply to it was severed as well. No relief, the pain was worse. My Gyn said there was nothing else he could do for me & referred me to Pain Mgmt. I was appalled, I was in severe pain so I thot there had to be something wrong. My thots towards Pain Mgmt was like giving in, accepting this pain..so I didn't go. I wound up in the ER about 3 different times during late March & April. Each visit the Drs. would say it was probably due to Adhesions & I needed to see my Gyn. Well, he wouldn't see me..in early May my Mom insisted we go to another hospital's ER. I was in there for hrs & every test imaginable was done. I had began vomiting bile..a Surgeon finally came in to let me know the testing had revealed 2 total Bowel Obstructions along with a condition called a Malrotation. That was something I was born w/ but had never been dx'd. I had several Surgeons & Drs coming in to take a look. This Malrotation was something that is rare in Adults, it is usually corrected surgically w/in the 1st few months of life. The surgeon explained what would occur during surgery. They were going to do a vertical incision, that scared me to death. I begged for her to try via Lap, the hospital is huge & known for being Pioneers of advanced surgical procedures..they agreed to try. What I didn't know until later was they had told my Mom to call in all my family as they weren't sure I would survive. Luckily, it was caught in time but she said had I waited 12 or so more hrs. I thank my Mom for saving my life as I really didn't want to go to the ER. The surgery went well...it was 3-4 hrs long. The Adhesions strangulating my bowel & area right below my stomach were cut, my appendix was removed, my intestines were inspected by pulling them out to be sure of no more obstructions & then replaced on my right side. All my organs are located in the *wrong* place. I awoke from surgery screaming again...I had all kinds of machines hooked on me.
The Surgeon told me what she found & how there was extensive scarring in there which left all my organs plastered together & adhered to my pelvic & abdominal side walls. I was warned of the risks of recurring Obstructions. I was scheduled to be released in 4-5 days if all went well. Of course it didn't. The shock of surgery on my bowels & intestines had caused it all to shut down. I was NPO the entire time & actually prepped for more surgery twice. I developed Pneumonia & Thrush in my mouth for all the antibiotics...my stay ended up being 14 days. I was only then released on the promise of no solids & if my digestive system didn't start back up in 2 days I was to return immediately. On day 2 home it did!! At my follow-up I told her of the pain & how it wasn't improving. She scheduled some tests but couldn't find anything requiring surgical intervention. She did tell me that there was not a lot known on Adults dx'd w/ a Malrotation so late in life & the extent of the Adhesions in there were to risky to remove. After about 5-6 weeks she said there was nothing else she could do. I consulted w/ 4 General Surgeons & a Specialist, all said the same thing. Each surgery had resulted in more pain & Adhesions, the risks of going in were to great. During that last surgery the Surgeon had to cut thru all the overlying Adhesions just to see. The last Surgeon I saw told me that he had never seen a case like mine but did have a colleague who had a patient similar to me & just treating the pain & complications were quite a task. I was in severe pain, tired of seeing Dr after Dr & just wanted some relief. I called the Pain Mgmt Drs who I was referred to previously, they agreed with the others on my DX of severe Adhesions causing pain & Nerve damage that resulted from the surgeries. The started me on a Duragesic Patch for the pain. It was like waking up from a bad dream...I had some relief from the constant pain!!
There was to be no more surgery unless it was life-threatening & the goal was to improve the pain by 60%.
That was in July 2000. I had made an appt w/my PCP for back pain that had been increasing along with body-wide muscle pain. I kept putting it off, thinking it would go away until one morning I couldn't get out of bed. I hurt soo bad, I was stiff, my hands swollen soo bad I couldn't write out a check for my DD's Lunch tickets for school. He referred me to my Rheumatologist who dx'd me with a severe case of FMS. Several tests were done over the next couple months in which Rhaynauds Syndrome, CFS, MPS & a Blood-clotting disorder were found. Lupus is still being tested for, I am being treated as if I have it.
I had been experiencing Hot Flashes, night sweats ect, my former GYN didnt inform me that the blood-supply to my Left Ovary had been altered, it was in my 2nd surgery Path report. Some type of test, like a Doppler was done which confirmed it. So now I was/am in Menopause & w/ the blood disorder I am unable to take HRT....
Several different therapies have been tried to treat my FMS w/ no luck..one of the Specialists I saw told me I had the worse case symptom-wise he had ever seen, shouldn't have suprised me.
During that last surgery, while I was in the hospital my back had started to hurt soo bad...my Pain Drs sent me to PT to see if they could help w/ the back pain & FMS. The PT DX'd me with Scoliosis & fitted me w/ a back brace. He attempted Deep Myofascial release during 2-3 visits but it left me unable to move for 2 days afterwards.
In 2001 I landed in the ER 2 more times for what turned out to be Partial bowel Obstructions, luckily they cleared up on their own. I have experienced these numerous times & now know the symptoms & how to monitor them should they turn into an emergency. My Intestines are adhered to my cuff & cause this awful pulling pain, the pain I experience w/ BM's is off the charts...
My Pain Drs perform CT Scans & X-rays every few months just to monitor my situation. About a year ago during one of these it picked up something wrong in my back. Further testing revealed 3 bad discs, Arthritis in my spine & Degenerative Disc Disease. They wanted to attempt to alleviate the worsening back pain which had spread down the back of both of my legs. I underwent
a series of Epidural Injections, no relief. I was sent back to PT to see if they could help. They tried U/S Therapy & something else, since those didn't help they scheduled Traction. During the 1st session the pulling in my pelvic area became unreal I only lasted on that table for 2 mins until I was in such pain I couldn't stand it. The PT siad he thot maybe that would happen b/c of my history but wanted to attempt another. After that day my pain had increased soo much. I held out calling until my next appt which then I told them how it had affected me. The said they would loosen up the Traction table & try again. The same thing happened & only this time my hip bone popped out of place, talk about pain. Some X-rays were done & yet another painful syndrome was found~Hypermobility Syndrome...
A few months ago I developed this rash on my right hand so I called my Pain Drs. The Neurologist there had found Carpal Tunnel in both hands so I thot it might be related b/c the pain had worsened. They thot it was related to the splints I wear so they told me to remove them. I had an appt a couple weeks later so I held out until then even tho the pain in my hand had moved up my arm & neck. I had Shingles & developed Postherpetic Neuralgia
which was nerve damage done by the Shingles, no way to fix it, just treat the nerve damage...
2 weeks ago I underwent a Lumbar Discogram to find if the damaged discs were creating the worsening back & leg pain..was it ever painful! I return next week to find the results...

So to sum up my long story, I have Chronic Pelvic & Abdominal Pain due to extensive Adhesions, Chronic Intermittent Partial Bowel Obstructions, Nerve Damage in my pelvic & cuff region, all those back problems, FMS, CFS, MPS, CTS, Hypermobility syndrome, Surgical Menopause from a nonfunctioning left Ovary.... What a story! It's the 1st time I have ever written everything, or almost everything. I thank God daily tho for allowing me to be here. My Pain Mgmt Drs have been lifesavers w/o the relief I receive from them I don't know how I would function. Hystersisters has become my Safe Haven
since I ran across here in Nov '99 I have drawn strength from so many special Ladies who have helped just knowing I'm not alone in my battle
I hope to give back some of what I have been given. The researching I do in attempt to educate myself & others is done out of compassion & understanding of what the fear of the unknown can bring. Trying to help others find some answers to their never-ending pain or complications. Sharing what I've learned the hard way, that thru research & educating ourselves brings us the power of knowledge...that we are our own best Advocates when it comes to our health. We are the ones who have to live w/ the results of procedures, surgeries, treatments ect...we know our bodies best, know when something is wrong...
I do have Hope, something that can never be taken from me!
Somehow, somewhere, someday....

Gosh, I hope you made it down this far...I will email you my med regimen, maybe comparing notes, tips might be of some help to both of us..
((((((((hugs))))))))

About post-herpetic neuralgia:
http://www.aftershingles.com/phn.html

Raynaud's Syndrome:
http://www.medical-library.net/sites...henomenon.html

This one was attempted but they hit a Nerve root:
plexus block:
http://www.mayo.edu/proceedings/index-p.html


On my Path report from Hyst along with Fibroids, Adeno, & pre-cancer cells:
What is chronic cystic cervicitis?
http://www.wdxcyber.com/m2cervix.htm#m03

Intestinal Malrotation:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical...lrotation.html
http://calloso.med.mun.ca/~tscott/digest/agutdev.htm
http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/H...alrotation.htm

bowel obstructions:
http://www.omphalocele.com/forums/Bi.../posts/54.html

Intestinal obstructions:
http://www.ehendrick.org/healthy/00053220.html

Chronic Intermittent Intestinal Obstruction:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410782_3

WebMD - Ruptured discs:
http://my.webmd.com/encyclopedia/article/1661.53653

http://www.scoliosis-world.com/

What is degenerative disc disease?
http://www.spine-health.com/topics/c...w_degen01.html

Pain Control with Opioid Medication:
http://www.medbroadcast.com/health_t...s_of_pain.html

Nerve damage after surgery:
http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/for...rvedamage.html

Living with FMS:
http://www.tidalweb.com/fms/

what is HM Syndrome?
http://www.hypermobility.org/whatis.shtml
http://www.theacpa.org/

...at all the suffering you've endured and still do. All i can say is, there must be a g-d. Your children are truly miracles. What stays with me is how many ailments go undiagnosed until another forces it -- and you lived with the malrotation for so many years, who's to know that if no gyn trouble had occurred, it would never have caused you a problem!

As we've all found out, gyn problems affect and are affected by everything. That's why we have more autoimmune diseases than men; I, too, have Raynauds in addition to the Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and a positive ANA - and was tested further for Lupus and RA. So far, these beasts have not surfaced. I've not even been formally diagnosed with FM, only with RSI (repetitive strain injuries).

I'm sure I've told that story elsewhere; in case I didn't , it's that my upper trapezius is in constant spasm from years of having to type while sitting in chairs too big for me (nowhere to rest forearms, so I hunched my shoulders), at old desks where the keyboard and mouse were on different levels, and in a cubicle setup that forced me to crane my neck upward and to one side for 8-12 hours at a clip. I also have tennis elbow from mousing improperly and too much. The damage came too late to sue; a year after I left the corporate world and worked the same kind of hours freelancing, I took my one and only trip to a spa. The masseuse said I had a ridge of overdeveloped muscle on the left side of my back, which would eventually cause problems. I ignored her, took on more work, and started doing creative writing (my dream - I always wanted to be a writer, and I became a successful one, but by writing about stocks and bonds and benefits and the economy, not life and love!) as well, when DH was away or busy. Then one morning I woke up, couldn't turn my head to the left, and felt a burning pain down my arm....PT didn't help, so I went to an unconventional chiropractor. It took nearly 4 months, but he did re-mobilize the area. What torment, though; he used "Active Release Technique," which places pressure on "trigger points" in muscles until they are released or softened. I could barely drive back from each session, which was scary as I live in the suburbs and he is in NYC. My teeth would chatter, and I'd be shaking and in a cold sweat. The chiro said it was toxins being released from the trigger points, and I have to believe it. I'd take 3 Advil, drink a bottle of water, and lie under blankets after each session -- 3x per week -- and this was in the spring/summer!!

Another factor was my thyroid levels. Though I hadn't gained weight, my TSH levels had shot so far up the doctor couldn't believe it. I should've known something was wrong, but I'd been stable for 15 years on the same dose, so I didn't question it. I was tired, too, and short of breath, even if still thin. My doctor raised my Synthroid dose, took a blood test, called me and said, you're fine. I said no, I'm not fine. And I never went back there. I researched the issue and found that Synthroid was not the only solution to thyroid replacement. I had to change doctors to finally get on Armour, then again to get on Thyrolar, a mix of T3 and T4, instead of Synthroid, which is pure T4. (If anyone wants to know more about the differences among thyroid medications, please let me know! You may be suffering needlessly; low-thyroid women NEED supplemental T3 in addition to T4.) That helped the muscle pain somewhat, though I still have it daily to some degree, even if I don't type for weeks. It's worse if I do, but since I'm practically housebound at this point, how else will I keep in contact with the outside world? So I use pain rubs and Advil and it's not too bad. It's laughable compared to the pelvic pain.

The upper body problem began in '98; as soon as I thought I'd gotten to a point where I could deal with it, the pelvic cramping recurred and became constant. I couldn't believe my lack of luck, though I'm seeing here that my tale is far more benign than most.

I've been like a ghost lurking here since the moment I realized my pain was chronic. It took me a long time to reach out and ask for help, guidance, and empathy, and to give any and all of the same wherever I can. So far, I've gotten far more than I've been able to return; I hope to be able to give more of myself once I am even a bit better. As of now, I am just about able to keep body and soul, house and home -- and marriage -- together. Hopefully, when we see this specialist on Wednesday, we will be better able to make our decision on the hysterectomy. (DH and I see ourselves as in this together - though he will agree to whatever I'm comfortable with.)

Sheri, thank you so much for telling your story. You were meant to survive your ordeals, I'm sure, not only for yourself and your loved ones, but for the Sisters, as well. You are clearly helpful and generous by nature, but your experience has given you something extra that compels you to reach out to others to comfort and educate them. I am sure I'm not the only one whom you've helped pull out of despair!

I look forward to hearing from you on yahoo re pain management whenever you have the time/energy to do so. I'm at floatingmailbox@yahoo.com

((HUGS)) and painfree wishes,

e+a

You must have ESP - so many Sisters seem to! I was having lunch with DH today, trying my best to just pick on a dry salad with dry tunafish and take 2 bites of bread, and recalling how I used to have the same salad, with real dressing, plus 2 pieces of bread, then maybe fruit or and/or something sweet but not too evil, like a graham cracker, afterward. No matter how I deprive myself now, though, like you, my scale doesn't budge! Most people, even doctors, think that when people in our situation say these things, we are secretly bingeing when alone. Nope! Drugs and hormones change your metabolism. It's a sad fact.

The eating approach that makes the most sense to me is in Adele Puhn's book, The 5-day Miracle Diet. It's not a miracle, nor is it intended for 5 day use only -- it explains how the body uses sugars and why we get hungry and how to stave off hunger while losing weight. She has other good books, too; worth an Amazon.com search. Her plan is tough as your breakfast is tiny, but the rest is OK. Personally, she advises that dinner consist of 50% vegetables, to biochemically balance your sugar metabolism. I'm trying to follow her as closely as I can, but for me it's hard not to "line" my stomach when on meds. It feels growly all the time, full or not! I won't starve myself, as I don't want to lower my immunity or get weak otherwise, especially if I end up having surgery after all......

By following the links (thanks to all!), I did find that each ingredient in my cocktail of meds is known to contribute to weight gain. I don't crave sweets, though, but I've never had much of a sweet tooth and am not a chocoholic. I prefer savory carbs over all. For years, I stayed thin and totally satisfied existing on nut butters, tahini, soy cheeses, seitan, and tofu, beans, and grains (including pastas, mostly whole grain), with occasional dairy, poultry, and fish. I loved Jane Brody's cookbooks from the '80s, advising us to eat healthy "the high carbohydrate way." No one would advise that now, it's all cheese and butter and steak! Not for me, even if it works.

So, I completely relate to what you're going through. You are by no means unusual at all! Thank YOU for being so candid and telling your story. It does make me feel better to know I'm not alone. We also have in common that we try to drink as much water as we can, and avoid constipation (I have to be on stool softeners and M.O.M. b/c of the narcotics). I try to get cardio exercise even while in pain. If I do feel a hunger attack between meals, I eat an apple, slowly, then see if I still want to eat more. I usually don't. DH and I keep a few cans of Atkins shakes in the fridge; they're hi-cal, at 170 for the whole can, but are so thick that you can't down one at a sitting. A few sips can quash hunger pangs for hours; we pour the rest into a Rubbermaid covered cup. We like the bars, too, but were getting stale ones occasionally so we switched to the shakes. (They are just as filling, and more portable, of course.)

I keep hearing about Kashi-lean products; I'll look into them and post to your attention, or you can email me at floatingmailbox@yahoo.com and I'll let you know what I find. I think there is even a 3-apple-a-day diet now; that sounds logical to me, as they're full of fiber and fill you up.

It sounds trivial, but I keep up my self-esteem by dressing nicely, even if "largely," putting on a full face of makeup daily, and styling my usually out-of-control long curls! In fact, buying and experimenting with cosmetics has become somewhat of a stress outlet for me, one that I tend to overdo, but it pays dividends as I get compliments and feel better about myself.

Thanks again for your post. I really appreciate it and look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes for a good and painfree weekend,

e+a