I have chronic pain. You wouldn’t know it to look at me most times and, in fact, it’s been under control for some time now. But it’s there. Just under the surface. Waiting.
I have been taking a certain medication for about four years and it’s been successful at keeping the pain at bay; but it is not without a price. Financial cost aside, I discovered that one of the side effects of this medication is weight gain. I recently started on Weight Watchers and in reading through some resources I discovered the medication I am taking on a list of those that cause weight gain. When I discussed this with my doctor today he said that he usually sees fifteen to twenty pounds of weight gain on his patients who take this medication.
WHAT?!!!!
I am a tad annoyed because I have gained weight from the time I first started taking this medication and over the years he has even commented on my need to get it under control. I know that I have asked in passing in the past if my medication could be causing my increase in weight and he responded negatively. Why is it that I have to mention that I am on WW, take a piece of paper in hand where this medication is listed as causing weight gain, for me to learn the truth?
I will admit that it’s likely this doesn’t explain all of the weight I have gained over the past four years but it sure as heck might help to explain why I’m knocking myself out working the WW program and exercising faithfully with my Wii and seeing minimal results.
It would seem I have a choice to make: stop the medication that has controlled my pain effectively in an attempt to lose weight or continue the medication and keep the weight. Today I chose the first option so we agreed that today I would begin the process of reducing my dosage gradually with the goal of stopping. I have wanted to get off of the medication for a long time, I don’t like the idea of taking something long-term, but I am somewhat apprehensive about the thought of the pain returning.
I am researching alternative and natural ways of handling pain and I am continuing my efforts with WW and Wii. One step at a time, one day at a time, one pound at a time, I will reach the weight I feel most comfortable and will find a way to control the pain.
That’s the plan.
Weight loss isn’t easy especially when you have to have pain. Find something you love to do and vary it alot!
I am enjoying the Wii workout, Terri. Now that the weather is turning nicer it will be good to get outside and walk and garden again too!
Oh, Linda, I wish you the best!
Durn doctor.
Hugs, Janna!
Oh is that ever a kicker hey?!
I hope you find yourself okay after reducing/cutting out the meds…
Thanks, Sweetie.
I find the whole weight management thing to be VERY challenging as I age. Until I turned 38 I never weighed more than 118 lbs soaking wet. Today I hover higher.
I also have a low-grade pain level due to arthritis. Mostly I can manage it with moderate exercise & Iburprofen; and some days I have to leave the vacuum or ironing board in the closet.
Blessings,
Kathleen
I know what you mean, Kathleen. Once upon a time when I was younger I was very slender as you were. It’s been a challenge for me since around 40ish too. It could be worse though. I am still abundantly blessed!
It could be as you lose weight and move about the pain will be, if not better, then more “ignored” ? – I have chronic pain and I find if I use “distraction therapy” it helps some – that and I excercise regularly and etc. Some days are worse than others. Sometimes it is harder to ‘ignore’ it and sometimes I simply can’t.
But, tell yourself this, too — if you gradually get off this med, give yourself a little time to adjust, then if the pain is really bad again, you can then make a decision on your next step – and as well, maybe in the meantime do some research on other medications or treatments.
When one has been on a medication for a long time, it becomes a part of them – a part of their routine, like brushing teeth and eating, so the thought of not doing it is like taking a part of you away – a part of your identity- does that make sense? It’s all caught up in the fear of the pain returning -and thus our life being sucky because we can’t do what we want to do (pain can cause fatigue and depression and all that jazz), and the idea of Change.
Whatever happens, I hope you find a way to keep the pain under control!
You’re right about distraction therapy, Kat. I am a firm believer of staying active and pushing through as much as possible.
Thanks for your comments and wisdom.
It’s so frustrating when someone you rely on for professional advice doesn’t tell you all you need. It sounds here like you’re being so intentional and aware – I hope you find success, both in the weight loss (such a pain as we get older no matter what) and with the pain.