Atkins and lupus???

[catlady4520]

I haven't posted on the forum for a long time...started having seizures in April and then in July was officially diagnosed with lupus of the brain. Since July have been doing Cytoxan (chemo). I had originally lost about 70lbs a year and a half ago and was maintaining but then was put on prednisone. I've been flying back and forth from Colo to AZ for training for a new job. Have recently had severe swelling and they think the lupus has possibly damaged my kidneys/heart. Am hoping not! If it's my kidneys, my doc won't let me continue Atkins. This is the ONLY diet that's ever really worked for me so hope not

Let me know if anyone else out there has lupus and is doing Atkins. I'm trying to go back to induction so I can lose weight agan...I gained 31lbs in 3 weeks due to severe swelling of my legs but they think most is water weight and thus the suspicion of heart/kidney problems. Thanks!

[maribelle]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Don't have Lupus, but wanted to say so sorry for what you are suffering. I hope they find something very soon to help you, and that your kidneys and heart are fine.

[Katlam]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Oh I'm so sorry to hear you're dealing with all this stress and worry about your health. I have no advice to give you. {{HUGS}} Prednisone will cause swelling and water weight gain. Be well!

Kathy

[softnred]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

I don't have anything to offer except hugs!!


~JoAnne

[Isabeau]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Hugs from me too. Take care of yourself.

[vixie123]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Listen to your doctor. If he say's "no atkins," then its no atkins. Even if it doesnt damage your kidneys, the stress on your body could cause a flare up. Why dont you ask your doc if you can work out. That might be best for you. My sister has bad lupus and any stress (physical or emotional) causes her to flar up. As soon as she de-stressed her life and started eatting a balance menu, her lupus got under control. So dont worry about your diet, get tons of sleep, stay out of the sun, take your calcium.

Good luck,

V

[catlady4520]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Thanks to all of you for the words of support. Did all the tests and thank God it hasn't affected my kidneys or heart! Can continue with Atkins! It's been extremely rough because been trying to get more exercise but the extreme joint pain and fatigue has been getting the best of me. My goal is to lose the extra weight gained in AZ and then lose an additional 20lbs by the end of 2005. Going to go back to induction to get a jump start. Have 3 more mos of chemo now and then on an immunosuppresant (Cellcept) for who knows how long!

[Momtofour]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

I know two kids who have lupus. They both have to eat very low to no sodium diets or they gain massive amounts of water weight while on predisone. The one girl is only 13 years old and gained 60 pounds when she was first put on the predisone and chemo. It did come right off later. She is eating alot of fruit, vegetables,meat and her main snack is plain popcorn. She seems to be eating a very healthy diet if not exactly Atkins. The other girl is only 6 years and she is being watched very closely by U of M hopital because she is so young. The poor girl just started first grade when she got so sick. The predisone has made her gain alot in her face and she's really upset about it. Poor girl! I also have a good friend who takes predisone and occasional chemo treatments for her MS. She also gains alot of weight while being treated, but it comes right back off. I'm sorry you have to go through all of this. I hope you find what will work for you.

[catlady4520]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

Fortunately I'm not currently on Prednisone. I was on it but was swelling so bad and since I had been started on chemo, it helps reduce the need for prednisone. I have frequently been ill with chemo and was again today but now only have 3 more sessions to go. Am trying so hard to lose the extra weight I gained while in AZ but the joint pain makes it very difficult. Going to try to take it slow this week and start using my exercise bike for at least 10 min a day.


Thanks so much for the support! Will let everyone know how the weight loss is going too!

[Momtofour]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

I have to admire your dedication. So many people would just throw in the towel. I hope you are on your way to recovery and better days.

[2big4mysize]

Re: Atkins and lupus???

hope you are doing better soon and the bike times are back up to your old normal times. My Grandfather had lupus but he lived to a ripe old age for the treatments they had back then. They have come a long way since then. Hopefully you will be getting the treatment that best fits your life and Lupus.