Dercum's Disease Support Group

I saw my DD doc today. He has come far! I am so pleased! But he did say something I want to share with you all. I said something about doctors telling us "lose weight and exercise". He said "you know, that is always good advice. It's just in your case it won't alter your body structure." It kind of gave me a different perspective on the statement. If it comes from a doctor you have trusted, maybe he or she is just turning to the old medical treatment for all ills. And as we've seen from stories on the group, the food part can make a HUGE difference. And the exercise can be as little as stretching. I think it's kind of what I've been saying about Dr. H's diet - anything that you do is better than doing nothing. So maybe next time your doctor says that, think that it could just be a general statement and say "What type of foods do you think would help me given that we are trying to move lymph, keep lipomas from forming, etc. And what kind of exercise can I do when walking makes my legs ache all night and aerobics cause intense pain?"

Now you will still have jerk doctors who say that like it is your magic cure but maybe the doc you like really didn't mean it quite that way....

Hugs to you all and may you all have wonderful next appointments!

Diane

Diane...I love your response...I will definitely use it the next time I run into a supercilious doctor! Hugs, Grandma Sylvia

Diane,

I have to tell you that would drive me crazy hearing that from a doctor...hence my determination to keep weight off. I think I'm actually becoming a little obsessed with it actually. Still gaining weight though and too tired to exercise. I can maybe work in 60 push ups a day if I'm not in pain and I break it down to 3 sets of 20, each set during a different time of day. And that's only if I'm not toally asleep, or in pain. so really it's not every day but probably once a week...LOL.

Anyways, since the exercise is so bad for us Dr. Herbst did share something with me when I went to see her to get the blood and lymph moving. Basically just kind of put your weight on one leg and shake the other then switch legs and do the same with your arms. Also, just jump around a little bit in place. I have to say this does help when the lymphadema starts to get really bad in my leg...so does the dry brushing. However, I don't do that little exercise she told me about reguraly,,I guess i will have to start. Also, has anybody had success with any diets? If so please let me know. Right now I'm just on the vitamins Shellbee told me to get, Mobic and a pain med....

Hugs, kelly

Hey Kelly!

It usually does drive me crazy. He said it very well though. So while my first reaction was to say YOU HAVE NO CLUE! I stopped and listened. He's not there yet as far as really understanding this whole thing but he does have valid points that I know but don't usually state. Like it's not ALL lipomas. I know I'm wired to react to that statement so this was a pause for me to stop and listen and think.

I have been able to lose weight since I've had it but recently gained some. And I know that's me. I keep saying I'm going to get back on track but can't quite keep me there.

I can't jump up and down because I have knee replacements and that is a no-no. I do chair aerobics which moves them around. Also baby lunges to help with strength. And I do lymph drainage massage but not everyday. All seems to help some. You are doing GREAT with push-ups! Is a lesser exertion exercise any better? I had to quit going to the gym because it was causing my body to react. What was the little exercise she suggested?

Hugs,

Diane