Originally Posted by rach73

On the MGA forum here in the Uk a lady called Bea had the surgery done due to bone loss in her knee due to the steroids.

It maybe worth taking a look on their forum as some members post their email address on their profiles. You wont have access to this unless you have joined. She hasn't been on the forum for a while, but Im sure if you could contact her she would be able to discuss what procedure she had.

I hope this helps
Love
Rach

Originally Posted by Joanmarie63

First I can't believe a Dr told you if you died it won't matter because you have a poor quality of life anyway! He should be removed from practice!

Having MG and Fibro is hard, I know but I don't take Prednisone do to my super sensitivity to it but when I was on it I too gained a lot of weight {as everyone does}

As for exersise, it is hard but as long as you do a few minutes every few hours that would be better than nothing at all. I will sit and lift small weights until my arms start getting weak and I know I won't have to do anything for awhile. I sort of just fit in exersise when I can and it isn't a lot but like I said it is better than nothing.

As for the lap-band, I just don't know enough about it to give any advice but I hope someone can help you.

Originally Posted by suev

Hi Kater...and Welcome!

First thing I think I would do is find some new docs - - definitely get rid of the rheumy!!

Is it possible that you and your pcp should have an conversation about a coordinated, comprehensive approach to your body's health? It always concerns me when the number of specialists increases and each has an idea (perhaps valid, but perhaps also only from the perspective of their specialty). Maybe even a second opinion from another pcp. And probably a consult with a different rheumy.

RE: bariatric surgery:
I really question this procedure for the healthy - - let alone for some one with your history - and am glad the bariatric surgeon expressed such reserve.

These are just my opinions...and really don't count for much. Ultimately, only you (with guidance provided by docs that you trust) can make these major decisions about your health and quality of life.

Sue

Originally Posted by AtlantaMG

I would get rid of that dr!

Sorry you are having that kind of stress on top of your illness. I would see a dietician if you haven't already. They can put you on a diet to fit your lifestyle and even without much exercise you will lose weight. A huge huge part of weightloss is the food we eat, modifying your diet, which isn't easy but can be done.

Originally Posted by JCPA

Hi Kater and welcome to the neighborhood!

If the bariatric surgeon is reluctant...I would pay very close attention to that. He's the specialist in that area, not the PCP or the Reumy. Unless we took it (your statement) out of context, I can't believe your doctor told you that without bariatric = no quality of life = death. Geez....where's there breath...there's life...and it's precious.....and let's don't forget....HOPE...

I agree with Atlanta, maybe you can find a dietician or nutricion in your area that can help you on a personal level. You need someone who knows how to tackle this situation head on with your health condition and exercise. It sounds like you are already doing some exercise and you sound like a very determined person. You can do it!

Check with your hospital's staff and talk with the dietician there. That may be a good source of direction for you.

My sister had the same surgery...The surgery does not mean you weight problems are over. She is slowly putting her weight back on and it's because she has some health problems and can't get the activity that she once could do. This is a major decision and I would not base it on just the careless words of your PCP only.

Keep on "keeping on" and stay in there with the exercise. A little activity is better than no activity.

Hope you Have a blessed day.
JJ

Originally Posted by justdeb

Hi hun, first your pcp making that statement is totally off base. Report him to the medical association in your state!! IMMEDIATELY!! And get someone who is compassionate and caring or can at least pretend to be when you are there. sigh. These are the knuckle heads who give docs a bad rap!! SIGH!! Understand that he is not the norm!! Most of us have great caring docs. My doc gives me a hug every visit. When something comes up, he says, we'll work thru this together. I am here with ya!!
Let me tell you what I know about lap bands from a semi personal list of experiences. My mother in law was toying with lap band surgery as she has battled her wt all her life. Up to high, looses it (usually some drastic diet) gained it all back and then some. Well she had her lap band done. First issue for some reason she can't loose anymore wt. Hasnt in 4 months. HMMMMMM. The second issue, she has been seen to be eating what she wants then going outside to toss her cookies, and comes back sits down and eats more. Can you say bulemic??
Ok now she has a male friend, short heavy set man. He has been his current weight for at least the 23 years I have known him. He decided that if she could do it he would too. He hates his. He is not losing wt. Can't enjoy his food at all. REgrets ever having gone thru it all.
Another friend of hers, another overwt person, woman this time. She to is failing to see big results and the constant stress of what to eat when and all the other medication/vitamin issues has caused her to also regret the decision.
NOTE: all of these folks aside from the obesity are healthy. No other medical issues exist for them.
And I too must agree with the other poster, if THE docs who do this to make a living are not comfy with doing it------------that is a pretty good indicator that it shouldn't be done. You are going to be able to find someone who will do it make no mistake. BUT you have a very loud and bright red flag already on the field here with the first doc wanting to run the other way.
I know it is not easy to make these choices. It never is. The best we can do is to listen to the opinions/advice out there. Get all the facts.....listen to your gut talk to ALL your docs and then make a choice.
Exercise for MGers can be difficult. And with one dx that exercise helps and one it will worsen for some it can be daunting. But know what..........there are ways around it. Take a step backwards. Start out with some chair exercises programs. I have a few that are just that. And listen to your body!! IF it says time out, then time out it is. You can split it up over the day. You may even consider seeing a physiatrist (doctor of physical therapy) he/she can help you set up a program that works for the MG and the other issues. And you progress in PT with increased reps so as you get stronger do more, weaker days do less. Not to say be a whimp, we have to push......but only to a point otherwise we get waylayed by the mg and can't do anything for days/weeks.
hugs

HUGS

Originally Posted by redtail

HI Kater,

wow what a heartless doctor!!
I agree with what everyone else has said.
I found that my physio was the best person when it came to helping me out with exercise, she was very understanding and helpful.
I love getting in the pool, its soooo relaxing and I walk and swim to help exercise. But I do know that swimming can be bad for some people, and I started doing it after I had been doing a bit of walking firstly.
I think also you have to have your mg under reasonable control before you start thinking about any serious exercise, otherwise you are defeating the purpose.
Hope I have made sense and havn't made an idiot of myself
take care
Kate