Oh my yes! A couple of years ago I was in remission, or if not that, at least I had a break from RA. I lost 40 pounds, got rid of all my "fat" clothes and swore, NEVER to gain it back. Guess what? Except for ten pounds, 30 of it is back after a series of flares that I got no relief from for over a year. So now i am bagging up my "skinny" clothes, knowing that well this just might be me. My goal is to eat well 90% of the time and it sounds like you do that. Look at the big picture and remember, tomorrow is another day!
Sandy

Hi Caspiana,

YES - I get this way, too - and last night was one of those nights. I was just so TIRED - the fatigue has been with me all week and last night was just BAD. But I felt so guilty that I wasn't exercising (I don't do a lot but try for 30 mins 6 days a week - been doing this for a few years - pre- RA dx). It helps me keep my weight in check and feel better all around. But I get almost "afraid" the days I am not able to do it that suddenly I'm going to gain weight, etc. (Plus being on the prednisone really increases my appetite - and I LOVE to eat, anyway). I have to talk calmly to myself and remind myself that missing one day isn't going to make me put on a ton of weight (and if possible I compromise with myself - I did 15 mins of stretching instead last night).

Be kind to yourself, listen to your body - and if it tells you it needs to rest, then it does :)

And now I really want a cinnamon roll :)

Tort

Hi Caspiana - I know where you are coming from. I've had a weight problem my entire life. Six years ago, before the RA, I lost 60 pounds & felt great. It gradually crept back over the next 2 years, but I was ok with that. Then I began with the RA - felt like crap and stopped exercising - and suddenly - wham! - up 60+ pounds again. I haven't gained any weight in almost three years, and have actually lost 15 lbs, but I still carry it around and I know it makes me feel worse. My knees are a mess now.

Somedays, I get down on myself for all this. But you can't deprive yourself of little indulgences from time to time. I find having little treats once in a while prevents me from craving the "bad things" all the time, which in the end is much worse. Don't be so hard on yourself though and listen to your body. If you need to miss a workout, so be it. Tomorrow is another day! ~ Kim:)

Thanks guys. I know you are right and deep down I know all this but I always seem to need someone to tell me. I am such a wet blanket. I will try to be less of a moaner! Enjoy your weekend!

Caspiana -

you weren't moaning :). You were asking for support - and that is what we DO - I had had an awful night (in the "beating myself up" category) the night before I read this - reading this helped ME. It works both ways :-)

Tort

Caspiana, you are not a wet-blanket, by any means. You've done fabulously well and you must have great will power to get to where you've got to right now.

Think of it as temporary, one day without exercising will not hurt, but one month will. Be a bit more generous on yourself and let yourself have the odd rest day and treat, and let it be good for the (knees and the) soul! Cheers

Hey Caspiana! I agree with everyone else...You have to listen to your body. If you push your body too hard, you can possibly do more damage than good. Exercise has to be a positive thing.

I think a lot of us struggle with the weight problems, and it is often a byproduct of this disease and the meds.

I try to eat somewhat healthy. I do allow myself to enjoy the foods that I like (Chocolate being my favorite), but I try to do it in moderation.

Hey! Life is short, and this disease is miserable! Do what you can to treat your body and your mind in a way that makes you comfortable!

there are some terrific answers out here! and all of them true. you can only do so much, and you have to reward yourself once in a while! otherwise the exercise and diet routine will drive you nuts! i know i can't exercise every day, although i try. and i can't eat only what's on my diet-sometimes the chocolate just grabs me! you're doin great sweetie--and don't you forget it! :)
hugs,
brat