Losing my eyesight because of weight?? - My Psuedotumor Cerebi Awakening
True story.
I have always been a larger woman and have always been comfortable with my weight. I can't say there were times that it did not bother me (shopping for clothes, airplane seats, amusements parks, etc.), but for the most part...I was comfortable. I never had a problem attracting potential mates, making friends, finding gainful employment, and even wrote a book about being fat and that it is/was okay.
Last year (April, 2014) I started experiencing very strange headaches. They were pulsating, deafening, created loud whooshing noises in my ears, got worse if there was a change in lighting or if I bent over, and at times would cause me temporary blindness. Silly me, I thought these were just extremely bad sinus headaches, as I am a severe allergy sufferer.
After a few months of this, I finally made an appointment with the optometrist. I figured it would be the best place to start since the vision problems were getting worse and I was able to push through the rest. After a 30 minute appointment turned into a 3 hour one, I knew I was in some trouble. The doctor asked me if I had ever heard of something called Psuedotumor Cerebri or Idopathic Intercranial Hypertension. Of course I had not. When he explained to me what it was, I knew this was what was causing the issues I was having. I was immediately scheduled for a doctors appointment the next morning with my PCP. From there, I was admitted to the hospital.
When I arrived, I weighed in at a whooping 325lbs!! I kept saying, when did this even happen? I didn't feel that heavy. My clothes were still fitting pretty much the same, but somewhere along the line I crossed the 300lb mark and I crossed it hard!!
After 4 days in the hospital, a series of test, MRI's, spinal taps, annoying roommates, and no rest, I left with a diagnosis of Psuedotumor Cerebri. A condition that usually affects woman who are overweight and are in their child bearing years. Had I not gone to the doctor when I did, I could have severly damaged my eyes, my hearing, or much worse. Thankfully, I listened to my body (even as stubborn as I am and as much as I dislike doctors).
Since that day, I have made some major changes in my life. While I still love the skin that I am in, I cannot afford to lose my eyesight (as a graphic designer so I kind of need that), because I cannot control what I eat.
I will never say that I am on a diet. I am on a lifestyle change and honestly I feel great! I am not where I want to be, but I know where I want to go!! I am very grateful for MFP as it really helps me stay on track. June 2014: 325lbsJanuary 2015: 285lbsOctober 2015: 268lbs
Total lost so far: 57lbs
- Just counting calories | Now I will incorporate exercise -
Goal: At least another 40lbs
I have always been a larger woman and have always been comfortable with my weight. I can't say there were times that it did not bother me (shopping for clothes, airplane seats, amusements parks, etc.), but for the most part...I was comfortable. I never had a problem attracting potential mates, making friends, finding gainful employment, and even wrote a book about being fat and that it is/was okay.
Last year (April, 2014) I started experiencing very strange headaches. They were pulsating, deafening, created loud whooshing noises in my ears, got worse if there was a change in lighting or if I bent over, and at times would cause me temporary blindness. Silly me, I thought these were just extremely bad sinus headaches, as I am a severe allergy sufferer.
After a few months of this, I finally made an appointment with the optometrist. I figured it would be the best place to start since the vision problems were getting worse and I was able to push through the rest. After a 30 minute appointment turned into a 3 hour one, I knew I was in some trouble. The doctor asked me if I had ever heard of something called Psuedotumor Cerebri or Idopathic Intercranial Hypertension. Of course I had not. When he explained to me what it was, I knew this was what was causing the issues I was having. I was immediately scheduled for a doctors appointment the next morning with my PCP. From there, I was admitted to the hospital.
When I arrived, I weighed in at a whooping 325lbs!! I kept saying, when did this even happen? I didn't feel that heavy. My clothes were still fitting pretty much the same, but somewhere along the line I crossed the 300lb mark and I crossed it hard!!
After 4 days in the hospital, a series of test, MRI's, spinal taps, annoying roommates, and no rest, I left with a diagnosis of Psuedotumor Cerebri. A condition that usually affects woman who are overweight and are in their child bearing years. Had I not gone to the doctor when I did, I could have severly damaged my eyes, my hearing, or much worse. Thankfully, I listened to my body (even as stubborn as I am and as much as I dislike doctors).
Since that day, I have made some major changes in my life. While I still love the skin that I am in, I cannot afford to lose my eyesight (as a graphic designer so I kind of need that), because I cannot control what I eat.
I will never say that I am on a diet. I am on a lifestyle change and honestly I feel great! I am not where I want to be, but I know where I want to go!! I am very grateful for MFP as it really helps me stay on track. June 2014: 325lbsJanuary 2015: 285lbsOctober 2015: 268lbs
Total lost so far: 57lbs
- Just counting calories | Now I will incorporate exercise -
Goal: At least another 40lbs
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