I am undergoing the rounds of testing before diagnosis of having SS.... my question is.... why am I losing weight? Or rather, why am I never hungry???
Is this some side affect of this disease? I am lucky that I need to lose two stone so losing weight at this time is not a major issue, but since October I have lost half a stone... I am not trying to diet, but my diet has changed in that I do not eat bread, biscuits, crisps, pastry and other dry foods as I cannot chew/swallow them due to dry mouth. I do eat other stuff that is bad for me so not calorie counting, but just never feel the inclination to eat as I am not hungry....
Any thoughts?
Anybody? ???
Hi Fluffiebunnie!
I haven't heard of appetite loss as symptom of SjS, but I have experienced it myself. It could be due to a combination of things:
- stress while you wait in 'limboland' for a definite diagnosis?
- changing diet so that you're not just routinely reaching for your usual stand-by foods?
- eating less starchy, bulky food especially wheat products?
- not 'grazing' or snacking at odd moments?
When you do feel hungry maybe you could try to eat complex carbs, and carb/protein combinations so that your body is getting the best nutrients it can.
Are you on any meds that have affected your appetite or that you have to take at certain times? I've found that timing my meds - and ensuring that some are taken on any empty stomach, or not in combination with others etc etc - has made me rethink when I eat and so I'm eating less. Not altogether a bad thing!
I would still play it safe and check it out with your GP because any sudden weight loss is worth mentioning.
Hope you get a definite diagnosis soon and that you're coping with everything life's throwing at you.
Chana xxx
Also, if you are on Plaquenil/Hydroxychloroquide, one of the main side-effects is decreased appetite.
Hello
I wish I was losing weight. I take Plaquenil but sometimes i have no appetite but other times I eat like a horse. I need to lose about 30 pounds. Good Luck with everything
Theresa
Thanks for the replies... I am currently on no medication... as I am undergoing tests before diagnosis..
Hi :)
I wish Plaquenil would suppress my appetite!!
Actually - I don't eat nearly as much as I used to but I don't seem to lose weight ever - and could do with it.
I think Chana has given you good reasons for possible wieght loss. Some people eat when they're stressed and others worry the weight away.
Do mention it to your doctor though.
Take care - Scottie :)
- eating less starchy, bulky food especially wheat products?
I've lost six pounds since cutting wheat from my diet, starting 1/5/09 (not a bad thing!). Since wheat is in so many things (READ: junk food), I'm not eating near the amount of processed food that I was before.
I had the same issues. My Dr said my digestive system was likely moving slowly b/c less saliva ect to digest. I also didn't go the the bathroom very much.
I haven't had the issues the last week or so.... but I found out I was pregnant. Hopefully my symptoms will lessen which I hear can happen. I just stopped taking my hydroxocloriquine...
I also had a weight loss problem in the beginning.was diagnosed this past year with sjogrens,lupus,ra,and depression. But am sure had this a couple years prior just not diagnosed till then Back 2006 I started out weighing 115 lbs then kept losing down to 82 lbs.After starting plaquenil and prednisone and celexa for depression have gone back up to 100lbs.hope you get things checked out and take care
I just saw a new Rheumy and asked her that very question.I had a huge weight loss due to some meds a while back and don't feel like eating.She said it isn't unusual because not only is the mouth dry but your sense of taste is diminished from the dryness so foods don't taste the same for alot of us.That is true for me nothing sounds good and I hate the meal replacement drinks.I'm working on my diet and haven't lost or gained so maintaining is ok for now.
Ruby
Quote from: ruby52 on January 20, 2009, 12:58:29 PM
I just saw a new Rheumy and asked her that very question.I had a huge weight loss due to some meds a while back and don't feel like eating.She said it isn't unusual because not only is the mouth dry but your sense of taste is diminished from the dryness so foods don't taste the same for alot of us.That is true for me nothing sounds good and I hate the meal replacement drinks.I'm working on my diet and haven't lost or gained so maintaining is ok for now.
Ruby
Yes I think that makes sense.... I had a chocolate brownie the other night and I didnt enjoy it at all as I struggled to eat it due to it being so dry.... it all stuck in my mouth and then I had to force it down with hot tea to get rid of it out of my mouth..... ITS JUST NOT WORTH EATING IT IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!! Was not enjoyable at all.
Wehn we talk of not tasting food,, is it becasue we lose taste buds on our tongues,,?,, I cant taste a thing now and I make my wife mad as all get out when she makes dinner and asks,, how was it,, I know now not to say I have no idea,, I cant taste it,, my tongues is alwas a disgusting yellow color,, prob a fungal infection,, but I am on IV antifungals,, when I see the ENT tomorrow,, something will be done,, I dont know what,, but something will come of this meeting,, I;m tired of just piling up the milage on my car for weekly trips to Pittsburgh for non productive meetings,, 3 doctor visits in the next two days,, should be intersting,,
GO STEELERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!