Weight Gain

I've never had many issues with weight, though since menopause, I've definitely changed my shape--and not for the better. :(

Yes, meds can surely add weight, too. I sympathize with you having pain on the bottoms of your feet and having difficulty walking. Right there with you, unfortunately. In fact, I was just talking about that very subject with my husband tonight.

My "game plan" is drinking more water, eating more vegetables, watching calories in general, and doing exercises which target specific areas that need help!

Alternating sitting and standing when working (if possible) is helpful and your feet and legs will thank you!

I find my most comfortable shoes to do my work around the house. Actually, I change shoes about 3 times a day, because my feet seem to need a change. Odd, yes, but true. That helps me.

Also, I massage my feet as needed, keep them up if I'm sitting and reading, and soak them in Epsom salts in a bucket of water occasionally. Adding things like shoe liners and soft arch supports helps some, too (I buy these at Wal-Mart in the foot care section). Gel-soled shoes have been very helpful. Generally, I buy the Asics brand and usually find them at Famous Footwear for a decent price. Any shoe with lightweight--but thick--soles helps, too.

But---this doesn't solve the walking problem entirely, I know. I could use some ideas on that, too. Hopefully, others will have suggestions.

As far as meds, by the way, I try to avoid them if possible. Not easy, I know! There are herbal supplements such as "Calm Tabs" from Puritan's Pride which help me somewhat when the nerves in my feet or legs act up. More than one makes me sleepy, though, so I generally only have one to take the edge off. You might want to check that and other herbal remedies out with your doctor.

I just started alpha lipoic acid capsules, as I read they help irritated nerves, which I definitely have in my feet and legs. Not sure if they work yet, but I'll keep you posted. One more thing you may want to run by your doctor.

I do find that it's much nicer to walk on soft grass or carpeting, rather than tar or concrete--an enormous difference! I'm gradually trying to walk more, and generally sticking to softer surfaces.

Hope we get other suggestions. Oh, and welcome to the forum! I love your name and glad you're doing that.

Wish you the best!

I counted carbohydrates to lose weight.

Lyrica is known to cause weight gain. We have had quite a few members stop Lyrica because of the weight it caused them to gain...some as much as 40 pounds.

I would suggest you try cutting back on carbohydrates....keep them to around 1,000-1,200 carbs per day. See if you start to lose weight. If you continue to gain weight, and still need help with fibro pain, there is another medication they use for fibro called Savella. Members have switched from Lyrica to Savella and this helped them without the weight gain. Just a thought. You can talk to your doctor about this next time you see him/her.

I don't take either medications. I use ibuprofen with food, Tylenol, magnesium malate, vitamin D3, and a muscle relaxer called Robaxin that has made a significant difference in my pain. I also walk daily and pace myself when doing things.

Sherrine