Working out and illness

[coradora]

Hi All,

I have never posted before, but I was hoping that someone might be able to answer my questions.

First a little about me:

38 yo, 2 young daughters (4 and 2), happily married, currently stay at home mom.

I quit smoking over a year ago and started working out regularly.

I discovered Cathe last summer and have had wonderful results, losing about 40 pounds and gaining lots of sexy muscle. (currently 144 pounds and 5'3")

I am a mostly vegetarian (I eat fish, eggs and dairy) and eat a clean diet with lots of veggies, complex carbs and lean protein.

Now I have had a setback - I came down with a really nasty flu and that turned into pneumonia. I cannot workout of course (I am out of breath when I climb the stairs.) The weird thing is that I am losing weight!! My appetite is normal and I am eating the same as I was before I got sick, but in the last week alone I lost 3.5 pounds.

Question:

Am I losing my beloved muscle that I worked so hard for?? I love to see the numbers on the scale going down, but I really worry that I am losing muscle mass.

Has anyone else had pneumonia and when did you start working out again?

Thanks everyone
Corrie

 

[Poochy]

I am by no means an expert/nurse .. etc .. but I know when I run a fever I loose weight .. I had the flu for about 2 weeks in December .. and yes I lost weight .. but my appetite was not anything ... but I gained the weight back once I was well ..

it could be dehydration .. make sure to drink plenty of fluids ..

.. your body is fighting hard to battle pneumonia .. and I am sure it is burning calories to fight the nasty pneumonia ... just make sure to get your fluids .. move around .. and get your rest!!!

Hope you get well soon!

 

[red_mct]

I couldn't begin to comment on weight loss related to illness, but I did want to say - congratulations on the 40 pounds! Cathe rocks!!

And welcome!

Marie

 

[coradora]

Thanks for replying - you are probably right, I should be drinking more. The first week I had no appetite and was drinking lots, but once I started eating again, I haven't had a water bottle by my side all the time.

I really miss my morning workout - it is the one thing that I do just for me. I worry too about losing my motivation and fitness level. I never used to be so dedicated to my health and would start working out only to get "too busy" and drop it for other activities (like sleeping in ) I now think that exercise should be a normal everday activity like brushing teeth or showering.

Thanks again - I moved to a new town about a year ago and have not managed to make any friends yet, so it is nice to hear words of encouragement!

 

[catwoman]

You might be losing a little muscle, but be thankful you have it to lose. It might be saving you from being even sicker! You've got all those stores of energy your body can pull from and that's a good thing.

Drink your water and know that your body is working extra hard to fight the infection. You need to make sure you're eating nutritiously, and it sounds like you are. That will help. I would recommend hot teas (whether black, green, white, Oolong, or any other, all teas have wonderful health-related properties). Get your vitamins and rest! Don't push too hard to start exercising again. Yes, it's a setback, but just resolve to get right back into it once you are better.

I'm in a similar situation and can't exercise because I had a severe allergic reaction to food and broke out in an itchy rash all over my body. The doctor told me not to exercise because that heats my body up and makes the rash worse. So, I'm feeling your pain right now! I want to excercise so badly and can't. Patience, grasshopper!

By the way, congratulations on quitting smoking and dropping 40 pounds! You sound like you are strong of spirit!!! What an incredible transformation you're making in your life! Be grateful for all you've accomplished and you'll be up in no time to continue on!

 

[kaylasmom321]

Hi there! First of all, a big congrats on losing 40 and quitting smoking!!! Thats so tough to do both!!! I hear ya about being sick; I am recovering from Bronchitis. This sucks!! I am used to having so much more energy. But we need time to get well. I usually eat very clean as well, however,,,, I have been eating alot of junk. So needless to say, I am NOT losing weight.Try not to obsess about muscle loss. I think once you build it up, if you lose a little its fairly easy to build it back up. I think its called muscle memory or something like that. Take it easy, and good luck with your recovery. Take it slow; pneumonia is no joke!! I'll be starting up again tommorrow myself. Take care, Nancy J.~~~~

 

[coradora]

Wow, it is so cool that you all took the time to post back.

I know I am being stupid, but you made me cry - I feel so all alone sometimes in a new town with no friends (my own fault.) My husband works out of town for weeks at a time and I long for some adult conversation!

My Mom and sister live here. I spend a lot of time with my mom, but my sister is 10 years younger and going to college so I don't see her very often. I love my Mom dearly, we are really good friends but I long for a girlfriend just to talk to and hang out with.

Gosh, do I ever sound pathetic! Anyway, thanks again. I am feeling better already. (Got my bottle of water beside me as I type )

 

[Lynn M.]

Hi:

So sorry to hear you aren't feeling very well. I hope you are well on the road to recovery!!

I wanted to ask you if you are on antibiotics? If so, that might be causing your weight loss. When I've taken them in the past for something, I always drop a couple of lbs as well. I think they must dehydrate the body a little bit, but I have never heard that from a doctor, just my own personal observation. Unfortunately, I always end up gaining it back right after I get off of them.

Anyways, hang in there, it sounds like you've got some challenges going on in your world!! I'll say a little prayer for you!

Take care, Lynn M.

 

[coradora]

Thanks Lynn

I am on antibiotics and I can't remember the last time I had to take any, so it is very possible that these too are messing around with my weight.

I sure like to see the scale move down, but I know it is temporary

I feel so much better today - it was great to be able to unload a lot of my feelings and have others to talk to.

Well, it's off to ballet class! (not me, my sweet 4yo)

Have a great weekend Lynn.