Don't know what to do

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ClashPunk82

New member
So I am 23 and pretty sick and being evaluated for a lung TX. My question is I am very unmotivated and I want to exercise and really eat better. I just don't know how to do it. I just can't sem to make myself do it. I always say to myself ok starting tomorrow I'm gonna get up and do this or do that and I never seem to do it. I get so tired and even when I go out I want to go but I get tired so quick and just want to go home. I am just wondering if anyone can give me any advice on how to really buckle down and start taking better care of myself. Thanks guys!
 
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Mockingbird

New member
Are you taking antidepressants at all? I know I was the exact same way until my doctor put me on Zoloft. I didn't want to at first, but after about a month it really started helping me. Not only was I better able to get motivated, but my energy went up as well, I could sleep a lot easier, etc.

If you arre already on antidepressants, sometimes the dosage needs to be adjusted, especially if you are going through somethig stressful like being evaluated for a transplant.

If nothing else, I hope you find what you need!
 
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Faust

New member
Procrastinating and being slothy is a bad thing when it comes to CF (or any disease that requires a good amount of effort). I'm a pretty lazy person by nature, and I used to be kind of the same way relating to me taking care of myself. Eventually after seeing several cystics die that were acting the same way, I told myself I didn't want to end up like them. Granted i'm not super motivated man (his movie comes out next month btw, he battles wolverine), but i've atleast been a stickler to my meds/aresols. If you are similar in nature, usually it takes a good scare CF wise to get ya to change, because that is human nature. It's like the really obese guy who remains a couch potato till he gets his first heart attack, and either it scares him into changing or he remains that way and dies too early.


As far as exercise goes, you don't have to tackle a gym and start lifting like crazy (though that would help), but try to make it a point that instead of say sitting down to play on your xbox, you get on your bike and get a good cardio session out of it. Late night jogging around the block (weather permitting) is good too. I once heard a guy say (when relating to a friend) "My friend told me he doesnt have 30 mins a day to get in shape. I told him he won't have ANY time to get in shape once he's dead". Just look to the alternative, and realize it can happen to you if things don't change. I personally used to work out quite a bit, with occasional gaps of slothiness mixed in just enough to take away a good deal of the results I got from working out for the other long periods of time. I'm currently on a month and a half of not lifting, and it's showing. I wish ya the best, and I hope you get some form of help/change of mind to make sure you stick around.
 
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anonymous

New member
I agree with Mockingbird 100%. My doctor put me on the lowest dose of Lexapro, even though i told myself i would never take antidepressants. But what a difference it made!!! My energy level is better (probably because i'm sleeping better), and i'm definately more focused and motivated.

I know it's one more pill to take and Rx's aren't always the answer, but it's worth a try.
 
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Faust

New member
BTW Lexapro is an amazing antidepressant. My fiancee used to have serious anger issues, probably stemming from depression. Her and I used to get into rediculous fights, with only about 10% being on my end. After one huge blowout around her relatives and my family, to the point where both recommended we split up and she move out, she went on lexapro. It was a night and day turn around, she was absolutely lovely to be around, and never got angry. The only down side to that drug is weight gain. But seeing how weight gain doesn't effect us, I can't see any downsides to CFr's being on it. She is now on zoloft (changed due to weight gain), and while it has some affect on her, it's nowhere near as good as lexapro.
 
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anonymous

New member
I don't have any really good advice, Nicole. Just wanted to say that I'm right there with you and I'm not a cfer! I have no reason not to start. On the other hand, it's very easy to see why it would be hard for you to start given your low lung function. My father is currently at 45% of his lung capacity (major infection last 3 months, non cf related) and I can tell a HUGE difference in his activity level.

I'd say start with small steps. They're much less overwhelming. Pick one goal first. For example, maybe for you that's walking 10 minutes/day. Once you've progressed to the point where the walking is a natural part of your day and you no longer have to think about it (or force yourself to do it), add the next step. Maybe that's something simple like eating 3 vegetables per day. Again, when you've mastered that, add the next step. It's much less overwhelming that way and you're much more likely to stick with it then if you go gung ho and change everything all at once. Also, just try to focus on how doing this NOW will help with your recovery post-transplant. Good luck!!!! Prayers for new lungs quickly<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
Mel
 
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JazzysMom

New member
I am like this with soooo much of my life. I feel better when I just force myself to do it (whatever it is like laundry, meds etc) and it gets done. It doesnt take as long to do it as the amount of time I think or procrastinate. You just have to force yourself. I agree with starting small. I learned from HollyCatheryn to use the "minutes" of your day instead of larger amounts of time. You would be really surprised at how much you can get done on one minute if you time yourself. I challenge myself to make it fun.....I hope you find your motivation!
 
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Diane

New member
I tend to get lazy myself . To make me more motivated to walk on my treadmill , i bought some cd's that i really like and i only allow myself to listen to them while i walk on my treadmill while listening to them on my compact cd player with headphones. My brother bought that for me 2 christmas's ago and i wasnt sure what to do with it at first, but it made a great motivational device for getting me on that treadmill. My doctor and i recently were discussing the idea of me ever getting my fev1 back in the 50's and he said he doubts it'll ever happen given that i have been in the mid to high 40's for the past 3 years or so. When he said that i said........" now see what you did, now you're going to force me to prove you wrong". I love a good challenge<img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> so now i am on a mission to try my darndest to get that 50 mark! I guess my portable cd player is going to get a LOT more use <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif" border="0">
 
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lovingBenandCambree

New member
I have to agree with Diane and Melissa, I just love to prove my docs wrong. They too beleived that I couldn't get back into the 50s and low and behold I hit 54 so then they started talking about the 60's. That would be a blessed day and I am up for the challenge. It absolutely takes hard work and dedication. My source of motivation comes from my beautiful daughter and loving husband. I don't want to leave them before my time so I will do whatever it takes to take care of myself.

Diane I just want to say that you can absolutely get into the 50's! Exercise has been a key element to my health so stick with it and I will be praying for you!

Emilee
 
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anonymous

New member
Hello all my name is Carl Ballow and I am currently deployed to Iraq with the US army and I just found out today that my 7 month old son may have CF and I was wondering what there is that I could do if he does end up having CF he had the test this morning at 10:00 and I was wondering how long I could expect to wait for the results. I am really worried because he has had such a rough life already and I just don't know what to do if he ends up having to endure this as well he was born two months premature and has been in and out of the hospital ever since. I would greatly appreciate anything that you can give me as far as treatments or anything else.
 
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anonymous

New member
Carl,
This is such a broad question. I will try to help how I can. This is just my opinion, take it for what you will.
I have heard that you can get the sweat test results pretty quickly, possibly by tomorrow you will know.
The first few years may be tough for him because he is just building his immune system up and his lungs are probably not as strong as they could be, especially since he was a preemie. It's very possible that this is the reason they suspect CF (lungs not at full strength). There could be some issues that he was born with that will straighten out as he gets older and his lungs strengthen.
There are many different severities of CF, so it may be a few years until you get a clear idea of just how well your son will do if he does happen to test positive. Please keep in mind that there are sometimes false negative tests so if he tests negative and just does not seem to improve in the next few months, a repeat sweat test and/or a blood test would be good just to make double sure that CF isn't something you need to worry about.
It would be a good idea for you to check the "Families" section to check topics/questions that parents of children just diagnosed w/CF have posted there.
Please keep us posted on how the test goes and thank you for serving our country.
Hope
 
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ClashPunk82

New member
Thanks everyone for your advice. I started yesterday lifting weights and started the treadmill on a slow walking speed and will build that up. I also might take Yoga, my boyfriend took a class and loves it so I may try it out. Again thanks for the replies!!
 
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anonymous

New member
use a cross trainer. so much better than a treadmill. a treadmill never feels like its doing anything for me despite all the huffing and puffing.
 
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