Saturday, August 8, 2009

What Helps?

I was noticing all the little things I do to deal with my acromegaly symptoms, and I thought I'd share even though most of them are small actions. Do the rest of you have strategies on dealing with symptoms that you can share? Please comment on what helps you! Of course, this is on top of doing everything the doc says (meds, etc).

Swelling in legs and feet:
  • Sleep with legs elevated on pillows
  • Avoid salty/packaged foods
  • Drink lots of water
  • Loose a little weight
  • Socks made for diabetic people
  • Move around as much as possible, don't sit or stand in one place too long

Aching in joints:
  • Heating pad
  • Avoid dampness
  • Massage (loosens the muscles around joints that are tight)
  • Avoid stress

Headaches:
  • Traction - basically I lay in bed with the back of my head hanging off the edge, so gravity lengthens my neck
  • Don't sleep too much
  • Exercise
  • Massage
  • Avoid stress

Digestive irregularity (due to medication)
  • Diet of mostly fresh foods
  • High fiber diet
  • Drink lots of water

Acne:
  • Avoid sugary foods
  • Exfoliate

Tiredness:
  • Eat as much fresh food as possible (avoiding "heavy" foods, sugary foods, processed foods, etc)
  • Exercise (this one is hard, esp. when you're already tired, but it really helps!)
  • Fun activities (helps you forget you're tired!)

I'd like to point out that low sodium and high fiber diets also help prevent two diseases that people with acromegaly need to be careful about: heart disease and colon cancer. I have found that the more I do for my health in general (exercise, eat right, rest, avoid stress) helps my acromegaly symptoms.

4 comments:

Moge said...

Love this post and all the ideas in it.

We keep cold packs in freezer for the many uses. Cool down on hot day, reduce swelling and reduce pain.

We also pray and share in spirit. On that note may I be so bold to say "May Great Spirit hold each of us gently close"

moge

polarchip said...

GREAT POINT - I didn't even mention any of the emotional or spiritual things that help, and they are so important!

I appreciate the love, patience, and support of my family and loved ones- I could not have survived dealing with this disease without them. They make sure I feel loved at all times.

Also, my dog(!) helps with my acromegaly, because when I'm feeling down she snuggles with me, and regardless of how I'm feeling, she makes me laugh with her silly antics. (Plus having to walk her every day is probably good for me somehow- reduceing stress, improveing circulation, keeping me from sleeping in too much...)

John B said...

Just found Acromegaly Bloggers. Will add it to my bloggers list.

I've been blogging for several years, though I rarely write about my disease. I'd be interested in finding out how I might become a contributor to this blog.

Starbucks Addict said...

One of my number one things now is to avoid stress of any kind! It really helps me to try to keep that calm feeling going. I get irritable and frustrated very quickly otherwise.