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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/17/2016 5:21 PM (GMT -5)
Dear All,
My muscles appear to have atrophied to the point that my arms are soft like that of a child. I don't seem to be building much muscle mass, despite the fact that I do attempt a healthy diet, with steamed veggies, fish, nuts and occasionally a steak. I've tried the protein mix, but I only get large. I don't have the strength to do a fraction of the things I used to do. Blood tests seem fine, and my potassium deficiency's better now. Since I have to teach, I'm exhausted each day - I get in bed between 7-8pm until the next day. Weekends are all awash.
I suspect, my colon's not absorbing much nutrient, even with the Flora-Q vitamin supplements.
Is this the new normal?
I hope you all are doing better and better
Teacher.
Posted 4/17/2016 5:32 PM (GMT -5)
Your gut only absorbs electrolytes and water. All the things you need to build muscle come from your small intestine. If you arent using your muscles, you will loose them regardless of what your diet is like
Posted 4/17/2016 5:40 PM (GMT -5)
Here are a few non-UC reasons for losing muscle. I hope none of them apply to you. It's actually a normal part of aging to lose some muscle starting after age 30.
www.healthline.com/symptom/muscle-wasting
Malabsorption is #16 and related to Crohn's but could be UC-related.

If you've seen it happen rapidly then I would start using hand weights and/or go to the gym to increase your muscle mass while also making sure you are eating enough protein.

If your annual physical is coming up ask your primary doctor about it.
Posted 4/17/2016 8:26 PM (GMT -5)
a healthy diet isn't going to build muscles. you need to strength train and progressively overload them to make them grow.

but yeah, it is hard with UC because our absorption can be bad. malabsoprtion is one of my biggest problems with UC so i just have to eat A TON OF FOOD.
Posted 4/18/2016 8:11 AM (GMT -5)
How's your weight? Have you been getting thinner and thinner lately? I know the small intestine is involved with absorbing most of the nutrients we need. My former boss had celiacs disease (affecting the small intestine) for a decade before it was diagnosed. I saw celiacs disease listed as a possible cause for muscle wasting and wanted to mention it. One of many possibilities for muscle wasting.
Posted 4/18/2016 9:01 AM (GMT -5)
Joanna is correct - you need to put a load those muscles in order for them to grow - if you just do the same thing everyday, they will remain static -

but, in order for the muscles to grow, they need the right fuel - again, as b girl says, you need nutrients - and we, the lucky afflicted ones, need more than the average joe/joanna -

when was the last time you had blood work done ?
Posted 4/20/2016 6:22 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks all. I do most of the regular stuff at home. I also walk about 3 miles. If I eat more, I only get a bigger belly. I've a full checkup coming up in a month or so. I'll bring this up again.
I'm also feeling the onset of a flare. Urgency, bloating and semi-solid diarrhea. I'd just managed to contain one flare in Jan with Uceris & canasa. The spring time allergies always trigger one in me and I think this may be it. Just popped in an imodium for the morning lecturing.
It's so emotionally draining.
Best,
Teacher
Posted 4/20/2016 6:55 AM (GMT -5)
Muscles sure can go away! I don't know why, but it sure can happen fast! My leg was broken, and after only three months, that leg looked like an ugly hairy stick. It took nearly a year to get it to look like the other leg again.

I've noticed a lot of changes in my body since I got this.
I lost so much weight at first. When it came back, it did not locate the same. I just don't move as much as I used to. I sleep a lot.

I got some hand-held weights to try to get some muscle back. I walk the dogs when I can. I bought more flattering clothes in the sizes I am at the time. (From size 6 to size 10.)
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