mcwtlg
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2014
- Messages
- 30
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 02/2015
- Country
- US
- State
- TX
- City
- Allen
I just had my second quarterly visit with the Neuro since my diagnosis.
First off, physically I have nothing to complain about compared to a large number of people on these forums. I have lost fine motor skills, strength, and coordination in my left (non-dominant) hand only and a little atrophy in my left arm. No breathing/swallowing issues as of yet. The Neuro is pleased that this is progressing slowly. I was a runner but stopped to avoid damaging something that might not heal properly. I walk and do elliptical now. Not much else physically.
That being said, the neuro said I have lost SEVEN pounds in the last three months, despite the fact I eat 2500 calories a day (5'10", 165 lbs - walk/elliptical ~2 miles per day). He said it is common for ALS patients to have a surge in metabolism and burn more than they are taking in and suggested I eat ~500 calories more per day. When I told him about my diet (generally my wife and I eat healthy) he said "veggies are good but low in calories (yes I know this!) and you need CALORIES. Do not be afraid of fat." I told him I have started adding more protein to my diet and reducing things like pasta and white potatoes and while he said that was good, he still wanted me to eat more. He then made me laugh when he told me to indulge a guilty food pleasure 1-2 times a week. He said, "eat more ice cream". I just had to laugh.
Well since my wife went with me on this one (the first time for her) she now will be tracking my food intake while I am at home to make sure I get more calories.
I know it is common for many ALS sufferers to get a Buddha belly but how common is it for the opposite to happen?
First off, physically I have nothing to complain about compared to a large number of people on these forums. I have lost fine motor skills, strength, and coordination in my left (non-dominant) hand only and a little atrophy in my left arm. No breathing/swallowing issues as of yet. The Neuro is pleased that this is progressing slowly. I was a runner but stopped to avoid damaging something that might not heal properly. I walk and do elliptical now. Not much else physically.
That being said, the neuro said I have lost SEVEN pounds in the last three months, despite the fact I eat 2500 calories a day (5'10", 165 lbs - walk/elliptical ~2 miles per day). He said it is common for ALS patients to have a surge in metabolism and burn more than they are taking in and suggested I eat ~500 calories more per day. When I told him about my diet (generally my wife and I eat healthy) he said "veggies are good but low in calories (yes I know this!) and you need CALORIES. Do not be afraid of fat." I told him I have started adding more protein to my diet and reducing things like pasta and white potatoes and while he said that was good, he still wanted me to eat more. He then made me laugh when he told me to indulge a guilty food pleasure 1-2 times a week. He said, "eat more ice cream". I just had to laugh.
Well since my wife went with me on this one (the first time for her) she now will be tracking my food intake while I am at home to make sure I get more calories.
I know it is common for many ALS sufferers to get a Buddha belly but how common is it for the opposite to happen?