OMG since being sick over the last six months I’ve gained almost thirty pounds it’s rapid too. Last week at the doc I weighed then this week I went and weighed 7 pounds more. What the heck is going on. And I’m generally not a heavy person, but I’m getting there real quick. Does this happen to everyone and why, and what can I do without hurting more to help it along. I’ve been going by the paleo diet per my doc but im not losing only gaining. Does Chiari do this or is the tubby girl in me finally coming out lol… Anyone
I would love some links I’m really transferring myself to the paleo. Sticking to it as closely as possible with the kids and husband wanting spaghetti… Links would be great and what kind of activities can I do without adding to the pain. I used to work out every day or at least run a few miles a day but now ugh… Thanks so much for the support I love this site :))
I was on one form of steriod or another for the last six months first for the pneumonia then they thought I had lupus. I am just off of them in the last two weeks. Now I’m on spriva for my lungs and hydrcodone for pain. It’s so crazy, I’m not seeing dr. Oro my rhuematologist had me on the paleo path again I was with him for the lupus or MS but he was the one who found the Chiari. I do feel better eating these things but need more. On days I can be active I am, on normal days I get up do some household duties run the kids around then rest and repeat. Just lots of resting on my heating pad and ever since my MRI my headache has come back with gusto and I hate it. So thanks for the links and helpful info 
Brandi,
What medications are you on? Many times CNS medications slow your metabolism to a halt & weight jumps on very fast. Neurontin is one of the worst ones. I agree everyone great diet information. The Paleo diet is very good as well as Dr Andrew Weil's Anti Inflammatory diet.
Beeba,
Mine did also. I was diagnosed with Hasimoto's disease (hypothyroidism.) I took medication. Then about a year ago I just stopped taking it & it has stayed normal.
Lol I know its the least of my worries but its what I see in the mirror and it’s making me very angry. Ugh, and I feel worse because I’m heavier. Thanks y’all
I posted about this a few months ago - a link between Chiari and weight gain. I also gained a lot of weight very rapidly and couldn't get it off. Then I was decompressed and lost 20lbs effortlessly. I haven't lost more, but I also haven't been trying to lose, I don't eat healthy at all...I know I need to change up my diet, but with the cost of groceries and limited time for cooking, it's hard for me :/
I've had the opposite problem my entire life w/ poor weight gain instead.
Hi Brandi
I, too, gained weight very rapidly once I got so sick. Like many, I have had subtle symptoms for years, and of course, had no idea I had Chiari. So, my weight gain started early this year, then more extreme chiari symptoms appeared, then I was finally diagnosed.
Anyway, my weight gain came with a vengence as my chiari symptoms increased. When it started, it made no sense to me and I couldn't get any of it to come off.
I am now almost 7 weeks post op, and have lost about 4 lbs. It isn't much, but my weight GAIN has stopped. I think there has to be a connection. I have wondered if Chiari effects thyroid and other glandular issues.
Can someone post the link for Chiari and weight gain?
also, Brandi, steroids can wreak havoc on weight just like was mentioned.
I remember being on steroids for just one week. I wanted to eat, and eat, and then eat some more. I gained a lot in that one week. I found livestrong.com to be helpful for me when I want to lose some pounds. If you go to the website it has a place you can put your weight in, your activity level, and etc. You can keep track of your caloric intake, exercise, etc. after you register. I like it because I enter in what I eat, and I can see exactly where I need to cut back.