I have gained 45 pounds in the 2 1/2 years since my knees rapidly declined. I can't walk very far and am frustrated. I went on a detox diet for 30 days that consisted only of fresh fruits and vegetables, boneless, skinless chicken breasts and some fresh fish. I did not lose a single pound! My metabolism is obviously a mess. I am on many medications and think they are interfering with my inability to lose weight. I need help. Thank you.

I experienced something similar, but with my hip.  I needed hip replacement, but many doctors wouldn't do it b/c of my age.  They said I was too young in my early 40's.  In the meantime, I gained tonnes of weight b/c I couldn't walk and do normal everyday activities.  One doc told me to lose weight and my hip would feel better, the problem was, I couldn't do any exercise b/c it hurt so much.

I finally had the hip replacement last year and the difference is amazing.  I started exercising at the Y and started eating better.  I went to the doctor and I had gained 20 pounds since she weighed me last prior to the surgery.  I couldn't understand it.

She did a full workup and turns out I was pre-diabetic.  If your glucose levels and A1C are out of whack, it's literally impossible to lose weight for some people.

I suggest you go to your primary doctor, explain your symptoms and get an exam, including blood work plus your hormones checked. 

I'm not a medical professional.  Just someone who experienced much of what you have described.  I understand completely the pain and frustration of your knees.  I was so depressed because of my hip.  Have you seen an orthopod and is knee replacement an option for you?  If you have seen an orthopod and he says to lose weight first, go to another and another until you find a doc you like and trust who will do it - if that's what you need.

I firmly believe if I wasn't turned away by so many doctors, I wouldn't have gained so much weight and in turn become diabetic.  None of the docs looked at the bigger overall health picture for me. 

Hi, I felt as if I was reading about myself when I read your blog. I am new to this site. I have bad knees and lots of other bad stuff. I do see and go to a pain management physician who has helped me a great deal and do feel the cortizone injections he does are well worth it against what an orthopedic doc does. I had to stop exercise due to chest pain, but hope to resume after seeing the heart doc as I am sure there is nothing wrong. I was exercising with Silver Sneakers. had a wonderful instructor and was either losing or maintaing a good weight regardless almost of what I ate. I have found that I have gained 10 lbs. because I have not been able to exercise and really not eating any differently than before. I'd be interested in knowing if you see a pain management doc as I think it is well worth it. Now remember though this is not an orthopedic doc. Good Luck

I have bad knees also, have had multiple knee surgeries since my early 20's.  I've just discovered water aerobics!  I got a real workout without the stress on my knees.  Check with your local YMCA or fitness centers with indoor pools.  Some fitness center/health centers also offer classes specifically for people with arthritis.

Now who said you had to walk to exercise?  Take a look at this page and this man.  He's in a wheel chair and is a bodybuilder.  He also dances.  http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/TheBeastWCBB/

Me? I have bad knees and a bad back.  I'm at the point where I was about to tell my family doc that pain pills weren't working and it was time for pain management.  I gave it one last shot after reading a lot about weight lifting for pain.  The rule was simple.  If it hurts more don't do it.  If it improves keep on doing it. 

 I use to lift but because of the pain thought I couldn't.  Guess what? The pain vanished.  I still have it if I walk any distance [like from the front door of the store to the bathroom] or stand for a time [like making supper] or sit too long but overall, it has improved and I am not in constant pain.

I started light at 10 pounds.  Now I can ab crunch 50 and leg press 160.  The gym has a cardiac bike which has the hand cycle as well as the regular leg cycle.  I have a chronic torn achilles tendon which rules out anything that involves legs. I know I tried every cardio machine in there from Rower to bikes.  I use the hand cycle. 

My point is there is a way around anything 95% of the time and the answer is out there if you search for it.

You might also want to review your diet for something less SAD [standard American diet].  I use Ornish's diet myself and eat like a horse.

Remember muscle burns more than fat and any exercise will up your muscle and you'll burn more.

Worked for me. 

I can relate. I ahve had more than 25 surgeries between both legs. My last knee surgery was last July. I broke my left leg in 1996 and in a 4yrs time period I gained 100 lbs. Since 2005 I have lost 73 but I am at  a plateau and no matter what i do I could not lose. My edno tweaked my thyroid meds and also I am going to a chiropractor who specializes in nutrition. He is a big believer that hormones and organs not working properly is what causes obesity. I have been going to him for only 8wks and I ahve lost 12 lbs. He looks at each patient and their body types and puts them on a specific eating plan. Mine was a liver cleanse and he has also been working with my different glands (thyroid, adrenal). When I first saw him at a seminar I thought "oh yeah right"! Well this has been the best decision I made going to him and I am glad I did. He has me eating as much organic veggies and fruit and right now I eat different types of fish. Eventually when my organs start working more efficiently I can add some chicken. I have pledged that I will eat red meat once in a while. As far as exercise I know what the doctor will allow me to do.

I have bad knees also - I had a knee surgery 2 years ago when I was only 27.  I have always had issues with running and anything high impact.  I do feel much better now that I have lost 60 pounds.  Your metabolism might be a mess, I know that mine was.  Too many fad diets and detoxes had gone through my system.  I finally found a great program (Dr Recommended) that worked for me - I lost 40 pounds my first 3 months on the program without having to workout.   I thought it was a miracle - and my knees finally quit hurting every day and night. 

Since then - I am still losing weight and I feel great.  The program has balanced the amount of protein, fats, carb, and has balanced my blood sugars which in turn make me feel like a new person.  I finally have energy to get through the WHOLE day...  I don't know what medications you take, but this has helped many of my friends and family lose weight too.  My own father (62 years old)  has dropped 70 pounds and ALL HIS DIABETES medications very quickly.

Misty Seaman

 (Visit my personal Website - www.changewithmisty.com - if you want to view my success so far)

Dear Sparksals1,

A couple months ago or so, I came across your message about the bad knees, glucose levels and pre-diabetic. I have a severed ACL in my knee and can relate to not being able to be active which in turn, causes weight gain, but the main reason for writing to you today is to thank you so much for changing things around for the better in my life when you didn't even realize that you were. I copied and pasted this part of your message into a word document....(She did a full workup and turns out I was pre-diabetic.  If your glucose levels and A1C are out of whack, it's literally impossible to lose weight for some people. I suggest you go to your primary doctor, explain your symptoms and get an exam, including blood work plus your hormones checked).

I printed it out, made an appointment with my doctor and showed your message to her. She ordered some blood work to be done and today they called and said I was pre-diabetic, and that I have a low thyroid and she prescribed Levothyroxin, which I still have to go to pharmacy and pick up when it's ready. I'm also full-blown menopause but nothing can be done about that. No sweats or problems from  it. Maybe now with my thyroid getting straightened out, I can lose weight although it is still difficult for me to be real active. I have the degenerative disc and joint disease. But the more I can lose, the better is is for my joints and back.

A big "Thank You!" for posting your message. I know the Lord directed me to you to get the ball rolling on my behalf.

Hugs,
Cheryl

I am a Disabled Veteran. Bad knees, ankles, back, carpal tunnel, neck.  I am signing up at the YMCA and getting into the aquatics program.  That is really good exercise and no impact.  I am also going into the swimming lessions and getting my daughter into the swimming lessions too.  

I was involved in MOVE through the VA syatem until my surgery and now that I can drive again I am going back to MOVE and getting the support and assistance that I need.  I need to lose about 80 pounds, so I have to really work.  I know that if I lose the weight my back, knees and ankles will feel better.  It is so hard to get started though because it hurts to get moving when I have been sedentary so long.