My body and nutrition has evolved over the course of my injury. I dropped a significant amount of weight post injury due to a combination of factors. There is an increased metabolic demand related to severe trauma that lasts several months post injury. There are also infections, decreased intake of calories because of a delicious puréed diet along with mental health issues of depression and anxiety due to an adjustment disorder. It felt like my life was over. I didn’t want to live like this.
I weighed roughly 180 pounds at the time of my injury four years ago. I was pretty active and worked out a few times a week. I dropped 30 pounds within months from the accident. I recall seeing my reflection in the bathroom mirror prior to a shower and not recognizing myself. I was pale and gaunt with no muscle definition. My body was rigid because of high muscle tone.
I went off the puréed diet as my swallowing improved after a few months. I had to be mindful avoiding certain foods and drinking tons of water because of kidney stones. I need to consume 3 to 4 L of water daily to avoid dehydration and UTIs. I started regaining my weight but then another problem developed. My colon had difficulty processing food and I got backed up. My weight ballooned to 190 pounds and I felt miserable. I had ileostomy surgery to remove the colon and my weight dropped 20 pounds practically overnight.
My goal is to not exceed my current weight of room light to 170 pounds. There is a high risk of obesity for people with an SCI due to lower metabolic rate, decreased physical activity, lack of community involvement, depression, and reduced quality of life.
Outside of the health factors obesity can lead to pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, pain, and spasticity. All of these are common medical complications following an SCI. Obesity also impedes caregivers the ability to do transfers, bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.
I still care about my appearance and want to maintain it. Inside Sojourner’s, I wear sweatpants and a T-shirt. In the community, it’s regular pants and collared shirt.
So here’s to maintaining my health.
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