OPERATION NEXT WEEK

[Mary63]

Hi everyone,

I joined this forum in early January. i Have Polymyalgia Rheumatica and am on steroids for that.

Compared to some on steroids I did quite well in only gaining a stone in three years, while ‘playing’ with low carb, but did not realise the significance of combining low carb with high fat until I found this forum.

So I started this way of eating in mid Jan just before a month long trip from uk to New Zealand. Cos on hol had far too much to drink....esp wine, but still came back at same weight. Really pleased!

I have been home 10 days and doing well on LCHF. With the odd hiccup.

My question is....I am going into hospital for a total knee replacement on Tuesday. I will be in for three nights and would like to keep going with this way of eating.

Any ideas for what to take with me to ensure easy access to healthy foods which comply with LCHF? My main concern is to get enough fat without too much carb. Eg. A bag of nuts would work for fat but I would not have a stop button and would eat far too many at a sitting!

Thanks in advance.

Mary

[Stoozie]

With nuts, my best method of portion control was to go to a cash and carry type place where they sold a big card with individual 30-40g portions of nuts attached, like you might see propped up on the bar in a little village pub?

Do you know the type I mean?

[Mary63 in reply to Stoozie]

Thank you. Yes I know those packets. There’s lots in the supermarket these days. Then I must ensure I only eat one, not all at once! Good idea though. Thank you

[TheAwfulToad Ambassador]

It probably depends on the hospital, but they may have some low-carb options available if you ask them.

If they look at you like you're crazy and insist you eat your gruel like everyone else, i wouldnt worry too much. Three days of high-carb food won't be a major disruption; just do a short very-low-carb cycle afterwards and you'll be back on track.

I would also add that, when I'm ill, I often get carb cravings, and I just go with the flow. For whatever reason, my body thinks it needs them. You might have the same experience as your body repairs the damage from surgery. Listen to your appetite and don't try to force yourself down the low-carb route if it doesnt feel right.

[Mary63 in reply to TheAwfulToad]

Thanks very much

[Megbird]

Hi Mary63 I buy all nuts from H&B and you are right when you have too many of them. You get tempted to eat more. I dry -fry mine in a frying pan between 3 and 5 minutes and it makes the nuts much tastier.

I would say just see how it goes. If one day you eat too much nuts then reduce the following day. Concentrate on getting over the operation and getting better. You will be ok and all the best.

[Mary63]

Thank you

[Purplecrow]

Hi Mary, just checkin in from the PMR forum, to see how you ar doing. Have you had your surgery?

Do stay close to your PMR management as you go thru rehab. I think the physical trauma of my knee replacement contributed to development of my PMR. I healed with no complications, and my new knee is wonderful!

[Mary63]

Thanks very much.

Op went well....8 days ago. Pain has been really difficult to deal with. But now I’m taking top doses of everything offered and as frequently as I am allowed, things are much better.

I have been on 7mg pred since September, 2 flares in the autumn when trying to get to 6.5. Decided to stay on 7 through Christmas, hol to N Zealand and the op. I M thinking of a v slow taper to 6.5 in 4 to 6 weeks time. Or maybe later on? What do you think?

Mary