Sarcopenia

[gwillistexas]

Do any of you older ladies like myself, have sarcopenia? Mine isn’t due to Cirrhosis which I don’t have. My hep says it is common as we age. Just curious

[Hidden]

Yes! I do Gail. It is also PBC related. I'm pleased you raise it as a post. What if anything have you been advised to do to halt or slow it? I'll have to wait til tomorrow to find out - my eyes have screen-burn

[gwillistexas in reply to Hidden]

I actually noticed just a little long before diagnosed with pbc. I had been on a statin about 5 years and noticed a little muscle loss in my rear 😔. Not where we want to lose it, lol! I have not been advised of anything. From the research I did, there’s really nothing they can do. Hope the eyes feel better tomorrow 🤗

[Hidden in reply to gwillistexas]

Thank you, eyes better! I believe squats are good exercise. Have you looked at Margaret Martin on you-tube or Melioguide.com, her website? She is a physio with decades experience of helping people with osteoporosis to exercise safely to help restore strength the muscle/bone decline that happens with age, illness, accident. I think you'd find her a great guide for helping yourself at home or anywhere else. Thank you for raising the topic for us, as always.

[7443jec]

Can you ask please, what is sarcopneia?

[gwillistexas in reply to 7443jec]

G’morning. Muscle loss. It can occur for different reasons, some due to natural age process, some due to health conditions. 😊

[butterflyEi]

I do not have a diagnosis nor has any medical person suggested it but I can see I have lost muscle, I guess it is a normal aging thing not sure what can be done. I hope it does not affect you adversly gwillistexas

[gwillistexas in reply to butterflyEi]

G’morning. Well, you know I’ve mentioned before about my weight loss since ocaliva. I’m thinking muscle makes up a certain % of our weight as well, maybe not a lot but it would explain it to a small degree anyway. 😊

[kingsnorth]

What is it and how do you know you have it. I’m 68 and have lupus and sjogrens as well as PBC x

[gwillistexas in reply to kingsnorth]

The first hepatologist I saw In January listed it in my diagnosis. I suppose he made his assessment considering weight loss and it was obvious. I have researched it. Interesting. 😊

[Biddyb]

Hi I had never heard of this but just googled it. Seems it’s age related and quite common, for a change doesn’t seem to be linked with PBC. It’s hard to know what we can blame on PBC or Brexit 🤪

[gwillistexas in reply to Biddyb]

Lol! G’morning. I not once related it to PBC. I have sat at a desk for 13 years so obviously I don’t get enough physical exercise. The old “use it or lose it” saying can certainly make its point 😅.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to Biddyb]

I say blame everything on BREXIT. Though I am American, I think it is not a great idea.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

I’m in America too. What does Brexit have to do with this? Doesn’t affect us.

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

I was replying to BiddyB’s comment on BREXIT. She was making a joke & I responded to the joke.

BREXIT impacts the way American firms do business in the UK which can indirectly impact us especially if you participate in the stock market or work for an American firm who has UK operations.

[gwillistexas in reply to ninjagirlwebb]

This is true. Thought you’re reply was to me. Sorry. 😊

[ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas]

No worries.

[Biddyb]

Just read that Collagen powder (seems to be the latest fad) is good for replacing lost tissue along with all its other benefits for the more mature of us !!

[gwillistexas in reply to Biddyb]

Thanks! 😊

[Hidden]

It can be indirectly related to PBC. When the liver doesn't store energy as glycogen, (which is why we are advised to eat small meals frequently) if energy is called for and the liver can't supply glycogen, the muscles cough up for it! To combat to whatever extent is possible for individuals;

sufficient protein which is needed for building muscle,

sufficient resistance or weight training,

sufficient exercises to improve balance

because weaker muscles can cause falls which

can cause brittler bones to break. And PBC predisposes us to brittler bones through absorption difficulties.

[gwillistexas in reply to Hidden]

Thanks! Good info😊. As far as absorption, my Vit d is high normal range. Had b12 checked last week. 362 in range of 239-931. So those 2 I’m absorbing. B-12 is very important in many ways, especially to the liver.

Thanks for the info. As always, we never stop learning 😁

[ninjagirlwebb]

Start strength training to build/maintain muscle mass.

[mrspeffer2]

Happy Labor Day! Well, this is interesting. I was just reading about this condition, as the population I teach yoga to is between 55-90. Yes, I have 90 year olds in my classes!. Anyway, I see lots of folks with muscles wasting, but lots that have good muscle tone and stamina. Along with the muscle loss comes a loss of stamina. I see this frequently in women and men too. My curiosity in bringing them suggestions led to finding articles on this condition.

Researchers say that sarcopenia is outside the normal muscle and tissue loss range found with aging, can be from limited mobility and exercise, not absorbing protein well, or hormonal decreases.

Ding Ding Ding!!! I personally noticed, especially in my arms and thighs, muscle loss from the age 50 until I was about 62. I was experiencing poor sleep, exhaustion, lack of motivation, irritably, and nocturnal night sweats all coupled with a good dose of the "I really don't give a hoots". I was 42 at the time my periods came to a halt, and hormone replacement had gotten a bad rap, so no HRT for me then. So, when I was placed on hormone replacement at age 62, the achy muscles, low energy, as well as the irritability and brain fog, all started to change. I've been on bio-identical for the last 3 years and feel totally different. I have that stamina back, I'm building muscle again, the aches and spasms are gone. I did have to increase my protein intake though. So foods that I used to not eat, I do now. I still do not do well, digestion wise, on animal protein, but had to make a choice. I deal with it.

Like others said, small frequent bursts of protein. I also use digestive enzymes to help with the assimilation of food nutrients. I started getting pre-peeled, organic hard boiled eggs from Costco. 16, 2 egg packs for $10! Worth the price and not having to deal with them. Perfect for the on the go complete protein fix. Love you girl...Be well

[gwillistexas in reply to mrspeffer2]

Happy Labor Day to you too! I’ve not lost my stamina but arms and legs - muscle loss. I do have night sweats lately, hmmm... 🤔. I know I need to increase my protein intake. I eat a lot of food to be as small as I am. Something is keeping fat from stopping along the way and sticking. Yesterday I had pork butt roast, potato salad, baked beans, rolls and banana pudding. Today...I weigh no more. Think it’s time it is investigated.

Stay in touch.

Love You too! 🦋

[Candy12]

I have muscle loss that’s noticeable, in upper arms and just recently the rear, my legs are fine, not had any diagnosis though, I can just see it. I put it down to reducing my weight by 13 pounds.

( I was a sugar, cake and sweet addict. I could eat dessert after breakfast, lunch and dinner so just recently I’ve cut all added sugar out of my diet.) I decided the sugar rush/crash was contributing to my fatigue, early days but I do feel a lot better on a more even keel.

I do walk at least 5 miles a day now I have a dog, but now need some new strength exercises to firm the rear and build some muscle. I’ve increased my protein and make sure I have some at every meal, and the snacks if I can.

Have you been tested for celiac? Are you okay with wheat, rye and barley.

[gwillistexas]

Candy12... Thank you for replying. Mine is noticeable also. If I didn’t work I’d be glad to walk. I’ve not cut anything out of my diet, as hepatologist said no restrictions. Probably eat a little more sweets than needed. I’ve not been tested for celiac. I have no problems with any food. I eat my share of wheat and rye. My glucose level is always normal when labs are done. Otherwise I might wonder if I might be diabetic. My appetite is unstoppable. Crazy metabolic system I have😀