I haven’t posted for a while since there has been no change in my Burning Mouth or the meds I use to control it. The combination of Clonazepam and Cymbalta is still keeping my pain at bay almost all of the time, and I have been focusing on other projects and my overall health.

On another topic…

Weight has been a challenge for me since my teens, and I have yo-yo dieted like many of us with the same disappointing results. Nothing I did, whether exercise, fad diets, cleansing fasts, or anything else, worked long-term. None ever got me precisely where I wanted to be, and the outcome over time was always the same…the weight came back, and I felt like a failure once again.

Over the last year or two, I started hearing about the GLP-1 weight loss drugs. I was over 200 pounds, pre-diabetic, and teetering on the precipice of Type 2 diabetes that eventually destroyed my mother’s kidneys and caused her death last year. It was time to take action, and with the help of my doctor and nurse practitioner, we researched the new options and what would be the safest and most effective for me. I am very blessed. My husband’s insurance is good, and I was not automatically priced out of the market.

We settled on Zepbound (Tirzepatide) at 2.5 and eventually went up to 5, where I am presently and may stay for maintenance. Yes, I lost weight. You would expect that, right? What I didn’t expect, because I had lived with it so long that I thought it was my personality, was the cessation of that obsessive little voice in my head that was negative, self-deprecating, and always thinking about the next meal or snack. They call it “food talk,” and that is a fair description, but for me, it was even more negative than that. It called into question my self-control and my willpower. It made me feel weak and like an imposter. When it suddenly stopped, it took me a few days to realize it was gone and how free I felt. No sugar cravings, alcohol held no attraction, no urges to sneak that treat or snack because “No one would know.” If you fight this battle, you know the siren songs!

Some will not approve of my choice, either for themselves or others, and that is their right. If you decide to investigate these options, do your homework, talk with your doctor, and I personally would not ever use any weight loss aids without the oversight of a doctor. I am very pleased with the support I have received and know that there are medical professionals who are monitoring my health along the way. I have not felt this light and strong since I was in middle school, and I no longer avoid my full image in the mirror or assume that I can’t wear something.

Speaking of strength…yes, you DO need to exercise to maintain your muscle mass and avoid too much loose skin after weight loss. Cardio is good to do, of course, but weight-bearing exercise may be even more important while you are losing weight. (Walking is awesome and has a lower impact on our aging joints!)

STAY HYDRATED! You know this is helpful for BMS, but if you decide to try a weight loss drug, you may find it is equally important and helpful in avoiding side effects. I was nauseated a couple of times in the first month or two, but found that drinking a large glass of cold water in slow sips put a stop to that! Will it work for everyone? No idea, but it is certainly worth a try!

You need to keep working on your balance if you are older like me. Stand on one leg when you can. Stand in general, if you can! Keep challenging yourself in little ways, but be careful and avoid falls.

Good wishes to all of you on your Burning Mouth Syndrome journey, and I hope to continue sending occasional positive updates as mine progresses. A yearly check-up with the neurologist is coming up, and although I don’t expect anything new, I will keep you updated. Take care of yourselves!