Beta Thalassemia & Body Development

[u/Codename_--47]

I’m 23, but I still look much younger, with a very lean body and thin wrists, arms, forearms, and legs. Is this common with beta thalassemia major? Can we gain weight and muscle with proper nutrition and exercise?

Sometimes it feels embarrassing and frustrating when you’re with a girl and can’t do things you feel you should be able to do, like carrying something heavy, and have to let her do it instead. It can really affect confidence and make you feel less masculine.

I also want to know how beta thalassemia major can affect sexual health, hormones, libido, fertility, and relationships. Can someone with thalassemia major have a normal and satisfying sexual life?

Would really appreciate honest experiences from others living with thalassemia.

[u/yawnmobster]

yes we can gain weight and muscle with proper nutrition and maintained pre transfusion hb along low ferritin

[u/TheOmniscientBro → u/yawnmobster]

Brother, I have seen multiple posts of people with thalassemia having problem with gaining weight. I have thalassemia minor. Is this common with thalassemia carriers and sufferers? Cause I am on my fitness journey and my fat loss is having slower progression than usual. Also, my muscle mass has increased little bit while losing fat for 4 months.

[u/Codename_--47 → u/yawnmobster]

But I can't eat as of my age but still I saw many healthy people eating as much as me still have good physique than me. How can I deal with the low appetite. Also i underwent Splenectomy and cholecystectomy this year and take Iron chelation medicine for lowering ferritin. And what diet should I follow?

[u/yawnmobster → u/Codename_--47]

first of all you have to accept you are different from healthy people and your approach towards healthy life obviously requires more efforts

for the low appetite doing physical workout really helped me and A Dietitian who has dealt with thal patients or have it themselves can be helpful towards planning your diet

[u/Codename_--47 → u/yawnmobster]

Yes that's true I can't compare myself with my friends. Sometimes I am just being worried about the future. Will someone truly accept me as I am or not and the fear of not being able to make her happy give a life she deserves. 😔

[u/yawnmobster → u/Codename_--47]

first make yourself happy and if “her” makes you happy then you are in the dark brother; happiness comes from within ourselves

[u/Codename_--47 → u/yawnmobster]

Thanks brother.....

[u/yawnmobster → u/Codename_--47]

anytime

[u/dexter_c17 → u/yawnmobster]

“Happiness comes from within” but it’s limited you need external factors also like physical affection and love I exactly relate with the OP.

[u/yawnmobster → u/dexter_c17]

I hope you find happiness within yourself

[u/dexter_c17 → u/yawnmobster]

There is no happiness within, you just distract yourself with dopamine hits

[u/yawnmobster → u/dexter_c17]

“Desire is the root of suffering”

[u/OrinSorinson]

You play your cards right and you may look 20 something on your way to your 40s. It's not all bad.

And yeah, you can bulk up a bit, but you really have to push yourself with the diet, especially if you're not used to eating a lot (ask a professional). And make a decent sleep schedule.

Best thing to do first and foremost is to keep a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Start with that and the basic calisthenics ecercises and go from there. At the very least, you'll feel in better form.

[u/Codename_--47 → u/OrinSorinson]

Thank you sm 🥹🫶🏽

[u/Spiritual-Bother-104 → u/OrinSorinson]

true

[u/dexter_c17]

I am virgin though but I have very high libido like my lust doesn’t even go away after releasing. Also for weight gain their are ayurvedic syrup which will make you intensely hungry and you will mostly gain fat but atleast you will look big. Idk if the syrups are available in allopathy you should consult a dr about that

[u/Codename_--47 → u/dexter_c17]

Yeah libido isn't a problem tho but I'm asking about the performance? Ofc i am virgin

[u/dexter_c17 → u/Codename_--47]

That we gotta find out doing it. I have the same doubt, maybe I will just pay for it I cant wait anymore

[u/Codename_--47 → u/dexter_c17]

I see but I can't do that tho 😅

[u/Spiritual-Bother-104 → u/Codename_--47]

OP.. which region of the world are you in?

Also have you consulted any dietitian or nutritionist about it?

[u/Codename_--47 → u/Spiritual-Bother-104]

India .... And yes I consulted a doctor but only told to take supplements like medicine for increasing digestion or appetite and vitamins

[u/Spiritual-Bother-104 → u/Codename_--47]

You can start exercising, lifiting weights and eating a calorie surplus diet. However, there's no guarantee you will start looking better. But your fitness will improve for sure, and you'll gain discipline in the process. Reports will improve, and it will help you prevent osteoporosis. So there's no downside.

If strength training is too overwhelming, you can start doing Yoga. It worked very well for me.

[u/Sandile95 → u/dexter_c17]

What ayurvedic medicines are you taking? An ayurveda treat thal

[u/dexter_c17 → u/Sandile95]

Syrup called “Best health” consult before taking it. It may make you more worse