How has life with extra weight impacted your life?
In what ways has living with obesity shaped your perspective on life, health, and self-care?
What has your weight had the most significant impact on?
Honestly I just exist! I do nothing. I don’t drive anymore! I’m 58 and my mother at 83 with one and half lung get around better than I do! When I got that purpura at age 50 it took everything out of me! Mind you it was the second time I have had it! I had it in 1st grade and was hospitalized forever! My veins started rejecting the medication! They told my parents nothing left to do but turn it over to god! A few hours later I woke up and asked if I could have cream peas and a bologna sandwich with ketchup! I did get my mom’s cream peas but no sandwich’ I missed half of the school year! My teacher passed me and just came and tutored me on her own time! 5 years ago when I got it again I was sent to Cleveland clinic! This time I bleed on the outside of my skin! I looked like something out of a horror film! My 90 Mg of prednisone journey started! I was about 150 lbs! The ironic thing was the dermatologist asked when I seen my endocrinologist last! It had just been a few weeks! No need to go back for 6 weeks! She said you will be going to ours today! Yeah I had thyroid cancer! I had to wait for a period of time to get it removed because of the purpura! The heart palpitations were horrible! The endocrinologist gave me meds for it and told me not to overextend my self! He would call and check in to make sure I was ok. I honestly couldn’t do anything with the purpura! I was bleeding and waiting patiently for it to clot! I couldn’t wait because I needed a bath desperately! Ice cream felt good on my throat! I ate about a gallon a week! Yep I packed on a 100 plus pounds! When I left the hospital from thyroid surgery they advised to check about bariatric surgery! I said no I will do it on my own! I have no Metabolism! I have since been put on oxygen 24/7! I have sleep apnea and now I’m experiencing gut issues! I can’t seem to empty my bowel! I only eat about one meal a day! It is usually a salad! If perhaps I don’t feel bloated I do try to enjoy a meal but it getting less for that! I don’t eat anything after 4 pm! I started fitness app! I was trying to count calories! I honestly think I need a liquid diet! I would rather not eat! Food has become an anemy! My rocking chair has become my. Best friend! I honestly got the courage call axio fitness! Well I’m disabled so you know what that means! Can’t afford it! I’m on a downward spiral fast!
What an incredibly difficult journey you've had. It's no wonder you gained weight and that you have struggled so much to take it back off. Have you considered asking your doctor about weight loss medications? My heart goes out to you. Please know we are here for you whenever you need us. Sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)
Mostly the negative self talk, that is my biggest challenge as well as the physical challenge of moving my body. Dealing with depression and anxiety and living with MS doesn't help it either but I just have to keep moving forward as slowly as I can. Small steps are still progress, I have to keep reminding myself of that...
Losing weight while dealing with a neurological health condition and mental health issues sure can be challenging,
. I'm glad you see the small steps as worth celebrating. Do you have frequent MS flares? Are you getting help for your depression and anxiety? I want you to know that you are not alone. Many people in our sister community for those with MS also deal with depression and weight issues. Here is an article from one of our MS health leaders about his struggle with mental health: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/managing-depression-anxiety. Here is another about MS and weight gain: https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/gaining-weight. I hope you know that we understand and that we are here for you. Wishing you the very best. - Lori (Team Member) thank you so much for the articles
It's definitely made everything much more difficult. I have my good days and not so good days. I push through as best as I can
Thanks for sharing
! On your not-so-good days, are there specific things you're pushing through, like negative self-talk, falling into former habits, etc.? - Courtney (Obesity.net Team Member)
