Milestone hit!

LearnFromTheRed

I've managed to get to nine stone! This is the lightest I've been since 2011 - maybe even earlier.

Since I started on here in 2013 I've had bouts of terrible neurological illness that doctors have really struggled to work out - turns out I have a rare migraine disorder linked to my hormones. It's laid me very low, even overnight in a stroke ward at one point, and I've only been able to progress in 3-6 month bursts while I'm on courses of some fairly aggressive medication.

Most recently I was in a car accident at the end of November which led to another head injury and more complications. Ironically that has also led to a more concrete understanding of what's going on (I seem to end up with fluid collecting on my brain, causing no end of problems) but it's been a nightmare and was just one more thing I didn't need.

When the medication has been working I've made the most of it and at made it to 9.5 miles in training for a half-marathon twice before falling ill again. I lifted, did Jillian Michaels workouts, swam, and battered my exercise bike into the ground.

Whilst unwell I can't do very much at all and have to do short periods of walking, Leslie Sansome videos and so on to burn that extra 100-200 calories.

This week I'm off work ill again while they put me back on the next course of medication. I noticed last night I was a bit 'squidgy' (that old chestnut - well it's true haha!!) and woke up this morning to find that I was 8st 13lb 3/4. Finally, I've gone under nine stone (I'm 5'1") and lost just over two stone in those times I've been able to live my life properly.

This is a major milestone for me and I've realised today that it's been in the face of some real challenges that most other people just don't understand.

I've got muscle to rebuild but watching my calories and just trying to gain and edge here and there has stopped me going backwards and when I am next well there will be less of me to lug around the streets!

TL;DR: Yaaaaaaaaaaay! And thank you MFP!!

cathykb

Congratulations and continued success on your journey!

Cathy

KareninLux

Tough journey but you are making it work!! Really great!!

fbcarlson

Way to battle through the tough times!!! Keep it up and good luck with the next course of medicine!

dutchandkiwi

Congratulations on this achievement. It is al the more remarkable given the troubles life threw at you. Full marks and more for perseverance!

samgamgee

Congratulations!!

determined24girl

congrats!

LearnFromTheRed

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Rather unexpectedly I've gone down to 8st 13lb today - pounds are like buses it would appear!!

jennifer_417

Congrats! You've overcome a lot to meet your goal; you are to be commended!

susiejof

Excellent perseverance on your part! I'm impressed with the way you've managed to continue changing your health through diet and doing what exercise you can, while also fighting a serious illness and other injuries. You are very inspiring to me.

MrsMizart

Very well done indeed lass.

You put me to shame. I think your post might just do something, so thank you for sharing.