Medical problems, overweight, disabled daughter caretaker. Time to take care of myself, too!

glitterng

A little about me. I'm 57, over 300lbs, diagnosed last year with osteoarthritis, degenerative disk desease, spinal stenosis, and bulging disks. I have borderline high blood pressure and heart problems. My doctor said I can only walk ten minutes a day, no more, due to the stress it would put on my heart. My knees hurt, especially my left and I know it's either more arthritis or my gout is spreading. My doc prescribed gabapentin for the back pain, but I have found that alpha lipoic acid works better with fewer side effects, so I'm taking that instead, along with a few other herbal supplements.

I am self employed working full time while taking care of my adult mentally disabled daughter, which, while I love her and do not find it a chore, I do find it stressful a lot of the time. The pain in my back and my knees, and the limits my doctor has put me on physically has not helped with my weight. In addition, my daughter gets very picky about what she eats most days, and I find it easier just to go with what she wants than setting aside time to shop, cook, or even think about having something else for me.

This has to stop. If I am going to live to see my grandson grown, to live long enough that my daughter is set up in such a way that she can live properly without me, I have to do something, I have to change something. Starting in June I am joining a Tai Chi class, and I want to start NOW eating better. I have to make time for me, and the time is now. If there is anyone here who is similarly physicially limited, but able to achieve their goals, any encouragement, suggestions, or friendship would be welcome!