When did you start to feel better?

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I have just restarted my journey. I am 35 with 3 kids and a busy life (2 jobs and university) I just can't keep up with anymore.

Everything hurts. My hips and back hurt everyday - all day. My legs are sore from carrying myself around. I push through it to do the best I can for my family but ultimately I am living a less than ideal life. The constant pain is taking it's toll on me physically and mentally. I can't take it anymore. The idea of doing laundry brings me to tears and taking my kids to the park is an epic event (on my body....they have no idea what is going on).

I have lost 5.5lbs ao far (in the last week so I know this will slow down). My question is: when did you start to feel better? When should I reasonably expect my life to improve?

This is my focus. Alleviating pain and feeling stronger so I can handle my life.

Replies

  • tipcampbell
    tipcampbell Posts: 9 Member
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    Hi!!! I totally understand your frustration and struggle. I am 42 with four kids...two young adults and two teenagers still at home. I have yo-yo' d with my weight for years..but just recently I started taking this thing serious. I am down 25 pds . And I feel great. I still have the aches and pains at times...but hey..no pain no gain!!! Try not to be so hard on yourself..never overdo it.. and drink plenty of fluids...you'll begin to feel better In no time..also look into the right shoes for support...it does wonders for the knees, legs, hips and back.

    Good luck!!!!
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
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    Going from obese to just overweight helped a lot on my aches - lower back, knees and toes.
  • sranney2
    sranney2 Posts: 24 Member
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    I read an article recently that stated that if you begin to eat healthy, it will take about two weeks for you to feel better. I have found for myself, at about ten pounds I feel better. I am 5'2" 170 pounds. I need to lose 30 to 40 pounds.
  • Duck_Puddle
    Duck_Puddle Posts: 3,237 Member
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    You don't mention your weight or height, but for me, BMI was an accurate predictor of how I felt. When I was morbidly obese I was a lot like you describe yourself, unable to walk far, trouble doing household chores. When I got down to just regular obese, I was much more able to exercise, but there were still many things I had trouble doing - I couldn't easily do abdominal exercises because my stomach got in the way, I couldn't run, I couldn't jump. Now I am overweight, and can do all of the above. As I get closer to normal weight, I'm starting to feel downright athletic.

    Do as much as you can and you will gradually be able to do more. You've done the hardest part by getting started! Good luck.

    Pretty much this exactly for me as well.
  • eyer0ll
    eyer0ll Posts: 313 Member
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    I noticed a difference in my energy and pain levels within two weeks. I certainly wasn't pain-free (and still am not) but I felt better and was able to capitalize on it and do more physically almost immediately. Since then I've consistently felt better.

    Be mindful of your body, take it slow but consistently do more, rest when you're tired. Good luck!

    For reference, I started at 230 in May, currenly at 194, so it hasn't been quick.
  • minnie2417
    minnie2417 Posts: 3 Member
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    Is anyone getting headaches? First week doing it and have been having terrible headaches
  • QueenBee2018
    QueenBee2018 Posts: 196 Member
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    Are you drinking plenty of water? Have you cut out the caffeine? Likely causes
  • LiveLoveFitFab
    LiveLoveFitFab Posts: 302 Member
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    I hear you with the constant pain. I have bursitis in my hips and knees, metatarsalgia (the balls of my feet hurt with every step) plus a bunch of other wonky issues due to the tendons in my legs being too short and tight as heck. Oh, and one leg shorter than the other that I guess turns outward, which I have been turning in for 36 years which is causing loads of damage as I age.

    The funny thing is, working out makes it feel better. Sure, I can't run. I asked my specialist how he felt about me doing a couch to 5k, and he said I might as well stop seeing him altogether if I was going to plan on doing that...BUT - every day I do exercise, my pain is less than when I skip a day. I just have to do the right exercise for my body.

    So, find something that doesn't hurt, swimming and water aerobics are good starters. Stretching, light lifting. And you might see a difference.

    For me, it takes a week to feel better btw, but only two days before I start being in utter agony again.
  • avablissed
    avablissed Posts: 19 Member
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    Thanks so much for everyone's replies! They are all so helpful. I will remember them when I am feeling rough from all the discomfort.

    One day at a time I guess!! If I can keep up pace I hope to feel better by Christmas!

    I truly can't wait to have my life back.
  • cbeutler
    cbeutler Posts: 667 Member
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    I started feeling better when I drastically improved my food choices.