Hi Dawn,

Your not alone! - I know the feeling. I have arthritis in my knees, hyper-mobility and currently under neurology. My medication gives me the munchies and more often than its not its difficult enough just trying to walk round the house or work let alone exercise. Lately i'd got a bit better, out of the wheelchair and able to least take my puppy on walks however suffered a set back this week so no walks for me at the moment. But hoping to be back on my feet asap.

I'm new too, only joined MFP on Monday but I'm really looking forward to losing this weight, I'm sure my knees will be relieved

Beth

Im on Gabapentin too for my Arthritis! - it sent me proper hyper for the first few days, but yes i often get real pit of the tummy munchies :ohwell: Im also on Co-Codamol, peroxitine (aka prozac) Omeprazole... :grumble:

I have started at pretty much the same point as you with the amount i need to lose - you get stuck in that pain/exercise/weight vicious cycle. it all feels so hopeless at times. but even if its just a couple of minutes a day, its better than nowt, and building up that couple of minutes to something more is the way to go

Feel free to add me :happy:

Congratulations on joining MFP! Just you joining and reaching out here is a step towards improving your health and your life. Good for you!!! You're not alone and in you're in the right place.

I have several conditions that bring me chronic pain, fatigue, numbness, etc. I've tried and dumped various prescription meds, mostly because of the terrible side effects and that the drowsiness and lethargy from them kept me from functioning. It's been a long, slow road up and down to get to where I am now, steadily losing weight and functioning the best I have in many years. I still have days where the pain and fatigue rules but not nearly as many and my morale is in the clouds compared to the pits where I started. So I can tell you it's true that starting right where you are and taking small steps will get you where you want to go. Get yourself some positive friends here and get going doing whatever you're able. With patience, persistence and your friends cheer leading you, you're going to make it!

Instead of heavy pain meds, I use a combination of clean diet, rest, meditation, Reiki, ice, hot baths with Epsom Salts, chiropractic care, and over the counter meds like extra strength Tylenol and anything else I can find that works without compromising my mind and my ability to function. I still live with some pain but I find that keeping my focus on interesting, rewarding, positive things plus moving as much as I can tolerate on a given day keeps me functioning and improving. I also read a lot about how to reduce inflammation and science is clear that diet has a lot to do with it. I recommend the documentary "Forks Over Knives" to you which I got from my local public library.

Continue to be brave and jump on in!

Best wishes,

You are not alone. I am not complaining but just stating facts. I think this is a safe site for use to share our lives. I have taken almost everything the doctors can think of and either they don't work or I can't handle the side effects. I have also tried acupuncture and cortisone injections with little help. I have had two spinal stenosis surgeries on my back and have arthritis in my feet, knees, and hands. It isn't fun. I walk w' a cane or walker. I do have a recumbent stationary bike that I use. I am on morphine 15 mg X3 now and do not like the side effects but it does take the edge off. I am looking into spinal decompression, inversion boards, and sarpin injections. Has anyone used any of these? If so did it help?