1 year ago this week I collapsed at work and had to be taken to the ER by ambulance. It was really embarrassing being carted on a stretcher down 2 floors while strangers and and co-workers watched - especially since I was having some pretty impressive projectile vomiting at the time.
At the hospital I was told I had labyrinthitis - an inner ear disorder - which was, of course, completely unrelated to my weight. As a matter of course, they did a CT Scan to rule out a middle ear tumor or a brain bleed. That was clear, but they found a large mass in my brain.
So I had to see my primary MD to have him refer me for an MRI. I went into the office that day and weighed in at 344 pounds. I was scheduled for the MRI in 2 weeks. For 2 weeks I lost sleep worrying about if I had a brain tumor and would die at age 37. I went in for the MRI and guess what? I didn't fit in the machine. It was so humiliating and I begged them to try to squeeze me in. They tried and the machine jammed and it took them a minute or 2 to get me out. The techs were really nice about it, but I was so humiliated, PLUS I had to be referred to another place for the MRI (one of those more open ones) which meant another 2 weeks of wondering if I was dying.
The results turned out fine, the mass was a large, but non-worrisome calcification. But those weeks of worrying about dying and what would happen to my beloved dogs and husband if I died, combined with the humiliation - I think that's what set me on this journey.
I started slow. A little exercise, decreasing my soda intake from 1-2 a day to 1-2 a week and starting to think about portion control. Gradually I got more into it, and more dedicated.
Here I am a year later, having lost 100 pounds. I still have a long way to go, and my life is not perfect. But I have more energy and feel better about my life and future then I have in a long time.
To anyone who's still reading, thanks for "listening". Hitting 100 down has made me very reflective.
WOW! You are such an inspiration. Congratulations to you. I know you must feel so good. I have almost 30 pounds till I lose 100. Thank you for the reminder that it is possible.
CherryPie, Thank you for telling your story. Matter of fact it sounds a lot like mine. A medical experience that made me feel like the grim reaper was knocking at my door. I haven't thought about my turning point for awhile and reading your story reminded me of WHY this is so damn important.
First of all, hugs. Even a year later, there's a lot of pain in that post. I'm so sorry you went through that and I'm glad you're ok. The waiting must have been torture.
You're doing FANTASTIC! 100 pounds is NOTHING to shake a stick at. Bravo!
i'm happy to listen. and help whenever you need it. you're doing so great now! i've enjoyed reading your posts too. it's been a year for me too. feb 6th last year, i went to a birthday party. i was so embarrassed. the only outfit that fit was a really dressy pinstriped pants and suit type of jacket. i looked like i was going to a job interview or grown up party. it was a kid's party! anyway, next day with my bf's help, i started on this journey. i've been reflective about it too. this is our year!
Reflective post - 1 year ago
