[MTPetey]

I'm new here. I'm 24. I currently weigh 332lbs. I'm trying to lose weight to get at least to having a BMI below 35. I have really bad arthritis in my left foot and ankle. I was diagnosed when I was 16, but had issues for a while before that. I can't take NSAIDS because they make my blood pressure sky rocket, and my doctors refused to prescribed anything else for a long time. Do to this I've usually avoided exercise because anytime I've tried to have a regular exercise routine its caused the pain to be worse. I have maintained a weight of about 275 for several years and was fine leaving it that way. A few months ago I was diagnosed with depression, possibly related to the arthritis issues, and am currently taking an anti-depressant called Remeron, which causes increased appetite and weight gain. No other anti-depressant I've tried does anything for the depression and had much side-effects, so its not really something I can avoid for right now. My regular doctor recently decided to prescribe me Tramadol to help with the arthritis pain. Other than being busy with college and work, I don't really have an excuse not to exercise anymore I guess, so I'm trying to work off the weight I've recently gained and then some. Hopefully I can stick to it this time.

[Jesslan Rose]

Sounds like you're having a rough time of it, MTPetey. I currently deal with some of the same things you do. (Osteoarthritis in my left knee and foot, depression, etc.) I'm familiar with Tramadol and took it for a while until it stopped working. There are other exercises you can do that don't involve walking/running, etc. There are ones you can even do just sitting in a chair.

This forum is full of wonderful people with a lot of experience and knowledge. You won't be alone here. That's for sure.

Welcome to the the forum and best wishes for all your losses!!

[Freya0991]

Welcome, MTPetey! You'll find lots of support on here.

We have similar situations, with the exception of the arthritis and depression. I've been pretty lucky to avoid health problems, for now. I hope you're able to find the support and motivation that you are looking for.

[Daisyflwr]

I am also new here and am also on remeron. I gained 30 lbs since October while taking it so I understand how hard it can be to lose weight while taking a medication that causes weight gain.