[H8cake]

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. I'm so glad that you are back here where you can get support. Everyone has given you great advice, I don't really have anything to add but more

[Lyn2007]

Beverly,

I haven't read the other replies yet because I am, uh, dealing with chronic pain. And it's bad enough at the moment that I
a) can't do much reading, and
b) want to stuff myself with pizza to distract myself from the horrid headache and mild nausea

But I want you to know that I really like having you around. You're such a nice person and have always been supportive and I really appreciate it. And I am right there with you, regained weight and trying to get it back off. You're still skinnier than me

I have chronic knee pain. I have severe degenerative arthritis and bone spurs in both knees, and a torn meniscus on one knee. It hurts a lot of the time. It grinds ALL the time. And yeah I want to throw myself into a vat of alfredo sauce to drown out the pain sometimes, but I find that acknowledging the pain and the desire for it to go away and the feelings of helplessness... just acknowledging all those things goes a long way in being able to stay sane and find alternatives to overeating.

What do you love to do? Make a list. Think of things that comfort you that are not food. Me, I like long baths, reading books, sitting outside in nature and meditating, and sitting with a mug of hot tea with a scented candle burning in the house. Those kinds of things can help with chronic pain.

Good meds help too... take what you gotta. Sometimes I just sit and cry a bit over the pain and then I can get back up and keep on going. It's better than stuffing the feelings down with food.

Anyway I care about you and want you to succeed, so keep on posting and we will get there together, ok??

[Farseashore]

I'm sorry that you have been having to deal with this pain and the negative feelings that come with eating for comfort. I wish I had some advice on dealing with emotional eating, but I'm sorry to say it's still how I usually deal.

Good for you for changing your ticker. It shows that you are taking back control. You will turn this around!

[Tai]

Beverlyjoy, sending you healing thoughts and support during this tough time. I understand how challenging this situation can be and I wish you relief from your pain.

I read a recent post on the Refuse to Regain website on this topic. I don't know how to link it here (technically challenged!) but it might be helpful. It's written by Jenette Fulda, a young lady who lost half her body weight and is maintaining it with chronic pain.

Take good care of yourself Beverlyjoy.

[Beverlyjoy]

Macomer, schmoodle, meg, thighsbegone, fb, fiberlover, kaplods, mj, paulam, rodeo girl, kmk, rhonda, time2lose, lyn, tai, farseashore, h8cake ....

Thanks again to you all for responding with hugs, caring, good ideas and support. It means so much to me.

[Pandora123a]

Beverlyjoy,

I'm sure I won't be the last to respond, and so many have given you all the thoughts I would have had. All I have left is to send you hugs and healing wishes.

Perhaps always our biggest challenge is to find alternatives to eating as a way to cope when we are challenged. I would add to the list...remembering all the folks who care about you, both here and in your daily life. That's the real love you get, not the fake love in a bowl of ice cream.

Don't hide away again, keep posting, and keep changing your ticker...I know it can move down!

[Sandi]

I am sorry that you are having to deal with so much pain right now. You have already gotten so much great advice.

I am really proud of you for admitting that you have gained. Now that you own it, you can start fixing it! The holiday season is such a hard time anyway! But we have to try!

[foxxy511]

Beverlyjoy -- I can't imagine what it must be like to deal with that kind of chronic pain. I admire you for strength and perseverance! I think the quote in your signature says it all! "You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it." So, you slipped a little and have to re-fight this battle, but I know you can win it in the end!

I always love reading your "Reason I Will Stay On Plan"...oftentimes they really resonate with me and I think, "Yeah, that is a good reason! I want that too!"

Just know that you're a real inspiration and I think it's inspiring that you've admitted your gain and you're taking control again. Like everyone else, I wish I had the answer for emotional eating, but I do it too! So, take comfort in knowing you're not the only one, haha!

[cfmama]

so many *hugs* to you my friend. So many hugs...