Hi OxfordEmma1978!
I am so sorry to hear of your physical issues, especially your pain. I have rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalsia, and although they are not currently flaring, I know how badly it hurts and how debilitating the chronic fatigue and depression associated with them are! I hope you have found one or more good doctors and they are treating you successfully for some of these issues! I think what I eat affects my conditions SO MUCH, so I'm glad you are taking steps to change your weight and in doing so you'll have to change your eating. I LOVE sweets. And I think the sweets and other quick-burning carbs, like potatoes and pasta, cause me to have inflammation that aggravates my joints terribly. You said you've tried many diet plans. Have you tried a low glycemic index diet? That has been the type of diet that has worked most successfully for me. The diet I'm on is a modified version of one called the Slow Carb Diet. It's not exactly low carb, but it's picky about types of carbs. I actually have one day a week when I can eat anything I want and although that's probably not the best thing for my RA and fibro, I know me, and I'm not going to stick to a super strict diet, so this one is perfect for me in that sense. Also, it doesn't require exercise (good for the days when I'm hurting badly), although I think some exercise is healthy for our bodies so I try to do what I can. Anyway, I am glad you are here, and I wish you the best! You CAN feel better, and I hope you do!