Hiya!
 

Hi, I'm Stephanie & 16 years old. In June 2016 I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and was told I was pre-diabetic, also weighing in at 229 pounds. A month prior my dad (single father) had a heart attack at only 47 years old. He also has Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, and horrible neuropathy. This gave me a wake up call, I shouldn't be this unhealthy especially at 16 but realized I have a huge advantage being this young, I am capable of making huge changes earlier in my life!

I went through a lot as a kid (not gonna go into a sob story lol but just give the basics why I'm this unhealthy), my mother & stepfather were abusive & extremely neglectful from the ages 8-10. I never ate breakfast in the morning, didn't get money for school lunch, and only had dinner once in a blue moon which was frozen meals. My mom would give me $5 to go Rite Aid down the block. Only being a little kid & not knowing better (plus only having five dollars, not much you can do) I would buy soda & a big bag of chips, usually cheetos :T. Eventually I moved in with my dad but the damage was done (physically & mentally). I ended up with a diagnosis of PTSD, Depression, and Generalized Anxiety at age 10. Six years later and I still eat my feelings.

But, I am ready to make big changes. Not just for me but I would love to help my dad out too. I want him to see me graduate, get a nice job, get married, and have some kids. Every (good) parent deserves to see their child grow up happy & healthy.

Anyways! My endocrinologist prescribed me Synthroid & told me to cut out gluten and I've lost 10 pounds 6 1/2 weeks in! :carrot: Planning to start running soon.

I've got no clue why I just wrote an essay but just wanted to share my backstory. Excited to join this community! :D

:welcome: I really don't know what to say about what you've gone through, so rather than risking ramming my foot in my mouth I'll just go with :hugs:

But it is great that you are working on your health this young, and that you have a good support system with your dad and doctor. Good luck in your journey! :cheer2:

Well done for getting started and realising what you need to do! That's the biggest step! Good luck! :)