Hi Friends,
My name is Jennifer and I am new here.

As a child I suffered with chronic kidney disease, which has followed me into my adulthood (I suffer with 2-3 bladder/ kidney infections a month); I have always been over-weight; and for 20 some years I have been dealing with: arthritis in both my knees and hands; 8 herniated discs that leave me in chronic pain, chronic headaches; pain in both my heels; problems with my digestion; and as of 2011 gout (painful form of arthritis).

It is a struggle to stay motivated as I cannot treat the pain and so exercising in this state is nothing short of a Herculean effort. Recently it has been near impossible for me to lose weight as I take prednisone for my gout.

Looking to be inspired; and willing to share my story so as to inspire someone else. Let us all journey like warriors who thrive instead of merely surviving.

XO Jenn

I really love your title, brings a tear to my eye because I have an aunt with arthritis, diabetes and who just suffered a cancer scare but she says the same thing to me in Spanish. My aunt is my hero with what she conquers daily. I know your road is tougher than a lot of us, but u have a great attitutude. Thanks for inspiring me today!

Hi Friend.

Thanx for your warm words ... they made my heart smile. XO

Jennifer!
thank you for sharing your story with us here.
I do Ideal Protein and for a while it discourages you from doing any exercise.
I don't know for health reasons if you would be able to do this program I would discuss it with your care provider to find out if it is suitable for you.
As far as exercise goes have you looked into physical therapy and maybe they could design a program the would fit your needs.
Our whole family has used PT at some point and it really has benefitted us all.
I use warm heat packs and also cold packs to relief pain , not perfect but is does give some relief and I also use distraction as a way to deal with chronic pain.
Good Luck, Roo2

Welcome Jennifer!

What a beautiful attitude you have in spite of all of the health concerns you are dealing with. I love people like you, your spirit and sunshine come out in your post.

I wish you lots of luck on your weightloss mission and hope you post often. This site is amazing and has literally changed my life.

Thank you for your uplifting post. Made my day and put things in perspective.

Welcome Jennifer! Your story touched me deeply. Wish you success with your goal.

Thanx friends for hugging me with your words. I feel loved. As for everyone's suggestions - I do them all: I see a physical therapist; I heat and ice before/ after exerccising; I take supplements; I do pilates and core strength training and cardio and I see a renal dietician. Indeed, as I have read here, my health IS a job! Lol oxoxoxox to u all

I'm glad you felt the love that was sent your way!
Wishing you much success !
Your inner strength shines through your post,
Looking forward to following your progress
Good Luck,Roo2

hi jenifer-i joined today too and have severe OA in knees(well not any more they are replaced but now beginning to loosen), hands, feet, ankles and all parts of spine.

my shoulders are bad too-rotator cuff or something that has not really been dx yet and got worse with PT.

i have also had IBS a long time. and a few other dx -but no gout, or infections yet.

so we have a lot in common. one of my main problems is when i need cane or walker for foot and knee problems it is really hard because of shoulders and hand problems.

i learned the hard way prednisone is very bad for me. i use ibuprofen, fish oil, curcumin for pain. my son has gout and uses the black cherry juice.

i feel the same as what you said in your title...but i find it hard when one day a part of me works and the next day it doesnt. it can change minute to minute with me and it is frustrating and scarey.

i will follow you thread and hope we can share solutions too!

Hi Jennifer - how are you doing?
Roo2