[Ash22]

Hello. I am new to this site. Looking for like minded persons to form a support team for this journey I am on.

My name is Ash. I am 22. I am from Toronto. I am the mother of a wonderful 3 year old boy. He is special needs.

I myself, have recently been diagnosed with Scoliosis, Chondromalasia Patella, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatism, Anxiety and Depression.

I was on medication but was taken off due to weight gain.

A little background info is a good place to start....

Most of my teenage life I weighed about 140 - 150lbs. I was considered the chubby one in my circle of friends. My family never talked about health. Did not teach me the skills to be fit. No encouragement at all.

At 19 I was pregnant and peaked at 181lbs the day I gave birth to my baby boy. Jan.28.2010

In October of 2010 I weighed 157lbs... Not too bad at all.

Now February 2013 I am the heaviest I have ever been at 194lbs.

I sicken myself. I barely fit in any of my wardrobe. I make excuses. I am SCARED.

Worst of all, it is affecting my relationship with my boyfriend.. and it is not pretty when we start talking about MY health or weight.....

I just don't have anyone to talk to. I need friends (which I do not have atm).
I am stressed. I have a lot on my plate. I have a child to care for 24/7 and my body is my worst enemy with all these darn conditions... How am I supposed to get better when my body and life contradict all the basic instructions for getting fit??

Please. I really need a friend.

[the shiv]

Oh man... Hi and welcome and *hugs*

I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time. I hope you can get some proper help from your doctor. If you can't, make a complaint and change to a different doc if they're brushing off your concerns. Get referrals to specialists, you name it. Do not give up, it is their JOB to help you and don't expect anything less.

I really recommend posting here as much as you can. It's a really supportive environment, and there are many people here who are either going through or have been through similar struggles to the ones you face.

One thing I will say is, don't panic (if at all possible). I deal with anxiety and depression too and I know it's easier said than done. But try to remember that there are so many factors in gaining and losing weight. It's not always as simple as just go on a diet then you're done. Easy peasy. I totally recommend the lifestyle change approach. Do things out of love and respect for you and your body, and your mind. Your body and your mind are connected so tightly, you have to look after both. See a counsellor if you can, it has helped not just me but many other people.

Congratulations on taking the first step by posting here. Please do keep posting if you can, it's a co-operative, safe environment here Try to maybe figure out where you could make the easiest tweaks to your diet and exercise and build up from there? Before you know it, you'll be closer to where you want to be

[Mozzy]

Welcome and good luck on your journey!!!

[penmage]

Welcome!