OT - glucosamine and chondroitin?

I don't think fibro is related to obesity.  My rheumatologist told me that fibro is common in people with PTSD and depression and that it's believed that some of the same neurotransmitters are involved.  She also said researchers are probably getting close to being able to identify a gene associated with fibro, which may eventually help with diagnosis and treatment.

I think my pain would be much worse if I was still obese.  These days it's really difficult to lift a gallon of milk.  I am unable to lift a 30 lb bag of dog food - I have to get help at the store putting it into my trunk and then when I get home, I open the bag while it's still in the trunk of my car and scoop it out into containers that I can carry inside.  If I can't even lift a 30 lb bag of dog food, I don't know how I could possibly manage to even get off the couch if I had to carry more than 100 extra pounds everywhere I went.  I really don't think I would be able to walk.  So I'm very, very grateful that I was able to lose the weight before developing these issues.

Very interesting about the PTSD/depression connection.  I hope they DO isolate that gene soon - I know a few people with fibro and it's no fun.

And yes, you're right, it would be a lot worse with an additional 100 pounds on your frame - so thank goodness for that.