5 Years Out and Sick!!

 It's been a long time since I've written and a lot has happened to me and my family. I was one of the fortunate ones. I went from 364.3 pounds to 156 pounds (Wow!) Then, they fixed my hernia, I went through detox twice, lost my 16 year old from a traffic accident (I was in the vehicle.), and now I weigh almost as much as the day I went in for the procedure! I weighed 284 pounds that day. I now weigh 250! I have 141 days clean from pain pills and ativan. The good news is that I no longer fall under the category of being mentally Ill. I no longer have a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. However, I am struggling with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, and Ostheoarthritis pain. I'm miserable.

They did find that it's not all in my head, though. I have a B12 of 212; Iron is low (50) with the binding capacity of 20. I guess I haven't been eating right. I'm struggling to stay awake; and when I am awake, I can't think straight. I just want to return to bed. The pain is getting better. But, the location (at the base of my skull and my left shoulder) feels like a leech, sucking the life out of me.

Lisa

First my condolences on the loss of your son.  It takes a while before you feel like you are living in your own body again.  One thing at a time.  Good luck.

Lisa, I'm so sorry for the pain you've had.  There's nothing more horrific than losing a child.  Having to deal with detox, fibromyalgia  and arthritis pain on top of it, it's no wonder you've gained.  I know I would do the same.

You don't mention what supplements you're taking.  Tender Iron from www.vitalady.com has worked well for many of us.  You should also be taking a Multi, Calcium, dry D3, E, A and B complex.  What about protein?  If you're not drinking shakes now, you should add them.  Don't forget to drink your water as well.

These basics should help with the fatigue and hopefully easy some of your misery.  Please keep us posted on your progress, this board is a very positive community.

Michele

I am so sorry for your loss. I know it is hard to focus on ourselves when life is so hard at times. I hate to be blunt but if you do not get your vitamin levels up you can die. Lack of vitamins wont just make you feel crappy it will make you dead. I would suggest getting with your Dr. and getting a script for B12 injections they will help your levels. I actually have to take both the sublingual B12 (along with other vits) and get B12 shots.

Lisa, my heart breaks for you.  I sat here and read your post, and I am just in awe that you are on the road to physical & mental recovery after such a devastating loss.  And now your own physical pain, on top of the feelings of defeat from re-gaining weight . . . well, I hardly know what to say.

As the others have said, you simply must address your nutritional deficiencies--your vitamins seem woefully inadequate, which by now you know.  If you start taking the right vitamins, then your next step is getting back to protein, veggies, fruit, good grains, plenty of water/Crystal Light/tea.   And I hate to even bring it up b/c I don't know how limiting your fibromyalgia & osteoarthritis are, but if you can at least get out and walk, I think that would help you a lot too.  I know that sounds hard, when all you want to do it sleep, but if you can make SMALL changes, each thing will help.

Please come back & let us know how you're doing.

I am so sad to know about the loss of your child. My heart aches for you.
The weight may contribute to the pain, but I would get myself as clear as I could before worrying about weight. I think you may be suffering from depression, but the meds may not be the best thing for you right now due to your history.
You may have to rely on some natural approaches to head in a better direction. I have found that being outside in the daylight improves my ability to stay awake, and to feel better. It lessens my sadness a little bit. So does being around people who are talkers, and enjoy keeping people company. So try to spend time with people. Also moving around, even slowly makes me better able to keep moving. I know with pain it isn't easy, but it will improve as you go along, I think. Take it slow and easy.
You know that you have to take care of yourself no matter what, this is your one life, and you know better than anyone how valuable it is to those who love you. Try to do for yourself what you'd want those you care about to do for themselves. Move, be outside as much as possible, treat yourself good when it's mealtime, and be around people you like, or who have a good attitude.
I hope you don't mind if I pray for you and your family. Take care.

Dear Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. The loss of a child is not something any parent should have to bear. I hope that you can regain some strength and start to heal your body and when that happens you can concentrate on getting back on track. Chronic pain can be so debilitating and depressing. Have you looked into any alternative therapies that are out there. I do hope you find someone who can help you and then you will be better able cope with other things you want to do for yourself and your family.

Prayers go out to you and your family.

Sincerely

Sher

Lisa,

I cannot begin to imagine the physical and psychological pain you have endured. I wish you the peace that time and warm memories afford. I hope that your medical team will be able to help you manage and/or find a way to get rid of the pain you've been experiencing.

I hope that you will continue to improve with time.

Barb

Hi Lisa, first of all I just want to give my condolences to the lost of your son. I can truly say that I understand how you feel. I too lost a son due to a car accident it's been three yrs. and seem as though it was just yesterday. You are in my prayers I'm 4 yrs out and I'm battling with my wt. as well. Plus I'm going into the hospital on Thursday for a hernia repair. However tomorrow My daughter and I are going on a five day pouch test to get back on track. I pray that all goes well with you. If you ever need to talk to someone you can e-mail me I'm here for you.
Renee