Yesterday I Turned North (to the Gym) Not South Toward Home

gina81752 · **Joined:** Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:07 pm **Posts:** 79

This is a fairly long post - but the main point is that yesterday, I decided to add FREQUENT exercise to my lifestyle because I have severe/daily pain which is depressing... and I have a history of depression. I am 58 years old. I am a teacher and a student - this spring I will complete the coursework toward my doctorate degree in Educational Technology. I am a workaholic by all standards.... my mind.... does not slow down... well, and when it does, I hurt physically.... I realized yesterday that I MUST add frequent exercise & continue to improve my food choices in order to live a long and happy life.

I have recently started to change my eating habits. I know - and have always known in my heart and soul - since I first read about Dr. McDougall - that his plan is the best plan for my best health and well being. I have recently lost about 10-12 pounds and I am down almost 40 pounds from my highest weight (210). I think I weigh about 170 pounds tonight.

I have severe pain problems. I have two herniated discs in my lower neck (they do not warrant surgery) and mild-moderate arthritis in my right shoulder. I also have an injury from a fall I had in the summer of 2007 that causes me severe pain in my neck, shoulder, and right arm. I see an homeopathic osteopath who does work on a muscle group in my right shoulder - says that these muscles are in a constant state of spasm. I also get upper body massages frequently to help with this pain. I also have severe and frequent migraines. My neurologist, after years of nagging finally pursuaded me take preventative medication last summer. He started me on Neurontin in July and then told me to add Topamax. I have stopped taking the Neurontin (It didn't help, and I only taking a low dosage of Topamax now).

The combination of the pain from my neck/shoulder & arm AND the almost daily migraines were causing me severe anxiety and depression. My neurologist, pain management doctor, psychiatrist (who for three years WAS agreeing NOT to prescribe antidepressants. I see her primarily for med checks because I also have severe insomnia and take a high dosage of Ambien every night), and my primary care MD were all in agreement that I was becoming severely depressed. I was (am) depressed.... BUT... I am in pain. I do not believe that I need an antidepressant to add to the mix of Topamax and Oxycodone and Ambien.

I cannot tolerate this pain nor the anxiety and depression. I want to live long enough to retire from my present job and teach online, travel with my husband, and learn to relax. I really DO NOT know how to relax.

I am hopeful that I will come to enjoy exercise and that it will provide me with an outlet for the tension that builds up in my neck and shoulders-- and that perhaps it will also help with my difficulties sleeping.
Sorry about the rambling post....
Gina

bethannerickson · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 7:38 am

When I don't feel like exercising, I always tell myself that I've regretted NOT exercising, but I've never regretted getting off my bum and moving.

Keep your body moving. You won't regret it. Plus, if you do something you enjoy, make it fun, you'll find yourself in a fabulous mood as well.

Just my two cents.

Beth

Faith in DC · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 11:20 am

way to go. I just answered you on the newbie board. I'm glad you too that step.

AussieDavid · **Posted:** Thu Dec 17, 2009 1:42 pm

Hi Gina,

Welcome and congrats on your lifestyle change for the better. If you have joined a good gym, might I suggest you chat to a few of the trainers there, see who understands your situation best and who are most comfortable with and find the extra $$ to have a few introductory sessions with him/her. Write down you routine so you can do the exercises yourself. After a few weeks, months or as long a period as you can see and feel improvements, have another PT session to introduce you to alternative exercises

The personal trainers are best suited to work with you in 'rehabilitating' you to as pain free existence as possible as well as all the benefits exercise has on offer. My wife is doing just that after recent knee replacement surgery.

Some gyms have complimentary training session or two for new member and with the Xmas holidays upon us, there may be a personal training special deal going. There is at my gym.

Best wishes for your regained health & fitness.

gina81752 · **Joined:** Wed Dec 16, 2009 6:07 pm **Posts:** 79

Thank You David,
I have already considered that I really should talk to a trainer and plan to see one 1-2 times a week for the next few weeks.
I have serious health problems... semi serious I guess compared to many other people, but I want to do this the right way.
This particular few month period is an excellent time for me to get started. Thank you for the encouragement.
I really need it. My mood is quite low right now.
Gina

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