Day one of Starting Over – by Rene

Ater

I know that day one does not sound like success to you but if you read on, you will see why it is a success to me. Please have patience with me as I say a little about myself. 3 years ago I was very depressed and overweight (176 lbs.) The depression was part of having hypothyroidism and other circumstances of life which led to continued weight gain.

I kept telling myself that I would go see my Dr. when I lost some weight. I didn’t lose weight, so I didn’t go to the Dr. I then went on a backpacking trip with my husband and 3 teen to adult children. I was in terrible shape, I still can’t believe I made it, we hiked 9 miles in and 9 miles back along the Olympic Peninsula coastline. I lost 7 lbs. and finally felt motivated to see my Dr. He got my thyroid balanced and gave me a short term prescription for phentermine. The phentermine gave me the energy I had been lacking to exercise. I lost a total of 47 lbs. through excercise and eating better. I did pilates and Cathe videos. I kept the weight off for over a year.

Then my parents came to live in our home (my father has terminal cancer) and I gradually put on 15 lbs. Once again I was not taking care of myself. I finally started to work out again so that I could lose the weight. Then in October of 2009, I developed a kidney stone. I went to the emergency room, they gave me something for the pain and sent me home. They did not do a urinalisys. I had a kidney infection. I developed a high fever, by the time I got back to the hospital I had gone into septic shock with a gram negative infection and my body began to shut down. I suffered a type of heart attack called broken heart syndrome (which we were able to heal with medication).

I spent 9 days in the hospital. My chance of survival was less than 30%. God saved me through the awesome Doctors and nurses. Needless to say I have had a hard time getting my strength back up, in February I tried a simple 20 min workout it wiped me out for a week. It was a beginning workout that I thought I should have been able to handle.

It is now Septmber 28 and I weigh 165 lbs. I finally made myself do a 10 minute pilates routine and I am going to try to do 10 min. on my eliptical and once again incoraporate my Cathe workouts. My husband is awesome and very supportive. I am looking foward to the day when I can say I am totally back in shape, but for today I feel I have success.

8 Responses

  • Rene, although I haven’t experienced such traumatic events over the last year I have been wrestling with my own demons and share your frustration. If you need a “buddy” for motivation and check-ins I’ll gladly help out – I need the same!

  • You have a great positive attitude, and I believe you will reach all your goals. One small step at a time. You will do it!

  • Keep working, Rene. It takes time but don’t give up. Just making the effort helps your body (and mind) heal. Keep us posted on your progress.

  • It sure sounds like you have been through a lot.

    I wish you all the best as you resume your fitness journey.

    Thank you for sharing your story with us – it is very motivating.

  • Keep that positive attitude, listen to your body and you will be back in shape before you know it. Thanks for sharing your story it is very inspiring.

  • You will make it. With your determination and motivation, I know you will succeed. I am glad you are on the road to being healthy again. Working out and taking care of yourself should be the number 1 priority. Without a healthy you, how can you take care of your family. They will love you for it.

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