2nd Review - Depression and High Blood Pressure

[ViolaterUK]

Good afternoon all.

I had my blood taken last night for my 2nd review.

Those that have seen my posts will know that last Oct, I was proud that I had brought my bloods down to 41 and had lost 3 stone and was feeling proud and great. I was told that by my next review if I carried on I'd be in "Remission" and I was so excited.

Then in December, my relationship of 14yrs (5yrs married) had come to an end. My blood pressure which was already elevated jumped and my mental health plummeted, these still exist today. I've been trying for the last two months to get get on top of my health but when you are sitting alone, miles from any family and very few friends it's hard to cope, it's hard to even care to be honest.

I'm dreading the review, but I'm also happy for it. Maybe I need this to shock/kick me up the butt. I have over the last 2 weeks been taking my BP meds, morning and evening I have to take multiple tablets. I'm missed I think 3 doses in two weeks (better than only taking 3 doses in two weeks) and testing my blood pressure it has dropped quite a bit. Not curing it and medication dependant but down is down! - Something to be a little happy about.

Ahead of this review, I've asked to be referred to the Weight Management clinic in the local hospital. I've pretty large and I've put on all the recent weight I've lost (and a bit more) but I'm still a couple stone lower than my recorded highest weight in the last 6 years. I think I need the help, I was offered surgery a few years ago, but I don't want to go that route unless I have to. So I will give this a big old try one final time. I'm hoping with the clinic having that support and accountability will help, plus I'm hoping getting free gym access and due to the divorce and house selling I'm going to be homeless soon but I'm probably going to live in a motorhome/campervan for a while so will be using the gym more regularly to assist with fitness and weight loss. Also, there is that injection (is it saxenda?) which has been helping people lose weight.

My food addition, I think is mostly because of my depression. I can eat a lovely meal, but 20 minutes later feel I need to eat something more, whether that's crisps, chocolate anything but when I sit and reflect I know I can't be hungry, so it's deffo mental as to why I just eat and again, I'm hoping that I get help with that.

Previously, I always found if I can stay on track for a week or two, it's so much easier for me to stay on track. But with this new mental health issue since December, I'm struggling to get on the track and even care. It's sad, I know that there is an issue, I want to fix it, I get upset about it and I give myself a determined talk, but I just can't do it. How can that be?

I thought I would just write this down, for anyone else going through anything similar, or for people to offer any help or support. I've found loads of help on here in the past and whilst no one maybe able to help with the mental health side of things, support still encourages.

My life will change again drastically in July, this will be when my family home sells and I will effectively be homeless. I don't have any friends to crash with and my family live in another city and to be honest it's not viable for me to stay there, a couple nights yes but short/medium/long term it's just doable so I need to prepare myself for this while sorting everything else out.

Thanks for reading and thanks for just having a forum where I can write this.

I am scared for the future, but I am determined to change. I just need help and support to do this.

 

[MrsA2]

The very fact you've posted this shows me that you do care and will be able to get your health back

You are also realistic which is a big plus, and just remember a few wobbles off the path don't mean it's a certain descent never to return again.

OK you've had, and are still having a tough time, but you will get through it. Just be aware of setting too rigid a timetable or goals. Small steps are better than risking giant leaps and falling.

For emotional support around eating I'd recommend Real life Medicine series of podcasts and blogs by 2 very down to earth female Australian doctors. Very supportive, very motivating and totally realistic. Lots of their stuff is free to access, though they do run paid for courses too there's no need to sign up for that.

Of course there's going to be masses of support from here too.
So pleased you posted

 

[LeftPeg]

Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt. My diabetes diagnosis coincided with a messy divorce and it was a horrible in which I neglected my health. It does get easier though. Best of luck getting back on track.