I labeled my island as depression. I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, dysthymia, anxiety and reoccuring major depression in 2001. I've continuously been in therapy, on a million different meds since then. I've been in groups for DBT, Mindfulness, STEPPS, STAIRWAYS, I've had ECT and TMS. Despite all of this my depression is the worst it's ever been. Today I got to go to an appointment I've waited a very long time for. It was a comprehensive evaluation for treatment refractory depression. I want to get better, I'm tired of this along with being overweight, having fibromyalgia and both knees being bone on bone. I have to tell you... Before I go on with my story... This group #WeGotThis helped me lose 5 pounds last week. But today I'm not sure if I should be hopeful or hopeless. The doctor examined all of my psych records in correlation to my medical records and he's pretty sure I have lupus. I've been tested in the past and the tests were not conclusive, they weren't negative just inconclusive. My WBC has climbed over the years, I'm consistently between 12 and 17. My inflammatory tests are always abnormal. I need to lose 6 more pounds to get bilateral knee replacement but then what? Feeling so broken tonight. I thought I'd reach out. I need to keep going with weight loss. I don't want this news to derail my progress but I'm feeling so broken.

I'm 47 but being overweight and having depression has wreaked havoc on my body. I have a low spine condition and both knees are literally bone-on-bone. Doing this challenge will help me in many ways but I'm truly praying that I'll be approved for bilateral knee replacement at the end of February. Currently avoiding the motorized wheelchair but it's not too far off if they don't approve this surgery. I'm wondering about suggestions for exercise. I currently try to do leg lifts if I'm laying down, I use my arms all the time to raise and lower myself to and from sitting positions and I can do crunches on an exercise ball but that's all I'm coming up with in my own. Suggestions?

Hopeful to start this year on the right foot using this challenge as my catapult. I've been in a tough position for too long, but honestly I never quit looking for a new solution. I'm about 120 pounds overweight, I have mental health diagnoses of major depression that I struggle with daily and both of my knees are literally bone-on-bone. I'm not giving up- this is a great way to renew my hope. I'm ready and at the starting line. Thanks for this opportunity Robbie!