[Jeff]

It looks like you're already in the group, so you have that part down. I realize some of the other parts of it are kinda convoluted. To post a before picture,you have to have your own photo album going. To do that, go to light blue toolbar toward the top of most pages and click on Community > Pictures and Albums. From there, start your own album. Upload pics. Choose "add picture to group" and select the only group you can add it to: this one!

I know - it's kind of clunky and I've like to figure out how to make it easier. But for now, it's what we have to work with.

[Jeff]

Oh - also, just above the first post on the page, on the left hand side, you'll see "Thread Tools" - click it. Choose "subscribe", and an email will be sent to you whenever the thread is updated with a new post.

[Jeff]

And yeah, losing 17 pounds in three weeks is awesome if you're watching what you eat and exercising, but not good if it's from stressing out.

And of all the places I've been, I've been in that one, too. Nothing but a glass of apple juice, a few saltines and maybe a couple pieces of dried pineapple a day. No way to live.

Did you see about getting on an SSRI? If not, make that call today. Today.

[jphilly76]

I'll get my picture up as soon as I have more than a second. The whole 17lbs. thing is really a double edge sword - great to lose the weight, but sucks to feel like you're dying all the time. I haven't checked into the SSRI yet (thanks for remembering), and I'm not sure why. I think because the Ativan I have wears off quickly and the SSRI is longer term??? Medication makes me nervous, but I do need to get it. To be honest, I completely forgot I was told to do that until you reminded me here. Hmmm...

-Justin

[Jeff]

Like I've said, I've been where you are. HATE the idea of medications. But I hit a place where I thought holy chit, my life is a mess, I have to try SOMETHING. I asked around, got some advice from family that are in the medical profession, found out how many people really take SSRIs and such (a third of the US population at some time in their lives).

So I gave it a try. Two weeks later I was laughing at myself for being so stubborn and scared, because I felt awesome. Couldn't fathom why I was so worried.

[Jeff]

I use a recumbent bike, and it's ok. Probably better than a regular stationary bike, but I found when I was heavier that it felt like my stomach was being pushed into my chest and I think it set off a few short bursts of PAT.

I use it more often now, only because my right knee is shredded and so I have to kind of baby it - and the bike seems to work pretty well.

I'm not sure if this helped. I guess overall I'd recommend it.

[Susie]

Well, I have not been doing too much in the way of exercise, embarrassed to say, but now that the weather is better and I am getting braver, I am starting to take walks, I am starting out slowly, then, I will work up. I also do in side walking with these DVD's, it is walking in place and doing other steps, sort of fun actually, and you do get a good work out if you do it right.

[Neil]

Hi folks just thought I would share with you that after 12 months away from running ....... I ventured back and yesterday did my first gental jog. Still very cautious as I had had a great big thud during a run that caused me to go to the ER and stop running I managed a very slow 2 miles. It felt good but the thuds were firmly on my mind.
I need to work up to a fitness test and wondered if anyone of you skippers have done one at all? And how did you find it?
Also I keep being told by my doc that there is nothing wrong with my heart and not to let it hold me back and train as hard as I like. How hard have or are people pushing themselves ? Do you think you van go as hard as you like or should skippers take it easy? Are people working through the skips? How do you cope??

[jsuter69]

I've been working through my PAC's/PVC's...scares me enough that when I feel them, I either slow down or stop all together...especially if I get them right in the middle of a work out!
My main concern is when I start doing areobics, my heart is pounding, feels like it's going 180 bpm! I'm out of breath and then I start freaking out...it's like am I pushing myself way to hard?? Should my heart feel like it's beating out of my chest? Sweats dripping off of me, my face is flushed and then I get the palps...and this is normal? My heart is healthy?
I guess I tend to push myself...but at the same time, in the back of my mind..I'm scared chitless(Jeff's word) I push myself BECAUSE I've been told that my hearts okay..but I really don't believe it...I just try to have faith...I really want to lose 20lbs so I'm bound and deteremined to make my goal!

[Neil]

Thanks Jsuter I also have been told that my
Hearts fine go as hard as I like. I have been doing ok except a virus over the last four weeks has set me back and sparked off the palps again :-(
I hate the palps in exercise as the hearts pounding away recovering it just feels as if it's going to stop there and then! At that point enter anxiety and it all worsens !!!
How's it going for you Jeff any issues during your running ? Have not heard from you for a while have you slimmed yourself away?