Usually when I start threads/topics on forums, it is to start a discussion or ask a question. But today I wanted to share an experience, instead.
I'm 19 years old. At my age, I know I should be in a lot better shape than I am, and I've tried very hard to get in better shape. Over time though, from when I was 12 years old up until now, I've noticed an increase in the amount of pain I feel when exercising, and even during daily life in general. People told me it was because I'm fat and weak, and that if I just pushed through it as hard as I can I'd toughen up eventually. It made me feel terrible, because I simple couldn't push through without agonizing pain.
A few years ago, I started having symptoms of an auto immune disorder (where, basically, my body cannot tell the difference between health tissue and sickness, and so attacks it both). That was when the pain really shot up, and it got so bad that at one point I was in a wheel chair. It wasn't until a few months ago that I was finally diagnosed as having fibromyalgia. For anyone unfamiliar with what fibromyalgia is, it is basically a disorder that is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. I was actually happy at first when I got the diagnosis, because it meant I could finally go on the right medication that I need for handling pain.
However, things weren't that easy. I reacted badly to the medications I tried, and most of the ones offered to me were out of the picture anyway because they would clash with the medication I take for my mental health problems (bipolar disorder). It was a long while before I found a medication that helped with relieving pain, and even then it only made it bearable but not easy. I'm at a point at the moment where I have a certainty that I will remain in pain for the majority of my life.
Now, naturally because of this pain, I have a very hard time with exercising. That topped with the weight gain I've gone through in the last two years brought forth from side effects of medication and in general not being able to move has brought me into the obese range. I often feel very discouraged, and sometimes hate myself for it. I'm mocked for my appearance and lack of ability to fix it very often. I've wanted to give up numerous times.
But despite all of that, I kept looking for a way to stay healthy and exercise despite it all. Walking is alright, but still brings pain. Jogging I cannot do at all currently. Dancing is something I love to do, but can't manage at this moment either.
That's why I turned to cycling.
Cycling is one of the few things I am able to do now without immense pain. Is it still painful? Yes, often very painful. But it is bearable, and is something I have come to enjoy doing and am able to push through in the harder times. Riding my bike has become one of the few things I can still do that make me feel like I'm capable of something, and able to accomplish some sort of goal.
This experience might not mean much to any of you, because I'm sure a lot of you have pushed through times and circumstances far more difficult than this. But I wanted to share it nonetheless. I guess what it all boils down to is that really, cycling has saved my life.