I can only recount my own experience. A few years ago I started to get significant pain in one foot whilst walking, which I treated with visits to the physio and gel packs, but which would come back very frequently. The ankle joint had become very susceptible to getting hurt and swelling. On a couple of occasions, I hurt it very badly and could barely walk for a few days or weeks. According to the specialist, my bones are slightly misaligned and cause stress on my ankle joints, which apparently is wearing away the cartilage and causing pain. In mid- to late October last year I started taking glucosamine and MSM on a daily basis (3 glucosamine, 1 MSM). After a short time I noticed a very significant improvement. I should say that, at around the same time, I also bought some trainers with an air pocket along the whole sole, since that kind of "suspension" helps me avoid sharp impacts on the ankle joints. The trainers are marvellous. They have undoubtedly helped. I also lost a little weight (dropping from 76kg to 70kg), but since I wasn't overweight to begin with I don't think it's very significant. The frequent pains have now practically disappeared. I no longer have to use gel packs and antiinflammatory cream on a daily basis (I hardly use them at all). The ankle joints have become much less susceptible to injury. I have only been to the physio once since October. The reason I think that the glucosamine & MSM have helped is that, even when indoors, when I'm not wearing the trainers, I notice a big difference. I can tolerate my feet and ankles being in positions (for example when seated) that previously would have caused pain. I also tried wearing more normal shoes for a while and found I could tolerate them without too much problem. I even tried some boot-like shoes that had previously caused my a lot of pain, and could walk with them for a week or more without any serious effects. It would be nice if the science were clearer on this, and if we knew why it seems to help some people, and not others, but in my case I'm prepared to say that it's helped, a lot. I think it's good to retain a healthy scepticism about all these things, but in my case I had very little to lose by trying it. For now, the results have been very convincing.

I've inherited blood pressure and cholesterol problems and also had a severe reaction to Crestor, so I'm strictly on my own when it comes to managing the cholestrol. I've learned, through trial and error, that avoidance of empty, starchy carbs and sugar makes a huge difference in all of my numbers. I typically start my day with a "sludgie" made in a NutriBullet with lots of leafy greens, some fruit, yogurt, nuts, seeds, and a liquid of my choice. I do not avoid fatty foods at all; no fat-free or low-fat anything. Bacon is my friend. But there's no processed food in my pantry, no hidden sugars, no breads, or cereals. I guess I follow a modified Atkins program, with lots of vegetables added to the meat, eggs, and dairy foods. I don't count calories; I'd probably be horrified. Carbs are what I keep track of. I have to watch my weight.....in order to not lose any more. I'm never hungry, that's partly due to the fat in what I eat but also to the absence of sugars and any breads, pasta, cereal. Those foods always made me hungry for more, more, more. Once I more or less recovered from the Crestor issues, I was left with what has been diagnised as fibromyalgia. My body failed me rapidly. Fortunately, I am able to take advantage of nearby fitness center where I participate in water aerobic classes, yoga, pilates, muscle machines and training, and just plain swimming for fun. I initially used a trainer (PT) to work with me on my strength and muscles, and she was a huge help. The difference between how I felt and looked before I started going to the center and now is incredible. I was feeling weak, frail, unsteady on my feet, all of which made me feel helpless and very, very old. I'm just old....not very, very! ;-) Oh, my blood work is stellar....no more meds of any kind.

I did some TRX with a trainer for about six months, it was just a small part of the training program, along with a bunch of other exercises. I also took classes that incorporated TRX, along with ropes and kettlebells. The trx was mostly just the simple arm exercises though so I'm not terribly knowledgeable about it. But I just wanted to mention that you can buy the trx straps and use them at home if you want to give it a try and get a little accustomed to it, see if you like it. You just shut them in the top of a door and they work quite well. I have since moved away from that gym and I keep meaning to get mine out. As a matter of fact I did get them out last week and there they are, still sitting on the floor! Maybe this will inspire me to use them -- my arms could certainly use some toning!

@pricklypearcactus I really do understand what you are dealing with-- and while it could be way worse as can be seen daily in the news, that doesn't change how it impacts your day to day. I went through a number of major work stressors in the period of time I allowed my weight to get out of hand -- a merger followed by a buyout then a move to another company with GREAT opportunities for me but very very long hours and periods of intense challenges. It wasn't until I started viewing my own health as every bit as important as my career, my team and the deadlines that I started to lose weight and return to a healthier life. The good thing for you is that you are aware and alert to the potential impact of your workload and stress-- I think that puts you steps ahead! Again, be good to yourself! Oh my @legomom23! We are all sisters in our food challenges-- I too find my balance leans way too heavily on fats and not enough on protein. I think I am pretty good on fiber but protein is definitely the struggle. I have only just been able to eat nuts again and I have definitely brought them back with glee -- I do like to include them in my diet because they bring in some minerals that are hard to get otherwise-- but really, I need to pull back on the quantity. I don't really think my fats are so out of control they are just way out of balance with my protein which is too low. I still struggle a bit with chewing meat and I was never a big meat eater. I do eat eggs and beans (not together!) a few times a week but I'm not much of a fan of tofu, tempeh etc. I'll need to add in some other sources of protein like quinoa and the higher protein vegetables and legumes. I was surprised to see how much protein is in wild rice-- something I love-- so I think I need to reeducate myself on good plant-based protein sources. My weight remains the same -- actually 1.2lb up from my lowest weight-- but I have maintained it. I have definitely lowered my calories and am very much back to my routine the last 2 weeks... and I have been more active. I can't explain the plateau. I started wondering if I needed to ADD calories but I don't think that's the issue. The only other thing I can point to is the diet pepsi. I am just about out of it-- and removed it from this week's shopping list so I guess I will see if removing it makes a difference. @gsciencechick I am so glad that you finally were able to go to the clinic! I appreciate the information you and @legomom23 have shared! We are all at different places in our journeys but still we all seem to struggle with some of the same challenges -- the information, experiences and support from everyone has been so helpful and I am inspired daily by all you share new recipes, new activities and your successes. ❤️🥗🥦