At SparkPeople, we're all about helping people overcome their health and wellness obstacles. Our members face many different hurdles, from eating disorders to mobility issues to simple lack of willpower. That's why we launched SparkPeople.TV: To make fitness more accessible to those facing all types of challenges. Amanda Young, one of our SparkPeople.TV expert trainers, is no stranger to overcoming obstacles. As a social worker for 15 years, she counseled adults, children and families suffering from trauma, disabilities and mental illness. In 1997, she started teaching group fitness classes and ultimately became an elite fitness instructor in New York City, garnering awards and a feature in Time magazine—all while silently struggling with daily pain. In 2008, Amanda was diagnosed with a rare disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia, which causes chronic pain that can sometimes be excruciating. Last year, to raise awareness and help find a cure, Young took her struggles public with her Face the Change campaign. "I'm sharing my story in an attempt to help people increase their self-awareness, develop the courage to face their fears and anxieties, boost their self-confidence and live fulfilling and productive lives," she says. For people struggling with ongoing illnesses, Amanda says fitness isn't only possible, but essential. "I like to think of it as health more than fitness," she says. "Our body is our temple, and while we can't always control what happens, taking care of our health gives us the best shot at living a wholehearted life." Amanda's workouts have helped her better manage her disease by reducing stress levels, alleviating symptoms and boosting self-confidence. Fitness Q&A with Amanda
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In spite of losing 55 lbs, overhauling my diet and generally improving my physical health, the "bursitis" continued. One day 2 years ago, after I had to cancel a cardiology appointment, my cardiologist said that he thinks I have gout, not bursitis. Finally, after 5 years, my primary physician ordered blood tests for gout, a very simple procedure. Whe the results came back positive, she finally realized that she didn't have the essential knowledge on gout, and referred me to another physician. This physician, probably senior by 10 years to my primary of 30 years, put me on medication to remove the cause of the gout, not just try to manage the sometimes excrutiating pain it caused. I now haven't had a gout episode for about 15 months.
Like many others on SparkPeople, we learn to cope with pain. The lessons I've learned on SP for the last 3 years have been invaluable in my reclaiming my health to about the level it was 20 years ago when was 45! Report
Oh my gosh! I am so very sorry to hear you have this horrible disease. But in the same instance I am so excited to find someone who has one of the same diseases I have had for almost 20 yrs. I have been a spark member for many years and been up and down the scales. Pain pills, all kinds of drugs and being in bed helped to stop me from losing weight, along with eating. I never knew how pain pills could make you hungry until I had to use them. I have Atypical TN, which means my face hurts 24/7 and I get the horrible tic pain several times a month. But the constant pain has taken a toll on me. I am now 68 yrs old, headed for 69, but sure don't feel that way. I need to lose 100 pounds now. I weight 263, and could lose more then 100. I just don't know where to start. I just wanted to let you know I think your fight along with this disease is fantastic and I for one, am so happy for you. Praying your pain is less and less. Hugs, Diane Report
Sounds like boot camp
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