Hi, Donna!

Congratulations on your decision to be healthier and more fit! Good work!

Quitting smoking, from what I've heard, has a huge impact on your health and your body takes some time to adjust. Don't lose faith, you will drop weight and will feel and look better!!

But do see your doctor. Tell him just what you told us! Try to write down each and every thing that hurts, when and how much. Explain to him what you are trying to do and how difficult it is. I would think he should do some blood tests to ensure that you are not deficient in any important nutrients. Heck, if your insurance would cover a CT scan, have your joints looked at, maybe even your organs. (I just had a CT scan - completely painless and almost even fun). Don't stop trying to find the solution.

I also have to ask if you have a good stretching regimen. Cycling on its own can actually tense up enough muscles to make the joints sore from the muscle tension. Stretching, or something wonderful a gentle like yoga, may be a good thing to add to your routine. I know yoga helps me tremendously (I just do it at home every morning as I'm waking up)

I have also been experiencing a health problem that has reduced my activity tremendously. After continuously pushing my doctor to understand that this is impacting my life negatively, even though I am not in terrible pain, we've done enough tests that we're pretty sure it is my gallbladder and that the next step will be surgery. I can't wait!

Don't lose hope, Donna! Keep trying to find an answer! And be nice to yourself. You do need rest, too, just as much as you need exercise.

Namaste,
~T~