I am adopted. In 2005 I found my birthmother and siblings and aunts and uncles and.... the list goes on forever. Am so happy to find them and noticed a definite health difference.

I weigh 300lbs. Now at that weight you expect I'd have all kinds of health problems related to my weight like diabetes, heart problems, high blood pressure.

Nope. I have lived the vegan lifestyle for about 15 years now. My weight gain is caused by hypothyroidism they didn't catch till now. It is also caused by two medications I took for RA: prednisone and gabapentin. Both of these drugs are notorious for weight gain.

The health problems I do have are FMS, OA in my knees and spine. RA right now in my hands. Bursitis I have had for three decades. Tendinitis and migraines.

However, my birthmother, who is not vegan, has heart problems, hypertension, diabetes type II. She weighs okay. But she has made bad habits in her diet and life (smoking). She finally stopped smoking. Yeah Mom!

My brother, the middle one, had cancer in his neck and went through chemo route. Now he is healthy.

Basically, all my health problems are genetic or because of medicine given to me, including my hearing problems (streptomyacin given as a child).

Being vegan has made me very healthy. Yet now I'm having a very difficult time trying to lose this weight because of all the pain I'm in. I sure wish I had an indoor heated swimming pool.

Did you know that the 5,000 year old Iceman they uncovered suffered from heart disease????? Cause he ate meat!!!!! Our bodies were never designed to process meat! Sigh... I know I'm talking to the choir but had to get it out! LOL