Does anyone find they can't win no matter what?

[MakeYourOwnFuckingTea]

I like to think I'm a nice normal person, good parent and do my best. I left school without qualifications and left college as I needed to work. I just can't get ahead in anything. I'm blighted by sciatica. I'm fat. I'm jobless. I have to rely on dh for everything.
After struggling to find something I got casual work that pays pretty well for what it is. I did one shift and the next day my sciatica decided to flare up again the next day. I've been in agony and not been able to do any shifts since.(it's busy physical work). Then I thought there's no better time to return to education and maybe get a degree with the Open University. Except finance hasn't been sorted as I've yet to apply (No passport and had to reorder my birth certificate which hasn't arrived yet). The course starts next week and though they've sent me the first set of materials I need I've not looked at it yet as I know I won't be able to properly get sorted in time. I need to ring them and am scared to.
Now the weight thing. I've lost weight and have now been given medication (gabapentin) which makes you hungry.
I quit smoking and really miss it. 5 weeks now and I'm thinking why bother. Has anyone got any stories of eventual triumph? I feel like I get nowhere even though I keep trying to better myself.

Baby steps. Ring the OU first thing tomorrow - I'm sure they'll be helpful if you explain your situation. For giving up smoking I've found a Vype epen really really helpful, and no big clouds of smoke. You can get in supermarkets or Superdrug.
I think a good walk every day helps bring a certain calm. I mean at least 3 miles, but you can work it in to your routine by walking to places and getting the bus back.
I think it's great that you're aiming high.
I hope you feel better soon. Good luck with the OU.

Thank you More. I suppose it's lucky that I've been delayed as I'm hoping to change the course I have signed up for. I'm trying to exercise but I'm truly in agony and can barely make it up the stairs. Grrrr!

Leave the exercise until you're feeling better. No point in guilt tripping yourself. You can only do what's possible.
Good music's my other go-to in times of stress.

I would definitely ring the OU asap, explain situation. There is a few weeks after course starts for finance approval. Worst case maybe go for a February start if it's a level one course. Can't help with the smoking, sorry. Try swimming for back, when feeling better, did wonders for mine. What OU course are you studying? I am just about to start my second L1, and I love it. I too have no qualifications, worked hard since school and got nowhere. Determined to change that, hoping to start volunteering for work experience next year. Currently trying to improve health as put on a lot of weight, so I too am fat. Don't stop trying though!

Thanks Nature. I'm about to start Health and Social Care. But I realised that may involve some physical activity I may not be able to manage. Plus I've been thinking about Criminology so may do that. I'm on the fb group and most students seem to really enjoy it. I will ring them today. Dd told me to just do it on her way out the door to school

I start DD103 now, lots of criminology students on it. I don't know if your aware but they are starting solely a degree in criminology next year, I think, maybe worth having a look.

Will look into that I think. Managed to get out and about tonight. Did some shopping. First time I 've been out other than going to the doctor or chemist.

My OU finance isn't sorted yet either. As long as you are trying with SF and keep the OU updated it will be fine. Honestly, please do not worry. Weight loss - well you can do that in your own time. Please do not give yourself so many tasks to meet that it overwhelms you. Just do one bit at a time. I am 5 years into an OU degree and it all feels overwhelming at the start. You just do a little bit at a time.