u/Hot_Wish1172

My stepmom is currently trying to get custody of my minor stepbrother in Florida. His dad is a POS...neglectful, abusive, alcoholic, etc. Leaves my stepbrother home alone for hours at a time without food or supervision. He is emotionally and physically abusive to my stepbrother. He has multiple DUIs (unsure of timeline on those), currently being sued for business fraud...just a scummy individual. The courts sided with him and my stepmom did not get custody of my stepbrother. She went through a guardian ad litem last time as well, and the GAL sided with my stepbrother's dad, saying "oh he's just a guy who's trying his best" because he's a narcissist who's good at charming people. Is there anything my stepmom can do to bolster her case? My stepbrother's dad is already trying to "pretty" his image by posting pictures on social media of "family moments." Buttering up and lovebombing my stepbrother so that if/when they DO go to court he can play the good guy act. Once court is done, he'll go right back to being abusive.

Also - DCS has been called previously and they interviewed my stepbrother with his dad in the room. Real professional. My stepbrother's dad also has cameras all throughout the house so that if my stepbrother told on him he would enact more abuse. I hate that I don't live in the state and I'm not familiar with their custody laws. Not sure how DCS works in Florida but they don't seem good at their jobs.

I have PMOS and POTS, which makes it hard to get physical activity. I'm thinking of starting low-impact exercise (resistance bands, pilates, etc). Until then, though, I'm going on vacation in a few weeks and it will require way more walking than I currently do, so I'm trying to make it easier for myself if I can. And of course I've got the "PMOS posture," in which my butt and gut both stick out. This makes walking way more challenging. Does anyone use a back brace? If so, what kind do you use?

I've been in therapy for years surrounding my parents being emotionally immature adults. Mom has an active eating disorder, suspected BPD, etc. I experienced both emotional and physical neglect growing up, and even today my mother is still very manipulative. A lot of learned helplessness, a lot of "I don't remember that" and "you have no idea what it's like to be a parent" when I try to confront her about some of the harm she has caused. I've had to set a lot of boundaries with her.

I think on some level she's trying to be better. But I'm still just really fucking pissed at her and I don't want to forgive her. Even though I know I probably should. And I'm trying to let that go. Trying to acknowledge that though she has made progress, I'm tired of getting my hopes crushed over and over that she'll change for good.

I really feel stuck in this anger and I'm struggling to move past it. Advice?

I would love to hear some encouragement and perspectives on this. I was on Metformin 2000mg daily (only stopped in the last week or two). I’m now taking inositol (for PMOS insulin resistance). But this most recent A1C just makes me feel defeated. And I’m overwhelmed by the cost of CGMs, diabetic supplies (I can’t prick my own finger, it terrifies me)…not to mention the cost of GLP-1s, etc. And as my PCOS diagnosis is still fairly recent, I’m also trying to figure out what all that means for my A1C and how all these things interact. I’m just overwhelmed in general right now and would love some support.

I would love to hear some encouragement and perspectives on this. I was on Metformin 2000mg daily (only stopped in the last week or two). I’m now taking inositol (for PMOS/PCOS insulin resistance). But this most recent A1C just makes me feel defeated. And I’m overwhelmed by the cost of CGMs, diabetic supplies (I can’t prick my own finger, it terrifies me)…not to mention the cost of GLP-1s, etc. I’m just overwhelmed in general right now and would love some support.