I'm sorry to hear about the pain you've been going through. I have very minimal arthritis in my hands and I'm quite the baby about it when it flares up. I can't imagine having it in my back. I know it must be very frustrating.
Ok, so I can't do a blooming thing about the arthritis -- neither can the doctor. I can certainly get down to a healthier weight, a more attractive body, lower blood pressure, longer and more productive life.
There are definitely things that are out of our control, but you listed some wonderful things here that you can control and are controlling. Look at how far you have come. You can make it the rest of the way........even without chocolate.
Doni