Some of you know I have been battling with arthritis in my shoulder for almost a year now...AND with horribly painful knees for longer than that. Well, today, the verdict came in on everything...talk about one mass whammy! Here's where I am. I have osteoarthritis in my right shoulder, right knee and left knee. Bones in my knees are rubbing against each other making a knee replacement one of the wonderful gifts of modern medicine to look forward to in the FUTURE.

The bad news: 1. Nothing they can do about it, except control pain. 2. Controling pain without an anti-inflamatory is tough. I can't take anti- infam's because of the diabetes, they tend to eat up bone tissue and kill of liver and kidney organs. 3. Knee replacements on younger people (I loved that part) mean the idea of doing it again at 80. 4. NO Walking, No Marathons. No exercise that means pounding my legs against the ground repetitively.

The good news: 1. First line of defense is loosing the weight...well I wasn't doing this for a bikini. 2. My other systems are doing well, no kidney or liver problems. 3. A1C and bone density proved to be 125% better than 6 months ago! 3. Swimming, biking and non-weight bearing exercises are the best... a new suit maybe?????

So what's the plan: Continue to swim, daily if possible. Find a stationary bike --- anyone have one they aren't using? (why aren't you using it) Keep going to WW no matter what! 70 - 85 pounds off will reduce my pain by four times for each pound....WOW! Keep a positive mental attitude.

I was bummed at first, yelled at my mother for bad genes all the way home (she died in Jan. but we still talk) and then I thought of all the people who don't take this seriously and do nothing....they give up and take the chair or the walker rather than doing what it takes to decrease their pain. Finally a doc who doesn't pick up the scapel on the first visit and who will think about what I want first and his thoughts second. I think I am in love.

So I ask for your help and support in keeping going. Pain is still going to be there, and I don't do well with pain. But it beats the alternative of having to have another die so I get a new liver or kidney. Just keep me keepin on.

Cathy...sorry I'm late in adding my best wishes and support for you to be able to manage the arthritis successfully. I have had osteoarthritis in my spine for many years--long before I approached 50. I used to have at least some discomfort in my back on a regular if not daily basis. Since I started working out regularly, I no longer have back pain (unless I do something to specifically sprain/strain it, like anyone else).

I second the recommendation of glucosamine. While I have not been good about taking it consistently, I do think I have seen some improvement and I have a friend who is older than I who has taken it regularly for a long while and says she sees major improvement.

I know that the diagnosis has to have been discouraging in some respects, but how wonderful that it wasn't any worse, and that the #1 recommended exercise is something you already do and love!!

Thanks for all the support and suggestions. I will definitely check into the areas that were suggested. We live in a very small community, our ortho docs come in from Mpls and Rochester, so they are the best....Mayo ,etc. I wasn't surprised when he told me what was going on, I wasn't even surprised when he told me that was all he could do for me now....I rather figured it. So, I got my bottle of glusosamine (sp) and extra strength tylenol, and I am moving. Got swimming this AM, went and WI, up .2...which I don't think should count because I had a heavy sweatshirt on...but whatever hehehe; had breakfast, and figured out that the weeks I don't eat all my points, I gain, the weeks I eat my points everyday AND use some of the extra points I loose. Add swimming and I'll be lighter by and by.
Mom and I had a nice long talk yesterday afternoon (I know it sounds weird but it helps)
I realized that she had gone through an awful lot with her health and her disabilities....probably more now than before...and yet, she still kept up with life.
What a role model! OH, well, I feel tears, and I don't need those today. Thanks again. You are all the best.
Cathy

Sending best wishes.

Keep up with the exercises they gave you at PT, also...

Hang in there. I know that you will figure it out.

Glad that so much is healthy- Sending best wishes and support around the more painful stuff. I bet the weight loss will help that.

I lit a candle for you at my church. Best wishes to you for your quick recovery.

What an inspiration you are. Even after being dealt this news you are still talking about what your plan is nad how you are going to get there. You have my support 100%. I do not have a stationary bike to give, but can suggest you check out used gym equipment stores. There is also an organisation called Freecycle. You have to make an offering first, but then you cn post things that you are looking for. I have given away alot of the clutter in my home and obtained a few items (play pen, high chair, stroller) that I was looking for. Visit their website at www.Freecycle.orgfor the list in your city.

Keep up the positive attitude and let me know if I can support you in any way.

There is a book "Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis" by Miriam Nelson, PhD, a scientist at Tufts. Talks about all the things you can do--diet, exercise, supplements. I highly recommend it. It is out in paperback now or check your library.

see if your doctor can suggest someone trained in alternative medicines as well. There are strategies in natural medicine that can help without being something that will damage organs.

Catherine

Cathy
I'm so sorry to hear the news of your diagnosis. I can only imagine how scary it must have been to hear.

I applaud you for having a great plan and keeping a positive outlook. Staying focused on all the positive steps you can take for your good health is terrific.

Is there a PACE (People w/Arthritis Can Exercise) program sponsored by your local hospital? If so, I would encourage you to get a referral from your MD.

I would be very reluctant to suggest exercises via email. Having a professional trained in working with arthritis patients would be the way to go in my opinion. From all my reading, swimming and water aerobics is the way to go.

Also, strength training may help take some of the stress off your knee. Brie may be able to suggest some stuff you can do at home without a lot of equipment.

I have seen some research that suggests that glucosamine can help with arthritis in the knees. You might try it.

Be careful with cycling -- it may aggravate your knees more than anything. If you can try out an exercise bike before investing in one, you can find out if it hurts or helps before spending the money.

Good for you for staying so positive!

quote:

yelled at my mother for bad genes all the way home (she died in Jan. but we still talk)

You sound so good, Cathy, really. Could it be that it's a relief to have a real diagnosis or atleast know what you have in front of you?

Lynne