I need some answers, please. | Arthritis Information
I posted this on the osteo board, but was told that I might get more answers here. So if anyone can give me some help, thanks in advance.
Hi everyone,
I thought that maybe I can find some help on a board that just talks about arthritis. I don't know where to start, but here goes. (If it gets to long, just turn me off)
I am a 53 year old female and work 32 hours per week. After I had a hysterectomy in 2003, my body just started falling apart. Before I was at my lowest weight ever in my life and feeling really good about myself. My husband and I would go bowling, Bow hunting, hiking, gardening, and walk about 2 miles a day, etc. I think you got the picture. Afterwards, I started gaining weight, my blood sugar has been unstable(low), my body seems to be fighting back at me since I have developed AS, Osteoarithritis in my knees and feet, Fibro, Reiters Syndrome, and it seems to never stop. I have gained back almost 100 pounds and I am just miserable. I need to lose this weight, but I can't walk or exercise anymore because it hurts to bad. I need water exercise, but I live to far away from any heated pool that would help me. I am so frustrated and mad at myself for letting things go this far, but it seems like no matter what I try, the weight just seems to stay or get worse. Of course, there are things that I am eating that I shouldn't, but I have given up losing weight, something that I don't want to give up. I have tried almost everything on the market to control the pain. My doctor wants me to try Remicade, but it seems like the side effects can be really bad and I don't need anymore problems. I have a wonderful husband that accepts me anyway that I am and supports any decision that I make. Right now we are low on funds to pay for any diet help and most diets say they work along with exercise (which has been proven by me in the past). Does anyone have any ideas that will help me through this?
Welcome Doris. Glad you're here.Have you ever tried an eliptical machine? I am trying to think of low impact things other than swimming. Maybe you could save up for something like that to have at home, keep it in front of the TV (assuming you watch TV!) A recumbent exercise bike is great for a low impact workout too. Because of the design, you don't get sore from sitting on it for long periods. Like the elliptical, great to work out on while watching TV. Might also want to try pilates for a low impact workout that will help your flexibility and self-esteem. Hi Doris!!
51 y/o overweight female here!! I feel and hear you!! I've gained alot in these last two year since DX and quitting smoking.... amazingly but sadly true.
I think all we can do is walk.... find a flat place (a track or a street?) and walk.... I know it hurts.. I really do... But, I think if we go around the block once one day... we can try twice the next and on?
If you've tried everything but Remicade and nothing worked... or should i say if *I* tried everything but Remicade and nothing worked,,... i would try it....
dont' give up... keep working toward YOUR solution
*hugs*
babs
adding: I have troubles w/ bikes and ellipticles...... my knees KILL... wakling and swimming is all I can do right now.
Hi gimpisme,
I am 45 yo, recently had a birthday, and my body started falling apart more than a few years ago. I even had a doctor tell me so. It has been one dx after another. So I can totally relate to that part.
However, what comes to my mind is hypothyroidism. Have you had a thyroid test?
Here are some symptoms of low functioning thyroid:
I spent a long time looking for a swimming pool also. Even jointed a spa nearby but very pricey and wasn't able to do all of the dressing and undressing for multiple showers there with being borderline germ phobic. Do you ever watch Monk on television, well I am Monk's long lost cousin. LOL! It is hard enough to do so in my home where I trust my floors and shower stall.
I think the suggestion to just walk on a flat surface even 5 to 10 minutes a day is better than nothing at all.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I live in the mountains and there are very few flat areas to walk in. I do work in a small town that has flat areas and I could walk there, but not right now. I also have Raynaulds (sp) syndrome and can't tolerate the cold that we are having right now. I do have an ellipticle bike, but is is a very old design and hurts my knees pretty bad. I is in our storage shed and we are trying to sell our house this spring. I know it sounds like I have an excuse for everything, but it is all very true. I have been trying to drink more water and snack on things bad for me, and that has been pretty easy since I am home with my husband helping him recouperate from surgery. But I am going back to work tomorrow and I will be around all of those temptations again. I seem to have lost 4 lbs in the past week, which I feel very good about. I just hope that I can stay motivated when I get to work and not give in. I have had my thyroid tested and they say the it is perfect. I guess I might be having the winter blues (isn't my Vit D supposed to take care if that).Sorry you are feeling so down and ill. Try to take baby steps to get back in to exercising. I'm a good one to give advice on this subject- and have a hard time following it myself. I am going to make an effort this week to begin just 10 minutes of exercise in my office during my lunch hour.
Gimpisme,
some days it feels like I have an excuse for everything too and it is all true. I find that is when you have to just step back and individualize your therapy to work for you. a lot of times we offer suggestions that may work for us but you know you best.
It could be that for now, you can just do lunges, stretches, standing in place while holding onto a steady piece of furniture until the temp outside warms up and you have had a chance to just work on your diet. Shedding the 4 pounds is good and it is progress. So, congratulations on your weight loss. Yes, work can be very bad for diets. take your own healthy snacks as I am sure you already know.
The winter blues probably or just tired of the pain and limitations of it all. Who wouldn't be. but at least you are aware of it and making changes.
Best of luck to you, continued success with the weight loss and I think that will improve your mood too.. take care.
Hi gimpisme,
Welcome to the boards. I don't have a lot to offer except that maybe taking very short walks until that is comfortable; then add more to it. Try to look at this as a daily thing instead of being overwhelmed by looking at this as I have to lose x amount of pounds, or I have to walk x amount of miles. Take baby steps to keep yourself motivated, instead of huge overwhelming steps. Good luck to you...Hiking_gal
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