Downhill Skiing???? | Arthritis Information

 

I was just wondering if anyone out there with RA still skis???   I haven't skiied in many, many years (I grew up skiing).  I was having tea with a friend who has wanted me to get back into skiing and asked if I would ever do it again or not because of RA.  Am I dreaming to think I could ever get back into skiing?  I'm just a bit restless because I have spent so many years taking care of sick dying relatives and raising my kids that I've lost a bit of myself.   If there are any skiiers do you have any tips for me should I attempt this next winter??? 

_popupControl(); I used to downhill ski a lot before I was diagnosed.  However with RA have problems with ankles and wrists.  I don't think I can get a downhill ski boot on and I am extremely worried about falling on my wrists-I am sure one would break.  I did talk with the RA dr and he said go for it if I felt good enough to ski.  I also think my reactions might not be fast enough to downhill ski again.  In my area, the ski resorts are very icy.  I think I would try it if I lived where I had lots and lots of soft powder to fall in.  I just feel lucky to have experienced all the places I have skiied--such as Vail, Steamboat, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Telluride, Big White, Silver Star, Banff, Lake Louse, Tremblant, Tahoe, Squaw,  and many, many times at my ski school--Gray Rocks.  Thanks Catnip2 for your feedback.  I could probably test my ankles and feet by rollerblading.  I haven't done that in a couple of years.  I too worry about falling and what I will rip.  You know how it hurts when you just lightly bump a hand or wrist joint?  Or how things feel like they are pulling if you move too quickly - like the joint and supporting stuff wasn't ready to move??  My hips bother me a fair amount lately.  I don't know, but I sure feel like I would like to start living again.  Like you I was lucky to ski in some neat places in Colorado.  I have lived all my life in New England and have such good memories growing up and skiing with other really nice families.  How long have you had RA?  I know its different for everybody, but how has your RA progressed?I still ski. A lot in fact, I ski competetivly. im not gonna say it doesnt hurt though. i just love it too much to give up. and when i am actually skiing i feel like i am flyingUnless you have osteoporsis our bones don't break any easier than any other persons.  You won't know how you will do skiing until you try it.  I have a friend with RA who just ran her first marathon....at age 50I'm with Buckeye, you don't know until you try it.  I'm 64 y.o. and do physical things that I probably shouldn't but it's well worth it.  I learned to body surf last year.  Each time, I hurt afterwards, but it's so worth it.  I also play competitive water volleyball, not as dangerous as downhill but close!!!!  I stopped skiing when I hit 45, was single and supporting myself.  I couldn't justify the possibility of injuring myself and being out of work for an extended period of time.  I'd love to ski again but damage to my ankles, feet and  knee replacement keeps me on the sideline.  Go for it, but start slowly and gauge how each part of your body is reacting.  LindyI dont think skiing is bad for RA, so long as you dont have extra brittle bones, no reason why you cant, if you feel up to it. but i strongly believe in doing whatever I feel up to, thats all that holds me back

its very liberating racing down the mountain though, i am so busy concentrating and enjoying, that i dont feel my joints till i get to the bottum.....then im in the hot tub for the rest of the night!
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