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Louise CAN...
Louise CAN...SKATE!
Rheumatoid Arthritis and competitive figure skating are two terms not generally associated. Six years ago, at 37 when I started skating w/my 9 year old daughter, my goal was to provide support for her and to get into shape. Neither RA nor competitions were on my mind.
I was a thin person who was terribly out of shape! Chronic back trouble and osteoarthritis in my feet after an operation had left me with little physical outlet.
I was surprised to find that although walking caused a lot of pain, the side to side stroking in skating not only was painless but quite quickly built up my stamina, strength and muscles. A custom pair of ice skates were actually more comfortable than my shoes!
I began competing a few times a year at local competitions. My inconsistent spins and single jumps did not win me any accolades but I have to say I have a pretty mean spiral. Even w/a rotator cuff problem, I learned how to spiral w/one leg held over my head.
Early this year I was hit by debilitating exhaustion and swelling and pain in my hands. When my physician quickly diagnosed RA, I felt that everything I had worked for in my life, including my skating was for nothing. At times, I missed lessons, partly because I was too exhausted to drive but also because my self-image took a beating. For about a month I stopped spinning and jumping, working only on edges. I felt lost because I felt the only thing I had ever done only for me was about to be taken away. How wrong I was!
About 2 months ago I recommitted myself to skating competitively. I choreographed my own program (skated to Kenny G's "Miracle" - how fitting!) which I will skate for the first time in front of an audience in 3 weeks. I dedicate this program to my mom (who lived positively with the affects of Polio and arthritis) who taught me how to persevere through adversity. I will be using a long scarf. Another daring move as my fine motor skills are not what they use to be. One side of the scarf will be attached to my "bad" wrist, my left hand will have to do most of the work! My daughter and I are also practicing w/our skating club to perform a synchronized program at the opening ceremony of a national event being held in Orlando in January! My long term goal is to compete in Sept. 2001 at the Adult Nationals. Another goal is to have a Lutz jump!
Here are some things I CAN do in skating:
* I CAN tie my skates most of the time, and when I can't I CAN allow my daughter to help me.
* I CAN still sew skating outfits for myself and my daughter.
* I CAN fall down and get up again!
* I CAN still bring a tear to my husband's eyes when he sees me perform (he really thinks I'm good)
* I CAN figure skate even though I have RA, because RA doesn't have me.
Thanks for letting me tell my story...as you can see, skating is my passion! - Louise (aka icek8er)
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