Osteoarthritis

[Codes]

Have any of you been diagnosed with this?

Last Feb I was at handling class,,,,( yeah right..:joker: I’m SO not a handler! ) and blew out my knee. Could barely walk afterwards. Ton of pain. Could barely move. Couldn’t put on my shoes or socks for a long time. Flash forward 2 months later....I was at the National. DUMB MOVE! SO swollen at the end of every day. Awful. 3 months later I signed up for PT. Did a world of good. Great stuff, fabulous PT. Learned a lot about myself. Was called aggressive by the PT..........ehh......no.......just focused and determined. Is that a bad thing??:devil2::icon_bb:

Annd.........screwed up my my other knee during this time. Lovely.......



Flash forward 1 year. National this year and so thankful to go. Thrilled to be there and walking. However, the the 8-11 miles daily I logged did a number on my knees and feet :darn:Swollen beyond belief once I got home. I took a week off before I started my exercise program again. OK......probably more than a week. Once the swelling on my feet went down, it was nice to see I had veins in my feet. Guess I forgot....:ah:

So......How does this thing with OA go? I want to keep going. I need to move. Admittedly I’m a big gal and do need to lose some weight. My body has always responded to a good diet and tons of walking. My treadmill was a Godsend. Inclement weather be damned, I’d hop on that and just GO!! Man I worked out a lot of frustrations there. Sadly, that is no longer my friend. I can’t do what I used to do there. That SUCKS! I loved to move and groove there and really cut loose. Years ago I had a lot of weight to lose and I was a member of Curves. I worked out there for several months and after a while, after my morning workout was done, I would hit my treadmill at night. The pounds fell off. Now I feel as though I’ve lost my best friend. I can’t do as I once did.

I do have a stationary bike that I use quite often. I like that but walking is my passion.

I have gained some weight in the last 3 years and I know that’s not helpful and in fact exacerbates the problem. I ‘m doing my best to lose weight. ahhh......I’m a foodie at heart :nono::allg069::smashy:But I know I have to ditch the pounds to make things right. Then I can splurge a bit, right?:neener::goofy::whistling:

As for meds, I take Triflex and Vital Choice Sockeye Salmon.

So, what's the upside to all this?:bandit:

 

[Jeannie]

A few years ago I got determined and lost 30 lbs. I was having a lot of trouble with my knee hurting. After I lost the weight my knee felt much better. I was told that for every 10 lbs of weight your lose you take 40 lbs of pressure off your knees.

I do know how hard it is to keep moving when there is pain. Believe me, as a runner, I know! Have you thought of trying an elliptical where there is no pounding on your knees? They now have those new machines that combine a treadmill and elliptical. I've used them and they are nice. You can get a great workout without stress on your knees. Just be sure to start with short workout and build or you will risk injury. Also don't pay attention to the scale. Muscle weighs more than fat and you will gain weight but lose inches.

I know what you mean about liking food/to eat. When I decided to lose weight I learnt it is not a diet but a life style change. I have not had a pepsi in 4 years. Believe me, I loved pepsi. I have tried to drink it again but it tastes terrible! I eat less sugar too. White bread is your enemy and I love white bread. You don't have to stop all these things at once or completely, just eat less. Eat more protein. You will feel fuller and not snack as much. When I start feeling tired/sluggish I look at my diet and usually I've let the carbs creep back in.

I know it is hard to watch what you eat and exercise but to stay healthy I make myself do it. I have a group of friends who holds each other accountable. We run 5 days a week at 5 a.m. Yes it is hard to get up but we do it for each other and ourselves. Find a friend to be accountable too. When I first started losing weight I didn't have true support group. I posted my progress on FB and had a huge virtual support groups.

BTW I have a shirt that says "I don't really enjoy running. I enjoy eating!"

Sorry to ramble on.

Edited to add: I'm not perfect. I still struggle with my weight. A few weeks ago I had allergy testing so I could not take any allergy medication for 7 days. This was right in the middle of everything blooming. I was miserable and the only relief I got from my sore throat was eating cold stuff (Ice cream). I gained 3 lbs.

 

[BLCOLE]

I feel your pain, literally. Have arthritis in both knees, although my left one's worse. Its made worse by the fact that I also have sciatic nerve pain on the left side.

And yes, I'm a BIG guy, much too big. Have been trying to lose weight, but it is hard when you can't walk 2 miles / day like you used to.

I don't know what the solution is to the exercise. I'm mostly trying to let you know that I relate and sympathize with you.

 

[Codes]

Thanks Jeannie and Brad. When I lost weight years ago, I cut out white bread, white rice/flour, processed foods and hydrogenated oil. All the garbage stuff. For treats I could have some good quality ice cream or dark chocolate. The diet I was on was called God's Diet. Whatever he made, I could eat. Lots of good foods and the book had some awesome recipes that I still use. I think the older we get the harder it is to lose weight. But I don't think it's impossible...although some days I have to wonder.:devil2:

I love the elliptical! The PT office has one and I do very well on that. That is a real butt kicker! Half hour-45 on that and I'm drenched but happy. Love the feeling of accomplishment I get afterwards.

Brad, do you have access to a pool? Swimming and walking in the water is very good for the knees. A stationary bike is good to and biking is very good for the knees. Took me a while to be able to use mine again but now I love it. I have the seat raised as high as it will go. Makes it so much easier on the knees.

Jeannie, You've done really well. Keep up the great work.

 

[Codes]

Forgot to mention that one thing I find very helpful is Tumeric "tea". I heat up almond or cashew milk and put in about a tsp of tumeric powder. Whisk it up, add a little sugar (I use Stevia) and it's a tasty and comforting treat.

Took another long walk today and as early as it is, I'm already up to 8,300 steps. Whoo!!:allg069:

 

[Jeannie]

Mary, my personal trainer told me if you go 1 miles on the elliptical and use your arms is like running 1 1/2 miles. So you get more of a workout!

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Mary, you can use the golden paste just like the pups. If you feel better with turmeric tea, you will benefit with the paste. Can't seem to get Vin to take it but my father is very pleased with his results. I've actually just shed my 2nd me, lol and feel tons better. Aches and pains still and I need to start practicing what I preach! I bought the pill maker so I have no excuse!