The Expectations of Terinatum

[awesomesue]

Crud news.  The Arthritis Foundation has lots of good info.  Merely used them as a starting point.  My husband and I did loads of additional research on our own.  I do not know as much about OA.  Biking and swimming are excellent activities.  Hope it all gets sorted so you have the info you need to move forward.  Definitely in my thoughts.

[Princess Pineapple]

It's UK based but Arthritis Research UK is also a really useful website. I used to be a Rheumatology Nurse Specialist but I'm sure any info I have is outdated now.

[Terinatum]

Thank you all so much.

Strangely I feel better about it as know I know part of what's going on.

On the muscle front, the relaxant seems to be working some. How do I know? Other problem areas are making themselves known. It't unfortunate, but it's okay. From now on, when I say workout, it will mean stretching, mobility, PT, and walking. Cause that's just where I am.

No more wishful thinking or catastrophic future daydreams.

I'm starting here:

Female 50 years young

5'6" at 204.4 pounds

Limited to minute work on my whole body system. This will bring my spine and muscles to a healthy place where I can then add activities I'm interested in.

Thanks again for all your love and support.

Cheers!

[awesomesue]

I know working on strength helped my joints immensely then again RA is a different beast altogether.  I remember checking out the UK site as well.  LOL  You have your starting point and now you can go.  

[fearlesscreek]

* big smile*

 

there you are again! well, this week sucked! it can only get much better from here, right?

 

i was considering dropping out of this challenge because i was so frustrated. 

 

next week for me will be about bringing back the fun... 

 

big hug, lets just do small steps into the right direction. ill walk by your side...

 

[Nightside]

* big smile*

 

there you are again! well, this week sucked! it can only get much better from here, right?

 

i was considering dropping out of this challenge because i was so frustrated. 

 

next week for me will be about bringing back the fun... 

 

big hug, lets just do small steps into the right direction. ill walk by your side...

 

No dropping out, remember the only bad challenge is the one you dont do not the one that does not complete all you goals.

 

Glass half full is the way not glass half empty.

[silvermoonlady9]

Maybe not right now, but once you are feeling stronger and more pain free, you could try an elliptical. I always find myself "running" when I use one of those, and it doesn't have the jarring movements of running on a regular surface.

 

I'm glad you got some answers and you have a plan for getting better. I don't know much about arthritis, but I do know weight-loss and staying active will help a lot. I was having issues with my hip, but since I've been belly dancing it has hugely improved. My back, too. Not necessarily arthritis related, but even a little bit made a difference.

[Terinatum]

Hey Everyone!!

*scrolls back to catch up*
Ach, no, that's a pretty hefty piece of poo news - sorry to hear that. It sounds like you're getting good medical help though. I hope the injection helps a lot. Have you been looking into stretches and things that might help alleviate the symptoms too? Diet maybe? I'm not really familiar with OA but when I was looking into ankylosing spondylitis a couple of years ago for my own reasons (which turned out to be a false alarm, I'm happy to say) there seemed to be a fair bit of info about things to avoid eating and stretches and what-not from peeps who had been living with the condition for a long time and developed their own strategies, so maybe you'll find something helpful out there too...?
Anyway, like Fearless, I am - in spirit if not in body - bringing you a cushion for your feet and delicious but healthy morsels to cheer you up.

So glad it was a false alarm for ya! Yay. 

Hi Terinatum, sorry about your problems, I will be thinking of you.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Crud news.  The Arthritis Foundation has lots of good info.  Merely used them as a starting point.  My husband and I did loads of additional research on our own.  I do not know as much about OA.  Biking and swimming are excellent activities.  Hope it all gets sorted so you have the info you need to move forward.  Definitely in my thoughts.

Yeah, I think biking and swimming will have to come about in my life (I like them so that's good). I have to find a good place to go biking as I get too spazzy in traffic. In town roads suck.

It's UK based but Arthritis Research UK is also a really useful website. I used to be a Rheumatology Nurse Specialist but I'm sure any info I have is outdated now.

Oh great idea thanks.

I know working on strength helped my joints immensely then again RA is a different beast altogether.  I remember checking out the UK site as well.  LOL  You have your starting point and now you can go.  

You are right with the strength working out. My doc was like, don't stop doing what you can do. She was referring to my guitar playing and the pressure that puts on my fingers, but we also talked about adding strength wherever I could, when I could.

* big smile*

 

there you are again! well, this week sucked! it can only get much better from here, right?

 

i was considering dropping out of this challenge because i was so frustrated. 

 

next week for me will be about bringing back the fun... 

 

big hug, lets just do small steps into the right direction. ill walk by your side...

 

Yuppers, I'm here. There will be no dropping of challenges, please. I left a note in your thread. I have had several challenges that I didn't level up on, but I learned so much by being here anyway. We are side-by-side, dear.

No dropping out, remember the only bad challenge is the one you dont do not the one that does not complete all you goals.

 

Glass half full is the way not glass half empty.

EXACTLY!!!

Maybe not right now, but once you are feeling stronger and more pain free, you could try an elliptical. I always find myself "running" when I use one of those, and it doesn't have the jarring movements of running on a regular surface.

 

I'm glad you got some answers and you have a plan for getting better. I don't know much about arthritis, but I do know weight-loss and staying active will help a lot. I was having issues with my hip, but since I've been belly dancing it has hugely improved. My back, too. Not necessarily arthritis related, but even a little bit made a difference.

I have tried an elliptical. It feels weird, but it does relieve me from the pounding. Belly dancing is awesome! I'm going to give Tai Chi another go. Thanks for checking in on me.

 

Thank you all for being with me. It's been a rough time, but success is the goal.

Not perfection, but certainly more wins under my belt.

*why is it under my belt?*

[Terinatum]

W2 D7 - Sunday

 

Phew!! Man I'm knackered. The relaxant pills are keeping me quiet and not eager to over do it. Win! 

So minute work for great benefit in the medium and long term.

 

I had to grocery shop today. I was going to ask a friend to help before remembering she was working (+1 for asking for help). So I went to the co-op (I'm finally a member) and bought and ate my African vegan stew. After, I headed to Shaws and decided to do something healthy again and used the motorized chair to go around and get my stuff. Yeah, people stared, I think, searching for the reason I was in the chair. Anywho! I bought stuff I know I like and checked out and went home. I put everything away and did some mobility work. I wasn't enough so I took a relaxant and took a nap. 3 hours later I wake up! lol The best thing about today? I haven't had any sugar and I didn't buy any!! WOOT!!

 

Water: low as I slept -- maybe 4 cups, working on my fifth.

Steps: again low -- 1,575

Meals: only planned the stew, but I did it. My shopping was also done with good meals in mind.

Guitars: nope

Tracking: up-to-date

 

Need to have dinner...

*shuffles off to the kitchen to see what sounds good*

[18ck]

Knackered is a good word, eh?

[awesomesue]

Knackered is an awesome word!  LOL

 

Yeah people will look and wonder.  I did not have to use a chair but there are times I wanted it.  Here I was with a young child super stiff, sore, and wincing in pain.  But you could not see my joints nor would they have always noticed unless they are closer than I would have liked.  I looked sick without "looking" sick.  Sometimes I felt the need to mutter something about it but after a while you ignore then and don't care.  They have things you can use to help so use them but definitely make sure you stay mobile.  I have a video from Arthritis Asso. geared towards an older audience that has stretching and gentle mobility exercises.  It helped to get me moving again especially my really sore hands/wrists.  I felt too young to need it but glad I did buy it.  If you want I think it is this video  and I will be happy to pass it along to you.  It did come with some of those stretchy bands.  I do still use those.  Some of it was a bit too easy at times but for days when energy really waned and things hurt it was nice to have and do vs sitting there pouting.    Let me know and it is yours all I ask is after you learn what you can and if you find you do not like it or need it please pass it along to the next person that might benefit.  Moving helps keep up energy even when all you want to do is lounge and it helps lubricate joints.

[thruhikemaine]

P. S. I suppose I should seriously consider swimming and biking...

Yes!  I was just thinking that as I read about your arthiritis!  My mom has a pretty bad case in one of her knees (we walked 1 mile from fenway park a few years ago, she was immobile the rest of the day) and biking is no issue!  She just did the Trek across maine for the third year, and a few years ago we biked the whole 300 miles of the coast of maine.  I'm actually pretty surprised, I figured it would be worse (still learning about body mechanics!)

[Syren]

Just keep swimming

Just keep swimming

 

My ankle injury doesn't particularly care for biking (definitely not running) but you still have options!

 

 

I am around if you ever want swimmy tips or workout help

[fearlesscreek]

hi, just dropping by to send over a hug and say good night!

[Princess Pineapple]

hi, just dropping by to send over a hug and say good night!

Let's make it a group hug!

[Terinatum]

Knackered is a good word, eh?

 

Love that word. You can feel how exhausted you are. It's nothing like, tired. It's kinda like how the f-word just feels good to say.

 

Knackered is an awesome word!  LOL

 

Yeah people will look and wonder.  I did not have to use a chair but there are times I wanted it.  Here I was with a young child super stiff, sore, and wincing in pain.  But you could not see my joints nor would they have always noticed unless they are closer than I would have liked.  I looked sick without "looking" sick.  Sometimes I felt the need to mutter something about it but after a while you ignore then and don't care.  They have things you can use to help so use them but definitely make sure you stay mobile.  I have a video from Arthritis Asso. geared towards an older audience that has stretching and gentle mobility exercises.  It helped to get me moving again especially my really sore hands/wrists.  I felt too young to need it but glad I did buy it.  If you want I think it is this video  and I will be happy to pass it along to you.  It did come with some of those stretchy bands.  I do still use those.  Some of it was a bit too easy at times but for days when energy really waned and things hurt it was nice to have and do vs sitting there pouting.    Let me know and it is yours all I ask is after you learn what you can and if you find you do not like it or need it please pass it along to the next person that might benefit.  Moving helps keep up energy even when all you want to do is lounge and it helps lubricate joints.

 

Ah, that's so awesome of you. Obviously. hehe I have lots of bands so I would love to check out the vid. Thanks for the link.

 

Yes!  I was just thinking that as I read about your arthiritis!  My mom has a pretty bad case in one of her knees (we walked 1 mile from fenway park a few years ago, she was immobile the rest of the day) and biking is no issue!  She just did the Trek across maine for the third year, and a few years ago we biked the whole 300 miles of the coast of maine.  I'm actually pretty surprised, I figured it would be worse (still learning about body mechanics!)

 

Oh yeah, that mile can be tough some days. I'm still pretty lucky most days. Especially now, because I got those trigger point injections which did wonders for my neck back in May and June. I'm a little too use to the stiffness and all day pain so I have to really check in with myself and do mobility and heat more often than I think.

 

Just keep swimming

Just keep swimming

 

My ankle injury doesn't particularly care for biking (definitely not running) but you still have options!

 

 

I am around if you ever want swimmy tips or workout help

 

Thanks, Syren. I may very well hit you up for pointers. I do love swimming so it's just a matter of finding something for the winter.

 

hi, just dropping by to send over a hug and say good night!

 

Big hugs to you!

 

Let's make it a group hug!

 

Big hugs everywhere!!!!!!!!!!!

[awesomesue]

If you do not mind sending me your address I will send it out when I get paid Friday.  Sorry to have to send it to someone but glad I could share it since I am not using it now.

[Fortuositea]

*reads furiously to catch up*

 

Yikes, hope you're feeling better! Big hugs from me, too! 

[Terinatum]

If you do not mind sending me your address I will send it out when I get paid Friday.  Sorry to have to send it to someone but glad I could share it since I am not using it now.

 

That would be wonderful. I'll PM you my addy. Thank you.

 

*reads furiously to catch up*

 

Yikes, hope you're feeling better! Big hugs from me, too! 

 

Hi ASM, I'm feeling better a little each day. Today I tried two mobility sessions, but my neck was like, no way jose!

[Terinatum]

I've had a headache all day. These I do not miss! I had migraines a lot when I was younger.

 

Water is going really well.

Steps are okay, but I have a few more days of low steps and then I'll be out hiking with 2 dogs, twice a day.

Meals haven't been planned. I gave in to the temptation to eat out. It wasn't horrible, but my sodium went through the roof.

NO SUGAR JUNK TODAY -- DAY 3

Guitars haven't been touched.

Tracking is going well. I think I'm over the 10 day streak on MFP. Yay.

 

I did mobility twice today. I should definitely scale down the second one. My body isn't terribly happy with me.

I sorted laundry and put clean clothes away.

I got most of my receipts in the same place now.

I decided I will be flying down to CAMP NF, instead of driving. 7 hours vs. 23 hours - kind of a no-brainer!

I made breakfast and dinner at home and ate out once today.

 

Tomorrow is dishes, therapy, walk, and more camp stuff and bill paying.

 

Good Nite and Good Morning!

[Terinatum]

W3 D3 - Wednesday

Hey there!!

How goes life today?!

Not too shabby, how 'bout you?

Well, aside from the humidity, pretty damn dandy!

Well alright then, let's celebrate that!

Okkie Dokkie!!

 

Goals:

1. water - 8 cups, and probably another 1 or 2 tonight
2. steps - 7,192  27 active minutes (dog walk)
3. meals planned - 0 planned, 2 decent ones, and one snack-ish 
4. sugar - NO F!ING WAY!!
5. guitars - no. but they are out of their cases! meh
6. tracking - yuppers! I really like the roll I'm on with this. Feels good

 

Did Today

• Therapy
• Bought plane tickets for camp - doc says my neck and back won't survive 2 - 20 hour drives and the camp itself. I agree.
• Bought shuttle to and from camp - FY -- I'll be on the 2:30 pm bus
• walked a dog on the spur of the moment
• researched LDI (lighting and design) for my mom as she wants me to come to Vegas with her and dad. I told her I'll be broke as it's just after camp. IDK
• made 2 turkey sandwiches (meat, mayo, sliced tomato) nom nom

 

To-Do Tomorrow - Thursday

• get injection at VA
• make chicken wraps for breakfast (meat, cheddar, mix greens, and balsamic vinaigrette in a whole grain tortilla ) - easy and quick
• make ham and cheese wrap for lunch (meat, cheddar, mix greens, and balsamic vinaigrette in a whole grain tortilla) - difficult to get started, but not long
• cook pork loin roast for dinner/bulk for rest of week (meat, green beans, carrots, shallot, and curry with beets) - hard to get going, long, afraid I'll screw it up, but then fine
• pay parking ticket
• visit friend/sister-in-law in the evening

 

To-Do Friday

• pick up my permanent retainer and not have to wear this clear plastic one. After this, I only have to wear the retainer at night!
• talk to orthodontic office about a charge that seems wrong
• go to hospital to work out billing issues
• visit with my boy in the evening! WOOT

[silvermoonlady9]

Love days like that! What an awesome day! Glad you are having a good one and getting your goals accomplished.

[Terinatum]

Love days like that! What an awesome day! Glad you are having a good one and getting your goals accomplished.

 

Thanks. It feels good to check off the list even when there's more to do. I can see my accomplishments better these days.

Very cool of me to heal enough to enjoy that!

[18ck]

Good to see you have some wind in your sails. No guitar action though? When do we get to hear you shred?

[Terinatum]

Good to see you have some wind in your sails. No guitar action though? When do we get to hear you shred?

 

I got wind sure enough, but the strings aren't being strummed. I don't have an excuse. But the ones I use anyway are: tired, don't want to aggravate my neck, tired, feel overwhelmed with all the things I could and or want to do, tired, and scared still. After almost 4 months I still feel like I should be better than I am. I sucks to feel that unrealistic pressure on myself. It's hard enough to contend with when it comes from someone else, but from me? Sheer madness!!

 

Perhaps I need an 18ck fire? Hum... yeah, that just might do it.