Exercise and RA: Part One

By Marianna Boyce

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissue surrounding the joints. It sees these healthy cells as foreign invaders, ultimately causing painful immobility and deformity if left untreated.

Symptoms of RA darkened my doorstep the summer of 2016, and honestly speaking, it’s been one of the best excuses I’ve had to avoid physical activity for the past few years. Don’t get me wrong. RA is a great excuse, but my itty-bitty pity-party was getting a little ridiculous.

I have RA—RA doesn’t have me.

Still trying to regain what’s considered normal for me (pre-RA,) I wondered if reviving my exercise routine was even possible without creating more problems for myself. I was scared of raw, unbridled RA pain, so I was skeptical. If you’re struggling with any type of arthritis or mobility issue, I’m with you. The thought of physical activity is daunting, but new light has recently started to change my mind on the subject.

According to Google, “motion is lotion” is a phrase coined by an orthopedic surgeon. He stated that movement would increase the lubricating fluid (synovial fluid) transporting nutrients to the joints. This fluid is vital in keeping them healthy. I’ve never been to an orthopedist before, but my rheumatologist would agree that movement is essential to maintaining independence and mobility for those suffering from chronic pain.

I know—it’s much easier said than done. My sister Cindy suffers from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, so together, we’re either a force to be reckoned with or a hot mess.

Cindy and I are extremely close. I’m usually at her house every Saturday afternoon for much-needed sister time— especially in the summertime.

After lounging around her pool on a hot South Carolina day this past summer, we laughed and joked with each other about how out of shape we were. Sisters can do this—and we did so as we mindlessly consumed unhealthy poolside snacks and sugary drinks. We had an epiphany that very day. Our itty-bitty pity-party had to officially end—no more excuses.

It was time to get moving, but not for the reasons many people may think. Our reasons go much deeper than physical appeal. We just want to feel better.

We started researching the benefits of Water Exercise and Aqua Aerobics. What we found was quite encouraging, and at first glance, exactly what we needed.

• Water supports the body, reducing stress on joints and muscles.
• It helps build strength and endurance.
• Water pressure helps lessen the strain on the heart as it assists in moving blood around the body.
• It provides for a low impact, high-energy workout.
• Water allows for a greater range of motion with the freedom to move with little to no pain.
• It helps prevent overheating allowing for a longer workout.
• It’s fun! (How many people can say that about their exercise routine?)

The more Cindy and I read about it, the more our interest was piqued, so the following Saturday, we found some YouTube videos and had a different kind of pool party.

The following day, we felt the workout “burn,” but it also felt fantastic. If water makes it easier to exercise, count us in, but what would we do when she closed her pool for the fall and winter months? This is where the courage to try something new came into play. For two moody women in their fifties, change isn’t always easy, but we made the collaborative decision to end our itty-bitty pity-party once and for all. It’s that decision that will potentially change our lives.

We’re a work in progress, but the struggle makes us stronger. The struggle, my friend, is part of everyone’s story. No one is exempt. We’re all in this together. What’s your story? Would this type of workout suit you?

Be on the lookout for Part Two of my “Exercise and RA” post coming soon.

**Please consult your doctor before starting an exercise regimen.**

Meet Stella-Bella

By Tina Cameron

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a cute little white dog named Stella on a rescue site. I have been wanting another dog. I thought having another little dog would help my Yorkie (Peyton) with her grieving over the loss of my sweet Haley who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge last June. I had previously seen this dog, but never inquired about her. When I stumbled across her again, I felt like it was a sign. Stella is a Maltese-Yorkie mix, is 8 ½ years old, timid, and so wants to trust people. She is just the sweetest dog ever.

I sent in an application and days later had a phone interview. A few days after my phone interview, the foster mom called me and we spoke about 90 minutes on the phone about Stella, my home life, my pets, etc. It was so sad to hear that she had been neglected, abused, adopted and returned. I agreed to foster her as a trial basis for 10 days and would pick her up on January 7^th. She immediately jumped in my SUV, laid down on the blanket I had put in the backseat and went to sleep. After meeting my two other dogs, they all went out in the backyard to potty. She seemed comfortable right away in my backyard and so far, was getting along with my other two dogs.

Once Stella came in, I went to eat lunch in the den. She came right in the den and got up in the same spot where Peyton sleeps. She proceeded to take a nap and I snapped a picture. Due to the neglect and abuse Stella endured, as well as some health problems, she is hesitant to trust a human. It is still a work in progress; however, she is making great strides in doing new things each day. I ended up adopting Stella on day five of fostering her, because I was already in love. Later that night, I snapped a few pictures of her “gotcha day” sign to post on Facebook and she leaned over and licked my cheek! Oh, those sweet puppy kisses. She is slowly coming to me when I call her and did well at her first follow up vet appointment. I am so happy that I chose to adopt her. Let the spoiling begin.

Finding Our Footing Through Grief

By Lisa Weatherford

Hi everyone!  I know, I just kind of vanished for a while, but as I sit here writing this, I am reflecting on a very busy year!

Let me take a moment to update everyone.

Dad is still on hospice.  He has lost so much weight.  He is down to 130 pounds.  He is now having his meals in the back dining room.  I know how that sounds, but in this dining room it is quiet, and he gets the extra help he needs at meal time.  He also gets more finger food items because he no longer understands what utensils are or how to use them.  It is hard to get him to eat a full meal most of the time now. Dad is falling a lot and he often just mumbles or doesn’t know who we are.  His doctor tells us that he feels dad has weeks left at this point. So, with all of this information, every time the phone rings we can’t help but think is this THE call.

 

We have had lots of firsts without Mom. Celebrations like her first birthday, Mother’s Day, and Christmas have been difficult. I didn’t even put up any Christmas decorations this year.

If we are being honest, our family is still in the grieving process. Sometimes you feel like you’re in a good place in life and moving along without any hiccups. Suddenly, something will come along and bring Mom’s memory back into focus.  The only thing you can do is just go with it.  Let the tears flow and just remember.

I decided to end my career as a Surgical Technologist during the summer.  I scrubbed for 17 years.  Lately, I have been working at Starbucks, which is very different. Sadly, I’ve been out of work since November 11th due to a fracture of my fibula in the ankle area.  That has been painful, but it didn’t require surgery nor a cast. I’m just in an ankle brace and I go back for a follow up this month.

The New Year will be full of its own share of excitement and disappointments.  Yet, we will do what we always do; rally together and get through the hard times and celebrate the good times.

So much has changed that I’m not sure if I’ll blog again soon or not.  I’m at a point that I feel my blog is about grief and sadness.  I feel like I’m blogging the same topics over and over.  If you wish for me to continue or have an idea for a new topic, let me know in the comments.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

-Lisa

Good News and Encouragement for Gluten Sensitive People

By Rachel Sircy

Well, 2020 may be the best year we gluten sensitive people have had yet. According to an email I recently received from Celiac Foundation CEO Marilyn Geller, President Trump has passed a budget resolution which directs the National Institutes of Health to devote resources to researching the underlying cause of celiac disease and to work toward finding a cure. 

This means that those suffering with celiac and gluten intolerance are finally being taken seriously! We may soon have answers to all of our unanswered questions about why we’re gluten intolerant in the first place. And, best of all, we may soon see a cure!! 

If you are new to gluten free living, the good news is that things should soon be changing for the better. Celiac disease itself may one day be a thing of the past. 

With all of that in mind, I’m heading into the new year with renewed energy and hope for the future. I hope this is encouraging to all of you reading out there as well. God bless and Happy New Year!