How I Live with Arthritis

 If you have or are diagnosed with arthritis there are many ways to feel better and nurture yourself. I was 30 when symptoms said a big HELLO and was diagnosed with a degenerative right hip by an orthopedic.Click Here! In college, when walking a long distance to class. I used to have this pulling sensation in my right hip and thought “Oh I hurt myself on that damn StairMaster ! ” It’s just a pulling sensation “let me stop and stretch”. .at that time I was in college and in my 20’s.

Then one day, a few years later a friend and I went to the beautiful Island of Oahu ! While I did enjoy the beauty, the water,  sightseeing, enjoying the company of my great friend, eating at my favorite place “Dukes” which was just located on the ocean. Food was mostly American and really good but location really did it for me. While I was enjoying all of it I was also on my trip with this a flared up and uncomfortable hip. It felt heavy and I was limping most of the time. Thinking its my shoes, I should of not wore these flip flops etc.  I used to feel better after resting but this time even days after my trip my hip was bothering me.
 Found out after a few x rays and appointments that I have a condition called arthritis. The orthopedic said “Your looking at a total hip replacement but we can’t do it now because it only lasts 10 years. ”  Whaaaat !! I was devastated . I’m living in the United States of America where technology has been booming and I keep hearing about all of these advancements… and you can’t fix me right away.. I left crying and was depressed for almost a year.  

 Since then I have found ways to live with it !!    So far I have survived about 6 years after the diagnosis.  I have bought really comfortable shoes with high arch support(some of my favorite are from REI and the walking company) Nordstroms and Macy’s have some comfortable shoes as well.  Yes I had to get rid of the hot heels !  Gave a lot of my shoes to my cousin..  Lately, I’ve been taking vitamins with (Glucosamine) I take fish oil pills and my regular multi-vitamin every day. I also focus on eating healthy and picking fresh fruits and veggies.. Click Here!
About 2 years ago I embarked upon a therapy called Prolotherapy. The process for me was painful because they stick this long needle in your hip but the pain was worth it. After that therapy I felt much better.  I even traveled to India and walked around all over the place ( of course with my comfortable shoes from REI) But I was able to travel far that was a major Plus ! The first year or so I was diagnosed I had major pain when winter came.. aarrrr… but after the therapy the pain had damped alot.. I haven’t been to the snow since.. I can’t stand the cold… 

 Exercise is also a great way to keep yourself strong ! At first I was scared and stopped exercising but my physical therapist laughed at me and said “You need to get back to the gym and strenghten those glutes !” The glutes hold up that hip .. ! So heck ya  I love the gym and I’ve been back since. I don’t go crazy but I work out to my capability and I also followed the therapists recommendations on exercises. For me I love to work out my arms and I sit on an exercise ball while I lift weights to reduce bearing weight on my hips.  I also ordered a foam Roller (which you lay on and roll your body) like a mini massage…gets the blood flowing to that hip !  Water aerobics and swimming are also my favorites.. !!

For the Mental aspect I watch funny movies, read inspirational and spiritual books, and also recently started to meditate !! Life is all about healing and living the best you can ! I’m going to keep researching ways to feel better and I hope the best for you as well !