Arthritis Foundation Agrees with Me

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) is celebrating Arthritis Month in May, and is kicking it off with a campaign called "Moving is the Best Medicine". Well, I have to agree! I can't say I have cured all my ills in the short time I have been back working on the bod more seriously but I do know I am better off moving than not moving.

An advertising company representing the Arthritis Foundation asked me to write about the AF campaign and let others know of some of the components of it. In return, they offered me a basket of goodies, which I will describe below, along with a way YOU can win something from that basket! (I don't feel right grabbing it all myself.)

I am happy to write about this because it is something I believe in. I hope, through my experiences described here, that I will be joining others who do this too and will offer some tips here and there that might benefit others as well.

Here are the basics of the "Moving is the Best Medicine" campaign:

• Light exercise and staying active can help reduce the risk and pains associated with osteoarthritis.
• It’s easy (and fun!) to incorporate more movement into your life – watch the entertaining campaign PSAs here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8bV5eV-wFQ
• And throughout the month of May (National Arthritis Month), there will be over 100 Arthritis Walks held nationwide to help raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives of those that live with arthritis. For more info visit: www.fightarthritispain.org

So that's a clear message. And here's the fun part:

If you leave a comment below, related to this post - tell us what kinds of exercise work for you or how you feel about the Arthritis Foundation or how much you love this blog...anything related to this post - you will be entered into a drawing for one or more of the following gifts:

• A copy of Walk With Ease
• A DVD of Tai Chi For Arthritis
• A set of light dumbbells
• A coupon for Scrubbing Bubbles automatic shower cleaner
• Pilot Dr. Grip Pen
• Hefty 1 zip storage bag coupons
• Cardinal EasyOpen Binders.

All of which are gifts from the Arthritis Foundation. Note: it appears that the Arthritis Foundation's website does not include any advertising, but its cohort Arthritis Today does, and it includes advertising for drugs. Use common sense in following any advice on the use of medications.

I'll need to know how to reach you to get your address if you win. You can include your email address with your comment or, if you don't wish to do so, just send it to me at judith (at) judithlautner (dot) net.

You can include in your comments what gift(s) you'd like if you win and we'll try to get that one to you if it hasn't already been taken. Another disclosure: I really want to try out the Tai Chi DVD before I send it on to somebody else, so it will be slightly used and slightly delayed.

We will hold the drawing for the winners at the end of the month.

Pain

I left the gym feeling about as achey and in pain as when I went in. My back hurt, my legs hurt, my hip hurt. The pain in my hip is partly on the inside, I realized. I had been thinking it was mostly outer thigh but it isn't, or at least not entirely.

I went to the Farmers' Market right there in the parking lot of the gym and bought mainly food that is already prepared - Chana Masala and a seasoned basmati rice, falafels and whole wheat pitas, cucumber salad, and a lovely strawberry juice. Just juice, really refreshing.

I limped and ached my way back to the car. As I sit here my left arm is hurting so much I need to stop writing.

A Day Off?

Yesterday I didn't do any exercise.  Instead, I went to a bookcrossing meeting, offered some books, took some books, then went to a fellow bookcrosser's home to grab a bunch more books (she's moving and has to cull). In that process I stayed standing quite a bit of the time, as I chose books and moved them from place to place. I mention this as a possible reason I was uncomfortable last night, in bed, restless, unable to get my legs comfortable.

I finally got up and took a hot shower. I sat under the very hot water for a while, until I felt relaxed. After I got back into bed, sleep came more easily.

Last night, too, though, I went to a concert. I sat in a concert seat for about two hours without getting up. My legs weren't uncomfortable at the time but perhaps that contributed.

This morning I woke feeling sluggish, uninterested in exercise. Nevertheless, I put on exercise togs and I will be off to do my usual routine soon. Yesterday I thought I might try an "Active" class too but right now I don't think so. I just feel tired and that's that. Not to mention my legs just hurt.

After the Aqua and Beyond

Last night I was hoping I would not have any cramps or other untoward events. But that was not to be. I got a cramp in my right ankle, on the right side. I discovered that flexing my foot helped, but it still took a while to ease it. I suspect this came from my jumps in the pool yesterday, when I landed on the balls of my feet instead of my whole feet. I was having trouble enough with my knees and tried to land gently. I must remember to land on my whole foot regardless.

Later in the night I had a similar cramp, but much less painful, in my left ankle. It eased on its own.

This morning I did my usual little workout, at the usual levels. I limped into the building and left a little less stiff and in pain, so it did some good. It didn't feel wonderful, especially the bike. I wonder if I should be doing more sets rather than heavier weights. I really need to call Clara and set up an appointment.

Back in the Water Again

Today I made it back to an Aqua class at the gym. With the first instructor I'd had here, Mary Ann. She is very nice and careful in her instructions but the exercises she has used for that aerobic portion of the class have hurt me more than the ones Karey used. I felt I'd gotten a good workout but it wasn't necessarily as beneficial for my joints as other moves might have been. Mary Ann did emphasize that if we feel pain we should back off. I need to do that and to change one move with another at times. It will take a little practice. Overall, it's a good class and it's actually quite serious, in spite of the fun many people have in it.

I couldn't help but think about documentaries. Last week I was at a "flyball" competition with my daughter, son-in-law, and dog Bella. Flyball is a dog sport that is becoming increasingly popular and this tournament featured so many teams I could not keep track. The sport, the people who go for it, the dogs, the drama, all cry out for a documentary similar to that done about weiner dog races (Weiner Takes All, I think it's called). And today, as I looked around at my fellow elderly, shape-shifting, unglam classmates, and as I listened to the music - California Girls - I couldn't help but think what a documentary these classes could make as well.

Afterwards I did not experience that lightness and freedom from pain that I had after my second Aqua class. I was limping as ever, tired, a little discouraged, but still, still, hopeful. I think it will get easier and my body will respond more positively over time.

traveling back

I did go to the multigen one more time before leaving Las Vegas. It may have helped, couldn't have hurt.

The morning I left I also took two acetaminophen tablets to dull the pain during the trip. I don't know if they were responsible but I did have an easier time on the way back than I did on the way there. I didn't fear getting out of the car at rest stops quite so much. I didn't have to sit there contemplating the best way to rise to my feet. I just got up and dealt with the stiffness and discomfort because it wasn't as bad as before.

Yesterday, my off day, was also sewing day. I did not do any exercise. I felt quite tired and when I got home I was glad to lounge around and rest and read.

This morning I made it back to the gym. I didn't feel like going, which is really a first, but I was okay once I got there. Level four on the bike (although it said resistance was "eight"), ten minutes; rowing at 65 pounds, lat pulldowns - did I go up to 65 lbs? I think I stayed at 50 but I am not sure; bench press 140 pounds for the first time. The arm and calf stretches I kept at 30 seconds each. I found it easier to stretch my left arm, straight. Maybe I wasn't doing it right.

I limped in, my right hip in pain, and limped out somewhat less in pain. I took no drugs for the last two nights, and none during the day either. Slept well.

Another time at the multigen

Yesterday I made it to the multigenerational center again. Did my little routine, including something approximating lat pulldowns but not really.

I am still stiff and often in pain, and I have been taking acetaminophen pm tablets every night on this trip. I think it is the right decision at this time. Too much pain and discomfort just causes too much sleep interruption.

I had hoped to get in some other activities, like a hike or an aqua class, but it is not to be. I leave tomorrow morning. Perhaps I should hit the multigen before I leave. Yes.