Journal of experiences and experiments with arthritis
November 5: I had cramps in my legs again last night. This time they stayed and stayed and it took forever to calm them down. Fortunately, after that long episode they did not return and I was able to sleep.
My back keeps hurting. We went to the market and I was immediately in pain. Didn't stop until I got to the car and could sit down.
BP: 140/79
Weight: 197.8
November 4: I'm trudging on. I worry a little about the variations - some raw foods, tofu, garbanzo beans. But overall I am doing the plan and I think I'm doing what needs to be done.
Yesterday friend Laurie came for a visit. To prepare for her, I was tidying up, which meant I had taken a lot of steps by the time she arrived. Then I met her at baggage claim and we walked back to my car - more steps. Later we went to the grocery store and then to Lowe's to meet about kitchen changes. More steps. I took a lot more steps than I usually do these days. I think that is why my legs cramped up last night.
First it was one leg then later the other and then the first leg again. Mostly it was my feet. They would do that weird thing, straightening out and freezing there. I had to stand up and push down on my heel. Fortunately, that did the trick.
Today Natalie the organizer came. She was here to pack boxes, with her assistant Jesse. She spent four hours in the morning packing stuff. I had woken early and was able to label what could be packed and what not, and I set aside things that I want to use until I actually move. That took some time but it was worth it. Natalie and Jesse were able to go though several areas quickly. But there are still many things to pack. The next session is tentatively scheduled for next Saturday morning.
BP: 131/79
Weight: 199
I managed to sleep last night, until about midnight. Woke and stayed awake quite a while. My knee was hurting and my leg was twitching. arrrgh.
Twitchy in the afternoon. Knee continues to hurt.
BP: 136/78
Weight: 200.2
November 3: Back pain and knee pain continue to rule my activities. My back pain sets in whenever I do any cleaning or food prep or almost anything. When I do sit-to-stand exercises it often comes in too.
BP: 136/88
Weight: 200
I had a struggle with restless legs again last night. It took forever to get to sleep, and then I had to get up earlier than I wanted because my legs wouldn't rest.
My knee continues to hurt. I don't know what happened there. It seemed to be fine and then bam! Knee pain again. Could it be from that fall? It doesn't seem so.
I'm still working on defining this elimination diet. I haven't found a way to ask the questions I have. At this point I have made these modifications:
I'm eating soy foods.
I'm eating some foods raw.
I'm eating garbanzo beans.
I'm unclear on what seasonings are okay so I'm being cautious and going by the recipes in the back of the book.
Tonight, though, I'm having smashed garbanzos with celery and mustard. All mixed together.
BP: 129/74
Weight: 201.6
October 31:
Yes. Halloween.
Last night my knee hurt too much, again, and I took a tramadol tablet. Made me feel fuzzy in the morning.
I have been walking without my cane all day today. Not that I have walked much, but I feel stronger for doing it.
It occurred to me that split peas and lentils are among the foods I can eat on this plan. Today I bought a couple of bags of each and made a pot of split pea soup without onions or vegetable broth. Just carrots and celery and garlic. I like it a lot.
And today I can relieve myself of some temptations. I have a bag of peanut butter cups in the freezer and a bunch of energy bars in the cupboard. I can leave some out for anyone who comes by for treats, and bring the rest to Elaine's house, where it can all stay if not taken.
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It's almost 8:00 pm. I took a ropinerole tablet at 6:50 pm. But my legs are going into restlessness now. My right leg now, not just my left.
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9:33 pm. Still dealing with the restless legs. It doesn't seem like the ropinerole is doing any good.
BP: 126/74
Weight: 101.6
October 30: I slept better last night than the night before. The pain in my knee did not continue yesterday but I definitely felt it this morning. Not as intense as the other night, fortunately, but I wonder about it.
BP: 140/72
Weight: 200
