Staying Young When Arthritis Causes Me to Feel Old
Posted on September 11th, 2008 by Aud under Exercise, Family, Medications, Natural Health, Osteo Arthritis, Pain Management, Rheumatoid ArthritisI’m sure I’ve said it before in a previous post that I’m feeling better in my 30’s than I did in my 20’s, but I’m wanting to make that point again. For about 10 years I was quite a bit miserable, in a out of hospital for so many reasons from stomach and back issues, to having strokes and surgeries. By the time I turned 30 my medical chart was over 2 inches thick and I felt old. There was a 30 year old face in the mirror, but I felt 90. The biggest reason was the <em>Rheumatoid Arthritis</em> that caused me to feel creaky and rusty like the tin man in Oz before the oil can relief!
So why am I feeling so “awesome” now? I’m learning to live with a different mind set, instead of putting others needs first, taking care of myself has become priority. Let me explain before I get called a selfish wench! How can I help properly when I’m barely able to get around myself? I might as well do nothing because I’m not going to do a lick of quality good for anyone. When I’m healthy and happy I’m in a better position to participate and people actually enjoy my presence because I’m not cranky!
The first step was to inform myself about arthritis and what arthritis causes. I then used my medical history along with professional health care advice to map out the supplements and medications I would be able to take to reduce pain and damage. The next process was getting physically active, starting out slow and doing things I truly enjoyed. 
I found my hobbies to be a great source of therapy. They not only gave me physical activity but my mind was taken off the disease for the time being. Playing the guitar and piano, painting and other creative outlets provide amazing exercise for my hands. Gardening, walking and muscle building has improved my knees, back and feet.
I’m not saying that everyday is a bowl of sickly sweet sunshine, I do have the occasional heavy storm clouds rolling in, but they’re not as severe or frequent as they were, even a year ago. It’s a fantastic feeling to look back upon my day and see all I’ve accomplished despite the fact that I have <em>Rheumatoid Arthritis.</em>
Everyone has interests or hobbies that keep them active - can you share your story?
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I was diagnosed at the age of 28 and totally agree that most days I feel so old. The summer has been great since we haven’t had much rain and I was able to be more active and even stay up later some evenings and spend some quality time with my husband. However, I too am the mother of 2 young boys, work 40 hours a week + a part time home business. I am struggling with finding time for myself when we are working so hard to get out of debt and there is always financial stress that seems to be staring me in the face. I just turned 30 and know that I need to take better care of myself, the question is how do I get myself motivated to rest when I am SO busy?
It really is hard to find time to rest, but we’re going to find that our lives will unravel if we don’t. Stress is horrible and makes it difficult to allow ourselves to relax. Even 20 minutes a day to soak in a hot bath would be great for you!
Make it a priority to better your body. Are you able to plan your day? Schedule time in for yourself. Have your husband put the kids to bed and you crash early. For me, I always have to be doing something, I like to keep busy, I can’t just lay there! Reading a book helps me zone out or having my hot tub all to myself with a glass of wine…pure bliss!
Not only will you notice a difference, your boys and husband will notice it too!
I hope you’re able to get your much deserved rest and relaxation that you NEED!
Thank you so much for your comment, I can’t tell you how much it means to have someone share their story! Stay in touch please.
Best wishes,
Audrey
Hobbies are a good thing regardless of health.
Where hobbies really shine is when the health is not so good.
My Photography interest has helped to keep a focus other than RA.
The other thing that has helped was when my daughter gave us a little Toy Poodle pup.
Sure a bit of a handful in the beginning, but once again, has helped distract the focus off self..
If I’m feeling old it is because I am into that area of life where things do become a little more difficult physically.
I’m 57 now and the body feels it, but the brain wills it on.
Stephen,
I never really was a ‘dog person’ until I got one. I guess I’m more of a ‘my dog person’ now! I think having one is great, who else is as excited as they are when you come through the door - even though you’ve only been gone 10 minutes!
How’s your poodle pup doing? A lady across the street from me, just got a tiny black little fella 2 weeks ago- so small he can hardly walk on their lawn. They plunk him down so he can answer the ‘call of nature’ and they scoop him back up.
My 90 lb lab, Titus, is my constant companion. He’s a fat, old guy who’s willing to walk at my speed, and he won’t leave my side when I’m needing to stay in bed. (The way I just described him makes him sound like a creepy neighbor!)
About your photography. I know you have a site - remarkable talent by the way - do you also write about it? Just curious.
Thank you very much for your comment-
Please take care,
Audrey
I don’t have a web site anymore because I changed ISP and the new one wants to charge for in and out traffic.
They do allow 100MB traffic before they start to charge.
Always a draw back with trying to reduce monthly costs.
I just assumed it would the same as the last, DOH!.
If I did write about the subject it would be from a feeling/ spiritual aspect rather than the technical side.
In other words, I feel my way through an image.
Most people would not understand where I would be coming from..
Ask and you shall receive type of thing..
If I would like good light with interesting clouds then I must be prepared to wait for that moment, it will surely come.
Maybe tomorrow or perhaps next week, if I am ready then it is bliss.
Stephen,
I personally would relate more to how you would ‘feel through an image’, probably because I also have a similar passion for painting water colour. It does go beyond the technical stuff, it’s capturing a moment evoking an emotion. It’s a flippin’ amazing feeling when pieces of the puzzle just fit together perfectly and you’ve been a part of it.