Finding Out

Dear Max---I have had OA (osteoarthritis) for several years, and am doing quite well, thank you!  It seems that many people, on hearing your diagnosis, or their own, start playing a funeral dirge.  Yes, I've had to have several joint replacement surgeries---and know I will have at least 2 more in the future; HOWEVER--I'm healthy, almost 65, run 2 small businesses, write for the Health Central Network, and travel all over the world as a nature photographer---in fact, I'm "moving" to Tanzania, E. Africa this summer for 12 weeks to work as a volunteer.

Since I officially became arthritic, I've gone power parachuting, white water rafting, flown in an open cockpit airplane, gone 4X4ing up and down rock walls in a jeep, gone on zip lines in the Rainforest and many other exciting adventures.  For me, the secret to my success:  find good doctors you can trust, become very involved with the Arthritis Foundation (you CAN help), and do what you're told, ie. there are fun ways to help get rid of that extra weight---don't give up---keep a positive attitude (and most importantly---a sense of humor )

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

pattye