Melinda Winner suggested I share a little bit about me so here it goes: I am 59 years old and was diagnosed with RA in 2001. At that time, I was teaching 2nd grade in upstate NY. Things were pretty bad then. It was all I could do to get through each day and I spent every non-working minute recuperating for the next day or work week. On some days every joint hurt and co-workers were suggesting I get a cane. I moved like an 80 year old. The fatigue was overwhelming. At first I was on methotrexate and prednisone, among other drugs, but finally got put on Enbrel. It has made a huge difference in the quality of my life.
In 2004, I was able to retire (although I loved every minute of my work) and this further improved my situation as I was better able to manage my illness. I had been a boater before RA but had given it up as impossible to continue. As I learned to manage my illness, it became clear that anything was possible if I planned ahead and prepared. My wife and I purchased a sailboat and in 2006 we did the Intra-Coastal Waterway between North Carolina and Florida. It was a 6 month/2400 mile journey that was unfortgettable and we managed it in spite of my RA. It was the realization of a long time dream and proved that RA doesn't have to hold you back if you don't let it.
I have found that regular exercise is an important key to managing this disease. Although there are occasional days when I can only lie on the couch and sleep, most days I do pretty well and the exercise program pays big dividends in reducing swelling and stiffness. I find that I can enjoy riding my bike which is low impacto n my joints.
My wife and I run a bed and breakfast in upstate NY during the spring-summer-fall months. www.woodlawnbb.com
My motto is : "Better Days lie ahead!"
Life is sweet!
Steve
That was an awesome story! It definitely made me smile! =) My question to you is, how do you exercise through the pain? I would love to exercise.. but walking hurts bad. Yes, I know swimming would be wonderful, but I don't have access to a pool. We're a family of 6 and I can't afford a membership at the YMCA. Did you start slow and just keep pushing through the pain? It seems whenever I have to do much walking, I'm on the couch for at least the next day.
I also loved your story! The sailboating sounds like a blast! I also wonder about the exercise. If I exercise I pay for it later that day at work by being just dead tired and popping pain pills...mostly its the fatigue though. Did you just work through the pain and get to a routine of exercise that made it easier? I would like to hear more!
Suzi and Monica Jo- Ok, the idea is to start small. Try to do something on a regular basis but don't overdo. On days when I do not feel so hot, I will start my day by stretching even while still in bed. Stretching always makes me feel better and loosens up stiff joints. Then, if I feel up to it, I do some simple exercises while lying on a soft carpet. Stomach crunches...leg lifts...more stretching...push ups with knees on floor or whatever works. I have developed a little routine that fits me and that I can do in about 15 minutes. I even have a set of light-weight dumbells to use. The idea is to slowly build up your exercise schedule. There are some days when you need to push through the pain, but again too much and it can set you back. Be patient and you will find a level that works. Believe it or not, I experience less fatigue when I have a chance to exercise, and joints that feel less stiff and more mobile.
Now when you are working every day it gets harder to maintain your routine. That means lots of sleep each night if possible so you can get up and at least do your stretching in the morning before work. Then on the weekends you can push a little harder.
I cannot walk either. I walk a block and I am fried. However, I have found I can ride my back for long periods with no adverse effects. I can also use an elliptical exercise machine althoughI don't have one of my own (I was in a health club all summer. Exercise and then a nice steam bath...ahhhhhh!) Try to find a low impact activity for you. Any questions, just let me know. Believe me when I say that if you can begin to exercise, you will get stronger, control your weight better, and manage your RA more effectively. Good luck to you both. Keep in touch!
Steve
Thank you! Sometimes it is hard to just get your butt off the couch. Sometimes I feel like I use my RA as an excuse to watch tv after work...but I agree...I think I would feel better if I just did some stretching and some light workouts. I am so glad it is working out for you...keep it up!