40 YO trapped in an 80 YO Body -Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

sassyswede
sassyswede Posts: 4 Member
in Introduce Yourself
In 2006 I was diagnosed with RA in my mid 30's
I was quickly put on prednisone and GAINED allot of weight (100 lbs)
I subsequently did everything I could to loose the weight and finally lost some of it (70 lbs) it just fell off after i stopped trying.
In 2012 I had some major life changes and quit smoking THE WEIGHT came back
I have tried all kinds of things over the past few months and cant seem to loose anything
in the past 3 weeks I got more serious on MFP and with the gym and my diet
I am limited physically but go to get my workout on even if its just 30-45 minutes of cardio

to give you an idea of my severity - YOGA is too much strain on my feet/ankles and hands/wrists

I am looking for supportive folks that can understand my struggle.
I log in daily I miss a meal log here or there but improve daily :)

I am looking for ideas and feedback that are real - NO SNAKE OIL PLEASE

Replies

  • wisebuys
    wisebuys Posts: 51 Member
    Add me if you like. I had arthritis so bad it completely destroyed my hips and they were finally (after nearly a decade of misery) replaced. My exercise of choice is swimming since it is easy on the joints. I have cleaned up my eating and swim 3 times a week.
    Consequently, I am almost medication free (except synthroid for my slow thyroid) and finally slowly losing weight. Oh yes, I am 60 (30 at heart).
  • loram11
    loram11 Posts: 13 Member
    I understand what you are going through. I quit smoking January and actually did pretty good on the weight gain, less than 5 pounds. I am overweight but have always been active, no I don't run marathons, but love to walk and would for at least an hour every day as well as dance aerobics. That all changed as I have RA and am trying to adjust. You know, when you can't even pull your pants up, exercising is the last thing on your mind. I am in the early phases, waiting for the appointment with the rheumotologist and seeing what the next course of action will be. Until then, I keep walking, even if it's only for 10 minutes.

    Anyways, if you want to add me that would be great. I am looking for support also.

    Good luck!!
  • sassyswede
    sassyswede Posts: 4 Member
    Best of luck with your first RA Doc Visit ,,,its stressful in the beginning and you cant seem to do enough for relief ... I added you and maybe we can be support to one another
    I am learning more about what i can do each day and some are better than others
  • apierce609
    apierce609 Posts: 5 Member
    I'm 22 and was diagnosed with RA at 19. Working out is really tough some days, but even when I flare I try to stay active, even if it means just going on a short walk around the block. The more active I am, the less I hurt. If you check Youtube, they have some yoga exercises for arthritis sufferers to help strengthen the joints. I've done a few and they've helped: I've worked my way up to doing the 30 Day Shred because of them.
  • sassyswede
    sassyswede Posts: 4 Member
    I'm 22 and was diagnosed with RA at 19. Working out is really tough some days, but even when I flare I try to stay active, even if it means just going on a short walk around the block. The more active I am, the less I hurt. If you check Youtube, they have some yoga exercises for arthritis sufferers to help strengthen the joints. I've done a few and they've helped: I've worked my way up to doing the 30 Day Shred because of them.

    Thank you
  • ameliadiouf12
    ameliadiouf12 Posts: 12
    Hi, I know how you feel.... I also have RA and FM...... all the same, PAIN :) we learn to live with it day to day..

    I also was on drugs, gained the weight, so decided to try the A La Natural approach... ( no snake oil :) )

    I started having Flaxseed oil a day in my morning shakes, with Lecithin granules... Also I take high strength Red Krill oil capsule a day... within weeks I was more mobile,

    I then started sleeping with a Magnetic Pillow and Bed mattress sheepskin magnetic undercover.... the magnet therapy is wonderful.... I could hardly move my neck, and not turn to look sideways at all without pain.. within weeks I could do both.

    I think we just have to try these different things and find what suits us best...... So far the above is working, plus some days if the pain is bad I take one Voltaren Rapid tablet... Buy at chemist...

    I hope this will help, I do feel for you because I know the pain you feel.... Good luck

    I'm happy for a chat anytime ..... Amelia
  • RunningMermaid
    RunningMermaid Posts: 28 Member
    Swimming is definitely one of the best choices to do for exercise with Arthritis, not only is it light on the joints, the water can really help sooth the pain.

    I also found, while just playing in the ocean one day, that it really helps releave the pain. My doctor allowed me to go off my meds, and I for the first time started to experience severe pain in my knee where I couldn't really walk up the stairs, but after wadding around in the ocean for an hour, it disappeared.
    I have a different type of arthritis than you, so I can't promise it'll be as efficient D:, but anythings worth a try! Best of luck with working out :)
  • mrsjray
    mrsjray Posts: 2 Member
    I am 38 with RA and feeling old myself and pretty discouraged about losing weight. I am newly motivated though and hope to stick to it this time.
  • lpina2mi
    lpina2mi Posts: 425 Member
    I have RA and I am doing so much better in my 50s than in my 40s! Just posted a query under Community Board/Fitness & Nutrition about Tea and morning creaky joints.

    Please read and participate. I am still learning how to keep episodes under control without pharmaceuticals. Search on "TEA:Creaky Joints"

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