Category Archives: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Day 282: Functional Strength

On Day 282, I learned that if you get dizzy while you spin, it means that you are improving your balance. I also learned that if you shake your joints, you not only boost your metabolism but also your bone density. And I learned these things in a class at my gym that was full of people who were probably at least 20 years older than I, if not more.

The class was called Functional Strength and Fitness. It seemed like maybe it was a step below gentle yoga in terms of its goals and difficulty level. First I made friends with two elderly people outside waiting for the class to start. They assured it me it was a good class. We spent the first half hour standing doing various balancing activities and stretches (and shaking and spinning). Then, for the latter half of the class we were on mats on the floor working different muscles. It really was a good class. I did not really feel like I had worked out, but I did feel like I was more aligned and had better energy than when I walked in. I would love to use this a substitute for yoga (which has become increasingly difficult for me) if I can keep my schedule clear on Wednesday mornings (the only time this class is offered at my gym). If not, I will just have to shake and spin as much as I can on my own time!

 

Day 281: Massage Envy

Did you know Massage Envy holds an event called Healing Hands for Arthritis to benefit the Arthritis Foundation? One day every year, $10 from every one-hour massage and facial goes to the foundation. Every location! Nationwide!

No, this event was not today. Though today I did sign up for a membership with Massage Envy because I got an online deal for a massage. The masseuse I had (Rebecca at the Southport location) was so great that I want to see her every month and get a discount. Massage can really help blood flow through achey joints. Also, because I spend a lot of time at a computer, I have big knots and big trigger points in my shoulders. They are horrible but Rebecca is GREAT. And I’m glad to support a company that does so much for the Arthritis Foundation.

Day 275: Back to Guilty Pleasures

I had been off of methotrexate for a while but today I had to go back on. It was trial-I don’t like to take it. Plus if the hubs and I ever want to start a family (the old fashioned way), I will not be able to take it for several months before any “trying” starts. Needless to say, the trial didn’t last very long nor go very well. After about 5 months, I could not continue without it. The combination of methotrexate and Enbrel just works really well for me and anytime I mess with that, my joints get enraged so acceptance and forward movement. It could always change but for now I’m back to one sicky/sleepy day per week that I hopefully fill with a guilty pleasure. Today it was those darn easy bake cookies. They get me every time!

Day 269: Bounty

So I have actually been able to go grocery shopping this week. Amazing, I know. If you’ve seen the vegetarian post from yesterday, you know that I have been eating a lot more produce this week. Well, I am planning on sticking to it! I was inspired tonight both by a comment I got from a reader I do not know about how she has been eating a plant based diet since February and has effectively sent her RA into remission (wowza! go Debbie!) and a tray of food, pictured below. I had a few guests joining me for a business meeting this evening and realized about 20 minutes before they were due to arrive that I should have some food out. I went to the usually bare fridge and found all of these delicious items; hummus, pita, tomato, avocado, goat cheese, strawberries and blueberries. I arranged everything on a platter we got for our wedding that I love to use and voila! A cute, bountiful plate of fresh, healthy food. This never would have happened had I not gone to Edgewater Produce on Tuesday…

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Day 268: Vegetarian?

When I was in maybe 9th grade, I decided to be a vegetarian. I mean I was already wearing band tshirts and chain necklaces, so why not? Honestly I don’t remember liking red meat much, and I was very suspicious of chicken on the bone. My photography teacher showed us a photo essay on meat processing and that pretty much sealed the deal. Since then I’ve added chicken and turkey back into my diet-because if I didn’t, I would have finished college with the record for most cheesey bread consumption.

This week, however, I have inadvertently gone back to my vegetarian ways. Monday-cereal, hummus/tomato bagel sandwich, mushroom/lobster (I’ve always eaten fish) pasta. Tuesday-cereal, berry muffin, vegan toffee bar, poblano pepper and black bean tacos. Today- cereal, hummus/tomato bagel, portabella/spinach/couscous pita. I noticed the trend today and felt pretty great about it. As an adult who is attempting to learn more about food and cook more frequently, I feel I could do a better job of eating a healthy vegetarian diet than I did as a teen. I also know that it would mean eating more fresh produce and less processed foods-the so called, “Arthritis Diet” of removing or significantly reducing inflammatory food intake.

The hubs is even sort of kind of on board, which, if you know us, is usually enough for me to run with something.

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