I’ve written before about my struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis—let’s just say it’s not fun! Now added to that dynamic is the fact that at my age, osteoarthritis is also setting in. When one of my knees gave out with a horrible scream of pain a couple of months ago, it was the beginning of the next phase in my growing-old journey.
Of course, these things never happen at home or at a convenient time. Nooooo…..I was out of state with my husband for a mini-vacation and the 2nd day there, my left knee began to ache. We visited a drugstore after dinner and picked up a knee wrap to try to stabilize it. Not only did it not work, it seemed to cause the knee to collapse in protest. I literally could not walk. Any movement of my knee caused excruciating pain and tears.
Long story short, after we returned home, I saw first my RA doctor and then my orthopedic surgeon (yes, I have an orthopedic surgeon—for reasons that contributed to this osteoarthritis!). Then my very first MRI! While I have had enough x-rays on my legs to glow in the dark, this was my first trip into the hammer chamber (as I now affectionately call it).
So, Mike (yes, I am on a first name basis with my orthopod—get over it!) was then able to let me know that not only is my right ankle bone on bone—which we already knew—but now my left knee is also. Oh joy, oh joy! My only option for this is a knee replacement when I can’t stand it anymore. Since I have been bone on bone in my ankle for years and living with it, I thought “no big deal”. I can handle this!
In the meantime, Mike, knowing I don’t do replacements easily, gave me the following advice:
- Never run.
- Never jump
- Try bike riding or swimming for exercise.
- Walking should not be my exercise of choice (fat chance—I love to hike in the woods!)
- And—wait for it—-LOSE WEIGHT!
Yep, he actually said that to me, gasp! He explained that every step up with my knee results in 4 times the pressure of my body weight. So, every 10 pounds I lose results in 40 less pounds of pressure. Great advice, right?
Here’s the simple truth of my life with scales: I have been overweight almost my entire adult life. Not just plump, but 60-80 pounds overweight. It has been a constant struggle and caused more grief and anguish than I can say. I am sure there are many of you out there who have walked this journey. We have tried to lose weight for others, for our looks, to fit in, to find a spouse—you name it, we have tried it. I have even had stomach surgery, which did result in a loss of 52 pounds, 12 of which I have gained back.
So what do I need to do differently this time? I can tell you this—I am tired of being tired and being stiff and being sore and being inflexible. Food has actually started to have less interest for me as I get older, so here is what I plan to do:
- Break the 50 pounds I want to lose down into 10-pound increments (happy news—I have already lost the first 10). Smaller goals make the journey easier.
- Not worry so much about how much I eat, because I really don’t eat that much volume.
- Pay attention to what I eat. I will admit I am a junk food junkie at times. I could probably live off the Walmart snack aisle happily!
- More protein, less carbs because my stomach cannot hold much. Need the protein for energy.
- More fruits and veggies.
- Continue walking, but wear supportive shoes and no running or jumping.
- Join the gym and USE the exercise bike there!
- Also bulk up my core and arms with some weights while I am waiting for my husband to get off his sweaty cardio machine!
I am hoping to avoid replacement surgery(s) as long as possible and be in the best condition when I do have to go through them. That should make recovery easier. Much as I like Mike, I hope to not need his services for a few more years. ?
What are your experiences with knees, replacements, losing weight….? Join the conversation in the comments section!
Starting the journey again in my amazing grace filled life!