Living With Arthritis: Sharon L
Sharon L., Bellevue NE
My doctor diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis. My knees would just ache, I was so stiff. I couldn't get out in the garden without a lot of pain. He prescribed an anti-inflammatory, which definitely helped. Last year he put me on etanercept (Enbrel). A couple years ago I had to have hip replacement surgery. My son is a pilot for one of the airlines, so after Chuck's retirement we had really wanted to travel more. I thought "well, that's it—I’m not going to be able to do that ,obviously."
Back when it was just my knees and I could deal with the pain, my doctor told me exercise would help, but I was fine with being able to get out in the garden most days. After my surgery, though, I decided to try some stretching and strengthening with a physical therapist after my surgery rehab was over (I walked with a cane—it took a while). Then my doctor okayed enrolling in a low-impact water aerobics class at the YMCA here.
There were three other women in my class with arthritis. It was a godsend. Three times a week now, and I get together with some people in the class after our Wednesday session for coffee. This past spring, Chuck and I spent three weeks in Australia. Okay, so I'm not a jackrabbit (Chuck is very patient), but I couldn't have imagined before my surgery that it'd even be possible.
Robert H. was in good shape.
But a fitness program added strength and flexibility. That's helpful when your hobby is
hockey...