Rheumatoid Arthritis decided to visit me on Thursday. She brought with her two sore knees, a stiff painful left shoulder and lower back pain that woke me up each time I moved. Each day of her visit I kept repeating to myself, "I trust my body is healing." By Saturday I was a little teary but not giving up. On Sunday my family asked if we should cancel our planned bike ride. I decided to stick with my plan and not let this uninvited visitor rule my life and we went riding. I wasn't sure if I would only be able to ride a few minutes and then have to head back but I amazed myself. We rode an almost 10 mile loop up and down forest trails. Within a few miles I realized that the ride was exactly what I needed. Not only was the peddling stretching my knees and back which loosened up some of the stiffness, but the inclines made my legs work hard which in turn made me feel like me. I like hard rides where I feel like I have worked out. This ride did it.
This morning I woke up feeling pretty good. My acupuncture appointment went well. We discussed how my body is still having problems with dampness and we have had rain off and on since Thursday. We will continue to work on that issue through acupuncture and the Chinese herb. After my appointment the kids and I accomplished everything else on our list: grocery shopping for the week, picked up meat, milk and maple syrup from farmer, haircut for Alexander, library, post office and more. I love feeling good and having energy to accomplish all that needs to be done. So, Rheumatoid Arthritis, start packing because this visit is just about over!
So funny, I had a very similar experience these past few days. I hope my RA doesn't overstay its welcome!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you...I'm sending my RA packing. I flared on Friday and Saturday...bad enough to stop me in my tracks and still even though my feet were killing me I did my PT exercises because I knew even though it would hurt in the end it will help.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to us both and here's to us both sending RA packing.
Good for you!! Pack her bags and send her on her way!
ReplyDeleteSherry
So great. I am so proud of you for heading out on your bike ride. Although pushing through is not always an answer or an option sometimes finding an activity that releaves stress will do the trick. Good call on that!
ReplyDeleteThe ride sounds great. I wish I could ride, but right now my RA isn't cooperating with me. I have a full suspended disc braked mountain bike just itching for me to take it back out as soon as I feel I can again.
ReplyDeleteOn the upside, I'm taking my dirt bike out this weekend with some guys I used to race with. Main thing is, don't let your RA know it's ever got the upper hand!
Terry