Thankfully, things have improved since my last post on living with arthritis.
As you might know a month ago I saw a dietician and started to cut down and dramatically decrease the amount of nasty additives and preservatives in my diet. Almost immediately there was a tremendous improvement with my arthritis. My pains levels went from 5-7 to 2-3 on a daily basis. It has meant reading food labels, making more things at home (which has been possible due to reduced pain levels) and eliminating some foods from my diet – at least on a daily basis. Hence I have not had one iced chocolate or packet biscuit in a month. It’s really not been too hard and it’s a bit scary to think that these food additives have contributed to cause me so much pain.
I started walking my dogs again, alternating with riding my bike so my heal spur doesn’t get too sore.
I half felt unwell (upset tummy) a few times after I had eaten out – I assume due to consuming more preservatives and additives than I’m used to. Other than that it had been a really great 4 weeks. So much so I went to my doc to decrease my meds. But, of course, the day after I had a bit of a flair. I saw the dietician again last week and she assured me this might happen from time to time.
Unfortunately I’m in the middle of another flair – this one lasting a few days. Not sure if it’s because of the hot, humid weather or that I’ve been overdoing things or just one of those things. I’m not happy though. We are headed to the Easter show tomorrow and I don’t know how I’m going to manage. I really feel uncomfortable about using the wheelchair that Kevin got for me when things were really bad, but I don’t know how I”m going to manage otherwise. Still so much to understand and learn about this disease.
On the positive side I’ve gotten back into almost daily exercise and I’ve lost 3.5kgs :-).
Glad to hear things are improving. have fun at the show. we won tkckets and are going on Sunday.
Hugs Libby, so glad that you are finding ways to minimise the pain and still keep active and healthy. xx
Great update Libby – no matter how you travel remember the show is there to be enjoyed. You can use the chair as a carry all for all the stuff you accumulate on the day and then use it for yourself when needed. So go do it!!
Cathy
Great news that dietary changes are having an effect and giving you relief. I changed my diet considerably about 7 years ago as I have endometriosis and adenomyosis and they are auto immune disorders and highly sensitive to diet. I also try to avoid chemicals in body products and cleaning products in the house.
Hi Libby, it’s great to hear that your diet has helped and that you are getting relief. Strangely I was never told to try and eliminate additives and preservatives from my diet, but more bread, tomatoes, capsicums and potatoes because they cause inflammation. I find it really hard to cut out ‘healthy’ food. Well done on being able to start walking again and the weight loss is a nice bonus. I know this time last year when my arthritis wasn’t too bad, I started walking 6klms a day and lost 8kg. Sadly since having major problems with both shoulders I stopped walking because of the jarring effect and have now put about 3kg back on :(. I hope this flare-up doesn’t last too long for you and that you are able to go and enjoy the Royal Easter Show. Hope you and your family have a lovely and safe Easter.