Tuesday 19 August 2014

Osteoarthritis and Dancing, Being a Yogi and a Fitness Instructor

I'm finding that a lot of professionals are giving me material, both written and via phone, that is clearly designed for older patients! "Don't bend over 90 degrees for the first few days when you're putting your slippers on!" MY SLIPPERS?

I'm going to be able to dance and hold tree pose, leap, run and hip swivel in a few months. That's exciting. I want to speak to people who appreciate what that means to me.

If you know someone, or you ARE someone with osteoarthritis and you are also an athlete (or a weekend warrior), a dancer, a fitness instructor or just very active, please get in touch via Facebook or Twitter.

I think we need to organise a site that is dedicated to encouraging people - sharing lifestyle stories that can benefit. For me, strength training (wisely!) consistently has been a major reason I don't get much pain at all.

9 comments:

  1. I read in the Sunday Style about your hip replacement.Was it a resurfacing one? I just had mine done,total replacement but the other one is coming up and I don't want to be off work for another 6 weeks.
    Regards
    Peter Rehberg.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Peter. It's a mini hip replacement. Every body will respond differently and require an individual plan so I suggest you see someone you trust and find out what the recovery will entail!

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  2. Hi Cat I also read your article about your hip replacement, and I was interested to find out the name of your surgeon as I need both hips and both knees replaced but I cannot find anyone who know how to do the keyhole surgery. Regards

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My surgeon not taking on new patients. You'll need to get a referral.

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  3. Cat, I read your article today.. I have had a mini hip replacement at 26 (and from reading am guessing the same surgeon) I related to alot of what you said as I am scheduled for a hip reconstruction in 3 weeks.
    I have never let my hips not keep me active.. and am such a big advocate for Pilates, strength and movement not just for recovery but for mood enhancement when recovering from something so so big! I would love to hear if you do create a group for fit and active fellow osteoarthritis etc. I don't have alot of arthritis, but I do believe some of my active lifestyle did lead to the deterioration of my hips, but always like to look at the positives.. and that having surgeries have given my empathy for others going through the same.
    Big hugs
    Jane

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    Replies
    1. Thankyou Jane! I do know I'll have to have surgery again in 20 - 30 years but rather than think about that, I'm just taking it bit by bit. I could never give up doing what I do, which is a large part of having surgery in the first place. I have been assured I'll be even MORE active and capable than I am now! What sort of forum would suit you? Facebook Group perhaps?

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  4. Hi Cat,

    I'm 30 and have always been very fit and healthy but after a couple of years of discomfort in my left hip and leg, extreme tightness and inflammation that was not responding to physio treatment, I learned I have Grade 3 cartilage damage in my knee.

    I was advised to cut my exercise (netball and personal training) and stick to swimming and Pilates with an APMA level 4 instructor. After a couple of months I decided I need to 'really' exercise, so I did an 'upper body' focused class at the gym - now I have a bulged disc in my back.

    I am back at Pilates and swimming, under the sports physician’s advice, and my back is improving.

    I’m concerned that all the muscle I built is disappearing and I don’t really know where to turn for exercise options or information. My knee problem has been so ongoing (3 years) and I wonder if I will get to a point where I can exercise more freely and independently again.

    It would be great to have somewhere to go to find out more, so I can avoid things getting wors, but still keep my healthy lifestyle and sanity.

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    Replies
    1. I hope you find expert help to keep you active. I'm lucky to have a personal training and group fitness/pilates background so I'm very aware of how I'm responding and what will be safe or not for my body. I recommend you find a trainer who has experience in osteoarthritis and spinal health!

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  5. Hi Cat,

    Trust you are making good progress. I have had hip pain for many years & was trying to decide between Hip Resurfacing (metal on metal) or the Mini Hip style that you received. Hip Resurfacing has been the style of choice in the past for active people & is the Mini Hip now the new generation & what is the physical make up of your Hip joint Ball & Socket (eg Ceramic, Metal, Plastic) please.

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Go on, comment!

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